Sports Management
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE - The Professional Certificate in Sports Management prepares students to operate within the complex business, governance, and operational systems that define modern sport. Through applied coursework, case analysis, and a culminating capstone or internship, you’ll build practical skills in compliance, event operations, finance, marketing, and cross-functional decision-making.
This Program is Perfect For…
UCSB undergraduates in business, economics, communication, or sociology who want hands-on experience in the sports industry and the connections to match. Early-career professionals and community members looking to break in are also a great fit
Sports business job listings across California — teams, venues, agencies, events, facilities, and media organizations
Source: Indeed
Typical salaries across sports operations careers — from event planners to facilities managers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Projected job growth for event planning careers through 2034 — faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Spotlight:
Mark Orlando
and learn directly from professionals working in the field, this program is for you.
- Mark Orlando, Ed.D.
Sports Management Instructor
What you'll learn...
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Explain sport as a managed enterprise by understanding governance structures, regulatory environments, and stakeholder dynamics across amateur, collegiate, professional, and international contexts.
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Apply core management tools to real sport scenarios, including event operations, marketing strategy, financial planning, and organizational coordination.
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Assess legal, ethical, and compliance risk to support responsible decision-making, accountability, and policy enforcement in high-visibility environments.
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Demonstrate professional readiness through applied projects and case-based analysis that reflect cross-functional expectations in sport organizations.
Program Structure (20 Units)
Students must complete 16 units of prerequisite and core coursework before enrolling in the Final Practicum.
| Prerequisite (Required) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| MGMNT X411 – Sports Management Foundations | 4 |
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Core Requirements (Complete 2 Courses) |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| MGMNT X411.1 – Sports Law and Ethics | 4 |
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| 4 |  |
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Core Elective (Select One) |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| 4 | |
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Final Practicum (Select One) |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| 4 | |
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| 4 | |
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Important Course Information:
- Program delivered in a hybrid format, supporting in-person and online participation.
- Most courses meet one evening per week during the 11-week quarter.
- Summer offerings may be accelerated in-person (2–3 weeks) when offered in that format.
- Internship placements are subject to availability and aligned with learning objectives.
Pricing
| Public | UCSB Discount* | International Students |
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| Individual Courses | $685 | $513.75 | Info |
| Estimated Certificate Cost | $3,520 | $2,663.75 | - |
Transfer credit available!
Have you previously earned academic or professional units at another institution? You can apply for transfer credit towards this certificate! Apply now or contact us for more information.
Student Information Center
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The Professional Certificate in Sports Management builds practical skills in governance, compliance, finance, marketing, and event operations through applied coursework, case analysis, and a culminating capstone or internship.