Texas A&M University is also featured in our ranking Top 50 Master’s in Sports Management Degree Online Programs.
Texas A&M University Online Master of Science in Sport Management
This online version of the graduate degree in Sport Management program at Texas A&M University is designed for the working professional. People who want to work in fields such as sports sales and marketing, athletics administration, personnel development and management and fiscal management are encouraged to apply. Many graduates have gone on to employment in the athletic departments at colleges, health clubs, community athletic and sports organizations, country clubs and professional sports teams.
Graduates must complete 36 credit hours that consist of sport management core classes, a research core, and various electives. Both full-time and part-time curricula are available. In keeping with the program’s aim of accommodating working adults, no thesis is required.
Seven sport management core classes must be completed, adding up to 21 credit hours. These classes are Management of Sports Organizations, Financial Management in Sport, Personnel Management in Sport, Diversity Ethics in Sport Organizations, Sport Marketing, Sales and Revenue Generation in Sport and Sport Media and Communications.
The required research core consists of two classes for six credit hours. This is an unusual requirement for sport management graduate degrees, which may make this program particularly attractive to some candidates. The two research core classes are Research Methods for Sport Organizations and Theory of Research Sport Management. These additional credentials may be considered desirable by employers.
Students also must choose nine credits of electives. A sample of these classes includes Psychology for Coaches, Best Practices in Coaching, Sports Economics and Athletics Administration.
About Texas A&M University
Texas A&M was established in 1876. It was the state’s first college, and its stated purpose was to provide students with an education in the agricultural and mechanical arts. Only six students and six faculty members were included in the institution’s first classes. The number of students swelled, though admittance was restricted to white males who were willing to undergo military training.
The existence of the school was threatened in the 1880s when residents argued that there was no need for two colleges in the state. President of A&M, Lawrence Ross, stepped in with several innovations that doubled enrollment. Early in the 20th century, the college began admitting female students, and the curriculum diversified to include a School of Veterinary Medicine.
Many A&M students used their military training in the World Wars. During this era, the school began offering far more diverse academic programs though it was still known for its engineering, agriculture, and military science training. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the school began admitting more women and minorities. Military training was no longer a requirement of attendance. Enrollment grew rapidly, and the state legislature ratified the institution as a university.
Today, Texas A&M is the home of the George Bush Presidential Library. Nearly 70,000 students enroll for classes each year. The main campus is located in College Station and is one of the largest in the nation. Ten colleges and 18 research institutes provide the more than 150 courses of study that are available to students. Several satellite locations are located across the state.
In keeping with A&M’s history as a military training ground, the university demonstrates a continuing commitment to veterans of the armed forces. At the Veterans Services Office, former members of the military and their children are guided through a special financial aid process. Best Value Schools ranks A&M as the best school in the nation for military veterans.
U.S. News & World Report placed A&M at 68th place on its list of national universities in 2014. In 2015, The Washington Monthly ranked the institution in the third spot on its list of national colleges after reviewing metrics like social mobility, community service, and research. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance rated A&M in 23rd place as a best-value for a public university.
Texas A&M University Accreditation Details
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Texas A&M to confer undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.
Texas A&M University Application Requirements
Admissions to this program is a competitive process, and only a limited number of students is allowed to enter it. Students with higher GPAs and related work experience are more likely to gain admittance.
The process begins on the www.applytexas.org website where candidates fill out an application. Texas A&M cautions that only complete applications will be reviewed. Complete applications must include transcripts from all colleges and universities that the student has attended and three letters of recommendation. Officials prefer that at least one of these letters be from a professor who can describe the academic abilities of the student. Applicants also must include a Statement of Purpose that details how the degree will support their career goals and why they desire to complete the coursework online. A current resume further is required.
GRE test scores are not required. However, if considerable time has passed since the undergraduate degree was earned, it is advisable to take the test and submit the scores with the application. This may help the department make an admissions decision.
Applicants typically are informed of an admission decision 45 days after the application deadline. Fall candidates must apply by April 1. The deadline for spring admissions is October 1. Students who want to begin in the summer semester must apply by February 1.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for a three-credit class in the program is approximately $3,000 per semester. With 12 classes to complete, this computes to an estimated total of $36,000. However, A&M also charges Distance Education Differential Tuition. For this particular program, this means an added $225 per semester credit hour. This adds approximately $8,000 to the total cost.
Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students at Texas A&M. Students may compete for a variety of scholarships. Funds from these sources do not need to be paid back, which makes this a highly competitive process.
Additionally or alternatively, graduate students may apply for grants that also do not have to be paid back. Federal education loans are widely available to A&M students. These loans include unsubsidized loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans as well as Federal Perkins Loans. Banks and credit unions provide additional sources for education loans.