M.S in Sports Business and Analytics
About the Program
The Master of Science in Sports Business and Analytics program meets the surging demand for sports business and data analytics professionals. This innovative curriculum will harness the power of Clemson's championship legacy, blending cutting-edge analytical skills with executive-level competencies to create the next generation of sports industry leaders.
The MSSBA is for students who want to work in the sports industry, either in analytics, business or as sports leaders. This degree teaches critical business skills like managing operations and finances and understanding legal and ethical issues. Graduates will learn how to turn data into useful information that helps make decisions in sports. They will also develop the ability to explain their findings clearly, making sure their decisions are based on solid evidence and are easy to understand.
By combining academic rigor with real-world application, this program will empower students to revolutionize sports business, cementing Clemson's position at the forefront of sports business education and innovation.
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Admissions Information
Admission requirements:
- 3.0+ GPA.
- Personal statement (required for all students).
- Resume (required for all students). Helpful tips and examples can be found on the Graduate School website.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts (required for all students). Unofficial transcripts will suffice for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
- International student financial certification (required for international students only).
Application Process:
Clemson's Graduate School application and admissions process can be found on its website. Find more specific information below about:
The Master of Science in Management Sports Business and Analytics program is a Tier 1 program. Tuition and fees can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
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Curriculum
The curriculum for the program will require:
- Twelve courses (36 hours) in four semesters for full-time students.
- Eight courses delivered by the Management Department.
- Four new courses tailored for Sports Management.
- 75% of the courses are in-person. 25% of the courses may be online.
New courses for the program include:
MGT 8410: Business of Sports I: This course introduces management theory and business applications to issues related to various levels of the sports industry. This includes management, marketing, financial, legal, human resources and strategic applications associated with sports programs.
MGT 8420: Business of Sports II: This course develops students' application of sports management towards the framework of a sports organization and its business operation. This course engages the student in current issues and case studies associated with business operations, NIL, athlete trading among teams, tickets/sales, combined performance, draft selection and the politics of stadium/arena construction.
MGT 8430: Legal Foundations in the Business of Sports*: This course examines the application and associated laws that impact the sports industry and business from a managerial perspective, specifically exposing students to legal relationships to laws associated with athletes, agencies, contracts, teams, leagues, governing bodies, finance, technology, media, intellectual property and fans. It examines various legal issues associated with contracts, torts, Constitutional law, anti-trust, labor, sports crime, and employment.
*NOTE: This course has approximately 20-30% crossover with AL-8530. Common items are contract law, tort law, risk, facility and collegiate athletic rules. Differences are primarily from the focus on professional sports as a business and business law rather than a focus on the intercollegiate level.MGT 8440: Business of Sports Project (capstone): The student will also be expected to complete a Master's level case study or analysis project that benefits the student's career in a sports organization. The project must include elements of research, design, analysis and strategy, culminating in a final presentation and report. This report is to engage a sports organization at either a collegiate or professional level.
Existing courses listed below can be found in the University course catalog.
- DSA 8660: Data Mining
- MBA 8080: Data Visualization
- MBA 8390: Negotiations
- MBA 8700: Strategic Management
- MGT 8090: Organizational Behavior
- MGT 8280: Intro to Business Analytics
- MGT 8590: Predictive Analytics
- MGT 8690: Project Management
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FAQ
When will the program start?
Student recruitment begins in Fall 2024. The selection of students starts in early spring 2025, with the first cohort beginning the first Summer Session in May 2025.How long does it take for a full-time student to get their MSSBA?
Full-time students should complete their degree program in 14 months. It is a summer-fall-spring-summer program.Is it a sport-specific program?
Students will learn about the business side of sports and the latest ways to analyze data. This will help them make better decisions, spot trends, and make predictions for the sports industry. They'll also learn about business operations and how to create visual tools that help decision-makers, like coaches and managers, make the best choices based on data.How many students will be in the first cohort?
Thirty full-time students will be selected by the selection committee managed by the Department of Management. The participation level of full-time students will determine the part-time student cohort load.Will it be accredited?
The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is an AACSB-accredited college. The degree will be aligned with accreditation requirements as with other degrees in the College.
