The MASMA program at SNU is designed for students who want to make an impact in the world of sports, whether through professional teams, collegiate athletics, or sports-related organizations. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring that students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Program Director Dr. Sylvia Goodman explains, “The purpose of the trip is to get our students connected with executives in the Sports Industry. We meet with Vice Presidents, Directors, and Athletic Directors in Professional Sports and Division I athletics.” These professional connections are more than just networking opportunities—they are chances to hear from experts in the field and learn firsthand what it takes to succeed in such a competitive environment.
SNU’s approach is rooted in providing a close-knit educational experience. With small cohort sizes, students get personalized attention from faculty and staff, ensuring that each student’s needs are met and their goals are supported. The MASMA program offers a thorough exploration of the sports management field, covering essential topics such as marketing, finance, leadership, and ethics in sports. Through case studies, internships, and hands-on learning, students develop the skills needed to thrive in diverse roles within the industry.
A hallmark of the MASMA program is the Professional Connections trip, which has been an integral part of the curriculum for several years. These trips are designed to immerse students in the professional side of the sports industry, providing them with opportunities to meet industry leaders, tour major facilities, and learn about the inner workings of successful organizations.
"The value of traveling to meet professionals from all over the country can never be overstated,” explains Dr. Goodman. “The connections with executives and leaders have enriched what we do in the classroom as some executives have since participated through Zoom in our classes."
The trips occur bi-annually, with each trip taking students to two major league cities. Over the years, the destinations have varied, but the common thread has always been the chance to connect with high-level executives and gain a deep understanding of the business side of sports.
The first Professional Connections trip took students to Toronto and Detroit, where they had the chance to meet with professionals in the world of professional sports teams, sports marketing agencies, and athletic organizations. The second trip, which visited Portland and Seattle, allowed students to gain insights into the operations of major sports organizations and meet with key figures in both professional and collegiate athletics.
The third trip, which was a highlight for many, included visits to Chicago and Milwaukee but also added an unforgettable experience—a trip to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. This iconic baseball field, famous for its appearance in the 1989 film Field of Dreams, added a personal touch to the trip, reinforcing the program’s focus on the diverse aspects of the sports world.
This year’s trip took students to two of the most renowned sports cities in the United States: Boston and New York. In these cities, students had the opportunity to meet with executives from area professional sports teams(Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, New York Yankees, and New York Liberty), athletic directors from Division I schools, and a range of industry professionals who offered valuable insights into the operations of major sports franchises.
Throughout the trips, students engage in face-to-face meetings with executives and thought leaders. These professionals share their personal career journeys, offer advice, and discuss current trends and challenges within the industry. This exposure to high-level industry figures provides MASMA students with a competitive edge, as they can directly learn from some of the most influential individuals in sports.
With the most recent Connections Trip in the summer of 2024, 2025 will be an off year. Dr. Goodman and her team are already working to plan what people and places MASMA students will connect with in the summer of 2026, but they have no specific plans at this time.
For many students, the connections made during these trips are among the most valuable aspects of the MASMA program. Talynn Portillo, a graduate of the MASMA program who attended the third Connections trip, shares her experience: “Dr. Goodman, her staff, and the university have built an incredible program that feels personal with small cohort sizes and expands on every category of the sports industry.” For Portillo, the trip was an opportunity to expand her professional network and better understand the career possibilities in sport management.
Students often find that the Professional Connections trip leads to internships, mentorship opportunities, and even full-time job offers. By connecting directly with industry leaders, students can gain insider knowledge of what it takes to succeed in sports management, opening doors that might not have been accessible through traditional job search methods. The trip is not just about sightseeing; it’s about making meaningful connections that can have lasting impacts on students' careers.
In addition to the networking opportunities, the trip also provides students with a wealth of knowledge about the day-to-day operations of sports organizations. From learning about the financial strategies of major teams to understanding the challenges faced by athletic directors at top universities, students gain a comprehensive view of the complexities of the industry.
In cities like Boston and New York, students learn about the marketing strategies used by major sports teams, the ways in which athletic departments manage budgets, and how large organizations navigate the ever-changing landscape of sports media and fan engagement. These experiences help students build a well-rounded skill set that they can apply to their careers in sports management.
The MASMA program at Southern Nazarene University is designed to offer both academic rigor and practical experience. With its small cohort sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and the opportunity to engage with top professionals in the industry, students are prepared to enter the sport management field with confidence. The Professional Connections trip adds a unique, hands-on element to the program, giving students direct access to the people and organizations shaping the future of the industry.
Whether you aspire to work with professional teams, NCAA Division I schools, or sports agencies, the MASMA program provides a solid foundation for a successful career in sports management. The combination of in-depth academic coursework and real-world industry exposure ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving field.
Southern Nazarene University’s commitment to fostering professional relationships, providing personalized learning experiences, and offering opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders makes the MASMA program a standout choice for anyone looking to build a career in sports.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your sports management career, consider joining the MASMA program at SNU and experiencing the value of a degree that’s designed to help you succeed in the world of sports.