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The Top 20 Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2023

Are you ready to take your passion for business and sports to the next professional level? Earning an online master’s degree in sports management or sports business will give you the knowledge and skill necessary to navigate the sports industry at an administrative level

. Students learn to engage with entrepreneurs, sponsors, clients, team owners, athletes, and coaches, and help to bring the team or facility to new heights of success.

Graduates of these twenty excellent online colleges and universities go on to work for the NFL, the NBA, amateurs teams, college teams, as well as other sport and athletic facilities. Find your dream school in sports management with Business-Management-Degree.net!

methodology-text

This list was compiled according to the criteria established by the researcher/writers of Business-Management-Degree.net, and was arranged according to student satisfaction. The stipulations required for earning a place on this ranking included the following:

  • An online or hybrid degree program that provides the same education and resources available to on-campus students;
  • A curriculum reflecting the coursework necessary for a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, etc. in Sports Management or its equivalent;
  • Retention rates no lower than 70%;
  • Excellent notability among journalistic and academic resources;
  • Professors with terminal degrees who are just as available to online students as on-campus students;
  • And academic and career resources that can be accessed at a distance.

For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.


Top Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs

Troy University

Troy University
Master in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

At Troy University, online Master in Sport Management students take on leadership roles in diverse sports industries. The curriculum is designed in such so that it integrates academic learning wherein students analyze and resolve modern challenges in sports and athletics.

Students already have well-thought-out solutions and approaches to global issues currently threatening the industry, which makes them a huge asset in whatever area of the field they end up. Lectures and class projects are reinforced by exciting learning experiences that bolster knowledge and skills in professional, recreational, high school, and collegiate sports.

Troy graduates now work for the NBA, the NFL, Minor League teams, and Division I athletic departments. Online classes at Troy are completed entirely online with no required visits to campus.

Campus Location: Fort Lee, VA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
  • Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

Coursework Sample:

  • Phsyical Education, Sport, and the Law
  • Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Sport
  • Sociological Aspects of Sport

Acceptance Rate: 91.2%

Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 34.9%

LEARN MORE ABOUT TROY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SPORT MANAGEMENT GRADUATE DEGREE

Indiana State University

INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY name
Sport Management MS

Prominent Program Features:

What makes the Indiana State University online Sport Management Master of Science so impressive is that it was designed according to the standards and principles set forth by the North American Society for Sport Management and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Therefore, students can expect emphases in:

  • leadership,
  • research,
  • marketing,
  • social contexts,
  • financial management,
  • and ethics.

Classes at this online university are typically on the smaller side, giving students a voice in the virtual classroom, as well as easier access to professors and peers. Indiana State University is one of the most affordable schools on this ranking and is an excellent choice for working, adult professionals.

ISU graduates go on to assume roles of executive leadership and head coaching and have the knowledge, skill, and ability to work with athletes in K-12 and higher education environments.

Campus Location: Terre Haute, IN

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Sport Law and Risk Management
  • Sport management Foundations
  • Governance and Compliance

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 40%

LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SPORT MANAGEMENT MS DEGREE

The University of Southern Mississippi

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Master in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Southern Mississippi online Master in Sports Management degree is incredibly affordable. It includes an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management, which is a distinctive specialization that is offered at very few other online colleges and universities.

The sport security courses focus on the importance of safety during events. In this program, students learned from well-seasoned faculty members who specialize in various critical areas of sports, business, and sport management. USM is a great option for members of the military, their families, and veterans.

All coursework is completed 100% online without any required campus visits. Some of the job titles that graduates have gone on to receive include:

  • Area Coordinator,
  • Stadium Events Coordinator,
  • Sporting Event Marketing Director, and more.

Campus Location: Hattiesburg, MS

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Financial Management in Sport
  • Socio-Ethical Issues in Sport
  • Applied Research Methods and Statistics in Sport

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 48%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI’S ONLINE SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE

Arkansas State University

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Sport Administration Online

Prominent Program Features:

Arkansas State University provides an accelerated, affordable online sport management masters program that can be completed in just under one year. It is well-accredited and costs almost one third that of other such degrees on this ranking, at approximately $317 per credit hour.

