The 19 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Sports Management in 2023

Students looking for a lucrative and rewarding career while pursuing their passion for sports should look no further than earning an online Bachelor’s in Sports Management degree.

After all, the sports industry is growing at a fast pace. In 2022, the global sports market predicts a value of $614 billion. It is expected to grow in the next few years.

By earning a degree in sports management, students can build a solid foundation for a career in sports. This program prepares them to work with various aspects of sports organizations and businesses, from:

• managing facilities,
• marketing teams,
• building rosters,
• and even nurturing athletes to their highest potential.

Students who choose this degree gain fundamental knowledge and skills about sports, from management and marketing to law and finance.

Employers from the sports industry choose to hire those who have degrees in sports management, so earning one can give students a definite advantage.

While most of the degree programs are offered traditionally on campus, many schools are now leveraging the advances in technology by extending learning opportunities through the online format.

Online sports management degree programs give opportunities for working adults and students who are juggling family and personal obligations along with their goal of earning a college degree.

The online learning format allows a flexible schedule where coursework can be completed at a time and place most convenient for them. It also helps students save money by eliminating the need for transportation and campus accommodation.

METHODOLOGY

The first step to earning an online Sports Management degree is a competent educational institution. It pays to look for an online school that delivers the bachelor’s degree program in a web-based format without compromising the quality of education that students get.

Navigating your online school options can be tough, so it pays to know the facts! AT Bachelor-Degree-Management.net, we are all about helping you make a sound decision.

We name the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Sports Management all over the country that reign superior because they offer the academic program with quality education in mind. To help you narrow down your choices, we list the outstanding online schools (and degree programs) that share these features:

• Offered 100% online or delivered in the hybrid format to accommodate every distance student’s need for convenient and flexible classes,
• Focuses on the core foundations of Sports Management with curricula that develop students’ skills and shape them into becoming professionals in the fieldm
• Delivered on top-rated virtual platforms and Learning Management Systems that feature ease of access and 24/7 support,
• May offer accelerated degree completion and transfer-credit options
• Offers financial aid options to qualified online students
• The Sports Management industry’s “who’s who” as instructors
• Properly Accredited

To learn more, please see our Methodology page.

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BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

Headquartered in downtown Ohio, Franklin University has been a place where adult learners find the opportunity to earn their degrees. Their on-campus and online programs offer accessibility, affordability, and excellence in academics and real-life learning.

The school’s high-quality education is just as good in the online format. One of the online courses for sports enthusiasts who wish to build a career in the sports industry is the Bachelor of Science in Sports Management program.

Highlighting the essence of the dynamic sports industry, this online program is backed by an experienced faculty. Students will learn how essential business concepts translate to the sports industry, opening the door to a variety of roles.

The program helps them build their skills and style in a way that will allow them to excel in their discipline of choice. The curriculum blends sports science research and theory with practical knowledge. This online program requires 120 credits for completion which will run in 6 and 12-week courses. They offer 75% transfer credit. Tuition cost per credit starts at $398.

Take advantage of a field experience at an organization of your choice to put your knowledge to the test. Put your degree to good use by completing an internship at a school district, a college or university, or even at a minor or major league team. Under the guidance of a Franklin faculty member and an on-site supervisor, you will develop on-the-job skills.

Campus Location: Columbus, Ohio

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Business Principles
• Foundations/Principles/History Sport
• Sport and Society
• Intro to Sports and Exercise Psychology
• Organization/Admin of Sports Programs
• Wellness
• Human Resource Management
• Applied Research Methods
• Principles of Sports Management
• Coaching Methodologies
• Sports Marketing
• Sports Law

DID YOU KNOW? 

• Franklin University is recognized for its accessibility, affordability, and academic quality.
• 94 hours of staff time were invested in 42 research projects in 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

TROY UNIVERSITY

Online BA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Founded in 1887, Troy University has always maintained a tradition of teaching excellence. They aim not only to educate the mind but also to train students in making a life worth living where success is at the heart of everything they do. Their academic programs are of the highest quality but affordable for many.

Troy University also offers these programs online. Currently, they have 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can be completed entirely online.

