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Sports Leadership MS

Master of Science in Sports Leadership

A coach huddling with student athletes.

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

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

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Degree awarded

Master of Science in Sports Leadership

Commitment

4 semesters

Tuition

$900 per credit

Format

Online

Primarily 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

Yes, with restrictions.

Learn more

Application deadlines

Summer 2025

  • Deadline: April 1, 2025

Fall 2025

  • Deadline : July 1, 2025

Spring 2026

  • Deadline: December 1, 2025
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0*
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

*The admissions committee may consider an applicant that does not meet these requirements. Supporting factors include documentation of potential for leadership and relevant experiences that affect your ability to serve in leadership roles.

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Essay
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

January 22, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Program Overview: Educational Psychology: Professional Educators

Learn more about the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program, including the curriculum, application process and potential career paths.

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January 23, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Alumni Panel: ELPA: Global Higher Education

Join alumni from the MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it met their academic needs, why it was a good fit and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

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January 29, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation

Learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation program, including the curriculum, application process and potential career paths.

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February 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Equity & Impact: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

Join recipients of the MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics Committed Scholars scholarship program for a session focused on identifying data (in)equities in several urban school districts.

Register now →

February 12, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Career Outlook: Educational Psychology: Professional Educators

Join Lisa Hebgen, MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program director, to learn more about instructional coaching.

Register now →

February 18, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Teacher Education Center Programs

Join program staff to learn more about Teacher Education Center Master’s Programs, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

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February 20, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Application Assistance: ELPA: Global Higher Education

Join Professor and Program Director Weijia Li to learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education application stand out.

Register now →

February 20, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Graduate Programs Virtual Open House

Hear from enrollment coaches and other staff to gain insight into the application process, and discover the array of services and resources available to graduate students at UW–Madison.

Register now →

February 26, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Career Outlook: ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation

Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation program, to learn more about the path to school leadership.

Register now →

March 6, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Program Overview: ELPA: Global Higher Education

Learn more about the MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education, including the curriculum, application process and potential career paths.

Register now →

March 6, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Teacher Education Center Programs

Join program staff to learn strategies to make your Teacher Education Center Master’s program application stand out. Content coordinators will then provide a brief overview of expectations and application review criteria, focusing on addressing applicants’ specific questions.

Register now →

March 12, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Application Assistance: ELPA: Wisconsin 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 →

March 12, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Pathways: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

Learn how K-12 teachers have leveraged the MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics program to impact within — and beyond — the four walls of their classroom.

Register now →

March 12, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Student Panel: Educational Psychology: Professional Educators

Join students from the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it meets their academic needs, why it is a good fit and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

Register now →

April 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Student Panel: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

Join students from the MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it meets their academic needs, why it is a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

Register now →

April 15, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

Learn more about the MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics program, including the curriculum, application process and potential career paths.

Register now →

April 16, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Faculty Spotlight: Educational Psychology: Professional Educators

Join a faculty member from the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program for a talk.

Register now →

May 7, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pathways: Educational Psychology: Professional Educators

Join Lisa Hebgen, MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program director, to learn more about career options for program graduates.

Register now →

Results that work for you

Sports Leadership MS

#3

The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings

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.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Coaching practices
  • Athletics administration
  • Leadership
  • Psychology and coaching
  • Strength and conditioning principles

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