University of Florida

University of Florida

Sports Management Programs at the University of Florida

The University of Florida appears in our ranking of the 10 Best Online Masters in Parks and Recreation Management.

With a degree in sports management, individuals can find lucrative, exciting careers working behind the scenes in athletics. A sports management degree prepares graduates for careers as agents, coaches, managers, event coordinators, field supervisors and more. The University of Florida offers several degree programs that prepare graduates for these growing industries.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology provides students with an understanding of movement skills, capabilities and methods for improving health. It focuses on quality of life and the many aspects of human movement. Concentrations in Exercise Physiology or Fitness/Wellness are available. The Exercise Physiology concentration focus on the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations that result from physical activity. Students gain an understanding of disease prevention, the need for exercise in rehabilitation from disease or injury as well as the utilization of exercise prescribed for healthy or diseased populations. The Fitness/Wellness concentration emphasizes the short- and long-term effects of exercise on health and disease. Students gain an understanding of strength and conditioning as well as exercise for healthy and diseased populations. There is also instruction in the importance of exercise for the elite athlete.

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management is designed to train professionals in an ever-changing sports industry. As more people become involved in recreational and spectator sports, the need for individuals with a strong background in sport management continues to grow. The program prepares students for management and leadership positions with professional sports teams, intercollegiate and intramural athletics as well as recreation programs. Students are able to apply business management concepts to the major issues currently facing sport managers as well as to develop, manage and lead initiatives in athletic administrations.

Master of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology provides students an understanding of athletic injury prevention, biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport and exercise physiology and more. The degree focuses on research using projects in the Center for Exercise Science. Students can choose a thesis option with concentrations in Exercise Physiology or Biobehavioral Science. They may also choose a non-thesis option in Human Performance.

Master of Science in Sport Management

The Master of Science in Sport Management reflects the latest advances in the field of sport, providing students with a theoretical and practical approach to skills and knowledge critical to success in the sporting industry. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis option. They gain an understanding of the advanced concepts of planning, organizing, leading and evaluating organizational goals in sporting organizations as well as financial strategies and budget evaluations relevant to sports. Sources of revenue and expenses are also explained. Students also gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of sport management at an advanced level.

Ph.D. in Human Performance

The Ph.D. in Human Performance is aligned with the mission of the University of Florida to provide single college-wide Ph.D. programs. Students can choose from four concentrations which include Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Health Education & Behavior, Sport Management and Recreation, Parks and Tourism. The Applied Physiology and Kinesiology concentration allows students to study the immediate and lasting effects of exercise along with its use to prevent disease and improve rehabilitation results. The Health Education & Behavior concentration focuses on health promotion strategies aimed at modifying behaviors to improve health. The Sport Management concentration studies the impact of professional and amateur sports in society while the Recreation, Parks and Tourism concentration studies the impact of recreation, parks, and tourism on the social, economic, and environmental resources in society.

About the University of Florida

The Gainesville Academy opened in 1858, created by James Henry Roper, an educator from North Carolina, even though the Florida Territorial Legislature began planning for an institute of higher learning as early as 1823. The legislature established the West Florida Seminary and the East Florida Seminary in 1851. During the Civil War, the East Florida Seminary was forced to close. Roper offered the Gainesville Academy to the state in 1866 with the stipulation that it relocate the East Florida Seminary to the campus.

The West Florida Seminary merged with the Tallahassee College of Medicine and Surgery in 1883. The school was renamed Florida University. This school unofficially became the University of Florida, but since the name was never formally adopted, the title was given to the Florida Agriculture School in 1903.

In 1905, the University of Florida at Lake City, East Florida Seminary, St. Petersburg Normal and Industrial School along with the South Florida Military College merged to form the University of Florida, creating the University of Florida System.

Today, the University of Florida is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

University of Florida Accreditation Details

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation indicates that the school has the resources to meet its stated goals and objectives. It also qualifies students to apply for and receive federal financial aid. Programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:

  • ABET
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • American Bar Association
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Dental Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Society of Landscape Architects
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education
  • National Association of Schools of Arts and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Dance
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • National Recreation and Park Association
  • Planning Accreditation Board
  • Society of American Foresters

University of Florida Application Requirements

Applicants who wish to attend undergraduate programs must submit official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation must also submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Applicants to graduate programs must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as a statement of purpose, current resume, and letters of recommendation.

The University of Florida Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition for undergraduate students is $6,390 per year. Graduate tuition is $12,740 per year. Financial aid is available and all students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of income. There is assistance that is merit-based rather than need-based. The FAFSA must be renewed annually.

Undergraduate students may be offered grants, scholarships or loans. Those who attend on campus may also be offered work-study programs. Graduate students are normally offered loans although they may seek grants and scholarships as well. Those attending on campus may be offered fellowships or assistantships.

For more than 100 years, the University of Florida has been offering outstanding education designed to provide students with the knowledge they need to gain leadership roles in their field of study.

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