One of these online offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management – Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. The Sports Management program is an ideal choice for students who are not only avid sports fun but also dream about working in the sports industry.

The program has an emphasis in sport management. A dedicated and experienced faculty teach students with first-hand knowledge of the sports industry. They emphasize the importance of balancing academics and practical experiences, both of which can be applied to students’ career of choice.

In this program, students will learn and develop skills needed for interpersonal communication leadership, decision-making, and solving complex problems.

The Sports Management degree program requires 120 credit hours in 100% online format. It can take nine-week terms. The School of Hospitality, Sport & Tourism Management believes that internships contribute significantly to students’ education and professional development. The requirement to complete an internship is therefore mandatory for all students seeking a Bachelor of Science in HSTM.

In addition to their majors, Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management majors are required to select one 18-hour minor. Minors housed in this faculty include:

• Event Management,
• Hospitality Management,
• Sport Management,
• Tourism Management,
• Recreation, or minors outside of the faculty.

Campus Location: Troy, Alabama

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Council on Social Work Education
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Network of International Business Schools

Sampling of Coursework:

• Foundation of Sport and Fitness Management
• Statistical Analysis and Interpretation
• Research Methods
• Physical Education, Sport, and the Law
• Risk Management in Sport
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Sport
• Sport Finance

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1968, Troy won the NAIA championship, and in 1984 and 1986 it won the NCAA Division II championship. The university has won 11 national championships in four sports. The Troy University alumni have competed on CBS’s hit reality television show “Survivor,” and two of them have won.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TROY UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT – HOSPITALITY, SPORT AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – ONLINE

Online BS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is not only a leader in providing quality education on campus. They also extend their doors to working adults by launching UF Online to offer high-quality and affordable 100% online baccalaureate degree programs.

Sports-enthusiast students who want to earn their degree online can consider the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. This degree program is the best choice if they wish to acquire the right skills that can propel them into victory. Here they will learn the necessary tools to apply the fundamental concepts to sports organizations, including management, marketing, finance, and law.

Most Sports Management graduates pursue careers in diverse organizations such as professional sports franchises, intercollegiate athletics, sports media, municipal recreation, sports committees, private organizations, social organizations, and amateur sports. They will be able to apply what they learned from their undergraduate degree, taking up a range of job functions that can include:

• marketing,
• administration,
• facility and event management,
• and ticket operations, among many others.

You can earn a nationally recognized degree online through UF’s Sport Management program for a fraction of the cost of other programs. Students enrolled in the Sport Management degree program are able to choose from several core courses such as:

• Social Issues in Sport,
• Sport Operations and Facility Design and Management,
• Sport Marketing,
• as well as some electives such as the Legal Environment of Business and Entrepreneurship.

The program culminates with an internship during the student’s last semester or with a non-internship option.

Campus Location: Gainesville, Florida

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission

A sampling of Coursework:

• Principles of Macroeconomics (Critical Tracking)
• Principles of Microeconomics (Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences)
• Introduction to Statistics 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics)
• Principles of Management (Critical Tracking)
• Introduction to Public Speaking or Effective Oral Communication
• Introduction to Sport Management
• Research Methods in Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management
• Sports Facility Design and Management
• Ethical Issues in Sport
• Administration of Sport and Physical Activity

DID YOU KNOW?

At the beginning of their first year, freshmen were given rat caps to wear. These caps prevented students from crossing the Plaza of the Americas and forced them to walk around instead.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Online BA in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

For people who wish to study sports management online, Columbia College is one of the top choices. The Chicago-based institution offers both an online and on-campus Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management program under its Business Administration Department, with the tuition for online students priced at $375 per credit hour (but also eligible for financial aid).

Columbia is home to at least 6,000 students enrolled in more than 60 areas of study. Recent statistics from the College show that nearly 90% of its graduates find employment within a year from graduating, making Columbia both an affordable yet top-quality option for budding sports managers.

The Sports Management program covers business-centric subjects and topics that apply to a wide variety of contexts for budding sports management professionals. Whether you plan to go into international sports industries or more low-key community-based management careers, the online degree is suited for you. The curriculum integrates subjects such as Ethics, business law, and statistics.

