Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs
The sports industry relies on experienced professionals to plan marketing campaigns, negotiate athlete contracts, and run sports organizations. With a master’s in sports management, you’ll prepare for exciting careers in sports organizations.
While a bachelor’s in sports management can get your foot in the door, a master’s strengthens management and leadership skills. Keep reading to learn more about how a master’s in sports management can advance your career.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Sports Management?
Many sports enthusiasts dream of landing sports management careers. An online sports management master’s program can help prepare individuals for a career in sports. People with a passion for athletics and strong business and problem-solving skills may find this degree intriguing. In such programs, students cover a variety of topics, including management, marketing, and law.
Graduates from online sports management master’s programs can pursue various roles, including athletic director, events coordinator, or sports marketing manager. Individuals can also utilize their skills outside the sporting world in sales, marketing, or business development roles.
Featured Online Sports Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,976
- Out-of-state$31,170
- In-State$10,519
- Out-of-state$29,851
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled22,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Richmond, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,472
- Out-of-state$33,728
- In-State$12,618
- Out-of-state$25,956
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled28,082
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,850
- Out-of-state$17,313
- In-State$17,539
- Out-of-state$26,308
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled17,835
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,356
- Out-of-state$30,319
- In-State$10,432
- Out-of-state$29,379
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled29,909
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,110
- In-State$10,600
- Out-of-state$22,050
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled27,341
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,464
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$4,338
- Out-of-state$16,830
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled11,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,094
- Out-of-state$11,094
- In-State$9,094
- Out-of-state$11,094
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled14,146
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,324
- Out-of-state$28,670
- In-State$13,524
- Out-of-state$28,906
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled22,017
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana State University
- Terre Haute, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,452
- Out-of-state$20,880
- In-State$438
- Out-of-state$861
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled8,658
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- 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.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Sports Management Degree?
A master’s in sports management program is a great pathway to becoming a leader in all things business in the sports industry. You’ll learn the concepts, theories, and best practices around sports, entertainment, and products.
Getting a master’s degree can also boost your career. Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that a master’s degree can lead to higher pay and job stability.
Benefits of a Master’s in Sports Management
- Gain insight into the business aspect of sports.
- Become a manager or leader in the sports industry.
- Earn a higher salary with better job opportunities.
- Apply your skills to related fields such as finance, marketing, or sales.
Reasons to Get Your Sports Management Degree Online
- 1 Earn your degree in 2-3 years.
- 2 Maintain a healthy school-life balance.
- 3 Choose from flexible learning options.
- 4 Avoid commuting.
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Sports Management Worth It?
Many online master’s programs provide the same education as in-class programs. Studying online gives students extra flexibility to balance their education and personal commitments better. Many online programs offer asynchronous classes, allowing students to study anytime.
Online sports management master’s programs can help students gain the necessary skills to pursue roles in the sports industry. Graduates can utilize their newfound knowledge in sales, marketing, operations, and more.
How Much Does a Master’s in Sports Management Degree Cost?
Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$59,440
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$85,400
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Sports Management?
Most programs require 30-40 credits or about two years of full-time study. Part-time learners may need up to three years. Students can sometimes complete accelerated programs in a year.
When preparing for graduate school, note that these programs often require internships. Internships allow you to gain in-demand skills and network with others in the field before graduating.
Required Course Credits
30-40*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes*
Concentrations for a Master’s in Sports Management Degree
Aside from general core coursework, many programs offer various specializations to help you focus your classes on the areas where you hope to work. Each school has its unique offerings, but common options include:
Sports Project Management
In this concentration, you gain planning and project management skills focusing on the sports industry. You’ll learn how to develop and implement projects for sports organizations or in consulting roles.Sports Law
Explore the legal side of sports, including contract and business law. You’ll also learn about collective bargaining, publicity regulations, and licensing. The sports law concentration can lead to roles advising athletes on legal decisions.Athlete Management
Learn how to manage negotiations for athletes and advocate for their business interests. You’ll gain management skills with a focus on personal representation. A concentration in athlete management prepares graduates for careers as a sports agent.Sports Marketing
Prepare for careers in sports marketing, advertising, and event management with a concentration in sports marketing. During this concentration, you’ll learn marketing principles and research methods to promote sports organizations and athletes.Sports Media and Communications
Strengthen your communication skills with a focus on sports. You’ll gain public relations and media skills while developing successful communications strategies. With this degree, you can work in sports communications for diverse organizations.Event Management
Hone your sports planning and promotion skills with an event management concentration. You’ll study operations management and event planning in the sports industry. The concentration can lead to opportunities as an event manager, operations manager, or program manager.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in Sports Management Degree?
Median Annual Wage (2023)
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
$156,580
Agents and Business Managers of Athletes
$84,900
How much money you make depends on how you use your master’s in sports management. According to the BLS, advertising, promotions, or marketing management professionals earned more in median annual salary than agents and business managers of athletes. In comparison, general and operations managers — the sector with the most available jobs — earned a median annual salary of $101,280.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Sports Management Degree?
Sports management programs prepare you to become a sports administrator. For example, you could manage a fitness facility or leverage your skills in finance and sales. Or you could work in professional sports, college athletics, or sports and entertainment. Common careers include:
- Sports marketing manager
- Operations manager
- Athletic director
- Business development specialist
- Compliance manager
- Facility director
- Athlete agent
- Business manager
- Events coordinator
- Contract negotiation manager
Featured Online Sports Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Sports Marketing
Yes, you can work in high-paying roles with a sports management degree. For example, sports agents earn a median annual salary of $84,900, while general and operations managers earn $101,280.
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by Alison Plaut
Updated July 8, 2024