2024 SportsBusiness Rankings

The University of San Francisco's Master of Science in Sport Management program has solidified its reputation as the top sport management program on the West Coast, according to the 2024 postgraduate rankings by SportBusiness. The program is ranked in the top 10 nationally and 12th globally.

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Excellent Employment Outcomes

The program’s excellence is reflected in employment outcomes: 95% of graduates secure jobs within 12 months of graduation, one of the highest placement rates in the rankings. Graduates also earn an average starting salary of $90,000, placing USF’s program 11th globally in postgraduate earnings.

Alumni Mentorship Program

USF’s Sport Management alumni network is a major strength of the program. Each year, more than 120 students and alumni participate in the Alumni Mentorship Program, which fosters meaningful professional connections. The program's growing Sport Management Alumni Advisory Board, now comprising 23 members, recently launched new initiatives, including the first Alumni of the Year Award in 2024.

This year’s rankings reaffirm that the USF Sport Management Master’s Program is among the best in the world. Our alumni network offers students access to sports professionals across the globe, further setting USF apart from other programs.”

Professor Nola Agha

In Person Classes, Guest Speakers and Immersive Class Trips

The rankings also highlighted the quality of the faculty and curriculum, two areas where alumni gave the program top marks. Unlike many other programs that incorporate online learning, USF’s core courses are delivered entirely in person. This format ensures students build meaningful relationships with guest speakers from the industry and engage with Bay Area and Southern California sports organizations through site visits and immersive class trips.

"The support and guidance in becoming a professional in the industry, along with gaining hands- on experience, is unbeatable,” said Jazmin Duran ‘25. “Through jobs and internships with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Angels, I’ve been able to apply my knowledge from the courses I’ve taken. No matter what challenge I am tasked with, I am well-prepared and confident as a result of the amazing professors, mentors, and coursework of the USF Sport Management program.”

To further accommodate student needs, the program offers flexible pathways for completion, allowing students to graduate in as few as 18 months or follow the traditional 23-month timeline.

USF’s California Advantage

USF’s California Advantage remains a core foundation of the program’s success. “With San Francisco and Southern California campuses, the Master of Science in Sport Management program provides access to California’s expansive sports market, stretching from San Diego to Sacramento,” said Dr. Brent von Forstmeyer, Director of Administration. “As major global events—including the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl LX, FIFA World Cup 2026, and the LA 2028 Olympics—converge on California, USF’s strategic location will offer students unmatched, hands-on learning experiences. Our California Advantage, active alumni network, and faculty establish USF as a leader in preparing the next generation of sports management professionals."