Online Sports Management
Masters
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It’s common to enjoy sports, but are you interested in what happens behind the scenes- the management behind it all? Most often, athletes garner all the attention. But there is a plethora of work that goes behind the scenes in the sports industry- from managers to trainers and other professionals; the count is endless. And managing various aspects of this industry requires professionals who understand sports and manage it like a professional organization. There is what sports management professionals do. Owing to the expansion of the multi-billion-dollar sports industry, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2028 employment opportunities in sports management will exponentially grow. From coaching to event management and event marketing, sports managers are behind-the-scenes heavy lifters. And to become a successful sports manager, you will need to get a master’s in sports management. And the best and fastest way to get it by enrolling in an online sports management master’s degree.
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Online Masters Degree in Sport Management
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Best Online Sports Management Masters Programs
We have created a list of the best schools for sports management. We used a customized methodology to determine these rankings. The methodology includes program reputation program quality, online flexibility, tuition fees, graduation rates, program depth, student reviews, and many more factors. Using this methodology, here are the best online sports management masters programs:
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
| #2 University of Texas, Austin 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78705 | $11,998 | 86% |
| #3 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 84% |
| #4 Gonzaga University E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, Washington 99258 | $16,672 | 85% |
| #5 University of Miami University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146 | $37,800 | 83% |
| #6 Georgetown University 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057 | $51,336 | 95% |
| #7 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208 | $56,067 | 94% |
| #8 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #9 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $30,351 | 79% |
| #10 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $35,181 | 69% |
| #11 Adelphi University South Ave, Garden City, New York 11530 | $41,920 | 73% |
| #12 Western Carolina University Highway 107, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723 | $4,435 | 62% |
| #13 Concordia University, Irvine 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612 | $7,953 | 63% |
| #14 Baker University 618 Eighth Street, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006 | $10,800 | 64% |
| #15 Millersville University 1 South George Street, Lyle Hall, Millersville, Pennsylvania 17551 | $9,288 | 56% |
| #16 Arkansas State University 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 | $4,986 | 53% |
| #17 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $9,216 | 53% |
| #18 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $11,250 | 57% |
| #19 Wayne State College 1111 Main St, Wayne, Nebraska 68787 | $4,086 | 51% |
| #20 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 | $4,977 | 50% |
| #21 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 | $8,786 | 49% |
| #22 Troy University University Avenue, Troy, Alabama 36082 | $7,650 | 47% |
| #23 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #24 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
| #25 Jacksonville State University 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 | $9,600 | 41% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Sports Management Masters Programs
While many schools offer online sports management master’s program, some are expensive, and some are not so expensive. We have researched many sports management programs and created a list of the cheapest online masters in sports management list. While the tuition fees might be lower at these schools, the program quality is still very high, and these schools offer the same program at affordable tuition fees. Here are the most affordable online masters in sports management degrees:
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Wayne State College 1111 Main St, Wayne, Nebraska 68787 | $4,086 | 51% |
| #2 Western Carolina University Highway 107, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723 | $4,435 | 62% |
| #3 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 | $4,977 | 50% |
| #4 Arkansas State University 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 | $4,986 | 53% |
| #5 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #6 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
| #7 Troy University University Avenue, Troy, Alabama 36082 | $7,650 | 47% |
| #8 Concordia University, Irvine 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612 | $7,953 | 63% |
| #9 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #10 Concordia University, Saint Paul 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 51% |
| #11 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 | $8,786 | 49% |
| #12 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $9,216 | 53% |
| #13 Millersville University 1 South George Street, Lyle Hall, Millersville, Pennsylvania 17551 | $9,288 | 56% |
| #14 California University of Pennsylvania 250 University Ave, California, Pennsylvania 15419 | $9,288 | 50% |
| #15 Jacksonville State University 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 | $9,600 | 41% |
| #16 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 84% |
| #17 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
| #18 Baker University 618 Eighth Street, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006 | $10,800 | 64% |
| #19 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $11,250 | 57% |
| #20 University of Texas, Austin 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78705 | $11,998 | 86% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Master of Sports Management Programs
With the sports industry increasing, it offers a lucrative career option for young graduates. Employers recognize applicants with advanced leadership experience and management background, both of which can be gained from a master’s of sports management. Master’s degrees in sports management train students for successful, in-demand careers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, graduates have the opportunity to work as athletic agents or business managers, with an average salary of over $90,000 per year. But before you dive into a degree, it is essential to understand the online sports management master’s programs. In this section, we will break down the programs.
