Master's Degree for Sports: Is it Worth It?

The Work in Sports Podcast - Insider Advice for Sports Careers

Breaking into the sports industry is difficult. There is a supply and demand issue of several candidates competing for a few positions. One of the traditional ways to stand out in any job market has been obtaining a college degree, but is that enough? Jack from Ann Arbor, Michigan, asks the WorkInSports Podcast:

"Hi Brian, I'm in my sophomore year of college, and I like to think and plan ahead. Many of my friends are talking about getting their Master's after they finish undergrad. As someone who wants to work in sports, should I plan to get my Master's? Thank you – I love your show, and your producer Kevin is awesome."

Here are some current trends regarding Master's degrees:

• Since COVID: Master's program enrollment increased 3.6% in Fall 2020 and 4.4% in Spring 2021.
• The number of Master's degrees awarded increased 143% from 1991 to 2019.

Here are raw numbers on how this trend has paid off:

• The 13% of people over 25 with a Master's improved their employability by under 3%.
• The average salary for graduates with a Master's increased from $64,000 to $76,000.
• The average debt of students with a master's increased by 57% ($66,000).

Catch the full episode as VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discusses where it makes the most sense to get a master's in sport management (or another advanced degree) in the sports industry and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast where you listen.