Academics

Overview of the program

A 30-hour interdisciplinary academic course curriculum is used to prepare our students for success in a wide variety of sport, hospitality and entertainment careers. The University of Alabama Sport Hospitality area of study has met the rigorous curriculum standards for Master’s level curricula set forth by the Sport Hospitality Program Review Council (SHPRC). Additionally, the program is endorsed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM).

The program includes:

A design to educate students with theoretical knowledge of the sport industry while giving them opportunities to apply that theoretical knowledge in a real world setting.

A chance to meet and interact with high-level sport industry professionals surrounding the program not only on faculty but also on our Leadership Council and through our Distinguished Lecture Series each semester.

• Curriculum
• Advising
• Capstone Project
• Professional Experiences​​

Admissions

Admission into the College of Human Environmental Science (CHES) Sport Hospitality area of study is a competitive two-fold process. Each applicant must meet the requirements of The University of Alabama (UA) Graduate School AND the Sport Hospitality area of study criteria in order to be admitted into the program. Because of the limited number of places in the program, not every student whose credentials meet the stated qualitative standards will be enrolled. To assist in facilitating a quality learning experience, enrollment in this graduate program is limited. You can begin the application process and see the checklist of UA Graduate School document and fee requirements online at www.graduate.ua.edu. When submitting the Graduate School application, choose General Human Environmental Science as the course of study. In addition, applicants must enter “Sport Hospitality” in the field labeled “Specialty” on the online application form.

CHES Sport Hospitality Program Criteria:

• Compliance with required UA graduate school admission procedures (standardized test score required for candidates with a GPA lower than 3.0/4.0)

         IN ADDITION to The University of Alabama Graduate School requirements, candidates are required to send the following items directly to the Sport Hospitality program director, Dr. Ken Wright:

• Resume/Vita
• Three Letters of Recommendation (at least one required from the following: academic professor, sport industry professional, etc.)
• Documentation of relevant professional experience in the sport industry, detailing where you worked, including supervisor contact information, time commitment, and responsibilities.

• Interview with Selection Committee​

For Example:  Worked with the event management staff at The University of Alabama Athletic Department. My direct supervisor was (name) and they can be reached at (phone number or email).  My professional activities included (state specific duties, responsibilities, and number of hours acquired). 

Deadlines for application:

* Summer: April 1

​* Fall Semester: July 15

* Spring Semester: November 1

All application materials listed on the UA Graduate School website and program specific materials listed above MUST be turned in to The Graduate School and to the Sport Hospitality area of study Director at the addresses listed below.

Dr. Ken Wright, CHES Sport Hospitality, 463 Russell Hall, Box 870311, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0311 (kwright@ches.ua.edu)

The University of Alabama – Graduate School, Box 870118, Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0118 (205-348-5921); office; 205-348-0400 fax; E-mail: usgradapply@aalan.ua.edu

NOTE: Due to the high volume of applicants, the limited number of accepted students, and the highly competitive process, students waiting until the deadline to apply may find that there are no places left in the program for the semester desired.