Concordia University Chicago & SMWW / Master’s in Sports Leadership

Online Master’s in Sports Leadership – CUC + SMWW

Earn an Accredited Master’s Degree in Sports Management 100% Online While Working

Take your career to the next level with a 30-credit online Master’s in Sports Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, delivered in partnership with Sports Management Worldwide. Designed for working sports professionals, this program offers flexibility, affordability, and real-world expertise—all without leaving your current job.

Program Highlights

Earn your master’s degree on your schedule with a fully online format, no residency required, and intensive 8-week terms that allow you to take two courses per 16-week semester. At $460 per credit hour (plus an $18 per credit technology fee), this program is widely affordable—often less than one-third the cost of conventional sports management programs.

Only 8% of working-age adults in the U.S. hold a Master’s degree, making this credential a strong career differentiator that sets you apart in competitive hiring markets.

Why This Program Stands Out

Live Learning with Industry Leaders
Join weekly live Zoom sessions with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook and a rotating lineup of sports executives—including agents, GM’s, coaches, athletic directors, scouts, and player personnel leaders—for real-time mentorship, industry insights, and resume references.

Global Alumni Network
Join over 30,000 alumni in 163+ countries, from professional leagues to collegiate programs worldwide. This network gives you instant connections and opportunities across the international sports landscape.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become leaders in high-impact roles including:

Athletic Director
Sports Analytics Manager
Front Office Executive
Player Personnel Director
Coach or Scout
Sports Agent
Sports Marketing & PR
Compliance & Operations Director
Academic Advisor or Professor of Sports Management
Event and Fan Engagement Director
Ticketing & Fundraising Specialist

This degree equips you for strategic leadership across sports, business, and education.

Curriculum Overview

You will take core courses designed to develop leadership, research, and industry-specific expertise:

  • Sports Administration

  • Sports Leadership & Ethics

  • Research in Sports Studies

  • Sports Analytics

  • Sports Finance

  • Capstone Project

  • Law in Sport

  • Diversity and Inclusion in Sport

  • Global Marketing

  • Strategic Leadership & Planning

Enrollment Details

Upcoming Term: Classes begin October 20, 2025
Admissions Support: Email CUC@SMWW.com
International Students: TOEFL required (unless degree already from accredited U.S. institution); WES or ECE transcript evaluation required

Testimonials

“This degree catapulted me into my dream job as Director of Parks and Recreation. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
— Taylor Baxter, Parks & Rec Director

“The coursework sharpened my critical thinking and prepared me for real-world challenges.”
— Catherine Andruzzi, Associate Director/Faculty



 

SMWW’s Industry Leading Courses Featured In:

 

Application Deadlines

Application is due:  October 13, 2025 |  Classes Start:   October 20, 2025

 
Apply Today!
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FAQ

A Word from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Lynn Lashbrook

Every day, I talk to people eager to break into college athletics or sports business. Over my 45 years, I've served as a sports agent, athletic director, coach, professor, and academic advisor. I designed this program to be transformative—which means aligning top-tier sports leadership training with flexible online access for working professionals.

Ready to explore how this Masters could elevate your career? Fill out this quick form, and I’ll call you to discuss your goals. – Dr. G. Lynn Lashbrook, President & Founder

I would welcome the chance to discuss career strategies for your specific goals and background.

Ready to Get Started?

 

Contact our CUC Enrollment Specialists to make the process simple, fast, and supportive—even if you're applying from abroad:

Email:CUC@SMWW.com
Phone: (503) 445-7105 or Toll Free: 1-888-952-4368


Dr. G. Lynn Lashbrook, Ed.D
President & Founder
Sports Management Worldwide

 

Apply Today!
Request More Info
 

Admission Checklist For Master's Students

▸▾ Requirements for Admission

To be considered for admission to a master's program, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and submit the following:

Apply online. Apply here to get the discounted tuition.

▸▾ Financial Aid Information

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Apply for financial aid and/or make arrangements for payment after you've submitted your application. You will need to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is in your best interest to complete the financial aid process as early as possible. For assistance, call Concordia University financial aid helpline at 708-209-3347. CUC’s School Code is 001666.

▸▾ Official Transcripts

Provide official, sealed transcripts from institutions where degrees were earned showing all college/university coursework

▸▾ Objective Statement

Provide information on your future educational goals and/or objectives and their relationship to pursuing graduate work at Concordia University Chicago. This is part of the online application.

▸▾ Two Letters of Recommendation

Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character, competence, and effectiveness in professional work.

International Students:

If you are an international student, you must complete the basic steps listed above for your degree and the following information:

▸▾ English as a Second Language TOEFL Scores

Please submit TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 72 (internet) minimum requirement on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or successful completion of Level 112 at an English Language School (ELS) unless English is the native language, and an unqualified recommendation from an ELS program director is provided. (International students who have earned an advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States do not need to submit TOEFL scores.)

▸▾ Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Students should request a “Course-by-Course” evaluation and sent to Concordia University Chicago.