The Department of Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management has received accreditation by the Commission on Sport Management (COSMA) for two programs: the Bachelor of Science in sport management and the Master of Science in sport and entertainment management. This is the first-time external accreditation for each of these degree programs. Southern Connecticut State University is now one of only 36 universities with sport management programs that hold this accreditation.
COSMA is a specialized accrediting body whose purpose is to promote and recognize excellence in sport management education worldwide in colleges and universities at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels through specialized accreditation. COSMA reviews sport managements programs and evaluates how well the program educates students and prepares them for a career in the sport management industry.
Joe Milone, department chair, said, “Our department is thrilled with the recent COSMA accreditation of our B.S. in sport management and M.S. in sport and entertainment management. From candidacy to self-study to the visitation, this multiple-year process underscores the dedication of all our SMT faculty, program coordinators, advisory board members, our former chair, and, of course, our students.
“As the only COSMA-accredited program in Connecticut and 1 of 36 nationwide, this designation signifies our commitment to our students’ success and aligns with our department’s mission to be student-centered.”
Milone added that the accreditation “allows our high-achieving students to become members of Chi Sigma Mu Honor Society. Students can attend COSMA conferences and academic competitions, apply for scholarships and grants, and receive graduation honor cords signifying their graduation from an accredited program.”
The sport management bachelor’s program, available online or on-ground, prepares students for management and leadership positions with professional sports teams, intercollegiate athletics departments, sport business entities and industries, and community-based sport and youth agencies.
The sport and entertainment management master’s program at Southern prepares graduate students to assume leadership positions in the field of sport management, ranging from recreational to professional organizations, as well as in the expansive field of entertainment management. Southern’s program is one of the few in the U.S. that is a fully online, 36-credit master of science degree program in combined sport and entertainment management.
Kevin McGinniss, graduate coordinator and director of the sport management program, said, “Receiving COSMA accreditation increases the value of a Southern CT State University Sport Management degree. This external peer review process affirmed that our program, its curriculum, initiatives, strong faculty, and students are among the best in the nation. We are fortunate to have a dedicated student-centered faculty committed to developing competent workforce-ready sport management professionals.”
Milone credits McGinniss and Professor James MacGregor, former department chair, as playing key roles in the accreditation process.
Michele Vancour, interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services, agrees with Milone and McGinniss on the significance of the COSMA accreditations. “Achieving accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) is a testament to the quality, rigor, and relevance of our academic offerings,” she said. “It signals to students, employers, and the broader academic community that our program meets the highest standards in sport management education. Reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement, student success, and graduates who are prepared to lead in a competitive industry, this achievement reflects the vision and hard work of our Sport Management faculty and partners.”