This online program runs through 8-week sessions. Their tuition fee starts at $375 per credit. Prepare to work in various sports organizations, such as little leagues, school athletics, and local and state ones. Ideally, you should seek out major sports organizations. Some of the possible paths you can pursue are jobs like:

• coaching,
• sports finance,
• social media coordination,
• scouting,
• event planning,
• and marketing.

Campus Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Sports Finance
• Sports and Event Marketing
• Theories of Coaching
• Advertising and Sales Promotion
• Diversity in Organizations

DID YOU KNOW? 

• Originally known as King’s College, Columbia University is one of nine colleges founded in the American colonies. 
• Columbia University’s medical school was the second to be established in the colonies. It awarded the first medical degree in 1770.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA COLLEGE’S BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE

Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

The private liberal arts Culver-Stockton College may be on the smaller side, with a student population of just around 1,000, but it offers top-notch, experience-based educational opportunities for its students. A whopping 97% of its students also benefit from financial aid, making Culver-Stockton a viable option for cash-strapped students.

The school’s Sports Management program enables students to gain real-life experience in a variety of sports management environments. The program also provides internships and job shadowing opportunities for students.

Culver-Stockton gives Sports Management students the option to specialize further in any of the following areas:

• Business,
• Marketing,
• Accounting and Finance,
• Communications,
• or Human Performance.

All these make for a unique, engaging educational experience that mold excellent future sports management professionals.

Culver-Stockton’s tuition for online undergraduate programs is $395 per credit hour, and online students are eligible to apply for financial aid to cut down costs further.

The Boca Raton Bowl team has traveled to Florida numerous times to assist with game administration, as well as to observe the game from the field.

Their faculty lead study abroad courses every other year to a variety of locations in the world, including Greece to see where the Olympics originated, Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. On campus, you will also be able to participate in game day operations.

Campus Location: Canton, Missouri

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Sport Management
• Sport Finance
• Athletic Sport Administration
• Sport Ethics and Governance
• Legal Issues of Sport

DID YOU KNOW?

Their academic semester calendar is set up as a 12+3 calendar, which means students take the bulk of their course load during the first 12 weeks of the semester and concentrate on a single subject during the remaining 3 weeks.

Student will be provided with hands-on opportunities in creative expression, service learning, simulation, travel study, research and innovation, leadership, and professional development during the 3-week course.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Online BS/BA in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

The multi-billion-dollar sports management industry makes for an exciting, competitive career. Future professionals must earn a Sports Management degree from a reputable online school such as Concordia University Chicago (not to be confused with the Canadian university of the same name).

Over 100 areas of study are on offer at the University, which is currently home to more than 5,000 students from all over the country. Part of these 100+ programs is their Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management degrees that can be completed 100% online.

Concordia provides lots of hands-on work experience for its students, coupled with classes that make the most of technology to ensure a productive learning environment. It also provides a multitude of networking opportunities through its many connections in the Chicago sports scene.

Course lengths for this program range from 5 to 8 weeks and the tuition is at $1,068 per credit hour, which can still be brought down further by applying for financial aid. The sports industry will be studied as well as financial responsibility, important legal issues relating to sports, and many others. At the end of the program, you will be able to evaluate and analyze sports law cases in litigation and insurance, policy and legal cases.

In the global sports industry, you need to investigate, examine, and analyze diversity, gender equity, and ethical decision-making. As a sports manager, you will also need to analyze data-driven decisions using technology and demonstrate proficiency.

Campus Location: River Forest, Illinois

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Sports Management
• The Business of Sports
• Sports and Contract Law
• Sports Psychology
• Organizational Behavior

DID YOU KNOW?

Concordia moved from being a high school preparing young boys for ministry in the LCMS to becoming a full university over 69 years. Concordia became a junior college in 1951. In the 1960s, the institution ceased to offer high school courses and became a university in 1980.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is considered one of the most prominent Christian universities worldwide in terms of the student population. It is estimated to have over 90,000 students, with 70,000 of them enrolled in Grand Canyon’s accessible and affordable online programs.

