Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Sport Studies and Sport Leadership (Sport Administration Concentration Thesis Option), Master of Science

The Masters in Sport Studies and Sport Leadership (SSSL) program at Texas Southern University (TSU) offers graduate courses focused on the business of sport. The program offers a thesis and non-thesis track as well as concentrations in Sport Administration and Sport Management. Upon completion of the SSSL program, graduates are prepared for leadership and customer-service based roles in the sports industry.

The program offers two concentrations in Sport Administration and Sport Management. Students seeking a concentration in Sport Administration will be prepared to assume leadership roles in the sports industry. Whereas students seeking a Sport Management concentration will be prepared to assume customer service and fan engagement-based positions in the field of sport.

Students may choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. Students selecting the thesis track will learn more about research and typically have desire to pursue a doctoral degree. Under the direction and approval of a faculty advisor, students will complete a master thesis.

In the non-thesis track, students will have an opportunity to gain practical experience by completing an internship. Students selecting this track typically are preparing to enter or enhance their current career in the field of sport.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students in this major will complete a total of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours of graduate courses (500 level or above): A minimum of twenty-seven (27) of these credit hours must be completed in Sport Studies and Sport Leadership and a minimum nine (9) approved elective credit hours must be must completed. In addition, the Master of Science degree in Sport Studies and Sport Leadership requires satisfactory completion of a comprehensive exam.

Admissions

  1. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  2. If required by the graduate degree program, GRE (General) or GMAT for Business programs (must be within five (5) years of your application date).
  3. 3 letters of recommendation
  4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (current)
  5. Personal Essay (300 – 500 words)
  6. Application fee ($75): Your application will not be processed until the fee is received.
  7. Transcript (s): 2 copies sent directly to TSU from the institutions.

In addition to Items 1 through 7, International Students need to also supply the following information:

  1. Affidavit of Support
  2. Transcript Evaluation
  3. TOEFL = 79 or IELTS (iBT) = 6.0 (if not from an English speaking country)

Summary

Foundation Core & Major Core Curriculum Requirements18
Concentration Course Requirements9
Electives9
Total Hours36

FoUNDATION CORE Requirements

EDFD 633Research3
EPSY 831Educ Statistics3
Total Hours6

MAJOR Core Requirements

Required
SSFD 668Graduate Thesis In Progress3
Select 3 courses from:9
Sport Facility Management & Sport Event Planning
The History of Historically Black Colleges & Universities and the Sporting HBCU Diaspora
Legal Aspects of Sport Business
Management, Leadership and Critical Thinking In Sport Organizations
Socio-Cultural and Ethical Foundations of Sport
Total Hours12

Concentration Course requirements

SSSA 511Administration of Interscholastic & Intercollegiate Athletic Programs3
SSSA 513Sports Governance & Policy Development3
SSSA 576Risk Management and Legal Liability in Recreation and Leisure Activities3
Total Hours9

Elective Requirements

9 approved credit hours of electives9
Total Hours9