Sports Management Studies
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE || International PROGRAM
The Sports Management Studies Certificates provide international students and professionals with applied management education using sport as a globally recognizable context for examining how organizations operate within regulated, complex professional systems. Designed for short-term, credit-bearing study, the program emphasizes governance, operations, finance, and organizational decision-making through case analysis, simulations, and structured academic projects rather than internships or work placements. Students may complete a one-quarter Essentials certificate or continue into an Advanced track for deeper academic engagement across multiple quarters.
These Certificates Are Perfect For…
International students seeking structured exposure to U.S. professional practices within a limited period of study while developing transferable management skills applicable across global industries. The program is well suited for learners interested in business, management, communication, or related fields who want academically rigorous coursework that applies core management concepts to real organizational systems, without focusing on athletics participation, coaching, or sport performance.
What you'll learn...
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How sports organizations function as managed systems shaped by governance, regulation, and operational coordination
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How to apply core management concepts through sport-based case studies reflecting real professional constraints
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How to analyze decision-making across finance, operations, marketing, and organizational structures
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How to develop transferable professional skills in communication, collaboration, and analytical reasoning applicable across industries
Program Structure and Requirements
Sports Management Essentials Certificate (1 Quarter)
Complete three 4-unit professional courses (total 12 units) from approved UCSB PaCE courses groups: 1 Core Course (Sports Management Foundations), 1 Governance and Financial Principles Course, and 1 Applied Sport Operations and Systems.
Sports Management Advanced Studies Certificate (2 Quarters)
Complete six 4-unit professional courses (total 24 units) from the same set of approved UCSB PaCE courses. In the second quarter, take additional courses in Governance and an Financial Principles and Applied Sport Operations as well as an optional Sports Management Capstone course. The capstone course is available to Sports Management Advanced Studies students only when fewer than two elective options are offered during their enrolled quarter.
Pursuing Both Certificates?
Students may earn both certificates, but courses may not be double-counted. A total of nine unique courses (36 units) is required to complete both.
Sports Management Essentials Certificate (1 Quarter)
| Core Course (Required) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| MGMNT X411 – Sports Management Foundations | 4 |
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Governance and Financial Principles (Choose One) |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| MGMNT X411.1 – Sports Law and Ethics | 4 | |
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| MGMNT X411.2 – Financial Management in Sport Business | 4 | |
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Applied Sport Operations and Systems (Choose One) |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| 4 |
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| 4 |
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| 4 |
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Important Course Information:
International Students need to apply to the International Certificate Programs before enrolling in classes from this course schedule.
Sports Management Advanced Studies Certificate (2 Quarters)
| Core Course (Required) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGMNT X411 – Sports Management Foundations | 4 |
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Governance and Financial Principles |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGMNT X411.1 – Sports Law and Ethics | 4 |
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| MGMNT X411.2 – Financial Management in Sport Business | 4 | |
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Applied Sport Operations and Systems |
Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| 4 |
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| 4 |
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| 4 |
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Important Course Information:
International Students need to apply to the International Certificate Programs before enrolling in classes from this course schedule.
International Student Application
Non-international students interested in this topic, please see this page.
Student Information Center
Structure
Essentials & Advanced Studies Certificate
The Sports Management Studies Certificates offer international students applied management education, using sport as a global context for examining how organizations operate within regulated, complex professional systems.