Indiana University Indianapolis is launching an interdisciplinary accelerated degree program that will offer students an “opportunity to gain expertise in both sport management and foundational legal principles.”
The program — which combines a Bachelor of Science in tourism, event and sport management, with a major in sport management, from the School of Health & Human Sciences and a Master of Jurisprudence from the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law — will “prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic and highly regulated sports industry.” The curriculum will integrate sport marketing, event production and venue operations with legal coursework in areas such as legal process, sports law and regulatory compliance.
The school claims the 138-credit hour program is the first of its kind in Indiana.
“Indianapolis is a living classroom for sport,” said Rafael Bahamonde, founding dean of the IU School of Health & Human Sciences. “Our tourism, event and sport management students already learn in venues where some of the world’s most famous major events are planned and executed. Pairing that experience with legal literacy through McKinney’s Master of Jurisprudence gives graduates a real edge, allowing them to run the operation on game day and speak the language of regulation. This program is a real game changer designed to train the workforce for our city’s unique ecosystem.”
In addition to “a robust understanding of both sport management and foundational legal studies, students will gain hands-on experience through the School of Health & Human Sciences’ partnerships with major sports organizations, including the NCAA and Horizon League. This experiential learning provides real-world exposure and networking opportunities, culminating in a senior-year summer internship that aligns with the IU McKinney School of Law externship, making graduates highly versatile in the field.”
“This program reflects Indiana University’s commitment to interdisciplinary education and experiential learning,” IU McKinney Dean Karen Bravo said. “By combining sport management with legal training, we’re equipping students with the tools they need to navigate complex industry challenges and emerge as leaders.”
The school says key advantages of the program are:
Accelerated pathway: Students will complete both degrees in just five years, saving time and tuition.
Experiential learning: Students will benefit from real-world experience through externships with top-tier sports organizations.
Career versatility: Graduates are prepared for roles in sports administration, legal compliance, contract negotiation and more.
Enhanced marketability: Legal knowledge empowers graduates to make informed decisions and communicate effectively with legal counsel.
The school notes that “graduates of the program will be uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand both the business and legal aspects of the sports industry. With a strong foundation in sport management and legal education, they will be equipped to lead in a competitive and evolving marketplace.”
Julie Roe Lach, Horizon League Commissioner and McKinney alum added that “the new accelerated master’s program is both innovative and practical. The world of sports is complex with legal issues intersecting nearly every key facet. From game contracts, to media rights management, to event revenue share, to the impact of the courts and legislature on the regulatory environment, the need to have a foundational understanding of sports law is critical. This program will prepare graduates to reframe the current and future challenges facing sports into opportunities.”
