Admission & Application Information - MSBM & MBA

For more detailed information, see the College of Graduate Studies page.

The MSBM Program is fulltime and consists of a cohort group of approximately 25 students who complete the program in five consecutive semesters. Courses will start at 7:30 AM and end at 10:30 AM, Monday through Friday. This program DOES NOT offer evening or online courses.

There is a 5 credit hour internship which will be in the last semester of the program. Students must complete 42 hours of community service per semester with the exception of the internship semester. Assistance in obtaining internships and community service will be provided by the program. Students are also expected to attend conferences, events and organize events while in the program.

Students in the Sport Business Management Program have the opportunity to apply to the MBA program and, if accepted, also receive an MBA. If accepted, they will earn this second degree upon successful completion of two additional graduate courses (6 credit hours). MSBM students who are interested in applying to this special MBA will be able to do so before the end of the first semester.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, admission will only be granted in the fall for this specialized program.

Deadlines (Apply Online)

  • Domestic Applicants
    • Fall Priority - January 15
    • Fall - February 1
  • International Applicants
    • Fall Priority - January 15
    • Fall - January 15
  • International Transfer Applicants
    • Fall Priority - January 15
    • Fall - February 1

If you have an undergraduate degree or a minor in business, you probably have the foundation core which you will need before enrolling in the program. It is your responsibility to follow up with the DeVos Program Coordinator to determine if your undergraduate classes will transfer.

Business Foundation Core Courses

  • ACG 6065 Accounting Foundations (3 credit hours)
  • ECO 6418 Economic Concepts with Math Applications (3 credit hours)
  • ECO 6405 Business Statistical Concepts and Methods (3 credit hours)
  • FIN 6404 Foundations of Finance (3 credit hours)

The average GPA for the classes of 2009 and 2010 was 3.5 while the average GMAT score was 543. We admit students based on their total package of academic success, professional and community service experience, commitment to teamwork, and other factors that show the admissions committee if the applicant is a good fit for the DeVos program.

The requirements for admission to the program are:

  1. GPA: 3.0
  2. Three letters of recommendation from both your academic and professional experience, signed, sealed and on letterhead
  3. Official Transcript of your undergraduate degree from an accredited university, signed and sealed
  4. A current resume
  5. Some professional experience preferred.
  6. Essay for Sport Business Management Program. In the essay, you are required to cover the following:
    1. Why are you applying for the DeVos Program? Have you applied to other sport business management programs?
    2. What is there about your work experiences and academic preparation that makes you confident that you will succeed in the world of sports business?
    3. Identify, based of what you have read or observed, one or two of the most critical challenges facing sport business leaders in this decade.
    4. Describe one or two life experiences – related to social issues, diversity, ethics, etc. – that influence your expectations about the DeVos Program.
    5. Explain the impact that community service activities have made on you and others.
    6. What are your five- and ten-year career objectives and how will this assist you in obtaining your objectives?
  7. All finalists will be required to have an in-person interview.
  8. GMAT of 540