Graduate Certificate in Women's Sports Business

The Graduate Certificate in Women's Sports Business at Simmons University is a four-course graduate certificate that empowers professionals to strengthen the business of women's sports and accelerate the game's growth. This program is designed to prepare students to shape the future of women's sports with purpose and vision.

Program Overview

The women's sports industry is in need of leaders who can turn momentum into meaningful change. The Women's Sports Business Certificate equips students with the business insight and leadership skills to seize opportunity and help drive the next era of growth and equity in women's sports. Students will gain practical skills in management, marketing, sponsorship, and finance through case studies in women's sports and access to industry leaders.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to pursue opportunities within women's professional leagues, sports media, marketing agencies, apparel companies, or nonprofit organizations. Some potential roles include:

• Brand Partnerships Manager
• Sponsorship Sales Director
• Media Relations or Communications Manager
• Sports Business Manager
• Team or League Operations Manager
• Sports Partnership Manager
• Business Intelligence or Data Analyst (Sports Organization)
• Athlete Relations or Player Development Manager

Program Faculty

The program is guided by an accomplished Advisory Board of women leaders in sports, business, and media, and led by industry leaders, including:

• Justine Pouravelis, Professor of Practice
• Astrid Sheil, Dean, School of Management
• Zinnia Mukherjee, Professor
• Erin DeCurtis, Associate Teaching Professor and Diane K. Trust Professor in Leadership Development and Associate Dean for Undergraduates and Faculty, SOM
• Niloufer Sohrabji, Professor and Program Director for Economics
• Masato Aoki, Associate Professor
• Edward Vieira, Professor
• Mansfield Holmes, Associate Professor of Practice
• Yulong Li, Associate Professor
• Michelle Brown-Droese, Adjunct Faculty

Advisory Board

The Women's Sports Business Certificate at Simmons is guided by an accomplished Advisory Board of women leaders in sports, business, and media, including:

• Katie Arkins, Bleacher Report VP, Head of Programming Strategy, Bleacher Report + B/R W Sports
• Marcell Bhangoo, Red Sox Senior VP, Partnerships and Alumni Relations
• Terri Cooper, Simmons University Senior Advisor, Board Member and Investor
• Kassia Davis, Founder, KADA, Owner & Executive Chair, P.F. Flyers, Trustee, New Balance Foundation
• Lorrie-Ann (LA) Diaz, Miami Heat Vice President, Business Communications + Social Responsibility
• Laura Doran, Former San Diego Wave NWSL, Teamworks Customer Success Manager, Professional Sports at Teamworks
• Jen Flynn, PWHL, SVP Business Affairs & General Counsel
• Venessa Hutchinson, Klutch Sports Group, Senior Director, Football Coaches & Executives
• Meg Montgomery, Draft Kings, Senior Director Head of Central Integrated Marketing
• Sara Toussaint, NC Courage/ NWSL/ TM Women's Football Co-CEO, TMJ Women's Football, Co-Owner NC Courage, Co-Owner Querétaro FC

Related Programs

The university also offers related programs, including:

• Management (4+1)BS, MSM
• ManagementMS
• Management: Business and Leadership in Women's Sports ConcentrationMS

Program Format

The Graduate Certificate in Women's Sports Business is offered online, providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals. Enrollment begins Fall 2026.

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.