CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Sports Business is composed of a core of courses covering a range of
subjects necessary for all sports business professionals, a concentration in an area of
professional expertise, and elective courses. If you have relevant work experience, you may be
eligible to waive a core or concentration course with departmental approval. Waivers permit you to
take additional courses in selected areas; they do not reduce the number of courses required for
the degree.
View
complete degree requirements with links to course descriptions.
INTENSIVE ORIENTATION
Before the start of formal classes, Tisch Center students participate in a one-week intensive
industry orientation to learn about NYU’s policies and procedures, meet faculty members and alumni
who offer perspectives on sports business, and explore concepts of critical thinking through
workshops. Students participate in an overview of basic economic, accounting, and finance
principles and concepts to set the foundation upon which in-depth economic, accounting, and finance
theory rests.
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CORE CURRICULUM
The general core, comprised of nine courses, explores the industry from every angle, from the
role of sports in society to the leadership, organizational behavior, and management of
organizations. You analyze marketing concepts and strategies and delve into legal issues, including
facility and patron liabilities, ownership models, franchise and licensing agreements, and labor
and employment contracts. You also explore the essential principles of financial analysis as they
relate to the sports industry, including micro- and macroeconomic concepts.
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CONCENTRATIONS
While core courses provide a broad overview of the industry, concentrations allow you to
investigate your areas of greatest interest. After completing the core courses, you choose from one
of two concentrations in which to specialize:
Marketing and Media or Finance and Development.
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ELECTIVES/INDEPENDENT STUDY
Electives are optional courses that allow for individual investigation of specialized topics.
If you have a particular expertise that is covered in a core course, you may choose to substitute
an elective, upon approval from your advisor. You may also take electives (two courses maximum)
from either the M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies or the M.S. in Tourism and Travel Management.
Advanced Topics in Sports, also a three-credit elective course, allows you to examine current
trends and issues that affect rapid changes and/or the evolution of the industry. Topics may cover
a broad range of current concerns including policy, development, financing, operational issues, and
management. The evolving sophistication of the industry is explored as it relates to the current
and future models of the sports and sporting event markets. This course is usually taken in the
last semester of study.
Independent Study, a three-credit elective course, provides the opportunity to work with a
faculty member on a specific, well-defined topic. Approved topics should be extensions of existing
courses previously taken or areas in which no courses are offered. Independent research allows you
to explore in depth areas in which you are deeply interested. This course requires the prior
approval of an appropriate academic advisor as to the topic of study.
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INTERNSHIP
An internship provides a valuable experience in developing a greater understanding of career
options while more clearly defining your professional goals. After finishing four courses, you
complete an extensive internship, working a minimum of 300 hours. The Tisch Center works with you
to arrange your internship in one of many sports enterprises, including such prestigious companies
as Chelsea Piers, Madison Square Garden, or Nike.
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ADVANCED SPECIAL PROJECT
The Advanced Special Project allows you to apply your research expertise and to synthesize
knowledge gained throughout the program of study. It combines applied research methods and
theoretical knowledge to focus on a relevant topical area. The topic must be original; that is, it
should be a body of knowledge that does not exist anywhere else. Your project should demonstrate a
mastery of topical areas covered in earlier core courses.
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