SPORT ADMINISTRATION
The Georgia State Difference
Internationally ranked. With roots dating back more than 35 years, Sport Administration is a respected program throughout the university and consistently highly ranked by SportBusiness International. The M.S. program was ranked as the #12 graduate program globally and #8 Graduates’ Choice in 2023.
Prime location and industry connections. Atlanta has played host to some of the biggest sporting events in the U.S., including the College Football Playoff National Championship (2018), Super Bowl (2019), and set to host the FIFA World Cup (2026), all taking place in one of the most environmentally friendly stadiums in the world. Students in our research-focused program will benefit from our existing partnerships and strong alumni base with former students working with the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Dream, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Georgia Tech Athletics, and others.
Advisory board. Our program has partnerships with a group of industry executives who help the program in a number of ways.
Historic program at a thriving downtown university with a diverse student body. Recognized for its diverse students, innovative programming, and growing footprint in downtown Atlanta—including a reimagined and retrofitted Olympic Stadium—Georgia State is experiencing a transformation.
Internationally recognized faculty with a wide range of interests. Our graduate faculty members have collectively published more than 100 articles, books, and book chapters, and presented research on five continents. Our faculty include a Fulbright Specialist, National Academy of Kinesiology Fellow, Sport Marketing Association Sutton and Stotlar Award recipient, and two North American Society for Sport Management Research Fellows. Students have ample opportunities to learn about the industry from those who study it.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities. We offer more than 30 graduate assistantship opportunities with sport organizations, allowing students to receive full tuition waivers and stipends. Annual positions range from college athletics, high schools, and agencies. Apply to the program early to be considered. After acceptance, an interview process is conducted to place qualified students.
Industry Involvement. There are numerous opportunities to go beyond the classroom and gain experience in research and the industry. The program hosts an industry speaker event, the Sport Administration Roundtable Series each semester. A team of graduate students compete in the College Sport Research Institute Conference Case Study Competition every year. The program partners with the SEC Football Championship each December with students serving as event and game volunteers.
Internship or Thesis Tracks. Students have the option to complete an internship in their final semester to gain industry experience or complete a thesis research project.