Human Performance and Sport Sciences, Sport Administration Concentration, M.S.

Program Overview

The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) at Tennessee State University (TSU) is dedicated to preparing competent leaders in society while focusing on promoting quality living, excellence in teaching, and service within the fields of health, exercise, and sport.

​Sport Administration

This concentration is for those interested in working in the broader sports industry. Areas of study include sports marketing, sports finance, sports governance and policies, and sports law. The program aims to prepare sports administrators to lead effective sports, recreation, and corporate programs.

Program Outcomes

All graduate candidates will be able to:

1. collect, analyze, and interpret data.
2. communicate ideas clearly in oral, written speech, and hands-on modalities.
3. prepare independent research projects for the appropriate field.
4. gain knowledge, skills, and abilities to become leaders in their selected field of study.

Admission Requirements

Unconditional admission to the program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program. Candidacy cannot be attained until the full requirements for unconditional admission are met.

Important Dates

Key application deadlines or important dates related to program start dates.

Program Duration

The program typically requires 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on whether the student is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis.

Transfer of Credits

Guidelines for the transfer of credits from other institutions, including eligibility and evaluation criteria. 

Degree Requirements

The M.S. degree requires a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of study including nine (9) hours of Major Core Courses, and nine (9) hours of Concentration Core Courses, and internship three (3) credit hours. The remaining hours are guided electives chosen from the selected concentration with the consent of the HPSS academic advisor.

1. Students who elect to write a thesis or project are encouraged to enroll in HPSS 5120 or HPSS 6020 at least one semester prior to the semester in which they intend to complete work for the degree.
2. Students who choose the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive oral examination prior to graduation.
3. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better to remain in good standing.

Accreditation Information

The program is currently not accredited by any recognized accrediting body.

Career Opportunities

For graduates of the M.S. in Sport Administration program, potential career paths include:

• Athletic Director/Administrator: Overseeing athletic programs at high school, collegiate, or professional levels, managing budgets, facilities, personnel, and compliance.
• Sports Marketing and Promotions Specialist: Developing and executing marketing campaigns for sports teams, organizations, events, or products, including brand building, sponsorship acquisition, and fan engagement.
• Event Coordinator/Manager: Planning and executing sporting events, including logistics, budgeting, venue management, and ensuring a seamless experience for participants and spectators.
• Facility Manager: Overseeing the operations, maintenance, and safety of sports arenas, stadiums, and recreational facilities.
• Corporate Partnerships Manager: Identifying and securing mutually beneficial relationships between sports organizations and corporate sponsors.
• Public Relations Director: Managing the public image and communication strategies for sports teams, athletes, or organizations.
• Sports Agent/Manager: Representing athletes in contract negotiations, endorsements, and overall career management.
• Youth Sports Coordinator: Developing and managing sports programs for youth, focusing on participation, development, and community engagement.
• Business Operations Manager: Handling the financial, administrative, and strategic aspects of a sports organization.
• Professional Sports Teams: Working in multiple areas of NBA, NFL, MLS, MLB, WNBA, NHL, NASCAR, F1, and NCAA.
• Benefits of the Sport Administration Degree: This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the business side of sports, combining management, finance, marketing, and legal principles within the sports context. Graduates gain essential leadership and decision-making skills, develop critical industry connections, and are well-prepared for management and executive roles in various sectors of the global sports industry. It provides a competitive edge in a dynamic and expanding field.

Faculty Credentials

The faculty within the Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) department at Tennessee State University bring a diverse range of expertise and academic backgrounds to their roles, contributing to the comprehensive education of both undergraduate and graduate students. While specific individual faculty research interests may vary and evolve, here’s a general overview of typical faculty credentials within such a department, reflecting the areas of study offered (Exercise Science and Sport Administration), and drawing on publicly available information for TSU’s HPSS department where possible:

Human Performance and Sport Sciences Faculty Credentials (TSU)

The HPSS faculty at TSU are generally distinguished by their advanced academic degrees, often at the doctoral level, from various reputable institutions. Their expertise spans the theoretical and practical aspects of human movement, health, sport management, and exercise science.

Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D.):

This is the predominant terminal degree held by faculty members, signifying advanced research capabilities and expertise in their specialized fields. Disciplines for these doctorates often include:

• Exercise Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Sport Management/Administration
• Health Education/Promotion
• Physical Education (with a focus on pedagogy or sport science)
• Sports Leadership
• Cardiovascular Health

Master’s Degrees (M.S., M.A.)

Many faculty members also hold master’s degrees in related fields, such as Exercise Science, Sport Administration, Physical Education, or Health and Wellness. These degrees often provide the foundational knowledge for their doctoral work and practical applications.

Areas of Expertise and Research Interests (Examples):

• Faculty research and teaching interests align with the department’s program offerings and current trends in the fields of human performance and sport. These may include, but are not limited to:

Sport Administration Concentration

• Sport Marketing and Sponsorship: Strategies for promoting sports organizations, events, and athletes, including brand management and revenue generation through sponsorships.
• Sport Finance and Economics: The financial management of sport organizations, including budgeting, revenue streams, and economic impact.
• Sport Law and Governance: Legal aspects of sports, including contracts, liability, intellectual property, and the regulatory frameworks of sport organizations.
• Facilities and Event Management: Planning, operation, and maintenance of sports venues and the logistics of organizing sporting events.
• Sports Leadership and Management: Principles of effective leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic planning within sport contexts.
• Intercollegiate Athletics Administration: Specific challenges and best practices in managing university athletic programs.
• Youth Sport Development: The organization and administration of youth sports programs, focusing on participation, ethics, and long-term athlete development.

Professional Certifications and Affiliations

Many faculty members hold relevant professional certifications from organizations such as:

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Program Website

www.tnstate.edu/hpss

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

• Department Chair: Dr. Jason Smith
  jsmith66@tnstate.edu
  615-963-2172
• Academic Advising Director, Dr. Timoth Jones
  tjones@tnstate.edu
  615-963-5610

Program of Study and Credit Hours Required