Step inside the business of sport with immersive courses in leadership, culture, and strategy. The Sport Leadership BA program immerses students in the history, economics, psychology, and sociology of sport, creating transformative leaders who drive positive change through the industry. Turn theory into action in the sports capital of the U.S., with two internship requirements, real-world projects, and hands-on experiences, including exclusive opportunities through our New Balance partnership. Build the skills and connections needed to shape what’s next in the industry.
Here’s your chance to:
Cultivate essential sport management skills, from leadership and marketing to event planning, guided by talented, well-connected faculty.
Foster meaningful relationships and professional networks that shape your sport industry future.
Complete required internships that connect classroom learning with Boston’s leading employers, offering immersive learning and a competitive edge.
0
scholarship funds awarded for 2024–2025
University Survey, 2025
0
companies available for internships
University Survey, 2025
0
of graduates employed full-time
UMass Boston Survey Data, 2020-2022
Fall Open House
Future Beacons! Join us for Fall Open House on October 24 or November 7. Prospective undergraduate students are invited to tour campus and learn how UMass Boston is made for you.
Build Relationships to Help You Succeed in the Sports World
Sport Leadership students develop skills across the spectrum of the field—administration, operations, marketing, and more—along with connections to help launch a career.
Career Possibilities
Ready to inspire others, bring fresh ideas, and help fans see the game in a whole new way? This degree sets you up to make your passion your profession.
Here’s where this degree can take you:
Account Specialist
Sales Associates
Athletic Director
Operations Manager
International Trip Designer
Fan and Community Engagement Associate
Program Coordinator
Graduate School (e.g., MBA, JD, or Master’s of Sport Management)
Example Employers of Program Graduates
UMass Boston's Sport Leadership & Administration program has a 100% employment placement rate. Employers include:
Student Stories
My internship experiences working with kids from lower socioeconomic backgrounds was my most valuable experience. It allowed me to apply the principles learned in the Sports Leadership & Administration program. It also deepened my understanding of the role sports play in fostering confidence, teamwork, and opportunity for underserved youth, reinforcing my passion for using sport as a tool for social change.
Junior
Plan Your Education
How to Apply
First Year Student Deadlines: Fall
Early Action I: November 1
Early Action II: January 1
Regular Decision: February 15
Transfer Student Deadlines:
Fall Semester (Domestic): June 15
Spring Semester: December 15
Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.
Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.
SL 130 - Sport and African American Culture3 Credit(s)
SL 310 - Race and Sport3 Credit(s)
SL 331 - Gender and Sport3 Credit(s)
SL 410 - Sport Activism, Advocacy, and Agency3 Credit(s)
SL 420 - Sport and Globalization3 Credit(s)
For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit theAcademic Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
In this program, students will:
Gain a strong foundation in sport management principles, including organizational leadership, sports marketing, and event planning
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the application of theoretical concepts and practical experiences in sports-related contexts
Cultivate effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills necessary for successful leadership and collaboration in sports settings
Graduation Criteria
Degree Requirements
If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.
Complete 45 credits from 14 courses including nine core courses, two related subject areas courses, and three electives.
GPA:A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required from all major courses.
Pass/Fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major.
Residency:All courses at the 300-level or higher applied toward the major must be completed at UMass Boston.
New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport
Learn more about The New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport (I2LS), a partnership between New Balance and UMass Boston that supports this program.