Degree Types in Master of Sport Management Programs
In the sports industry, professional experience and networking go a long way, but by opting for a master of sports management, you can significantly amplify your career prospects.
Earning a graduate degree helps you gain the requisite experience and expertise to progress to the top of your field. The online sports masters degrees are mainly offered as three types of degrees –
- MBA in Sports Management – A Master of Business Administration in Sports Management focuses on Sports Management and teaches students about overall leadership and management aspects.
- MS in Sports Management – A Masters of Science in Sports Management is the widely available master of the sports management program that focuses on all aspects of Sports Management
- MA in Sports Management – A Master of Arts in Sports Management is very similar to an M.S. in Sports Management but a non-thesis option. Only a limited number of universities sports management masters in this format.
Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master of Sport Management Program
A Master of Sport Management may be the gateway to many challenging and rewarding possibilities for students who want to turn their love for the sport into a profession. It is an excellent opportunity for employees who are already in the sports field but are looking to further hone their skills. The curriculum surrounds the understanding of how the sports world allies with corporate and marketing strategies. The sports industry’s corporate side encourages staff to mix a passion for sports with management expertise, contributing to a wide range of exciting and lucrative career opportunities.
Sports admin courses teach students the necessary skills and principles of the sports industry related to management, economics, marketing, and law. The classes offered will help you understand how to use new developments and innovations to describe a sports organization’s corporate side. You will be equipped with a wide range of skills, but critical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are among the most relevant. These will be great tools in your sports manager toolbox. Here are some of the commonly taught courses in online sports management programs:
- Sport Finance
- Legal Aspects in Sport
- Economic and Financial Management of Sport
- Leadership and Management of Sport
- Social Issues in Sports Management
- Sports Marketing and Public Relations
Accreditation for Master of Sport Management Programs
When you think of a college or university, a range of effective programs pop into your head. Yet, many people are unaware that each primary major and its allied programs need to be accredited by a specific accrediting agency. For each particular major taught at any given accredited institution, this can be seen as an efficient implementation of standard requirements and quality assurance. The governing body for online sports management masters is The Commission on Sports Management Accreditation. (COSMA). COSMA is the gold standard for sports management degrees. And any online master’s in sports management accredited by COSMA can be considered a program that maintains high quality. Students can trust the program to make them as sports management professionals.
After several years of preparation and consideration, COSMA came to power in 2008 and was formed by various physical fitness and educational committees, and included SHAPE America. COSMA development for sports management majors has filled a significant void in standard compliance for online sports management masters. Read more about Accreditation on our Best Accreditation Guide.
Online Sports Management Masters Admission Requirements
While admission requirements vary from university to university, here are the most common admission requirements for online sports management masters programs:
For students who do not qualify for a scholarship, for such candidates if they are working professionals, they can check with their employers to reimburse the tuition fee. The other way of funding your master’s in operations research is to apply for a student loan. Students can also check if they are eligible for federal student aid. Here is a link to the FAFSA Application.
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s in sports management requires students from an approved institution to hold a bachelor’s degree. Most courses welcome students from all academic backgrounds. However, a few courses may require previous experience or background knowledge of the subject.
Test Scores
Most degree programs require students to provide standardized test scores such as the GRE or the GMAT. Though the score parameters vary, they suggest a general readiness for advanced or graduate-level course work. However, there some universities that do not require a test score for admission into sports management programs. Read about such programs here.
LOR’s
Many graduate programs require applicants to get letters of recommendation from their supervisors, mentors, and/or other experts familiar with their professional work.
Work experience
Some courses may require applicants to have specialized experience in sports, while others may merely need a certain degree of professional experience that demonstrates their graduate study ability. However, students without any professional background can also apply.
How to Pay for Online Sports Management Masters Programs
Online sports management master’s degrees often cost less than on-campus alternatives. You can save money on transport, accommodation, and other areas. However, to fund the entire expense of a graduate degree, online students may need to apply for scholarships and financial assistance. Your tuition fees are not something you can take lightly. And sometimes, it might get tough to manage the payment of your tuition. But don’t worry, for there are several scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for students planning to apply for an online sports management master’s.
FAFSA is a great way to secure financial assistance. Students can fill out a free Federal Student Aid application and determine if they are eligible for the federal government’s financial support. Students may also opt for student loans, either public or private, to provide financial assistance. There are also various scholarships available to students like journalism scholarships, scholarships for minority students, school-specific scholarships, and sports management scholarships.
To get more information about financial aid, read the best financial guide.