The University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports Management offering can be taken both on-campus and entirely online, under the Colangelo College of Business. The online version takes eight weeks to complete (versus 15 weeks for the on-campus version) and requires 120 credit hours (56 of which are composed of major courses).

Grand Canyon’s Sports Management curriculum builds a strong general business foundation in areas like marketing, statistics, and accounting among its students, before proceeding with tackling content that is more specific to the sports industry. The flexible online delivery is ideal not only for first-time, first-year students but also for adult learners building their credentials to move up the career ladder.

Students in this program will investigate the value of professional management in sports and entertainment organizations and take an in-depth look at marketing mix strategies and tactics, with an emphasis on integrated marketing communications.

Additionally, they will become familiar with micro- and macroeconomic concepts, as well as discussions about ethics and values in business. The course will also introduce students to concepts such as scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage, as well as managerial finance.

Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Introduction to Sports Management
• Sports Event Planning
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Business
• Sports Retail Management and Sales
• Organizational Behavior and Management

DID YOU KNOW?

Due to declining financial support, GCU had trouble maintaining its operations by the early 2000s. It was teetering on the brink of insolvency and facing the prospect of bankruptcy in September 2003. Several investors acquired the university and reoriented it toward online education for working adults.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY

Online BBA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

A private, non-profit institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Davenport University is committed to preparing students for successful careers. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of business, technology, health, and urban education. At present, more than 7,000 students are enrolled across the 14 campus locations.

Students can also choose from their dozens of online degree offerings, one of which is the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management. With a total of 120 credits, this online degree program develops students’ skills in critical business areas of sports. This includes:

• accounting,
• marketing,
• economics,
• finance,
• IT,
• and statistics.

They are also exposed to the legal, regulatory, marketing, and operational aspects of sports venue management. The program provides a learning environment that finds the balance between textbook theory and real-world sports business applications.

Aside from the required courses, students are also compelled to complete six internship credits, which are equivalent to 300 hours of real work sport management experience.

Among the 32 universities in the world with an accredited bachelor’s degree, Davenport is one of only two in Michigan. With the COSMA accreditation, you will be attending one of the top colleges for sports management and obtaining a sports degree that will prepare you for a variety of careers in sport management.

From high school to the Detroit Lions and everywhere in between, you can apply this versatile sports degree to:

• marketing,
• athletic administration,
• sales,
• event operations,
• facility management,
• community relations,
• social media and more. 

Campus Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education Accreditation (IACBE)
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Sport Management Foundations
• Sport Marketing
• Athletic Leadership & Coaching
• Sports Operations & Facility Management
• Sport Analytics
• Sport Governance & Regulation
• Global Sport Industry
• Sports Communication and Promotion

DID YOU KNOW?

For the 2020 Michigan Performance Excellence Award, Davenport was the first university to be selected. The Michigan Performance Excellence Award (MIPEx) is the highest honor presented to Michigan organizations demonstrating outstanding performance, leadership, and operational excellence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY

Online BBA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

The oldest college in Illinois, McKendree University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The school’s online programs are designed for working adults who wish to complete their degree while fulfilling their family and work obligations.

Students pursuing a career in the sports sector must enroll in the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management program. The program curriculum covers the underlying economic and social environments they relate to:

• sports business,
• financing,
• operations,
• marketing,
• and managing events.

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management is designed to provide students with training and education in key aspects of the sport management field.

The courses cover the essentials of economics, management, marketing, and operations of facilities in the context of sports, and an internship to apply the skills learned in Sport Management to management problems in the world of sport.

The flexible format of this online program can take up to eight weeks for students to complete. This degree is for students pursuing careers in the management of sport-related businesses such as fitness centers, community organizations, and sports facilities.

Campus Location: Lebanon, Illinois

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Social, psychological and international foundations of the sport
• Sport management
• Ethics
• Sport marketing
• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Legal aspects of the sport

DID YOU KNOW?

McKendree College was founded in 1828 by pioneer Methodists, making it the oldest college in Illinois and the oldest university in the country with a continuous relationship with the United Methodist Church.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Online BA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered university that offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees. Focusing on the value of study and service, the university strives to uphold its core value — “social change through service and leadership.” They are committed to recognizing and valuing the worth and dignity of every individual.

