Business of Sports Certificate
Get to Know the LMU Business of Sports Certificate
The Business of Sports Certificate at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, prepares students to enter and advance in the fast-paced world of sports management. Designed for career-changers, working professionals, and athletes, this graduate-level sports management certificate delivers market-relevant skills in sports marketing, sales and partnerships, data analytics, and sports law. Through applied coursework, real-world case studies, and connections to Southern California’s premier sports and entertainment industry, students gain the knowledge, experience, and professional credibility needed to advance in today’s competitive sports business landscape.
Business of Sports Certificate Quick Facts
- Units: 9
- Time to Completion: 1–3 semesters
- Modality: On-campus
- Class Times: Weekdays and Weeknights
Pathway to a Master's Degree
Students who complete three Business of Sports courses with a grade of B or higher will earn a graduate certificate. Certificate coursework is fully stackable and may be applied toward the MBA Program or Master in Entertainment Leadership and Management for students who choose to continue their graduate studies.
Business of Sports Certificate Curriculum
Students must complete three of the below courses with a grade of B or higher to be awarded the Business of Sports Certificate.
-
This course equips students with the skills to negotiate, sell, and manage revenue-generating sports partnerships by applying data-driven insights, AI-enabled strategies, and real-world case studies across sponsorships, media rights, and NIL opportunities.
-
This course teaches students how to collect, analyze, and apply sports data to drive informed decision-making across player performance, fan engagement, marketing, and operations through hands-on projects and real-world case studies.
-
This course explores the unique dynamics of sports marketing at the business, league, and team levels, applying core marketing concepts such as strategic planning, segmentation, and integrated marketing communications to the global sports industry.
-
This course provides a practical introduction to the legal frameworks governing sports as both a business and social institution, examining how laws and regulations shape the sports industry.
-
This course introduces the fundamental language and quantitative tools of business, including accounting principles, financial statements, and time-value-of-money concepts used to support sound financial decision-making.
Business of Sports Certificate Admission Information
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a foreign institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are received; there is no need to wait until a deadline to submit your application. Applicants should expect to receive an admission decision within one month of submitting a complete application.
Fall (August) 2026
Priority Deadline: June 30, 2026
Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline, subject to space availability.
Spring (January) 2027
Priority Deadline: November 30, 2026
Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline, subject to space availability.
Business of Sports Certificate Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Application: Resume, personal statement, and $50 fee
- College/university transcripts
International applicants have additional admission requirements.
LMU does not issue student (F-1) visas for the Business of Sports Certificate.
Connect With Us
Tuition and Fees
Our Business of Sports Certificate offers exceptional value without compromising quality. We understand the importance of affordability in pursuing higher education, which is why we strive to provide a competitive tuition structure. Students benefit from a robust curriculum and valuable networking opportunities, ensuring a worthwhile investment in their future.
LMU x Los Angeles Rams
Loyola Marymount University is the exclusive higher education partner of the Los Angeles Rams — a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a professional sports franchise and a university.
Through Rams-affiliated programming, LMU students engage directly with industry leaders through in-class guest speakers, career panels, internships, mentorships, and immersive learning opportunities. This partnership spans all seven of LMU’s schools and colleges and has engaged more than 1,300 students since 2023, enriching academic and professional experiences across disciplines.
For students pursuing careers in sports business, marketing, analytics, partnerships, and leadership, this relationship offers meaningful exposure to how elite sports organizations operate at the highest level.