Sport and Fitness Management (Master of Applied Science, M.A.S.)

This is a draft edition of the 2025-2026 catalog. Information contained within is subject to change.

Dr. Justin Kraft, Program Director
jkraft@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4493
missouriwestern.edu/hses/mas-sport-fitness-management

The Sport and Fitness Management graduate program is a comprehensive Masters of Applied Science degree that prepares students for the careers that lead to managerial and administrative positions in sport and fitness management. We provide applied learning experiences, inspire/develop critical thinking, and educate students about leadership, management, and ethical decision making within the Sport and Fitness Industry. Graduates of the MAS Sport and Fitness Management program are well prepared for leadership positions and careers in facility and event management, college athletics, professional sports organizations, non-profit agencies, public/private/corporate fitness facilities, and community based/amateur athletic programs.

Admission Requirements

  • Submission of application for admission to the MWSU Graduate School.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in Sport Management, Recreation Management, Health/Exercise Science, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
  • Submission of a professional resume.
  • Applications are reviewed and approved by the MAS Sport & Fitness Management Graduate Admission Committee.

Students who are accepted to this degree program will have no more than 6 years from admission or subsequent declaration to meet the requirements listed below. If certification, accreditation or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during this time, the new requirements take precedence.

Professional Core
MGT 603Organizational Theory3
or MGT 604 Organizational Behavior Management
MKT 605Strategic Marketing3
or MKT 633 Applied Strategic Marketing
Professional Skills - Select two courses from the following (6 credits)6
Foundations of Finance and Accounting
Organizational Communication
Social Media Branding
Research Development and Literature Analysis
Proposal and Grant Writing
Writing for Management and Supervision
Contemporary Issues in Management
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Supply Chain and Customer Relationship Management
Concentration Requirements
SFM 523Program and Event Planning in Sport and Fitness Management3
SFM 525Legal Aspects in Sport and Fitness Management3
SFM 542Facilities and Design Management3
SFM 610Leadership Effectiveness in Sport and Fitness Management3
SFM 674Psychology of Performance and Motivation in Sport and Fitness Management3
SFM 630Capstone Internship in Sport and Fitness Management3-6
or SFM 655 Thesis
Total Credit Hours30-33

Program Graduation Requirement

  1. Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.

University Graduation Requirements

  1. Satisfactorily complete all required coursework in the program;
  2. Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours;
  3. Satisfactorily complete the required capstone experience.