McCormack Graduate Program Named #1 in the World for Third Consecutive Year

The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management, housed in the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been named the world’s #1 postgraduate sport management program by SportBusiness for the third consecutive year.

With more than 50 years of thought leadership in sport management, the McCormack department—which offers both a two-year MBA/MS in Sport Management dual degree and a one-year MS in Sport Management—retains its #1 overall global ranking from 2023.

“It’s an honor to lead the #1-ranked post-graduate sports management program in the world,” says program director Will Norton. “The McCormack Department’s bright, driven students are supported professionally, financially and academically, with an emphasis on experiential learning and core skills development. Each student is backed by an unrivaled alumni base, high-touch mentorship, and world-class instructors in the Isenberg School of Management. These significant tail winds help them understand their place in the sports industry, and ultimately prepare them for the leadership roles that await on industry’s front lines. There is no better place to invest in yourself and your career in sports management.”

Dr. Nicole Melton is chair of the McCormack Department. “Our third consecutive #1 ranking is a testament to the dedication of our students, alumni, staff and faculty,” she says. “Their passion, hard work, and commitment continue to drive our success and elevate our program to new heights. Their relentless pursuit of excellence sets the foundation for our success. Equally essential is the unwavering support of our dedicated alumni and the exceptional talent of our students. Together, they contribute immeasurably to our continued leadership in the sport industry.”

The SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings report measures master’s-level sport management programs across 28 metrics, examining a range of quantitative and qualitative benchmarks. McCormack scored top marks across metrics such as industry placement, return on investment (ROI), exit salary, industry network, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In addition to global recognition, the surveys ranked McCormack as the top sport management postgraduate program in North America, and as graduates’ top choice. The program also ranked #1 overall in a vote taken by its peer institutions. This “Professor’s Choice” #1 global ranking is one McCormack has consistently received for most of the last decade, illustrating the program’s reputational consistency.

The publication also praised McCormack’s interdepartmental research labs, which study rivalry, diversity, and inclusion in sport. The publication notes that graduate students get opportunities to work with these labs and collaborate with external organizations including the Wasserman agency, Formula One, and Japan’s Pacific League, further helping to advance students’ academic knowledge and professional success.