Sport Administration and Kinesiology
The 100% online M.Ed. in sport administration and kinesiology at Bowling Green State University prepares students to lead and manage organizations in sport and apply kinesiology principles across fitness, exercise and human movement settings. You’ll learn how to make informed decisions and solve real-world challenges. You’ll also apply research and data to improve programs, performance and operations across the sport industry and human movement sector.
BGSU’s online graduate program is designed for working professionals and recent graduates seeking career advancement. It provides opportunities to gain practical experience, conduct research and build professional connections in the evolving sport and exercise marketplace, where organizations increasingly need professionals who understand both the business of sport and the science of human performance and well-being.
Coursework builds expertise in areas such as administration, leadership, sport marketing, sport psychology, biomechanics and exercise physiology.
All students gain leadership experiences through a culminating experience, with most students completing an internship with a portfolio.
Program highlights
- Master the human side of sport and exercise. Study leadership, ethics and psychological principles that help you motivate individuals, support teams, make responsible decisions and create positive sport and exercise environments.
- Flexible online format. Complete coursework fully online while balancing work and personal commitments. Begin the program in the fall, spring or summer.
- Complete an internship that connects learning to leadership. Apply your knowledge of sport administration, kinesiology and leadership in a professional setting while gaining hands-on experience and building career connections.
- Active research faculty. Learn alongside active research faculty who emphasize translating research into practice.
- Accredited sport administration and kinesiology curriculum. This program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) for sport management education, demonstrating a commitment to quality, accountability and industry relevance.
100% of students reported post-graduation career plans within six months after graduation
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Career opportunities
Enter fast-growing fields in sport, performance and exercise. Demand continues to expand for professionals who can lead programs, manage organizations, support health and performance and respond to changing community and industry needs. Graduates of the M.Ed. program in sport administration and kinesiology are prepared for career advancement across the sport industry and human movement and wellness sector, as well as for doctoral study and research opportunities.
BGSU’s graduate program has a nationwide network of professional connections. These relationships provide meaningful internship opportunities, mentorship and career pathways. They ensure graduates are not only prepared, but well-positioned to advance in the sport administration and kinesiology fields.
Career paths
Sport industry
- Sport administrator in youth, collegiate, professional and community organizations
- Sports marketing specialist
- Facility and operations management
- Sponsorship and sales coordinator
- Ticket office management
- Sport compliance
Human movement and wellness industry
- Sport performance coach
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Exercise physiologist
- Biomechanist
- Sport psychology consulting
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
94% of our graduate students reported being pleased or very pleased with their overall experience at BGSU.
Curriculum
Courses in the M.Ed. in sport administration and kinesiology are offered in a flexible online format. This program requires 30 credit hours or 10 classes. Depending on course load and prior preparation, it may be possible to complete the degree in as few as three semesters.
Students complete a set of shared core courses and additional coursework that reflects their interests in sport administration or kinesiology. Courses throughout the curriculum build students’ leadership, communication and administrative skills, preparing them to support sport administration and kinesiology programs in a variety of applied settings.
Coursework may include classes in:
- Administration and leadership
- Sport and exercise psychology
- Contemporary and ethical issues
- Marketing strategies
- Budgeting and planning
- Legal aspects
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
- Motor learning and development
Students also may complete internships, assistantships or research experiences to gain practical professional experience.
Sample courses
- Research Methods and Data Analysis in Sport and Exercise
- Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise
- Administration and Leadership in Sport and Exercise
- Legal Aspects in Sport
- Physiology of Exercise
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The master’s program in sport administration and kinesiology is a program in the School of Applied Human Development in the College of Education and Human Development.
Updated: 07/24/2026 02:30PM