MBA, Sport Management

MBA, Sport Management

Overview

Become the confident, influential leader in business you’re called to be. The MBA with a concentration in sport management is tailored to give you the training to manage teams, events, projects, and promotions in the sports sector. The program is designed to be completed in as little as 12 months.

With an MBA, you’ll learn to take control of your career by acquiring four important drivers of influential leadership:

  • Deep qualitative and quantitative business knowledge
  • Wisdom in the face of important decisions
  • A powerful personal network
  • Inspiration to follow your purpose

Practical training for rising leaders in sports

Sport managers can oversee every facet of a sports program or organization. Whether you’re managing a pro team, overseeing collegiate sports and athletics, directing sports tourism, or leading other sports organizations, you’ll have the ability to be an influential leader in one of the biggest and most beloved industries. 

This program builds skills such as:

  • Managing personnel, facilities, and events in sports
  • Marketing, promotion, and public relations in sports
  • Sport finance and economics
  • And more!

In addition to this concentration, we also offer 3 other MBA concentrations: 

You can alternatively select a General MBA and take 9 units of elective courses in any of these areas, so you can focus on the skills and expertise that fit your passions and career goals.

Learning that fits your schedule

Learn when and where you want — this program is designed for full-time professionals. With flexible online asynchronous, hybrid, and evening in-person course offerings, you can choose classes that fit perfectly with your schedule, interests, and career goals.

Some courses are offered with a high-flex modality, giving you the flexibility to learn online asynchronously, in person, or virtually via Zoom for each class session.

With just 27 core business units and 9 units toward sport management, students can complete the MBA program within as little as 12 months.

Academia to prepare you for success

The Fermanian School of Business MBA program is committed to serving the experienced business professional with the best value in quality, academic rigor, professional support services, and individual attention to support students in meeting their academic and professional goals.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Visit the ACBSP's website for more information.  

Startup Spirit, Business Brain

Sharks Global Partnerships Vice President Greg Schwartz Finds His Spark
How PLNU’s MBA Mentorship Develops Emerging Leaders

Lead with Purpose, Build with Vision

Videos (5)
Articles (10)
Sharks Global Partnerships Vice President Greg Schwartz Finds His Spark Alum Greg Schwartz skates through the marketing world as the head of global partnerships department for the San Jose Sharks. Discover
How PLNU’s MBA Mentorship Develops Emerging Leaders PLNU’s MBA Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity that lets students connect with alumni who work in their field of interest and share similar values. Discover
Getting your MBA as a college athlete Student-athletes are taking the opportunity to continue playing their sport while returning to campus for a master's degree with their extra year of eligibility. Learn about what it takes to be an athlete while getting your MBA. Discover
Chelsey Kamen’s Colorful Career in Communications  Chelsey Kamen blends her passion for art and business, excelling as a Senior Account Manager at Intesa Communications in San Diego. Discover
What Are PLNU’s MBA Concentrations? PLNU's MBA programs offer three concentrations, for experienced working professionals who want to advance in their careers, to choose from. Discover
7 Values of Servant Leadership Learn about seven key principles of servant leadership — and how to apply them in word and in deed — that will exponentially multiply your effectiveness as a leader. Discover
Empathy through Experience: Curtis Hicks Supports Cancer Patients at Their Most Vulnerable Curtis Hicks, MBA, draws on compassionate support to guide cancer patients. Discover
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get With an MBA? There are a number of impressive positions, many of them managerial, that you can expect to be qualified for after obtaining an MBA. Discover
How to Apply Design Thinking to Your Work Design thinking is a process that can help managers and others professionals solve problems creatively with the use of tools such as journey maps. Discover
Leading Through Story: How Great Business Leaders Use Narrative to Inspire and Lead Others Storytelling is an important quality for leaders who must be able to cast a narrative for employees and customers that reveals where the organization currently is, where it’s come from, and where it plans to go. It might seem simple to tell a great story about your organization as a leader, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Discover

Application Information

Program Start Date(s):

  • Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025
  • Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
  • Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

  • Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025
  • Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
  • Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026

All applications submitted after this date will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application. However, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package and the exceptions policy.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's MBA program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript indicating an undergraduate degree's completion.
We encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor if you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU.

  1. Submit online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
  2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
  3. Official transcripts must be sent to:
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3900 Lomaland Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92106
  4. Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
    gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

    *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
  5. Submit a personal essay. See the essay prompt for the MBA program in the essay section of the application.
  6. Submit a resume/vita.
  7. Submit two (2) professional references (name, contact info, and relationship to applicant)
  8. Interview with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Education

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

Career Opportunities

The Fermanian School of Business is committed to serving all MBA students with the best value in quality, academic rigor, professional support services, and individual attention to assist students in meeting their academic and professional goals.

