Unique online program is designed to prepare sports professionals for leadership and ethical challenges in today’s sports industry.
In the multi-billion dollar industry of sports business, professionals are called upon to deal with issues and challenges beyond traditional marketing and sales management. In response to the need for managers with more diverse skills, Duquesne University is launching an innovative Master of Science in Sports Leadership degree, preparing sports professionals to deal with contemporary industry issues including workplace diversity, negotiation, conflict resolution, leadership and law. The goal of the program is to create confident, well-rounded sports industry leaders who consider decisions from an ethical approach.
“There are a lot of programs that can teach students the nuts and bolts of sports business and sports marketing,” said Mark Hart, director of business for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “It’s unique that Duquesne is incorporating the aspect of leadership into its curriculum. It serves students well to learn to operate and negotiate from a position of ethical strength.”
Duquesne is the first university to offer a program addressing the ethical and leadership issues facing sports professionals today. The degree is offered entirely online, allowing busy sports professionals an opportunity to enhance their credentials while continuing their work in the fast-paced world of sports business.
“Duquesne’s online sports leadership program is a tremendous way for the busy professional to take their career to the next level with one of the top sports leadership programs in the country,” said Len Komoroski, president of Cavaliers Operating Company, LLC which includes the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“High-level sports managers and players alike have expressed a need for this kind of training,” said Dr. John Lanasa, director of the program and chairman of the sports marketing department. “We feel the emphasis on leadership will better position people for success in an extremely competitive and demanding industry. We’re delighted to have Steve Greenberg, former vice president of marketing and ballpark development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as our associate program director.”
The new degree, which will begin in September, is a collaborative effort between the John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business and the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement. For more information or to enroll in the program, visit www.leadership.duq.edu/mssl.
