Sport Leadership & Administration BA

Explore the business behind the game and define what’s next.

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About the Program

Step inside the business of sport with immersive courses in leadership, culture, and strategy. The Sport Leadership BA program immerses students in the history, economics, psychology, and sociology of sport, creating transformative leaders who drive positive change through the industry. Turn theory into action in the sports capital of the U.S., with two internship requirements, real-world projects, and hands-on experiences, including exclusive opportunities through our New Balance partnership. Build the skills and connections needed to shape what’s next in the industry.

Here’s your chance to:

Cultivate essential sport management skills, from leadership and marketing to event planning, guided by talented, well-connected faculty.
Foster meaningful relationships and professional networks that shape your sport industry future.
Complete required internships that connect classroom learning with Boston’s leading employers, offering immersive learning and a competitive edge.

scholarship funds awarded for 2024–2025

companies available for internships

of graduates employed full-time (UMass Boston Survey Data)

A young man stands in the UMass Boston gym where the bleachers say

Build Relationships to Help You Succeed in the Sports World

Sport Leadership students develop skills across the spectrum of the field—administration, operations, marketing, and more—along with connections to help launch a career.

Student standing in front of Warrior Ice Arena.

Career Possibilities

Ready to inspire others, bring fresh ideas, and help fans see the game in a whole new way? This degree sets you up to make your passion your profession.

Here’s where this degree can take you:

Account Specialist
Sales Associates
Athletic Director
Operations Manager
International Trip Designer
Fan and Community Engagement Associate
Program Coordinator
Graduate School (e.g., MBA, JD, or Master’s of Sport Management)

Example Employers of Program Graduates

UMass Boston's Sport Leadership & Administration program has a 100% employment placement rate. Employers include:

Student Stories

My internship experiences working with kids from lower socioeconomic backgrounds was my most valuable experience. It allowed me to apply the principles learned in the Sports Leadership & Administration program. It also deepened my understanding of the role sports play in fostering confidence, teamwork, and opportunity for underserved youth, reinforcing my passion for using sport as a tool for social change.

Junior

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

First Year Student Deadlines: Fall

Early Action I: November 1
Early Action II: January 1
Regular Decision: February 15

Transfer Student Deadlines:

Fall Semester (Domestic): June 15
Spring Semester: December 15

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Eligibility & Important Dates

Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarships for Transfers

Program Details

Curriculum

Core Courses (30 Credit)

SL 101 - Foundations of Sport Leadership 3 Credit(s)
SL 180 - Career Exploration and Development in the Sport Industry 3 Credit(s)
SL 201 - Sport in Society 3 Credit(s)
SL 280 - Internship I: Sport Practicum 3 Credit(s)
SL 301 - Sport Operations 3 Credit(s)
SL 302 - Sport Marketing and Sales 3 Credit(s)
SL 380 - Internship II: Domestic 6 Credit(s)
or
SL 381 - Internship III: International 6 Credit(s)
SL 401 - Sport Law, Ethics, and Equity 3 Credit(s)
SL 498 - Capstone: Sport and Social Change 3 Credit(s)

Related Subject Area Courses (6 Credits)

Complete two from below.

ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics 3 Credit(s)
AF 210 - Financial Accounting 3 Credit(s)

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three from below.

At least two courses must be at the 300-level or higher.

ANTH 120L - Sports and Inequality: Race, Class, Gender, and the Labor of Sweat 3 Credit(s)
CAPS 131 - Business of Sports 3 Credit(s)
CLSICS 291 - Sport and Spectacle in Greece and Rome 3 Credit(s)
LABOR 120L - Sports and Inequality: Race, Class, Gender, and the Labor of Sweat 3 Credit(s)
POLSCI 345 - Sports, Politics, & Policy 3 Credit(s)
SL 110 - Sport and the Environment 3 Credit(s)
SL 120 - Sport and Religion 3 Credit(s)
SL 130 - Sport and African American Culture 3 Credit(s)
SL 310 - Race and Sport 3 Credit(s)
SL 331 - Gender and Sport 3 Credit(s)
SL 410 - Sport Activism, Advocacy, and Agency 3 Credit(s)
SL 420 - Sport and Globalization 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

In this program, students will:

Gain a strong foundation in sport management principles, including organizational leadership, sports marketing, and event planning
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the application of theoretical concepts and practical experiences in sports-related contexts
Cultivate effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills necessary for successful leadership and collaboration in sports settings

Graduation Criteria

Degree Requirements

If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete 45 credits from 14 courses including nine core courses, two related subject areas courses, and three electives.
GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required from all major courses.
Pass/Fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major.
Residency: All courses at the 300-level or higher applied toward the major must be completed at UMass Boston.

Academic Community

Explore the department and college that supports your journey in Sport Leadership.