Aspiring sport industry experts can sharpen their research skills and tackle industry issues through Brock University's new Master of Arts in Sport Management.
Building on a previous Master of Arts in Applied Health Sciences specialization, the new standalone program is tailored specifically for Sport Management students.
"This is a program designed for Sport Management students, with sport management research and theory at the forefront," says Shannon Kerwin, Graduate Program Director and Professor in the Department of Sport Management. "That's the biggest shift. It's built for our students and the realities of the sport industry."
The two-year, thesis-based program begins with foundational coursework in the first year, transitioning students from the undergraduate studies to graduate-level research methods and theory. In the second year of the program, students complete an independent thesis under the supervision of a faculty member and their thesis committee.
"Students become experts in an area that matters to the sport industry. This expertise helps them stand out in a competitive field," Kerwin says.
The research skills developed help to prepare students for doctoral studies.
Brock's Sport Management faculty conduct research in areas such as human resource management, policy and governance, marketing, equity and inclusion, and finance. This breadth enables students to pursue thesis topics that match their interests and industry needs.
"We have faculty who can support innovative and transformative research across almost every area of sport management," Kerwin says.
While graduates of the previous specialization have launched successful careers in event management, analytics, program evaluation, government policy and venue co-ordination, Kerwin says that a key motivation for creating a standalone degree was to provide clarity for students and employers.
"Now our students graduate with a Master of Arts in Sport Management. It doesn't need explanation on a résumé," she says.
Fall 2026 admission timelines and requirements can be found on the Brock website. Additional program details and faculty research interests are available on the Department of Sport Management website.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential thesis supervisors before applying, though a specific research topic is not required.
"What we're really looking for is curiosity, creativity and a passion for answering the research problems facing the sport industry," Kerwin says.