The internship opportunities at A-State are particularly exciting, as students are matched with faculty members with experience and knowledge in their area of interest, as well as professional teams, athletes, and sports organizations. The curriculum offers students a broad perspective of sport management and includes coursework from culture to communications to ethics in sport.

Arkansas State University is well-known for its online programs and has received numerous commendations for its achievements in distance education.

Campus Location: Jonesboro, AR

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
  • Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

Coursework Sample:

  • Sport Finance and Budgeting
  • Sport Governance and Operations
  • Sport in Society

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 41%

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S MASTER IN SPORT ADMINISTRATION ONLINE

Florida Atlantic University

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
MBA in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

This is a full-time online sport management graduate degree with excellent coursework in financial management. It is a synchronous program in which students attend classes at the same time every day, which helps in maintaining cohort camaraderie.

It is one of the only Master of Business Administration programs on this ranking, which gives it more of an edge, as well as stronger coursework in business management and leadership. Many companies and corporations that are familiar with FAU and its outstanding MBA students will fast-track graduates to occupy leadership positions and be a part of executive teams.

The MS in Sport Management is highly accredited and available fully online with tuition rates that are the same for both in-state residents and out-of-state residents.

Campus Location: Boca Raton, FL

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coursework Sample:

  • Corporate Financial Management
  • Sport Law
  • Finanical Aspects of Sport Management

Acceptance Rate: 59.8%

Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 46%

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MBA IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University
Master of Science in Sport Management Online

Prominent Program Features:

Georgia Southern University provides an online Master in Sport Management that is an excellent combination of practical and theoretical education. This program is offered through the Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology and provides a wide range of both business and sports-practice related topics.

Students learn the industry from the field to the office, as well as how to manage teams, facilities, and business undertakings. Graduates have strong abilities in the synthesis and analysis of sport management material and have the communication and critical thinking skills to lead sports facilities to success.

Numerous academic resources have recognized Georgia Southern University for its excellent sport management graduate degree as one of the best and cheapest available online.

Campus Location: Statesboro, GA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Current Issues in Sport Administration
  • Revenue Generation in Sport
  • Sport Law and Risk Management

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 51%

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MS IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University
Master of Science in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

One of the many thrilling features of this online sport management master’s program is that, alongside their Master of Science degree, students receive a certificate in project management. The goal of the online program is to provide students with enough perspective and business savvy to effect enormous positive change and profit to their future places of work.

The degree is designed to give students as much flexibility as possible, and coursework is available completely online with no required prerequisite classes. All of the professors of the WCU MS in Sport Management hold terminal degrees from outstanding universities and bring decades of experience to the virtual classroom. Students are connected with local and global sport organizations that significantly impact the success of their profession.

Campus Location: Cullowhee, NC

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Sport Administration and Governance
  • Economics and Financial Aspects of Sport
  • Project Planning and Estimating

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 58%

LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S SPORT MANAGEMENT GRADUATE DEGREE ONLINE

American Public University

American Public University - cheapest online business management
Master of Science in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

There are three exciting opportunities to specialize the coursework of the sport management online degree from American Public University. Each concentration approaches a different area of the field, from high-level coaching to business administration.

APU is also one of the more affordable programs on this ranking, with a tuition rate of $370 per credit hour. It is also an excellent option for active-duty members of the United States Military, who receive a military grant that reduces the tuition to $250 per credit hour. It is a full-time program that takes two years to complete, and the curriculum includes coursework in:

  • marketing,
  • public relations,
  • finance,
  • and promotion.

Despite their specialization of choice, all students learn how to maximize the profitability of any sports organization by utilizing modern and effective business strategies.

Campus Location: Charles Town, WV

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

  • Coaching Theory and Strategy
  • Interscholastic Athletic Administration
  • Sports Business Leadership

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 22%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM

Liberty University

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Sports Management

Prominent Program Features:

Liberty University is a fabulous online school that has been included on innumerable lists and rankings of the most excellent distance education programs in the nation, including the online Master in Sports Management. This degree provides more specialization opportunities than any other school listed here.

