The Tulane University School of Professional Advancement (SoPA), in collaboration with the Center for Sport, recently announced its new master’s degree and graduate certificates in sport studies. The collaboration between SoPA and the Center for Sport at Tulane University provides students a unique opportunity to earn “stackable certificates,” which can also be used to fulfill academic requirements for more advanced programs, in a range of sport-related specialties through a flexible online program.

“Sport touches virtually every modern industry. We often think of sport as what happens on the field or court, but there’s a vast network of people and industries that support the game — from athletic trainers to sports administrators to event security,” says Gregory Stewart, MD, Center for Sport co-founder and chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Tulane School of Medicine. “There are tremendous opportunities for professional growth and advancement in this industry. The MPS (Master of Professional Studies) in sport studies at SoPA is a vital piece of the Center for Sport’s mission to educate current and future professionals in the sports industry.”

Students choose from courses in their areas of interest to receive graduate-level certificates in sport administration, sport coaching or sport security. These “stackable” certificates may be applied directly to the Master of Sport Studies degree. To receive an MPS in sport studies, students complete coursework in two certificate programs of their choice, plus two required core courses, for a total of 30 credits. Courses include Ethical and Legal Issues in Sport, Sports Media and Communication, Sports Nutrition, Emergency Management Administration, and Strength and Conditioning.

“A career in the sport industry is more than a job. It’s a calling for people who believe that the positive impact of sport reaches far beyond the field of play,” says Lanie Dornier, SoPA Kinesiology program director and professor of practice. “This dynamic degree program is built around career-advancing courses designed to spark professional growth in key areas in the sports industry, whether you’re expanding on current professional experience or exploring new career opportunities.”

The sport studies faculty is made up of industry veterans and highly trained experts with decades of experience. Students have the opportunity to learn through the faculty’s real world experience in the sports industry at all levels of play, in all areas where sport touches people.

Touted as one of the fastest-growing job markets in the United States, the sports industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. Those with a degree in sport studies would pursue careers such as athletics director, head or assistant coach, director of sports management, director of stadium events, sports facilities manager or team programs and operations manager.

For more information on the Sport Studies program and for more information on SoPA admission, visit applysopa.tulane.edu.