Department of Kinesiology
Masters of Sport Administration – In 1 Year
Earn your master’s degree and launch your sport career in just 12 months.
Program Overview
Program structure, timeline, and requirements.
Fresno State’s M.A. in Sport Administration combines graduate-level coursework with hands-on sport industry experience. You’ll build a clear career direction, gain real experience through internships, and develop the professional skills to prepare you for a career in sport.
Program Quick Facts
Length
12 months (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Units
30 units (10 courses)
Start
Fall semester only
(One cohort per year)
Format
Face-to-face
(Summer courses offered online and face-to-face)
Cost
Approx. $13,903 for California residents
Application Window
October 1 – May 1
Program Graduate
Jazmin Pulido, MLBPA Certified Player Agent
Program FAQs
Everything you need to know before applying.
Courses
You'll complete 10 courses that give you the skills, experience, and confidence to work in sports.
Fall (3 classes | Face-to-face)
- Kines 245 - Career Development
- Kines 246 - Sport Revenue
- Kines 230 - Statistics
Spring (3 classes | Face-to-face)
- Kines 285 - Sport Internship
- Kines 267 - Advanced High Performance Practices
- Kines 231 - Research Methods
Summer (4 classes | Online & face-to-face)
- Kines 285 - Sport Internship
- Kines 241 - Sport Leadership
- Kines 244 - Sport Law
- Kines 247 - Title IX
You won’t just learn about sport—you’ll work in sport.
Every student completes two internships, gaining valuable real-world experience.
Popular internship areas (your choice):
- Youth sports
- High school sports
- College athletics
- Olympic sports
- Professional sport settings
We guide you through every phase of the sport career process.
First, we help you identify a sport career direction. Then, we help you build the skills, experience, and professional network to pursue it with confidence.
Whether you already know your career path or are still figuring it out, our #1 goal is to help you reach yours.
Common sport career paths:
- Athletic administration (e.g., athletic director)
- Marketing and communications
- Development/fundraising and external relations
- Operations & event management
- NCAA compliance & administration
- Ticketing, sales & sponsorship
- Athlete services & performance
- More!
Workload at a Glance
This is a fast-paced, full-time graduate program:
- Fall & Spring: 9 hours/week in class + 25–30 hours/week outside class
- Summer (9 weeks): 20 hours/week in class + 60 hours/week outside class
While the program is demanding, you won’t be doing it alone—we will guide, support, and cheer you on every step of the way.
"Thank you for all your guidance and mentorship. I have developed tremendously in my personal and professional life. I now feel equipped and prepared for my future."
-Mimi Ho, Golf Professional
Who Should Apply?
We evaluate applications holistically, focusing on three areas:
- Academic history
- Sport experience
- Professional references
Most successful applicants have:
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Strong professional or academic references
- Sport experience, strong desire to work in sports, or are current student-athletes
Application Checklist
To apply, you will need three things:
- Official transcripts of your bachelor’s degree
- A personal essay (2–3 pages) describing why you’re applying and your career goals
- Three professional or academic letters of reference (At least one should be from a professor or academic advisor)
Apply online through Cal State Apply
A $70 non-refundable application fee is required.
Application Dates
Applications are reviewed as they are received and may close before May 1 if the cohort fills.
- Opens: October 1
- Closes: May 1 (or sooner if spots are filled)
Applying early is strongly encouraged.
Questions?
Have questions about the program or application process? Contact:
Dr. John McMillen
Sport Administration Graduate Program Coordinator & Professor
Email: johnmcmillen@csufresno.edu
Phone: 559.278.1123
Office: North Gym 158
Student Testimonials
What graduates say.
"This program prepares you for any job in sports at any level."
-Theresa Kurtz, Associate Director of Strategic Communications, Mountain West Conference
"My early success within the NFL is directly related to the skills & guidance given to me while in the program."
-John Middlekauff, Former NFL Scout, TV & Radio Commentator
"The Sport Administration program at Fresno State is much more than a graduate degree. I developed leadership skills that are essential for my career."
Matt Studwell, Director of Facilities & Operations, Insignia Event Services
Join Our Team
One year. Real experience. A career in sports.
Ready to turn your passion for sports into a career?
Apply now and take the next step.