As a result, PLNU MBA alumni are working in a wide range of prominent companies throughout San Diego, including:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific

  • Pacifica Companies

  • Merrill Lynch

  • Bank of the West

  • Scripps Health

  • Electronic Arts

  • Northrop Grumman

  • Fastenal

  • Cyber

  • Wells Fargo

  • General Atomics

  • San Diego Zoo

  • Sharp Healthcare

  • Quidel Corporation

  • SAIC

  • Biota

  • Pacira Pharmaceuticals

  • Qualcomm

  • BioNano Genomics

  • Clearfield Sports

  • MedImpact

Creating the Future of Sports Industries

"A Degree that Grows With You"
"Enduring Value of PLNU"

Selling Strength

Quotes (10)
Pictures (5)
A Degree that Grows With You
"The PLNU graduate degree builds on and shapes some of the qualities that I already bring to the table in leadership and management and how I deal with clients and customers. At the same time it gives me the flexibility to refine my career path or adjust and take a new direction."
Chad Bennett MBA
Enduring Value of PLNU
"PLNU has been so much a part of my life and is responsible for the career success that I have had along the way. I strongly recommend their programs to anyone who is in search of a great education at a great school with great professors."
Meghan Parsons MBA
More Than a Number
"There's an intimate relationship with the PLNU professors where you're not a number, and they really care about what you're doing. They use their network to help you in your job search and advance your career."
Quay Snyder MBA
Prepared for Leadership
"My PLNU degree program provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at a higher level in my career. In addition, it provided me with tools and an ethical foundation to make effective decisions when there is often no clear answer. I had the opportunity to work closely with fellow students and faculty on meaningful projects outside of the classroom. As a result, I've formed strong relationships with faculty and alumni that will last a lifetime."
Erik Rindfleisch MBA
Strategic Business Growth
"I have worked numerous trade shows as a manufacturer’s representative with my family’s business. Being a part of the PLNU MBA program has allowed me to learn business techniques that I believe have better prepared me to be more analytic and strategic when presented with key issues."
Cherie Owen MBA
Ethics in Business Education
"In PLNU’s MBA program, I was able to study with San Diego’s top business leaders. My professors were not only brilliant, but they wove ethical and Biblical perspectives into every discussion – great preparation for business today, as corporate responsibility is an increasingly important issue. My PLNU teachers helped me realize that it’s not so much about getting the correct answer: what matters is the kind of person you are in the process of solving problems."
Nikki Shimozaki MBA
A Perfect Fit for Growth
"I was looking for small, intimate classes. I was looking for a place to grow in a community. I was looking to expand my career. Taking and combining all those aspects, PLNU was a slam dunk for where I saw myself in the future."
Brent Bolton MBA
Prepared to Lead with a Strong Foundation
"The MBA program equipped me with a unique balance of both qualitative and quantitative skills. That balance, between practice and theory, really prepared me for entering the marketplace. I was positioned in my career to move ahead quickly, backed up by the strong foundation of an MBA education. PLNU's faculty members were great mentors, too. They provided both professional and personal guidance in my career path, even after I graduated."
Derek DeShaw MBA
Leadership for the Greater Good
"What made me decide on an MBA at PLNU is the program’s vision of raising up leaders for the greater good and greater purpose. And that’s what I was looking for – how could I be an influential leader and follow God’s purpose in my life?"
Matthew Villalobos MBA
Balancing Work and Education
"Point Loma Nazarene University has been an amazing university to study at for my Master's in Business Administration. There are so many extracurricular events that we are made aware of and promoted to participate in, such as executive networking events. The teachers are very patient and understanding, and make the coursework easy to manage as they understand most students are also full-time workers. My time has been very pleasant and I would say the university is very accommodating of professionals who work full time and are also in school full time. I feel seen and heard at PLNU."
Niche.com review

Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

Dean’s Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to be admitted into this program?

  • A completed application for admission to the program
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by official transcripts
  • Two (2) references with contact information and relationship to the applicant. 
  • Resume
  • A personal essay describing the applicant's motivation to earn an MBA and the applicant’s future goals.
  • Interview with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Education

Is the GMAT required for admission?

No, PLNU does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission into the MBA program.

Can I work while completing the program?

Yes! The MBA, Sport Management program is designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals and their schedules.

What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to me?

You will have the option to apply for scholarships through Student Financial Services. This program qualifies for state and federal financial aid options.

Dean’s Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more details.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The expected completion time is 12-24 months.

How many days a week do classes meet?

Two days a week

How large will the classes be?

Class sizes are estimated to be 20 to 30 people.

Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes! As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must also submit official proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please contact Graduate Financial Aid and Student Support Services for more information.

PLNU is a Christian university, but I am not a Christian. Would I feel out of place in this program?

We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the MBA, Sport Management program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Department Faculty