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Jacksonville State Updates Master's Program to Reflect Expanding Landscape of the Sports Industry

Jacksonville, AL (06/16/2025) — Jacksonville State University has updated the name and scope of its graduate program in sport management to better reflect the modern realities of the field. Previously known as the Master of Science in Sport Management, the program is now the Master of Science in Sports Industry-a name that captures the broader, evolving nature of careers in sports today.

Housed in the College of Health Professions and Wellness, the 30-hour graduate program remains committed to preparing students for leadership roles in athletics, but now with a more comprehensive view of the sports world. In addition to traditional management training, the program emphasizes skills in communication, marketing, analytics, and economic development-responding to the growth of areas such as digital media, sports tourism, and revenue generation.

"While management remains a key component of our program, we're taking a more contemporary approach that goes beyond the administrative and operational side of sports," said Dr. Allen Gilbert, Associate Professor of Sport Management and Coordinator of the Master of Science: Sports Industry Program. "The new name better reflects our mission to prepare students for all facets of the sports industry-whether that's working with professional teams, media outlets, athletic departments, or event organizations."

Students in the program can tailor their degree to match their career goals by choosing from three tracks: a general Master of Science in Sports Industry or a concentration in either Sport Management or Sport Communication. Each path is designed to equip graduates with the specialized skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic sports industry. Select courses are offered in a hybrid format, giving students the flexibility to attend in person or online.

The program has earned a strong reputation for graduate success, with alumni securing careers in collegiate and professional athletics, media and communications, facility management, and corporate partnerships. Its blend of academic rigor and real-world preparation has made it a sought-after choice for students looking to launch or advance their careers in the field.

The program's core includes courses in law and ethics, finance, human resource management, and marketing-plus the option of completing an internship or directed study. The curriculum allows students to complete their degree in as little as one year.

Learn More About the Master of Science in Sports Industry at Jax State

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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