Classes are delivered at an accelerated rate over 8-week terms, and students can complete the program in as little as 18 months. Liberty University is an Evangelical Christian school that offers their online degree programs with a foundation in Biblical principles and operates under the mission of educating warriors of Christ. This program can take students to exciting areas of the sport management field that other degrees do not provide.

Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

  • General Sports Management
  • Coaching and Athletic Administration
  • Outdoor Adventure Sport (Thesis)
  • Outdoor Adventure Sport (Non-thesis)
  • Sport Administration (Thesis)
  • Sport Administration (Non-thesis)
  • Tourism (Thesis)
  • Tourism (Non-thesis)

Acceptance Rate: 24%

Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 52%

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S MASTER’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commenwealth University
Master of Sport Leadership

Prominent Program Features:

Virginia Commonwealth University maintains an impressive Center for Sport Leadership that is entirely dedicated to sports education. The online graduate program includes coursework in coaching individual athletes and full teams–professionals and amateurs–as well as developing and enhancing sports programs in private, public, and academic environments.

The curriculum provides enough flexibility and leeway for students to concentrate on areas of sport management and leadership that are important to their particular career goals. This is an intensive sport management degree that includes a comprehensive examination in the culmination of the program.

The degree drastically enhances leadership skills, interpersonal and soft skills, as well as a strong knowledge of the sports industry.

Campus Location: Richmond, VA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Sport and Entertainment Even Development I and II
  • Foundations of Coaching
  • Sport Business

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 59%

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF SPORT LEADERSHIP ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM

Adelphi University

Adelphi University
Online MS in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

The online MS in Sport Management from Adelphi University is a part-time program that offers two distinctive specialization options that will lead students into two very different areas of the profession.

The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning in budge preparation, business management, and market analysis, giving students an incredibly well-rounded approach to the discipline. Faculty members maintain networking connections across the entire globe, and students get the opportunity to work closely with their professors and their professor’s contacts. Adelphi provides a flexible program with zero campus visits that can be completed anywhere in the world.

Some of the titles held by Adelphi graduates include Director of Community Relations, Scouting Official, and Strategic Partnerships Manager.

Campus Location: Garden City, NY

Accreditation:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Concentration Options:

  • General Sport Management
  • Sport Marketing
  • Collegiate Athletic Administration

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 64%

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADELPHI UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MS IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

DePaul University

DePaul University
Sport, Fitness, and Recreation Leadership MS

Prominent Program Features:

DePaul University’s online sports management program is different from most others on this list. It has a stronger focus on the physical side of sport and fitness leadership and provides more kinesiology related information.

Students learn modern practices and current trends that enhance their management and leadership roles in athletic and fitness facilities. Graduates work at the executive level in their place of employment. DePaul has a massive network of over 180,000 graduates, many of whom hold jobs in:

  • fitness and recreation centers,
  • college and university athletic programs,
  • clubs and leagues.

The school also maintains an impressive job placement rate of 89% since 2017, meaning that most students obtain a position of employment within months of graduating.

Campus Location: Chicago, IL

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Strategic Communication and Marketing in Sport, Fitness, and Recreation
  • Psychology of Sport Behavior and Athletic Performance
  • Advanced Health and Science Concepts in Sport, Fitness, and Recreation

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 71%

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ONLINE MS IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Drexel University

DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

Drexel University is a well-known online school that supplies fantastic opportunities in distance education, such as the online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Program. This program is constantly kept updated to reflect all of the relevant changes happening all the time.

Students dive into the areas of:

  • sports media,
  • marketing and sales,
  • event management,
  • and economics.

There is a unique opportunity in Drexel’s online program to earn a dual degree in Masters of Business Administration, or Business Analytics, which further specializes the curriculum in either of these areas. Individuals will have experiences to franchises in all major league sports both nationally and internationally. The degree can be taken either part-time or full-time and trains students for a wide variety of future positions.

Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA

Accreditation:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Coursework Sample:

  • Measuring and Maximizing Financial Performance
  • Sports Industry Management
  • Sport Media and Technology

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 67%

LEARN MORE ABOUT DREXEL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM

Temple University

Temple University
Executive Master of Science in Sport Business

Prominent Program Features:

When online students become a part of Temple University’s Master in Sport Business, they join a network of industry experts throughout the nation. Temple University is a well-known institution of higher education where graduates can be proud of holding a degree in online sports management.

