Master’s in Kinesiology vs. Sport Management
From negotiating deals on behalf of top athletes to overseeing operations at a stadium, there are many ways to build a career behind the scenes of athletic teams and events. If you’re interested in sports and health leadership, you might be weighing your options for pursuing a graduate degree. A program in kinesiology is one way forward, but it’s important to choose the educational path that best fits your goals.
When you consider the differences in completing a master’s in kinesiology vs. sport management, you’ll see how a curriculum that provides a comprehensive background in sports business and administration can give you an edge in reaching your professional objectives. Students who earn an master’s in sport management develop the skills necessary to drive strategy in sports-oriented organizations and help athletes achieve success both on and off the field.
What Graduate Studies in Kinesiology Have to Offer
The field of kinesiology scientifically examines the movement of bodies in ways that can apply to a wide range of career paths. Graduates with kinesiology degrees commonly go on to work in fields like:
- Physical education
- Athletic training
- Choreography
- Health and fitness consulting
- Corporate fitness and wellness instruction
- Physical therapy
Those interested in a master’s degree may have previously taken undergraduate courses exploring the science behind what makes an exercise program effective, best practices for preventing injuries, and techniques for promoting fitness. By completing a graduate program, professionals gain a deeper understanding of the theory behind their work and deepen their engagement with various approaches to health and fitness.
Master’s programs might offer concentrations in areas of study such as human performance, biobehavioral science, and exercise physiology. Some of these specializations are intended for students who plan to pursue a doctorate or a career in research. That means the curriculum may involve a requirement to perform original research and write and defend a thesis.
At the University of Florida, innovative research taking place in Center for Exercise Science shapes the curriculum for graduate students studying kinesiology. The scientists working in this multidisciplinary research center perform groundbreaking studies into the connections between physical activity, the functions of muscles and organs, and illness. Kinesiology graduate students have the chance to develop cutting-edge knowledge from working with renowned experts in areas such as cardiovascular physiology and rehabilitation neuroscience.
The Advantages of a Sport Management Master’s Degree
Advanced studies in kinesiology may concentrate on the scientific and medical aspects of athletic events, but a graduate program in sport management explores issues related to business, leadership and marketing as well as athlete performance. While working toward an M.S. in Sport Management, professionals develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to perform administrative functions for teams, organize events, and guide athletes through a variety of challenges on and off the field.
In a sport management curriculum, students become more informed financial and organizational decision makers with a thorough understanding of the legal concepts related to sports and player contracts. They analyze data to evaluate health and human performance and perform research to solve the types of problems that occur in sports organizations. Students have chances to explore how sports relate to broader social issues, investigate how psychological principles apply to athletics, and refine their personal leadership philosophies.
Graduates who complete their advanced education in sport business may go on to succeed in an array of crucial roles, including:
- Sport facility manager
- Athletic development professional
- Sport marketing consultant
- Sport law
- Coaching
About UF’s Online M.S. in Sport Management
The online Master of Science in Sport Management from University of Florida readies students to take on complex financial and administrative challenges in the world of sports. The comprehensive sport management curriculum can help you develop your skills as a multifaceted, multi-talented professional who is ready to break into the field of sport representation.
Through core courses that include Sport Marketing and Management and Leadership in Sport and electives such as Sports Sponsorship, Sport Psychology, and What Drives Winning Leaders, you will gain in-depth knowledge of the business of sports.
Athlete Development was created especially for those who want to work directly with athletes to successfully balance the demands of their sport with the demands of living a lucrative and productive life off the field.
High Performance Coaching is intended for students who wish to pursue positions in managerial coaching or athletic administration, showing them how to foster the best performances in athletes.
Sport Law teaches lawyers and administrators about legal principles that can have important applications in the world of athletics, including insurance, real estate finance, insurance, and fair competition.
Director of Racquet Sports is ideal for racquet sports enthusiasts seeking leadership roles. Whether you aim to run a racquet sports business or oversee a country club or league, this concentration equips you with vital skills in sport management, program development, sport marketing, budgeting, human relations, and more.
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