Best Online Sports Management Degrees 2024
2024If you’re interested in becoming an athletic director, sports agent, or sports marketer, you might consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management. This degree teaches the business side of sports, like running athletic programs, improving financial problems, and managing sporting events.
Payscale data from April 2024 shows that people who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sports management earn an average starting salary of $60,000. Some potential careers for graduates trend higher on the salary scale. Project managers earn an average salary of $79,850, and marketing managers earn an average of $72,700.
Explore this page to help you decide which educational pathway is best for your future career goals in sports management. We introduce the best online sports management degrees according to our methodology and detail what to expect from this degree, including program cost, potential salaries, and career opportunities.
Featured Online Sports Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management Programs
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled10,596
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,822
- Out-of-state$10,822
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled2,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$31,700
- Out-of-state$31,700
- In-State$9,756
- Out-of-state$9,756
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,958
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management Right for Me?
A sports management degree could be a good choice if you want to combine your interests in sports and business into a career.
Although a bachelor’s in sports management curriculum varies between schools, these programs typically introduce learners to business ethics, analytics, communication, and operations. You’ll also cover topics specific to sports, like venue revenue management, innovation, event management, and program leadership. Some schools offer concentrations to further your understanding of a specific discipline, like sports marketing or project management.
How Much Does a Sports Management Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), one year of college at a public, in-state school costs about $9,600 per year in tuition and fees alone. At out-of-state public institutions, this amount jumps to about $27,500 per year. At private schools, average tuition and fees are even higher, adding up to about $34,000 annually.
You can offset the cost of college in a few ways. You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to gain access to federal assistance to help pay for your degree. You can also apply for grants and scholarships that you won’t need to pay back later.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree by Institution | 2021-2022
Public, In-State
$9,600
Public, Out-of-State
$27,500
Private
$34,000
How Long Does an Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management Take?
Online bachelor’s programs give you the option to enroll full time or part time, which can shorten or lengthen how long it takes to finish a degree program. Part-time students — who take fewer classes to manage other responsibilities — typically complete their programs in 5-6 years. Full-time students usually finish in four years.
Accelerated programs are the quickest way to earn a degree. The workload is more intense, but accelerated bachelor’s programs can be finished in 2-3 years.
Average Length of Time
4-6 years*
Required Course Credits
120 credits*
How Much Money Can I Make With a Sports Management Degree?
As of April 2024, graduates with a bachelor of science in sports management earned an average of $60,000 a year, according to Payscale. However, top earners with this degree make as much as $116,000.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management?
Athletic Director
Athletic directors lead athletic departments in schools (from middle school to college level) or school districts. Their primary responsibilities include overseeing athletic staff, increasing engagement in sporting activities, and managing the department’s budget.Sports Marketing Manager
Sports marketing managers typically work with a specific team or league to promote events and athletes. Some of their responsibilities include creating budgets, designing advertising campaigns, and developing promotional sequencing for upcoming events.Event Manager
Event managers plan and direct sporting events, like award ceremonies or games. They often collaborate with others involved in the team or league they work with, like coaches, athletic directors, and marketing managers, to ensure successful events from start to finish.Venue Operator
Venue operators oversee a venue’s budget, safety, scheduling, and other areas of operation to help sporting events run as smoothly as possible. They’re also responsible for managing crowds and traffic, creating and implementing emergency policies, and planning concessions.Sports Project Manager
Sports project managers handle the planning and execution of a specific project, like a marketing campaign for a basketball team, a league’s charity event, or the creation of an athletic department’s new youth program.Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists in sports are liaisons between athletes, teams, athletic departments, or leagues and the public. They alert the media of relevant news, coordinate interviews, and monitor public perception of the athletes, teams, or departments they represent.
How to Find the Best Sports Management Program for You
If you’re not sure how to choose a college for your sports management degree, consider the following helpful tips:
Cost
Finding a program that fits your budget can relieve a lot of stress while completing your degree. Compare tuition rates between schools, and keep in mind that in-state and out-of-state tuition can vary significantly.Location
Location may not be your top priority if you’re enrolling in an online program. However, schools in other states might charge higher tuition rates. Also, be aware of any components, like an internship or orientation, that require you to attend in person.Program Format
Some online courses may have set meeting times with an instructor, while others are self-paced. Ask an advisor about the program’s format to make sure it aligns with your schedule and learning needs.Accreditation
Look for an accredited school if you plan to continue your education after graduating, as most schools won’t accept transfer credits from non-accredited schools. Accreditation is also necessary if you want to apply for federal financial aid.Student Support
The best online sports management degrees offer supportive services for online students, like tutoring, career help, library services, and networking events.
Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree: Master’s Programs to Consider
Having a bachelor’s degree is a great way to start your career in sports management. But if you want to fine-tune your skill set and reach a higher level, why not consider a graduate degree?
BestColleges ranked the best online master of sports management degrees. The following programs are a few to consider:
- Master of Science in Sports Management
- Master of Education in Sports Administration
- Master of Science in Sports Business
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Management
Sports management covers the business side of sports, like directing sporting events, managing venues, and overseeing sports teams or programs. A person with a sports management degree can begin a career as an athletic director, venue manager, or youth program manager, for example.
Explore More College Resources
How to Succeed as a Woman in Sports: 6 Tips From Professionals
Breaking into the sports industry can be competitive and intimidating. We spoke with four women in sports about their experiences and advice for success.
Updated January 23, 2023
How to Become a Sports Industry Leader
Learn more about the sports industry and the steps it takes to work as a business leader in the field of sports administration.
Updated February 22, 2024
Sports Management Careers
Curious about jobs in sports management? Learn about the career paths for graduates with a sports management degree.
Updated February 22, 2024