Their Online Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management helps students develop skills in a sports organization, administration, and facilitation at the corporate, agency, professional, and amateur levels.

The students encounter opportunities that help them learn the needed skills to thrive in the sports management industry. This program is affordable and online with potential careers in:

• sports administration,
• sports facilities,
• and talent agencies.

With an online Bachelor of Sport Management degree, you will be prepared to organize, administer, and facilitate sport programs at all levels. The opportunities provided by MBU are designed to educate students about the skills needed for success in the sports management industry.

During this affordable, online program, students will be guided on a path to ensure that they keep pace with the career needs and expectations. The online sport management degree program has 42 semester hours of coursework, and the number of courses varies.

Graduates are required to complete 120 semester hours, including 18 credits in Business Administration. You can transfer up to 96 credits toward your degree with MBU’s generous transfer policy.

Campus Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Sampling of Coursework:

• Introduction to Sport Management
• Sport Management Practicum
• Tournament and Event Management
• Communication in Sport
• Sport Psychology

DID YOU KNOW?

Academic as well as social programs are all inclusive. Having these experiences and perspectives will help you become a well-rounded individual. In order to inspire a passion for impacting the world around you, they sponsor mission trips and international study programs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

SHORTER UNIVERSITY

Online BA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Shorter University was founded in 1873. The university is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university that is committed to excellence in education. They offer traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses, and degree programs as well as undergraduate programs for working adults, associate’s, and master’s programs.

Their offering of Bachelor of Business Administration Sport Management under the Department of Sport Management has a solid foundation on business principles. The program prepares students for the professional industry by providing focused instruction and experiential learning avenues. The experiences they gain include working, interning, and volunteering on many service-learning projects for local and community agencies.

The program also provides guest lecturers from sports business organizations to guide students in the workings of the sports industry. Graduates of this program have careers in business operations, venue and stadium management, and many more. 120 credits are required for completion.

As part of their service-learning projects, the online students work, intern, and volunteer for a wide range of local and community agencies. In each semester, all students can hear from guest lecturers from sports business organizations about how to succeed as a sports professional. Many of their alumni have and continue to work in organizations and in roles such as:

• sports marketing,
• ticket sales,
• sponsorship,
• event planning,
• and YMCA personnel.

Campus Location: Rome, Georgia

Accreditation:

• Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
• Schools Commission on Colleges
• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

Sampling of Coursework:

• Introduction to Sport Management
• Legal Aspects of Sport
• Leadership in Sport
• Ethics in Sport
• Event and Facility Management

DID YOU KNOW?

Until 1957, only women were accepted in this university. In 1953, James Sanders became the first male graduate of this university. Males now make up 50% of their student body.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHORTER UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

POST UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Founded in 1890, Post University offers degree programs and courses that highlight a dynamic culture and tight-knit community. The programs are delivered in a hybrid of on-campus and online learning formats.

Their Bachelor of Science in Sport Management prepares students with the foundations in:

• societal sport,
• sports administration,
• sports events and facility management,
• sports marketing,
• sports law,
• and sports economics.

The program also emphasizes adaption to change in sports management, integration of business concepts into sports management, global perspectives in sports management, and more. Students can choose between the following concentrations:

• Sport Communication
• Sport Psychology.

Graduates have careers in athletic administration, sports marketing, community relations for a variety of professional sports organizations, and many more.

Every course emphasizes adapting to the fast-paced change of sport management. Students also learn how to integrate business concepts, improve communication skills, and develop highly ethical, professional business management styles.

The course will also look at global perspectives in sports, since the industry offers a variety of opportunities worldwide. You will complete an internship before graduating, which will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of sport management.

Depending on your career goals, you may find internships with professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Campus Location: Waterbury, Connecticut

Accreditation:

• Connecticut Office of Higher Education
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Sampling of Coursework:

• Foundations of Sport Management
• Sport in Society
• Sport Event and Facility Management
• Sport Marketing
• Sport Law

DID YOU KNOW?