As an “executive” master’s degree, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for high-paying, top-level positions of employment in sports industries across the globe. The coursework is designed for individuals who have five or more years of professional experience in mid to senior-level positions.

The Fox School of Business has an excellent reputation for educating some of the most successful professionals in sports business in the country, by providing top-notch coursework from highly experienced business experts.

Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Sport Finance and Economics
  • Consumer Behavior in Sport and Recreation
  • Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation

Acceptance Rate: 52%

Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 69%

LEARN MORE ABOUT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM

American University

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Online Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management

Prominent Program Features:

American University is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the nation. It offers an online Master in Sports Analytics and Management, wherein distance education students engage in a unique, four-phase curriculum.

This “Professional Studies Experience” prepares students for the modern age of sports business in areas such as:

  • interactive spectatorship,
  • social media,
  • fantasy sports,
  • e-sports gaming,
  • social media, and more!

Courses are each eight weeks in length, making this an accelerated online degree of very high quality. The curriculum was designed according to input from industry professionals in the NBA, the NFL, ESPN, Nike, and more. Graduates have the skills in business analytics and the sports industry to deliver prescriptive and predictive data and solutions to problems.

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.

Accreditation:

  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

Coursework Sample:

  • Strategic Management of Sports Organizations
  • Sports Analytics and Social Engagement
  • Client Communications and Professional Consulting

Acceptance Rate: 25.9%

Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 81.7%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S SPORTS MANAGEMENT MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin
Master’s of Education in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

This one-of-a-kind online sport management program is unique in that it is the only Master in Education degrees on this ranking. Some of the focus areas of this curriculum include:

  • business and marketing,
  • sports management,
  • resource management,
  • leadership,
  • ethics,
  • and law.

This online degree is offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education and draws from applicable areas in marketing and business to create an incredibly rich program. UT Austin students learn how to work closely with clients, business, teams, and individual athletes, and can manage entire facilities pre-, during, and post-sporting events.

Austin is one of the finest branches of the University of Texas system and provides outstanding resources and connections for all of its M.Ed. in Sport Management students.

Campus Location: Austin, TX

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Strategic Management in Sport Organizations
  • Human Resource Management in Sport Organizations
  • Organizational Behavior in Sport

Acceptance Rate: 40.4%

Retention Rate: 95%

Graduation Rate: 81%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN’S ONLINE SPORT MANAGEMENT MASTER’S PROGRAM

Northeastern University

Northeastern University
Master of Sports Leadership

Prominent Program Features:

This is an excellent online master’s in sports management program from an outstanding school. The degree was developed by the Center for the Study of Sport in Society and is designed to prepare students for numerous positions of employment such as working with college sports teams, wellness organizations, and in marketing.

Students at Northeastern can expect to participate in hands-on learning experiences, internships, and an exciting capstone project. The program can be taken either part-time or full-time, and can be completed in 18-24 months. A unique degree compared to others on this ranking, the Master in Sports Leadership has a strong focus on developing administrative and management skills.

Campus Location: Boston, MA

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
  • The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

Coursework Sample:

  • Developing Your Leadership Capability
  • Sports Law
  • Sports Media Relations

Acceptance Rate: 29%

Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 82%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SPORTS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

University of Florida

University of Florida
Master in Sport Management

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Florida’s online Master in Sport Management is considered one of the top programs of its kind in the country according to numerous journalistic resources.

There are three exciting specializations available in this degree program, each of which approaches very different areas of the profession. Students can choose to pursue a field in sport management in which they work with clients and sponsors, or with teams and individual athletes.

The curriculum of each concentration provides both theoretical and practical approaches to the discipline, as well as specialized coursework. There are also exciting elective courses as well as a practicum or professional internship opportunity.

Campus Location: Gainesville, FL

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

  • Athlete Development
  • High Performance Coaching
  • Sport Law

Acceptance Rate: 46%

Retention Rate: 96%

Graduation Rate: 88%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

Georgetown University

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
Online Master’s in Sports Industry Management

Prominent Program Features:

One of the most fantastic institutions of higher education in America, Georgetown University, provides an online Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management. Students of this degree learn from some of the most talented and experienced faculty members in the nation.

