This marks a significant leap from third place in 2024 for the Dual Degree program, reaffirming Ohio’s legacy of excellence. SportBusiness recently added the online category, and OMSA is honored to debut at the top of the list.
“Congratulations, Bobcats! I’m grateful for the MSA and OMSA students, alumni, Ohio University, and all the Bobcats family for their contributions to the history and current status of our programs,” said Dr. Lamar Reams, Chair of the Department of Sports Administration. “We look forward to continuing to improve how we educate and prepare students, and partner with our phenomenal alumni base and the sports industry.”
The SportsBusiness rankings are based on two surveys — one completed by course leaders and another by alumni who graduated three years prior to publication (Class of 2022). Each program receives a score out of 100, based on a weighted average of both surveys.
- Overall Score (MBA/MSA): 88.88/100
- Alumni Network Score: 100/100 (highest among top five programs)
- Extracurricular Initiatives: 99.20/100
- OMSA Overall Score: 84.10/100
- Full marks in Employment and Peer Review categories
“Being named the No. 1 Sports Administration postgraduate program by the 2025 SportsBusiness Course Rankings is a testament to the dedication of our students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners,” said Gary Bernstein, Director of the Master of Sports Administration program. “The Dual Degree MBA/MSA program at Ohio University continues to set the standard for excellence in sport business education, and we are proud to lead the way in preparing the next generation of leaders.”
This academic year marks the 60th anniversary of Ohio’s MSA program — a legacy built on rigorous coursework, a world-class alumni network, and a commitment to innovation. The program’s recent momentum is credited to new leadership, including Dr. Reams, Gary Bernstein, and Dell Robinson, Director of the Center for Sports Administration.
“As the OMSA Program celebrates 15 years of online graduate education in the Department of Sports Administration, I’m proud that our program has been ranked No. 1 by SportsBusiness,” said Kelley Walton, Director of the OMSA program. “This achievement reflects a powerful combination of factors — our commitment to delivering a high-quality sport business education, immersive residency and experience opportunities, an engaged alumni network, and a community of exceptional students.”
“I’m beyond excited to be a part of this moment,” said Dell Robinson. “We carry on the traditions of our faculty, administrators, and students who are responsible for this ranking, letting our light shine for the world to see. Happy to have the No. 1 ranking back here with the Ohio family through our dual degree and OMSA programs.”
As Ohio University celebrates these milestones, it remains focused on shaping the future of sport business leadership — one student, one partnership, and one innovation at a time.
Call to Action
