PC Business Welcomes the Inaugural Cohort in the MS in Sports Administration Program
Key Takeaways:
- What is a Master of Science in Sports Administration?: A Master of Science in Sports Administration prepares candidates for careers in the sports industry. This includes but not limited to public relations, guest services, sponsorship, event planning, facility management, athletic compliance, and beyond.
- What can I do if I want to get a job in the sports industry in New England?: The Providence College Online Master of Science in Sports Administration provides a great opportunity to establish your professional network and meet potential employers in the area. For example, Providence College partners with leading sports organizations like Rhode Island FC (RIFC) to provide students with tangible opportunities to acquire real-world experiences and connect with industry leaders.
- Are there online sports management programs in Rhode Island?: The M.S. in Sports Administration at Providence College is offered online but requires an in-person orientation for student connection and networking.
- Is New England a good place to find a sports industry job?: Yes! New England offers a wide range of opportunities to work in the sports industry. The newly completed Centreville Bank Stadium for Rhode Island FC is just one example of a potential opportunity that the inaugural cohort explored during orientation. On a broader scale, Providence College’s athletic programs are nationally recognized and provide students with unparalleled access to sports professionals throughout the region.
Announced in August 2024, the online MS in Sports Administration welcomed its first cohort of students for the fall 2025 semester. The cohort, comprised of 14 students, started their journey in the program with a two-day in-person orientation.
Inaugural faculty director, Nicolas Lorgnier, Ph.D., has spent the last year working with PC Business leaders to develop the market-ready curriculum and recruit faculty thought leaders to the program. Reflecting on the journey, Lorgnier said, “The excitement is palpable, and the community came together to launch the program.”
As part of the in-person orientation, the cohort was welcomed into the program by leaders in the Providence College Athletic Department, including director of athletics, Steve Napolillo ’98. Lorgnier expressed his gratitude for the support, “Steve welcomed our students to the athletics department, and the members of his executive board introduced our students to the changing landscape of college athletics. Relationships like these are what make the PC MS in Sports Administration stand out.”
Day two of orientation brought some skills development related to online education and a networking lunch with program faculty members and industry veterans from leading organizations in the area.
Orientation wrapped with a visit to PC Business official partner, Rhode Island FC (RIFC) at their newly completed stadium, Centreville Bank Stadium. Not only did the cohort get a behind the curtain tour of the new facility, but they also participated in an intimate panel discussion with industry leaders. Panelists included David Peart, RIFC President, Digit Murphy, a renowned sports industry leader with a focus on women’s sports, Jeff Hagen, Providence Bruins & PSE Agency President, Tim Holmes, RIFC Director of Operations, and Anthony Pontrelli Chief Sales Officer at Providence Bruins & PSE Agency.
Murphy reflected, “a heartfelt thanks to the PC Master’s in Sports Administration program for inviting me to join the leadership panel at Centreville Bank Stadium. It was an honor to share my story in women’s sports with the students and to learn from the incredible journeys of my fellow panelists. The energy and passion for leadership in sports here in Rhode Island is truly inspiring.”
Andre Solomon-Messier, a member of the inaugural cohort, reflected on this exciting opportunity. “I am incredibly honored to be enrolled in the PC MS in Sports Administration program.” The opportunity to connect not only with peers but the larger sports industry proved invaluable. “I am extremely grateful for the orientation experience. Not only did the sessions expanded my knowledge, but I am already significantly broadening my professional network.”
“The program is off to a great start – and we look forward to what lies ahead,” Lorgnier said.
