About the Program

Graduate Degree

The DeVos MBA/Sport Business Management program admits students from around the world based on a combination of academic success, professional work experience, community service, commitment to teamwork, and other factors that demonstrate the applicant is a good fit for the program.

The DeVos program uses Orlando/Central Florida area sports organizations as an integrated living classroom. We provide a rigorous and comprehensive academic schedule that keeps the cohort of international students together throughout their two-year coursework. The core curriculum of the DeVos Sport Business Management program incorporates business administration core classes and unique sport business classes. Students are given experiential real-world projects with area sports organizations. Our program requires students to work alongside world class sport business leaders while building a network of contacts who help create rewarding job opportunities.

Program Rankings

We are proud of the achievements of our past and present students and look forward to seeing what future DeVos cohorts will bring. Some of the major accomplishments of the DeVos program are:

• Sport Business Postgraduate Report names the DeVos program the 8th best sport business program in the world in 2022.
• Sport Business International names the DeVos program one of the top 10 graduate level degree sport business programs in 2019.
• Since its inception, the DeVos Sport Business Management program has been named one of the top five programs in America by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Forbes.
• First fully endowed sport business management program in the world.
• In 2019, SportBusiness International named the DeVos Program as one of the TOP 10 graduate level degree sport business program.
• DeVos has gone from the newest program in 2004 to being named one of the TOP 5 programs in
  America by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ESPN The Magazine, and Forbes Magazine.

About the Minor

Undergraduate Sport Business Management Minor

The Undergraduate Sport Business Management Minor at UCF is designed to develop future business leaders in the sport and entertainment industry. All courses within the program strive to provide students with substantive knowledge and practical skills that will help students succeed as business professionals. Students in the program also learn about the business side of the sport and entertainment industry by participating in a variety of volunteer, internship and other experiential learning opportunities.

CAREER MANAGEMENT & CORPORATE PARTNERS

Richard & Helen DeVos Foundation

The late Richard and Helen DeVos are the namesakes and founders of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at University of Central Florida (UCF). The DeVoses realized the importance of investing in a program that equips graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive field of sports management and offers them the tools to understand the unique nuances of the industry. Their generosity has left an indelible mark on UCF, propelling the sports business management program to new heights.

Rich and Helen believed in every person’s unique potential and sought to inspire others to develop their talents and gifts to the fullest. Rich was the co-founder of Amway, the world’s largest direct-selling company. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and belief in people shared through motivational speeches, books, and encouragement over his lifetime. Through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, they generously supported major projects at churches, schools, hospitals, and arts organizations throughout their lifetimes in their hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as Central Florida and communities around the world.

Rich and Helen purchased the NBA’s Orlando Magic in 1991 with great hopes that extended beyond the basketball court to include mentoring young athletes and service to their adopted community of Central Florida. At the time, Rich described the family as “caretakers” of the franchise—that the real owners of the team were the fans in the Orlando community. By emphasizing community engagement and philanthropy, Rich and Helen used the platform of the Magic to support various charitable causes, further enhancing the quality of life in Central Florida. This community focus is something the DeVos family and Magic continue today.