frequently asked questions
We encourage students to network within the sports industry setting, which will in turn provide them with significant sports related experience as well as an opportunity to receive financial compensation. (Networks include: The University of Alabama Athletics Department, The Colonnade Group, Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, Bruno Event Team, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sport Commission, and many more) You can find additional information regarding financial assistance at https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/#item-4.
Prospective students must first comply with all University of Alabama Graduate School requirements. They must submit a graduate application form, application fee, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all institutions attended (2), and official test scores if they do not meet the minimum GPA requirements of a 3.0 overall or a 3.0 over their last 60 hours. From there, prospective students must then comply with all Sport Hospitality requirements. This includes a resume/vita, the letters of recommendation that were sent to The University of Alabama’s Graduate School, and documentation of relevant professional experience in the sport industry. Once the required items have been submitted, students will then undergo and interview with the selection committee. You can find additional information regarding the application process at https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/apply-now/.
The Graduate School makes admission decisions based on a composite of qualitative and quantitative information that include, but are not limited to, the following: the applicant’s statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, the academic standing of the student in program(s) in which the applicant has studied, relevant professional activities and achievements, admissions test scores, previous grades, and the recommendation of the faculty in the area to which the applicant is seeking admission. Students are admitted under two circumstances: Regular Admission, where the applicant meets both of the GPA and Exam Score requirements. Conditional Admission, where the applicant meets either the GPA requirement or the Exam Score requirement. More information can be found at http://graduate.ua.edu/catalog/14300.html.
The keys to success in the sport industry are quality fellowship opportunities, advanced level knowledge, the ability to connect theory to practice, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The Sport Hospitality program will provide students with the necessary tools and networks to succeed in years after graduation, but students must apply their knowledge and skills in order to obtain his or her desired job.
Faculty members from the College of Human Environmental Sciences (CHES) have developed a 30 hours graduate level emphasis in Sport Hospitality (Sport, Hospitality, and Entertainment Operations) at The University of Alabama. The program can be completed in a minimum of three semesters (one calendar year).
Yes. We currently have multiple students with full time jobs while completing their masters in Sport Hospitality. However, the course load will be reduced for full time employees, which will lengthen their program completion.
Students are required to present documentation of his or her professional experience within the sports industry. Students are also required to present documentation of his or her acceptance into The University of Alabama graduate school. There are no academic course prerequisites required by the Sport Hospitality program to apply.
While there are no required undergraduate degrees to complete the Sport Hospitality area of study, we have seen that students show success in sports industry job placement with undergraduate degrees in the following: Marketing, Management, Public Relations, Communications, Finance, Accounting, Business, Exercise Science, Hospitality Management and Nutrition. Some experience in communication and/or business is highly suggested to complete the program.
There are a limited number of students accepted into this graduate program and not every student who meets the standards will be admitted. We have a tight knit program where students will receive sufficient attention from all professors and adjunct faculty.
Students have the ability to start the program either the Summer/Fall semester, or during the Spring semester.
Our graduate program focuses on preparing students for employment and careers in the sport, hospitality and entertainment operation setting. In order to do that, students are given opportunities to attend distinguished lectures held by professionals in the sport industry. Students are also given the opportunity to join our Sport Hospitality Society where they will plan, organize, and implement various activities, including fundraising, that will lead to the advancement of its members. Membership benefits include invitation to socials, career planning sessions, and educational outings. Students will also have multiple networking opportunities through our Alumni chapter, who many hold high ranking jobs within the sports industry.