Graduate Study in Sport Management

Program Basics

Frequently Asked Questions

Ithaca College Sports Management and Media Golf Tournament
Activities

Each year, Ithaca College hosts a Hole-In-One Weekend to benefit the IC Sports Management and Media Scholarship Fund. It's just one of the many fun activities going on around town. And its profits go right back to the students, thereby allowing them to take advantage of more fieldwork and internship opportunities.

Check out this year's Hole-In-One Weekend.

  1. How many years and how many credits will it take to complete this program?
  2. Is an undergraduate degree in sport management or a related field required?
  3. What are the admission criteria in order to be accepted into the program?
  4. Would I still be considered for admission if my cumulative grade point average is below a 3.0?
  5. Do you require the GRE or GMAT?
  6. How many letters of recommendation do I need to complete my file?
  7. Do you require transcripts to be sent?
  8. Can I apply online, and how much is the application fee?
  9. What is the address where I need to send my admission materials?
  10. What are the graduate admission deadlines for Sport Management?
  11. Will I get confirmation when Ithaca receives my admission materials?
  12. How much is the acceptance deposit?
  13. How long after being admitted into the program will I need to make a decision as to whether I will accept the offer?
  14. Is there an option of doing a thesis or an internship?
  15. Do I have to complete a comprehensive exam after my class work?

How many years and how many credits will it take to complete this program? 

There are a total of 30 credits that need to be completed in order to graduate and it will take one year (fall, spring, and summer semesters). You will take around 12 credits in each of the fall and spring semesters and a six credit hour internship/thesis option in the summer.

Is an undergraduate degree in sport management or a related field required? 

No. Students with diverse backgrounds across a range a majors are encouraged to apply.  

What are the admission criteria in order to be accepted into the program? 

Admission to the sport management and media graduate program is granted on the basis of the following:

  • cumulative undergraduate grade point average
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • personal career statement
  • resume
  • official transcript(s)
  • and recommendations.

General admission to the degree program is granted to applicants who have a good scholastic record (a 3.00 on the 4.00 system) and have received a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, taking into account such factors as previous academic achievements, successful professional experience, and special personal circumstances.

Would I still be considered for admission if my cumulative grade point average is below a 3.0? 

Yes. In a case where a student’s cumulative grade point average is below a 3.0, admission can be granted on a provisional basis, if the student has demonstrated the capability to pursue graduate work. The student would be required to achieve a 3.0 grade point average in their first semester in the program in order to remain enrolled. Further, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in order to be eligible for a graduate assistantship.

Do you require the GRE or GMAT? 

You can submit either the GRE or GMAT. We do not favor one test over the other. For those who are also applying to programs in business schools, the GMAT would be the best option.

How many letters of recommendation do I need to complete my file? 

In order to complete the admission application, two letters of recommendation are needed from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic abilities and can comment on the likelihood of the applicant's success in a graduate sport management program -- such as former professors and/or academic advisors.

Do you require official transcripts to be sent?

Yes, official transcripts are required to be sent from the undergraduate institution from which you graduate and any other colleges you attended as an undergraduate.

Can I apply online, and how much is the application fee?

Yes, the application is available online as well as the essay/personal statement portion. The fee for the graduate application is $40.

What is the address where I need to send my admission materials?

The first step in completing the application process is to submit an application online at http://www.ithaca.edu/gradstudies/admission/apply.php. Students should also send their GMAT/GRE scores and TOEFL scores if applicable to:

Graduate Studies Office
111 Towers Concourse
Ithaca, NY 14850

What are the graduate admission deadlines for Sport Management?

Admission into the program is done on a rolling basis.  However, for those seeking graduate assistantships, we strongly recommend that applications be complete by March 1.  Please remember that before a graduate assistant award can be made a student must be admitted into the graduate program.  Only after a positive determination regarding admission is made will a student be reviewed for a graduate assistantship.  

Will I get confirmation when Ithaca receives my admission materials?

Yes, you will receive written confirmation from the Division of Graduate Studies when they receive all the materials you send in.

How much is the acceptance deposit?

If you get accepted there is a $150 deposit due and this will be put toward your tuition after you register for classes.

How long after being admitted into the program will I need to make a decision as to whether I will accept the offer?

Generally, applicants are given two weeks to decide on an offer of admission. However, it is best to communicate with the grad chair if you have concerns or questions about this.

Is there an option of doing a thesis or an internship?

Yes, you have the option of completing a thesis or an internship, both of which occur during the summer.

Do I have to complete a comprehensive exam after my class work?

Yes, there is a comprehensive exam that you must pass after you have completed all 30 required hours in order to graduate. The exam usually occurs in September.