The first online MBA degree program in Connecticut was offered by Post University in 2007. It is currently the second-largest MBA program in Connecticut. The program won both prestigious Connecticut Quality Improvement Award Innovation Prizes in 2009 and 2013. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT POST UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

MERCY COLLEGE

Online BBA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Mercy College was founded in 1950. It is known for offering excellent liberal arts and professional degree programs, including 40 programs for online learners.

The college’s B.S. in Business Administration: Sport Management underscores the business of sports as a tool to inspire academic excellence and drive career development. The program provides:

• hands-on sports management,
• marketing and operations experience,
• real-live sports management projects, and more.

Students in this program can earn extensive experience in sports marketing, operations, and management. You can take part in real-life sports management projects related in campus sports operations and local sports broadcasting.

You’ll also get to listen to guest speakers from Major Leagues and earn an opportunity to be a part of their “Team Blue” which is a sports management organization in the university. Graduates can explore careers in:

• sports facility management,
• sports event management,
• high school and college athletics, and more.

Campus Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Sampling of Coursework:

• Foundations Sport Management
• Sport Marketing
• Sport Law
• Sport Facility & Event Mgmt
• Sports Finance & Administration

DID YOU KNOW?

Everyone at Mercy College believes that everyone deserves an education, no matter where they come from or how they look.  That mission guides every decision they make.  Having the mindset of being open to whoever you go beyond a tagline, it is a way of life for everyone at Mercy College.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MERCY COLLEGE’S B.S. IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Online BS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

The California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852. The university has been named one of the best schools in the Northeast by The Princeton Review for 13 consecutive years. They offer career-focused academic programs that engage students in applied and active learning.

The university’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Management enables students to apply classroom learning to various real-life experiences in the business of sports. They also have opportunities to volunteer, intern as well as network with sports industry professionals — all this while completing their sports management course.

The program also provides students with conferences, workshops, and other professional development events that can enhance their opportunities in the sports management field. Graduates may explore career opportunities in:

• interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics,
• sports marketing,
• and facility and event management.

Students gain practical experience through volunteer work and a full-time internship in the sport industry. Students are taught the importance of communication, networking, professional development, and leadership as part of the program.

Students at Cal U who are majoring in sport management are required to complete 12 credits of internship work in the sport industry after completing all required coursework. The students choose the location for this capstone experience, which can often lead to full-time employment and career growth opportunities.

Sport management students should also attend conferences, workshops and other events related to the field.

Campus Location: California, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Sampling of Coursework:

• Ethics in Sport
• Administration of Intercollegiate Athletic Programs
• Global and International Sport
• Sport Marketing
• Facility and Event Management

DID YOU KNOW?

Cal U is a public university that belongs to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and it is one of the most affordable higher education options in the state.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Southern New Hampshire University, founded in 1932, is an accredited institution. It has more than 3,000 students on campus and over 90,000 online. The university believes in using education as a force for social good.

One of their many online offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. It is a program designed for students with a passion for sports, turning their enthusiasm into a successful career.

With innovation at its core, the Sport Management program teaches students a diverse range of knowledge and skills necessary for the sports industry, including how to build a brand and sell a sponsorship. They are encouraged to develop real-world skills through coursework and experiential learning, which are central to the success of the sports business industry.

Students will gain not only academic knowledge but also practical experience. The degree program combines sports management, business, and liberal arts courses as well as valuable sports-related field experiences that can help students build a solid future career foundation.

120 total credits are required upon completion, allowing 90 credits to be transferred. The tuition fee per credit starts at $320. Sports management degrees will prepare you for a career in sports by giving you important industry knowledge.

Professionals working in the field design your sports management courses. Therefore, courses offer cutting-edge learning resources that will help you succeed in this growing industry.

Campus Location: Manchester, New Hampshire

Accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs(ACBSP)
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education(CAHIIM).
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Sampling of Coursework:

• Introduction to Sport Management
• Sport Marketing
• Brand Management
• Sports Facilities Management
• Seminar in Sport Management (Capstone)
• Governance/Management of Sport Organizations
• Sport, Society, and Ethics

DID YOU KNOW?

