Master the business of sport and prepare for a career in athletic administration, facility management, corporate fitness, performance enhancement and more.
Becoming a leader in the sports industry begins with administrative courses that offer preparation for professional careers in the field. Unlike a general business degree, the master's in kinesiology and sport management a with sport management focus applies the business-related skills learned throughout the curriculum to the unique and important issues specific to the sport industry. The exercise science specialization is designed to prepare you for a career in the area of human performance training.
Gain insight on current issues in sports, facility management and legal issues in sports depending on the specialization you select. Explore a variety of career opportunities, from doctoral study to securing leadership positions in fields such as collegiate athletics, sport medicine, athletic trainer, sport marketing, community relations and more. Our expert professors will offer mentorship as you design an individualized plan of study that emphasizes the specialization that is most important to you.
Whether you choose the Exercise Science or Sport Management specialization, most coursework is offered in flexible formats, with online and hybrid options to fit your needs. At USD, you’ll be prepared to lead, coach and inspire others toward wellness, making a meaningful impact.
The sport industry, due to its wide variety of career opportunities, requires unique skill sets including knowledge specific to the sport setting in the areas of marketing, finance, economics, management, communications and law. With the growing demand for a master’s degree in sport management for athletic directors, sport marketers and facility/event managers, our program provides a broad base of knowledge applicable to everything from local recreational leagues to professional teams. This 30 credit hour master's degree does not require a thesis.
The 30 credit hour master's with exercise science specialization offers both a thesis and non-thesis curriculum tracks. You will gain a solid foundation of knowledge and experiences to prepare you for exciting careers in the areas of human performance training and strength & conditioning. The master's program aligns with the guidelines of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). You can choose to enroll part-time and progress through to graduation within 24 months and/or full-time to complete the program within 12 months.
Students in this program must choose an area of specialization in exercise science or sport management.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships, which carry a stipend and tuition reduction. As a graduate assistant, you may:
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through an assistantship will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD.
You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity. Some of our recent master's graduates in the kinesiology and sports management program have crafted their degree plans around the following research areas:
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition provides the opportunity to communicate the significance and impact of your research project in just three minutes.
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus, and in many cases, it is a required portion of a graduate degree program.
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Division of Kinesiology and Sport Management. You may be interested in USD Young Professionals of Exercise & Sport to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
The USD Young Professionals of Exercise and Sport (YPES), an organization for students interested in all areas of kinesiology and sport management. Student interests include exercise science, pre-professional, strength and conditioning and sport management. The group hosts an annual Dye Hard Color Run.
Every semester our group invites industry professionals to come to campus and share their experiences so students can get an inside look at their careers and journey. We have partnered with professionals from Sanford Health System, professional sports teams and pre-professional fields.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
The Division of Kinesiology & Sport Management offers some of the most popular programs at USD. Home to state-of-the-art technology and nationally-recognized faculty, our division provides students with the networking connections, resources and research opportunities they need to progress in or launch careers in the business and science of movement and sport.
Located in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center on USD's campus in Vermillion, the Division of Kinesiology & Sport Management is home to a $100,000 biomechanics laboratory that offers a wide range of equipment such as a Vicon camera, force plate technology, bod-pod and more. This new lab provides a versatile and supportive climate that provides students with research opportunities and prepares them to be at the cutting edge of their field.
Master your knowledge and leadership skills as you prepare for your next career opportunity. Students who complete our program are well positioned for leadership roles in a variety of fields, including:
We're committed to bringing our knowledge to you. USD serves the largest number of online students in the state of South Dakota. With competitive online tuition rates, we offer the same price whether you’re out-of-state or an in-state resident.
USD maintains a challenging and rigorous curriculum focused on preparing you to move forward in your career.
Enroll in an online class today!
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
USD was the best choice because it was close to home, very affordable and is a D1 school. The athletic department is impressive and I am excited about the Kinesiology/Sport Management division being located inside of the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, a state-of-the-art facility. This unique hands-on environment and close proximity to the athletes will provide real-world experiences.
Lyn Metzger
Vermillion, South Dakota