One Year Sports Management Masters Programs
If you’re looking to get a master’s in sports management but don’t have the time to dedicate many years for graduation, then an accelerated sports management program may be the right choice for you. Many universities offer one-year sports management master’s programs. These programs maintain a high quality but come with high intense coursework. The coursework is taught asynchronously, and students can sign up for many courses each semester to achieve the credits for graduation faster. However, students should allocate dedicated time to these courses as the course work is intense and requires a lot of time and focus. Below is a list of a few universities that offer such accelerated 1-year sports management programs:
- Arkansas State University – 12 months
- Missouri Baptist University – 18 months
- University of Indianapolis – 12 months
- University of Miami – 20 months
- Full Sail University – 12 months
Online Sports Management Masters No GRE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be over 10% growth in the sports and entertainment occupation industry over the next few years. Online sports management program graduates are well qualified to apply for jobs within this field. But most universities want students to report a GRE test score as part of the admission requirements. But increasingly, universities are moving away from this requirement. And for those wanting to bypass the GRE, there’s good news there are many sports management masters with no GRE requirements. Here are a few universities that offer online sports management masters no GRE programs:
Careers and Salary Outlook for Master of Sports Management Graduates
Students and graduates in sports management should take advantage of professional organizations that provide networking and professional development opportunities. They can also offer opportunities for employment and mentorship. Graduates with a master’s of sports management can seek careers in public relations, management, and coaching. According to PayScale, the following are some of the career opportunities for masters of sports management graduates.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Job Description | Projected Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Managers | $54K | Sports managers deal with the corporate aspects of sports. The control facilities, orchestrate marketing strategies and promotions, and supervise activities or events. Sports managers can negotiate contracts and obtain endorsement deals for players. Sport managers need to be trained in financial operations, public relations, and the administration of sports. | 4.7% |
| Athletic Trainer | $43K | Athletic trainers work and train with athletes to hone their skills and become successful in their chosen sport. They also hold practice sessions, call plays during tournaments, and guide initiatives for physical conditioning. | 11% |
| Scouts | $36K | On the other hand, scouts help coaches scour for new athletic talent, evaluating the athlete’s skills and capabilities and their potential for success. They may also offer prospective players incentives, collaborate with coaches, and review athletes’ performance statistics. | 10% |
| Public Relation’s and Fundraising Managers | $116K | Public relations managers create and direct marketing strategies to manage their clients’ available image or the organization they work for. They recognize target markets, write press releases, and develop programs for promotion. Fundraising managers oversee campaigns requesting contributions for their firms, which may entail attracting sponsors, applying for grants, or scheduling events. | 8% |
Additional Resources for Online Sports Management Masters Students
Today, sports management has become a prominent field of management studies. It is regarded as valuable expertise in advisory roles in business management, motivational speeches, marketing, and performance. Additional resources like associations, societies, job boards, journals, etc., can be beneficial for online sports management master’s students and recent graduates looking to advance in sports management. Here are additional resources for students wanting to pursue online sports management master’s programs:
- North American Society for Sports Management (NASSM): NASSM actively supports and assists professionals working in sports, leisure, and recreation. NASSM is one of the most highly recommended associations for students interested in sports administration or sports psychology as a career choice. The NASSM also provides currently enrolled students with an outstanding participation level, offering relevant opportunities and information on career choices following graduation. They also provide relevant and engaging information on best practices in the industry.
- Human Kinetics: Human Kinetics is a journal that provides access to various publications, integrates athletic and recreational coaching activities with sports psychology and centered leadership initiatives. Human Kinetic emphasizes the concept of a “healthy body, healthy mind” to improve athletic success by maintaining exercise, wellbeing, and proper diet.
- Sports Business Journal: Sports Business Journal is often considered “the Bible of sports business.” It is a must-read for anybody in the sports industry and anyone trying to enter into it. From marketing and sponsorship to labor, agents, and sports facilities, the journal covers it all.
- Sports Management Resources: Sports Management Resources (SMR) brings knowledge of nationally recognized educational sports experts to help athlete directors solve integrity, growth, and development challenges in the sporting industry. SMR focuses on professional recruiting services but is also dedicated to offering an online library, a blog, and a newsletter. The latest sports administration techniques retain a broad range of documents providing cutting-edge training and knowledge to help students equip themselves for the industry.
- Work In Sports: Work In sports is a highly accredited job board resource for professional athletes in the United States. In addition to its unprecedented access to careers in athletic management, team logistics, and other facets of sports management, it offers rich resources for new graduates and students.
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