• US News & World Report named it one of the top regional universities in the nation and the most innovative university in the north.
• The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) awarded them as the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology.
• Every year since its founding, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named it a “Great College to Work For.”
• In 2012, Fast Company named them as one of the 50 most innovative companies.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Situated in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University allows students to pursue a successful career by rediscovering their potential. Currently, they enrolled more than 20,000 students. Most of their offered degree programs emphasize in-demand knowledge and skills required by employers, increasing students’ chances of being a competent part of the workforce.

For students who are into sports, an online Bachelor of Science in Sports Management degree can be an ideal choice. In this program, they will be able to delve into the exciting business of sports, including aspects like:

• media relations and marketing,
• facilities management and fundraising,
• and coaching and team operations.

It blends academic training and hands-on experience to provide a winning combination to aspiring students.

Students pursuing a sport management degree at Wilmington University have the opportunity to choose from a broad range of internships and career advancement opportunities, due to the school’s convenient location near pro teams in football, basketball, baseball and hockey as well as connections with Division 1 collegiate teams and regional nonprofit organizations.

Aside from being a high-quality program, the Sports Management degree is also affordable. It is taught by an expert faculty whose experiences in the game range from being general managers and sports attorneys to sports agents and leaders in collegiate sports. This program requires 120 credits for completion.

Campus Location: New Castle, Delaware

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• American Bar Association (ABA)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Sampling of Coursework:

• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
• Sociology of Sport
• Sports Management I
• Sports Media Relations
• Sports Management II
• Sports Facilities Management and Planning
• Sports Marketing and Promotions
• Financing Sport Operations
• Sports Management Internship I
• Sports Management Internship II

DID YOU KNOW?

They have been recognized as the number one most affordable private, nonprofit institution in the region.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA–CROOKSTON

Online BS in Sport and Recreation Management

Prominent Program Features:

A public, baccalaureate, and coeducational institution, the University of Minnesota has five campuses. On the Crookston campus, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. The university is known for providing an active, hands-on approach to teaching and learning.

One of the online offerings leverages the growing and ever-changing world of sports. Students can turn their passion into a competitive career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management.

Here they will learn all the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for careers with professional, collegiate, and community sports organizations. They can also gain experience through internship opportunities and applied for coursework, increasing their competitiveness for their future career.

The faculty makes it their goal to equip students with a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience. Graduates of this program can find work as an:

• account manager,
• athletes relations coordinator,
• athletic, academic advisor,
• community relations,
• compliance director,
• and general manager, among many others.

You’ll make an all-star in the front office and on the field thanks to your knowledge of sports marketing, facility management, and athletics administration. Take on a career as a coach, facility manager, or marketer of sports.

Campus Location: Crookston, Minnesota

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Sampling of Coursework:

• Managerial Finance
• Orientation to Online Learning
• Career Development
• Wellness
• Principles of Management
• Principles of Marketing
• Foundations of Sport and Recreation Management
• Sports Law and Governance
• Sport Facility and Activities Management
• Athletics Administration
• Sports Marketing and Communication
• Sport Ethics and Leadership
• Finance and Economics
• Psychology of Sport
• Socio-Cultural Dimensions in Sport
• Sport and Recreation Management Capstone

DID YOU KNOW?

Walton Lillehei, one of the most accomplished UMN alumni, was a pioneer of open heart surgery. Through his innovations, heart surgery has advanced greatly. Lillehei was the first to complete a successful open heart procedure.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORT AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE

Online Bachelor’s in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Established in 1907, Toccoa Falls College is a private, non-profit, Christian liberal arts institution located in northeast Georgia. They offer more than 75 majors and minors to students. While most of these are provided on campus, students can also earn some of the degrees online.

One of the online programs on offer is the Bachelor’s in Sport Management. This degree prepares students for a leadership role within the ever-growing world of sports. They are equipped with the knowledge of the best current practices in business and sports management as well as skills essential in the marketplace.

The program also emphasizes the importance of strong ethical and moral standards from a Christian perspective, in helping them manage and market sports organizations, media, events, and facilities. They provide our students with biblically-based instruction that prepares them for careers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

The Sport Management degree program goes beyond the players and the game. Students also get to develop their management skills, knowledge of sports marketing, and even their money management acumen.

