Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Science in Sport Management opens doors across the sports industry, from professional leagues and college athletics to marketing agencies and nonprofits. Graduates go on to work in:

• Professional sports organizations (teams, leagues and governing bodies)
• College and high school athletic departments
• Sport marketing and brand strategy agencies
• Event and facility management
• Sports media and public relations
• Nonprofit and youth sports organizations
• Corporate social responsibility and sponsorship roles

Some alumni become athletic directors, marketing managers or operations executives, while others move into roles in sponsorship, event planning, facility management or sports media. Adelphi’s sport management graduates hold positions at nearly every professional organization in the tri-state area, including the New York Islanders, USTA Foundation and beyond.

A master’s degree signals advanced expertise that can qualify you for higher pay and leadership roles. Graduate-level education is often what separates entry-level staff from directors, managers and executives in competitive sports organizations.

Adelphi’s program also includes an optional capstone internship, reduced-rate access to WorkInSports.com and personalized job placement support through Adelphi’s nationwide network of sport industry connections.

Learn more in our guide to career options with an MS in Sport Management.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, both in academic programs and in job postings, and the coursework does overlap. Both degrees prepare you for leadership in the sports industry by building skills in business, marketing, finance, communication and organizational management.

The difference comes down to emphasis.

• Sport management programs tend to take a broader business view, covering marketing, sponsorship, branding, event management and the business strategy behind sport organizations.
• Sports administration programs typically focus on the operational and leadership side of running an athletic department or sports organization, with coursework geared toward roles like athletic director, facilities manager or league commissioner.

Adelphi’s MS in Sport Management is, as the name says, a sport management degree but it still builds a foundation in operations, leadership and the day-to-day management of sport organizations.

Students who want to go further into the administrative side can add the collegiate athletic administration specialization, which takes a deeper look at running intercollegiate and interscholastic athletic programs.

Yes, the MS in Sport Management is fully online, apart from a completely optional internship experience. Coursework is delivered in a convenient online format designed for working professionals, with interactive assignments in areas like facility design, international tournament planning and sponsorship strategy.

The optional in-person capstone internship that gives you a chance to take advantage of Adelphi’s nationwide industry relationships by working at a professional sport organization, collegiate athletic department or nonprofit.

Internships are not required, and students can choose to complete a research project instead to fulfill their capstone. See our course list to see the capstone options.

No. The program welcomes students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including former athletes, coaches, marketing professionals, business professionals and career changers.

What you do need is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution (or equivalent), a completed application and a genuine interest in the sport industry. There’s no GRE or GMAT requirement.

See our admissions page for more information.

For the most current figures and a full breakdown of fees, visit the MS in Sport Management tuition & financial aid page.

Most students don’t pay the full price out of pocket. You may qualify for federal financial aid by filing the FAFSA, and Adelphi accepts employer tuition reimbursement, military benefits (including the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible veterans) and private loans. Employees of organizations in the AllCampus Workplace Network also receive a 10 percent tuition discount.

Our enrollment specialists are here to help you understand what discounts are available. Call 516.619.2209 or email online@adelphi.edu to set up a time to talk.

Online students have access to the full range of Adelphi support services, from enrollment questions to academic tutoring. Here's who to contact and how to reach them.

General support
For questions about tuition, financial aid or the application process, Adelphi's enrollment specialists are available at 516.619.2209 or online@adelphi.edu.

Military and veterans benefits
Active, reserve and veteran military students and their families using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits or other veterans affairs program benefits can contact Adelphi’s Veteran Support Services team at veteransupport@adelphi.edu.

Technical support
The Office of Information Technology Help Desk can help resolve technical questions and issues. Reach the Help Desk at helpdesk@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3340. IT manuals, tutorials and videos are also available online.

Library access
Online students can visit the Adelphi Libraries virtually to contact a librarian or access the collection directly, including more than 80,000 free e-books.

Academic support
The Center for Academic Support and Enrichment is dedicated to nurturing students’ academic success. You can schedule time with an academic tutor whenever you need or attend a group session, all online.

Yes, and this is one of the program’s strongest features. MS in Sport Management alumni hold positions in nearly every professional sports organization in the tri-state area, giving you a built-in network across the WNBA, USTA, NHL, NBA, NFL, PGA and beyond. Faculty members bring their own industry connections from roles in administration, coaching, marketing, PR and consulting. You can see recent guest speakers on our sport management LinkedIn page.

You can also earn up to 6 credits toward your degree through an optional internship lasting up to 16 weeks at a professional team, collegiate athletic department or nonprofit. A dedicated enrollment specialist helps you find the right fit using Adelphi’s relationships with sport organizations across the tri-state area and nationally.

Students also receive a reduced-rate membership to WorkInSports.com for access to career advice and industry interviews, plus full access to Adelphi’s Center for Career and Professional Development.

Yes. Adelphi is ranked in the top 20 percent of colleges for veteran and military benefits, and is a recognized Top Yellow Ribbon School by U.S. Veterans Magazine.

Several benefits apply to the online MS in Sport Management:

• GI Bill (Chapter 33/Post-9/11): Eligible students can receive up to 100 percent of tuition coverage based on credits enrolled each semester
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Eligible Chapter 33 recipients may receive additional funding beyond the standard benefit, with the VA and Adelphi each contributing up to $4,000 for a potential total of $8,000
• Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP): Allows soon-to-enlist or currently enlisted military personnel to take courses while continuing their service

To get started, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to the One-Stop Student Services Center at onestop@adelphi.edu. Include your full name and Adelphi student ID.

For questions about eligibility or obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, contact the veterans support team at veteransupport@adelphi.edu.

Learn more about military financial aid benefits or explore our broader veteran and military resources for Adelphi students.