FAQ

Obtain information regarding the Graduate School and the admission and application process. Obtain information on the department requirements.

Procedural Requirements: All programs require the submission of an online application form submitted to the Graduate School and an application fee paid directly to the Graduate School. The department will obtain the application from the Graduate School and recommend students for admission. The department does not require a separate application form. Please review the department admission requirements and application process.

All transcripts will need to be reviewed before transfer credits are accepted. Students seeking the MS degree must complete a minimum of 16 (of 30 total) credits from UW–Madison.

The statement of purpose is your opportunity to tell us why you want to pursue the MSL program. In no more than two pages, elaborate on your academic interests and the ways in which this program contributes to your career goals. You can discuss how your previous academic and/or work experiences make you a good candidate for the MSL program. Most importantly, share with us your passion for sports leadership and write about how you will contribute to the program with your strengths and interests. In summary, communicate your professional and academic goals, your motivations for applying to the MSL program, and what experiences you bring that will contribute to the MSL community of leaders.

The Graduate School considers full-time enrollment to be 8-12 graduate-level credits (300 and above; no audits or pass/fail) during the fall and spring semesters and 4-8 graduate credits during the eight-week summer session.

Because not everyone’s schedule is the same, we do not have a set visitation day, however, we welcome prospective students to come to campus when their schedules allow. Please contact Graduate Program Manager Shari Smith if you are interested in scheduling a visit.

Please contact the Program Director, Sara Jimenez Soffa or call 608-263-4769 for an advising appointment and options for meeting with faculty and touring the campus. If you wish to arrange your own tour, contact Campus and Visitor Relations.

Yes. Online information sessions are typically scheduled for late October and early November. The information sessions are conducted by current ELPA students. The dates and times of the sessions will appear on the ELPA website once established.

Yes. We offer in-person and zoom sessions through Badger Inquiry on Sports (BIoS). Visit the official website for a schedule of events. In addition, we draw much of our course content from the Sport and the Growing Good podcast.

International Master’s applicants are not funded by the Department and must adhere to the Graduate School requirements for international student funding. The university’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is mandatory for international students and their dependents living in the U.S. Please note that students with FI Visas are not eligible for this program.

Yes. Contact Dr. Sara Jimenez Soffa for more information on fee waivers.

Students in the Sports Leadership MS program are advised by Dr. Sara Jimenez Soffa.

The MS degree program must be completed within five (5) years from the date of admission to the program. Failure to complete the program in 5 years will result in the student being declared “inactive.” Students declared “inactive” will be ineligible to complete their degree until a new graduate program has been approved by the department and any new or different program requirements then in effect have been met. Students declared “inactive” for three (3) years may be dropped from the MS program. Students who have been dropped must seek readmission to a specific degree program in the department and meet all existing admission and program requirements.

Yes. Well in advance of the semester you intend to enroll in class, a new application to the Graduate School and an application fee will be required.