About this Program

This graduate program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within the sport industry. Students are provided with theoretical and practical knowledge to face the opportunities and challenges associated with sport business careers.  The curriculum is consistent with current principles and practices of academic and sport marketplace standards.

Program Highlights

  • Sport industry relevant skill development

  • Convenience (can take classes on-campus and online)

  • 1-2 year completion plans

  • Students complete a full-time, semester long internship with a sport organization

  • Strong core curriculum and electives

  • All courses taught by experienced, Ph.D. faculty

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Alumni Careers

D.C. United Soccer Club
NBA Portland Trail Blazers
Norfolk Tides
Eastern Sports Management
Old Dominion University Athletics
United States Collegiate Athletic Association

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Sport Management at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Sport Management should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

  • A completed online application

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution.

  • Personal essay (no more than two pages) addressing motivations to apply to program, career interests, and ability to complete graduate level work.

  • Three letters of recommendation (from former professors and employers) - At least one must be from a former professor addressing your potential success for graduate school

  • Current copy of resume.

  • Transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions.

More Program and Degree Requirements

For Admission to the Sport Management Program

GPA

2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale) ; 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate major

GRE

The GRE is optional but recommended for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 79-80 on the iBT) for non-native English speakers.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Cost Estimator

Funding Opportunities

Funding opportunities through graduate assistantships, industry partnerships, and part-time employment are available on an annual basis. Admitted and interested students should contact the Graduate Program Director for additional details.

Contact

Lynn Ridinger
Graduate Program Director
757-683-4353

2018 STUDENT RECREATION CTR
NORFOLK, 23529

Contact

Graduate Admissions

1000 Rollins Hall
Norfolk, VA, 23529
757-683-3685 office
757-683-3255 fax
gradadmit@odu.edu
Contact

International Admissions

2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA, 23529
757-683-3701 office
757-683-3651 fax
intladm@odu.edu

Additional Programs

Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.