The coursework includes a strong emphasis on developing networking connections and career mentoring to ensure that all Georgetown grads have a significant advantage in the job market. Many students go on to work in:

  • professional athletic franchises,
  • sports agencies,
  • colleges and universities,
  • and non-profit & government organizations.

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

  • Sports Communications and Public Relations
  • The Business of Global Sporting Events
  • Social Responsibility and Globalization in Sports

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Retention Rate: 96%

Graduation Rate: 95%

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SPORTS INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT MASTER’S DEGREE

Northwestern University

Northwestern University
Online Master’s in Sports Administration

Prominent Program Features:

Northwestern University provides an online sports management graduate degree that is perfect for either starting or advancing a career in this field. Students have access to fabulous academic and professional resources, such as executives in:

  • marketing,
  • operations and sponsorship of professional,
  • collegiate and amateur athletic teams.

The goal of this master’s degree is to train students to take on responsibility of entire organizations, evaluate profits and revenue, and establish effective business strategies for future success.

The Sports Analytics concentration provides four specialized courses that approach current data-driven and date-intensive issues in sports management, and draws from Northwestern impeccable analytics and data science departments.

Campus Location: Evanston, IL

Accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
    www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

  • General Sports Administration
  • Sports Analytics

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Retention Rate: 98%

Graduation Rate: 93%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION


sports management

FAQ1

How will earning an online Master of Sports Management degree help my career?

Those earning a master’s degree in the field of Sports Management can expect career advancement, as well as an increase in salary. With a Master of Sports Management degree, jobs often include administrative opportunities, such as needed as a Facilities Manager, Athletic Director, Equipment Manufacturer, or as a Sports Event Planner. 

As you learn the Principles of Sports Accounting and Finance, Sports Media Communications, Legal and Ethics of Sports Management, Marketing and Advertising, along with Contracts and Labor Relations Legalities, you will be prepared for all opportunities for advancement that come your way.

What is my earning potential with a Master’s degree in Sports Management?

A Sports Manager’s salary varies as much as the many job titles that can be achieved; however, according to Payscale.com, the median Sports Manager’s salary was reported at $55,000 annually as of 2021. Depending on experience and job location, managers can earn upwards of $$86,000 per year. If you decide to combine your interest in sports with the field of marketing and advertising, you can expect to earn upwards of $134,290 annually, according to the BLS.

What type of Sports Management degree do I need?

As you give serious thought about your future in sports management, you should find a degree plan that will fit your needs. Considering your career goals while choosing a program is the best way to begin your search.

If you are looking for a coaching position with kids ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade, you may need to earn a Master of Education in Sports Management degree. The program will focus on leadership and sports governance, as well as the legal and ethical aspects of sports management.

Other options include a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management degree, which instructs on the overall business aspects of sports management and the sports industry. The Master of Science in Sports Business degree will give you a leg up on advanced business principles. You will learn how to negotiate contracts, use digital media, and review financial records for lucrative business decisions. 

The Master of Science in Sports Science degree will provide training in a wide array of sports management fields; however, it may also include a focus on sports in relation to exercise, psychology, and sports performance.

What skills do I need for a Sports Management degree at the Master’s level?

  • Knowledge of Sports Law: You should have a good understanding of the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the sports industry.
  • Business Acumen: You should be able to apply business principles and practices to the sports world.
  • Financial Management: You should understand the financial principles and practices needed to manage a sports organization.
  • Leadership: You should have the skills to lead a team and manage personnel in the sports industry.
  • Communication: You should be able to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders.
  • Marketing: You should understand marketing principles and how to apply them to the sports world.
  • Negotiation: You should have the skills to negotiate contracts and agreements for the sports organization.
  • Technology: You should have a good understanding of the technology used in sports today and how to use it to your advantage.
  • Event Planning: You should understand the principles of event planning and how to create successful sporting events.
  • Research: You should have the skills to research and analyze data to create successful strategies for sports organizations.

Rowan Jones
Chief Editor