Private sports-focused university in Alabama offering career-driven degrees in coaching, management, and exercise science.
USSU offers career-focused undergraduate degrees including B.S. in Business Administration, B.S.S. in Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sport Leadership, and Sports Management. Graduate programs include MBA in Sports Management, M.S.S. degrees in Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sport Leadership, and Sports Management, M.S. in Sport Psychology, and Ed.D. in Sports Management. The university also provides certificate programs in Advanced Educator Certification and Sports Marketing and Communication, along with continuing education courses.
The 1-acre campus in Daphne, Alabama houses the American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA), founded in 1984, featuring over 1,000 works of sport art and hosting the annual Awards of Sport series. The university operates Campus Human Performance Labs and maintains the Robert Block Library. In 2024, USSU launched intercollegiate athletics and gained provisional membership in the USCAA, advancing to full NAIA membership in 2026 with teams competing in the Continental Athletic Conference.
The university accepts students for undergraduate and graduate programs with admission requirements available on the official website. USSU offers scholarships and financial aid to support students. The institution emphasizes mentorship from sports industry experts and a close-knit community environment for students pursuing careers in sports.
USSU has produced notable alumni including Olympic athletes (Vicky Bullett, Noemi Lung Zaharia, LaTanya Sheffield), professional coaches (Mike Leach, Greg McDermott, Quentin Hillsman), and sports executives (Dennis Lindsey). The university annually presents the Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award (since 1985) and Carl Maddox Sport Management Award (since 1991) to recognize excellence in sports leadership.