Sports Leadership MS
Master of Science in Sports Leadership
Is this program right for you?
Passionate about sports and impacting lives? UW-Madison, a world-leading academic and athletic institution, is here to help you take the next step toward a career of meaning and influence in athletics. The Master of Science in Sports Leadership (MSL) program will prepare you to lead with distinction in the sports industry.
- Our program is completely online, so you can complete your degree from almost anywhere in the world
- You’ll learn about the complexities of diverse sports settings and how to successfully compete and create opportunities across multiple levels
- You’ll be prepared for a successful career in fields such as athletic administration, coaching, professional sports and club sports
- Courses include a field internship
Education that works for you
A Master of Science in Sports Leadership will prepare you to make an impact as a coach or leader in the rapidly growing sports industry.
Program type
Master’s degree
Degree awarded
Master of Science in Sports Leadership
Commitment
3-5 semesters
Tuition
$900 per credit
Format
Online
Credits
30 graduate credits
Admission terms
Program admits for fall, spring and summer terms
Offered by
STEM opt eligible
No
Supports F-1 Visa
No
Learn moreApplication deadlines
Spring 2027
- Deadline: December 1, 2026
Summer 2027
- Deadline: April 1, 2027
Fall 2027
- Deadline: July 1, 2027
Your questions, answered
Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Admissions and events
Program requirements
Application materials required
October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WIPP & MS in Sports Leadership
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, and Sara Jimenez Soffa, program director for the MS in Sports Leadership, to learn more about the diverse pathways into K-12 leadership.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →October 28, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →November 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics & MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Julia Rutledge and Lisa Hebgen, the program directors for the MS in Learning Analytics and the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching for overviews of their programs. You’ll learn more about the curriculum, application process, and career paths, as well as similarities and differences between the two programs.
Register now →November 18, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out
Register now →December 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join an instructor from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →December 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →February 17, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →February 24, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Join an instructor from the Education: Instructional Coaching MS to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Learning Analytics
Join students from the MS in Learning Analytics program to learn about their experiences. Ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →March 17, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out.
Register now →April 7, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →Results that work for you
Sports Leadership MS
#1
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 13th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings
#8
The UW-Madison School of Education was ranked eighth in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Overall Best Online Master’s in Education Programs.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Overall Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
What you’ll learn
Refine your skills in coaching, leadership and administration for a career in sports with the Sports Leadership MS program. Through a blend of coursework and practical applications, you’ll be prepared to manage and motivate athletes at all levels.
- Coaching practices
- Athletics administration
- Leadership
- Psychology and coaching
- Strength and conditioning principles
Video insights
Want a closer look at the MS program? Check out our official YouTube playlists for a program overview, application tips, and student outcomes.
Connect with an enrollment coach
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:
- Explore your program options
- Review courses and outcomes
- Check eligibility requirements
- Get help with your application
- Learn about financial aid
Email us: coach@pdc.wisc.edu