An empty Camp Randall Stadium

Drive your passion and professional career forward in the sports industry with the Master of Science in Sports Leadership Program.

The Master of Science in Sports Leadership Program is an online master’s degree program offered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education — the #1 school of education in the nation (2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Education Graduate Schools). The program also conducts some of the best sports research in the nation through its Badger Inquiry On Sport (BIOS) initiative.

As sports participation in the U.S. increases, learning to lead with distinction has become vital to every athletic team and organization’s growth. In as few as 12 months, the program will help students accomplish this goal by developing their passion into professional success. Upon completion, graduates are awarded a master’s degree and the ability to tackle a variety of careers, including athletic administration, coaching, professional sports, and more.

Now accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.

Apply Now!

Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive application tips and deadline reminders

Degree At-a-Glance

Format

Online

Program Type

Master’s Degree

Commitment

3 to 5 semesters

Credits

30 graduate credits

Tuition

$900 per credit (resident and non-resident)

International Eligible

Yes
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP):31.0504
Please note this program is not eligible for F1 Visa holders
Get more information for international students

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Degree Conferred

Master of Science in Sports Leadership

 

Program Page in the UW Guide

Why choose this master's degree

Wisconsin Excellence. You will learn sports leadership from renowned scholars and leaders at one of the best universities in the world.

Justice Oriented. We want to empower you to make a positive impact on society as sports leaders. Whether at youth, high-school, college or pro levels we will equip you to be a cutting-edge leader for good.

Badger Athletics. Model leadership from coaches and competitors who achieve at the highest levels.

Designed for you. As a sports leader, your time is precious. We understand that you have demanding schedules. Our program is online, flexible, and tailored to meet your needs. No matter where you live or how busy you are, you can complete our program in 16 months.

Contact Information

Sara Jimenez Soffa headshot

For program and curriculum information, contact:
Sara Jimenez Soffa, PhD
Program Director, Clinical Professor of Sports Leadership
jimenezsoffa@wisc.edu
608-263-4769