A 127-hour Sport Management major consists of 69 general education credits, 15 electives, and 43 Sport Management-specific credit hours. Students can take classes in:

• Organization & Administration of Sport,
• Sport Law & Ethics,
• Event & Facility Management in Sport & Entertainment,
• First Aid, CPR and Life Fitness,
• as well as Coaching Techniques.

Campus Location: Toccoa, Georgia

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Sampling of Coursework:

• Organization and Administration of Sport
• Sports Law and Ethics
• Sports Financial Management
• First Aid, CPR, and Life Fitness
• Prevention and Care of Injuries
• Coaching Techniques
• Event and Facility Management in Sport and Entertainment Sport

DID YOU KNOW?

The historic Toccoa Falls waterfall can be found at TFC. The waterfall is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River and stands at 186 feet.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE’S BACHELOR’S IN SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Online Bachelor of Science in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

American Public University System, a private, for-profit university comprised of American Military University, APU, and American Public University Inc., offers a wide range of online programs. Charles Town, West Virginia, is where it was founded in 1991. Applicants are welcome to apply for distance learning degrees and certificates.

More than half of the school’s 2016 students were active military members. They may also be eligible for financial aid or to use the GI Bill to pay for APUS degrees.

Sports Management is a bachelor’s degree offered at APU. These courses were designed for students interested in careers in:

• collegiate, community and high school sports management,
• coaching,
• and administration.

Discover how sports marketing, promotions, public relations, finance, and law relate to sports. In addition to helping you understand management principles, concepts, and practices, the BS in Sports Management program also enables you to learn how to operate and maintain sports and recreational facilities.  Students in the program take classes in:

• sociology,
• history,
• politics and philosophy,
• as well as financial management and marketing.

Students can transfer in up to 90 credits, and should complete 120 credits upon completion. The cost is $325 per credit hour, or $250 with a military grant. Courses start monthly and can vary from 8 to 16 weeks. 

Campus Location: Charlestown, West Virginia

Accreditation: 

• The Higher Learning Commission

Sampling of Coursework:

• Ethics in Sports
• Sports Marketing
• Sports Governance
• Sports Event Management And Planning
• Senior Seminar in Sports Management
• Athletic Programs Administration
• Sports Communication
• Foundation of Sports Management

DID YOU KNOW?

They are a five-time winner of the prestigious Effective Practice Award from the Online Learning Consortium.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why study a Bachelor’s in Sports Management degree?

People who want to combine their passion for sports and business skills can consider a bachelor’s in sports management degree for their college education. This program teaches and hones students to be a successful part of the sports industry’s workforce, specifically in the business and management aspects.

The billion-dollar sports industry is also ever-growing and evolving, offering various opportunities in a variety of settings. Whether you wish to be a sports agent, a public relations liaison, or a sports facilities manager, a Bachelor’s in Sports Management is your first step toward an exciting and rewarding career.

What can I learn from a Bachelor’s in Sports Management degree?

Focusing on the business aspects of sports, a bachelor’s in sports management degree covers the planning, organizing, managing, and marketing features of a sports organization.

Students will gain a solid knowledge of the various facets of sports and how they can apply their business and management skills to the success of a sports organization. Aside from theoretical knowledge, students are also provided with practical experiences that they can utilize in the real world through internship opportunities.

Some areas that will be covered in this degree program also include sports ethics, sports marketing, sports law, sports finance, and management of facilities.

How does my career path look like after earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Management degree?

Graduates of a bachelor’s in sports management can choose from an array of job options depending on their interests. It can be in the administration function of a professional team or collegiate department.

Some graduates venture into sports facilities and event management, sports marketing, sales, promotion, and even in sports media and communications.

The most popular job titles that they can choose from include:

• Sports Agent,
• Player Personnel,
• Athletic Director,
• Sports Manager,
• Sports Broadcaster,
• Ticket Sales Representative,
• Account Manager,
• Fundraising Manager,
• and Sports Camp Director.

Sports agents and managers can earn as much as $161,340 annually.

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Additional Resources:

• THE 20 MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE BACHELOR’S OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREES
• THE 25 BEST MASTER’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREES
• THE TOP 20 ONLINE MASTER’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS