Academic Programs
The USM’s nationally recognized College of Business and Economic Development (CBED) offers academic degree and certificate programs in sports security management.
Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management
This 12-hour graduate certificate program is designed to provide the necessary management and operational capabilities needed to meet the safety and security challenges in a sport environment. This certificate program is ideal for anyone who needs to acquire skills quickly to launch a career in sport security. Additionally, this certificate program can be included in the Master’s in Sport Management program (MSSM), Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program, or other graduate programs.
Campus: Hattiesburg, Online 100%
Required Courses (9 Hours):
SM 620 Sport Security Management (3 hours) – This course will address the nature and scope of sport and special event safety and security, including homeland security operations, potential threats, risk management, protective measures, security planning options, and staff training and exercises.
SM 626 Threat and Risk Assessment of Sport Venues (3 hours) – This course provides an overview of all-hazard threats, risk assessments methodologies, and risk management planning options. Students will learn to identify threats and vulnerabilities, analyze and mitigate risk, and harden venues through countermeasure proposals.
SM 628 Sport Event Emergency Response Planning (3 hours) – This course provides an overview of emergency management principles for sports and special events, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Students will learn the importance of multiagency collaboration, business continuity, and crisis communications.
Elective Course (3 hours):
Sport Management elective course approved by advisor.
Requirements
Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree and meet the minimum requirement of a 2.75 GPA to enroll in the program as a non-degree seeking student. If students choose to pursue the Master’s degree in Sport Management (MSSM) or Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), they must follow current admission standards from the Graduate School and the specific graduate program.
Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) with Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management
The Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the sport business industry. The program aims to enhance critical thinking, deepen industry-specific knowledge, and broaden expertise in sport business. Through a blend of core courses, electives, and practical learning experiences, students develop strong management skills and a well-rounded understanding of the sport industry.
This master’s degree program is available fully online, on the Hattiesburg campus, or a combination of online and face-to-face courses.
Campus: Hattiesburg, Online 100%
Overview: The MSSM incudes a 30-hour program and the Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management can be added into the master’s degree. Note that both the master’s program and the certificate both require separate admission and graduation application requirements.
Apply NowMaster of Business Administration (MBA) with Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management
The College of Business and Economic Development offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
The goal of the Master of Business Administration is to prepare students for management roles in organizations. The purpose of the program is to prepare the graduate with decision-making knowledge, abilities, and tools across the functional areas of business operations in a global economy.
Campus: Hattiesburg, Online 100%
Overview: The MBA includes a 30-hour program and the Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management can be added to the master’s degree. Note that both the master’s program and the certificate both require separate admission and graduation application requirements.
Apply NowMaster of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) dual program with Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management
See above information regarding the MSSM and the MBA. The dual program and the Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management can all be combined for a total of 45 total hours. Note that all programs and certificates require separate admission and graduation application requirements.
Campus: Hattiesburg, Online 100%