Online MBA: Sports Business Emphasis
Online MBA: Sports Business Emphasis
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Discover additional MBA emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
GCU is an institutionally accredited, private university that prioritizes the quality of our instruction and curriculum. Additionally, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The Colangelo College of Business shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
This degree allows you to blend keen business acumen with a passion for sports. During your sports management courses, you will explore key concepts in management and operations, as well as examine sales, marketing, finance and revenue generation through the lens of the sports industry. There is an emphasis on the values of servant leadership. As a Christian university, the GCU community embraces ethical decision-making for the greater social good.
The business of sports has enjoyed substantial growth. The global sports industry is a multi-billion-dollar giant that encompasses events, sporting goods, merchandising and more.(See disclaimer 1) This industry can offer many opportunities for future business leaders who hold a sports business MBA. The Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University offers the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Sports Business to support professionals who wish to specialize in sports management.
To accommodate your needs as a working professional, you can earn a sports business MBA online using GCU’s intuitive e-learning platform. Within this online classroom environment, you have the opportunity to participate in stimulating academic discussions with instructors and peers and enjoy building your professional network. Our online program offers the same quality of education as our on-campus programs. Most online sports business courses are eight weeks in length.
Some of the sports careers that may be related to this degree include the following:
Participate in engaging peer discussions and benefit from exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and viewpoints. Explore the theories and current research regarding the business of sports under the guidance of leading experts in their fields.
You will study core concepts in sports management courses such as:
While working toward your sports business MBA emphasis, you will explore a number of current issues in sports management. Examine digital technologies, like social media platforms and how they are applied to the global business environment. Explore emerging trends in analytics, revenue generation, marketing and sports business sales.
Core Competencies
Candidates in this emphasis program will study core competencies that are essential in the business of sports and may be transferrable to other industries. Organizations may value job applicants who have demonstrated that they possess the drive and perseverance necessary to complete an MBA program. Critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving are all skills that are valuable in any industry.(See disclaimer 2)
Other learning objectives include:
Maximizing value for brands, rights holders, media and agencies
Managerial accounting concepts like internal reporting, cost systems and performance evaluation
Market environmental analysis, marketing planning and pricing strategy
Sports management is a dynamic career field that offers high-level opportunities for MBA graduates. Upon graduation with an MBA, you may be able to pursue positions working for professional sports organizations, athletic representation agencies, sporting goods manufacturers, sports or fitness start-ups and scholastic/amateur sports teams or organizations.(See disclaimer 3)
Estimated number of new jobs for top executives from May 2022 through 2032(See disclaimer 4)
As you consider your desired career pathway and your options for furthering your education, some questions may arise. GCU has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help your decision-making process.
What is the difference between an MS and an MBA in sports management?
Are MBA degrees with a sports business emphasis worth it?
Is the MBA: Sport Business emphasis hard?
Is a sports business MBA the same as a sports management MBA?
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may wave fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may wave fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.
Pursue your passion for sports and further your career in business. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s sports business MBA online.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
