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…
This program is designed primarily for UCSB undergraduate students who want applied, career-relevant preparation in the business and management of sport. It’s a strong fit for students in business, economics, communication, sociology, political science, and related fields who want structured exposure to governance, compliance, operations, and organizational decision-making in sport. It may also appeal to early-career professionals or community members seeking targeted skill development and a classroom environment that supports networking and applied learning.
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.
Arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual U.S. sports market value
Source: PwC / Statista
Employers prioritize skills over academic major
Source: AAC&U
Workers in California's spectator sports industry
Source: Data USA
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) |
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| 4 | |
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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.