Online Sports Management Master’s

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

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

While admission requirements vary from university to university, here are the most common admission requirements for online sports management masters programs: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
  A 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 coursework. However, some universities do not require a test score for admission into sports management programs. Read about such programs here.
• Letters of Recommendation
  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.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be over 10.8% 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. However, 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 with no GRE programs:

• California University of Pennsylvania ⁴
• Liberty University ⁵
• Louisiana State University ⁶

When one thinks of a college or university, a range of effective programs pop into one’s head. Yet, many people are unaware that a specific accrediting agency must accredit each primary major and its allied programs. For each particular major taught at any 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) ⁷. COSMA is the gold standard for sports management degrees. 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 sports management professionals. 

While national agencies grant accreditation to universities, most receive accreditation from one of six regional accrediting bodies:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Read more about Accreditation in our Best Accreditation Guide.

Free Online Sports Management Courses provide valuable insights into the field, offering foundational knowledge without financial commitment. Students benefit by gaining introductory expertise and exploring sports management concepts at no cost. However, it’s important to note that these courses are not accredited, making them suitable for informational purposes rather than formal credentials.

The expense of pursuing an online master’s in Sports Management can be high in the United States. Affordability may pose a challenge, especially for working professionals with other commitments. To address such circumstances, universities and institutes are developing more affordable fee structures and offering payment options through various channels.

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards provided to students based on academic achievement, talent, or other criteria. These funds alleviate the financial burden of education, covering tuition, fees, or living expenses. Scholarships are pivotal in promoting access to education and recognizing individuals for their exceptional accomplishments and potential.

Grants

Grants are monetary awards organizations, governments, or foundations provide to individuals, businesses, or nonprofits for specific purposes. They offer financial support for projects, research, education, or community initiatives. Grants typically involve submitting a proposal or application detailing the intended use of funds and often have specific eligibility criteria and reporting obligations.

Internships

Internships allow graduate students to apply their professional academic knowledge while continuing to pursue their degrees. In addition to monetary compensation, many internships offer the chance for students to convert their practical experience into college credits, thereby reducing both the time and financial investment required to obtain their degree.

Fellowships

Fellowships allow students to fully engage professionally while receiving compensation for their contributions. Moreover, these fellowships facilitate valuable networking connections with industry professionals, fostering hands-on experience that can be directly applied to their post-graduation careers.

FAFSA ¹¹

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is vital for U.S. students seeking financial assistance for higher education. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

For more information about financial aid, read the best financial guide.

Scholarships for Masters in Sports Management Students

Scholarships for Masters in Sports Management provide crucial financial support for students pursuing advanced degrees. These scholarships alleviate the financial burden, enabling dedicated students to focus on their academic and professional development. To maximize opportunities, students must actively research and apply for various funding options available, ensuring they secure the support needed to excel in their sports management journey.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program¹²

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program provides financial assistance to student-athletes pursuing postgraduate studies. Recognizing academic and athletic achievements, it supports individuals who excel in both areas. The scholarship aims to empower athletes to continue their education and make a positive impact in their chosen fields beyond sports.

Award/Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

NIAAA Scholarships¹³

NIAAA Scholarships offer financial support to outstanding student-athletes committed to academic excellence and leadership. Sponsored by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, these scholarships recognize individuals who embody a strong commitment to education and sports, fostering future leaders in interscholastic athletics.

Award/Amount: $1500 for Section Winners (one male and one female) and $2500 for National Winners (one male and one female)

Deadline: Varies

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 in sports management can seek careers in public relations, management, and coaching. Across sectors, some of the roles and job titles graduates can take on are: 

Sports management graduates can enhance their expertise and marketability by pursuing relevant certifications. Certifications, provide specialized knowledge in sports-related disciplines, demonstrating a commitment to professional development. These credentials can lead to career advancement, expanded job opportunities, and increased credibility in the competitive sports industry. Here are a few certifications for sports management students and working professionals:

National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certification Program¹⁸

The NIAAA Certification Program, offered by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, is a free professional service designed for athletic administrators. It is centered around the principles of ongoing education, professional development, and program advancement within interscholastic sports administration. This program acknowledges and welcomes the potential for professional growth through the Leadership Training Institute. Attaining NIAAA professional certification necessitates implementing a thorough self-improvement plan to enhance the athletic administrator’s capacity to effectively serve the school, community, and profession.

Certified Sports Nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN)¹⁹

The Certified Sports Nutritionist program offered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN) caters to health, fitness, and medical professionals engaged in caring for athletes or active individuals. This program aims to provide these professionals with a fundamental comprehension of the body’s adaptive response to physical activity and the significance of nutrition in both immediate and long-term exercise-related outcomes.

Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE)²⁰

The CSSP certification is awarded to individuals who satisfy the criteria for experience, education, and professional references and successfully complete an examination on sports safety and security management. Its validity is sustained by fulfilling continuing education and industry contribution obligations, which must be met every three years.

Sport-Specific Training Certification²¹

Asfa’s Sport Specific Training Certification is an extensive credential designed for fitness professionals, personal trainers, and individuals seeking to specialize in sports coaching and fitness. This rigorous certification offers a thorough comprehension of sport-specific training principles, equipping individuals to instruct athletes in optimizing their performance in their selected sports. Enhance fitness proficiency by acquiring the sport-specific training certification.

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 benefit 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 Management²²: 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 Kinetics²³: Human Kinetics is a journal that provides access to various publications and integrates athletic and recreational coaching activities with sports psychology and centered leadership initiatives. Human Kinetics emphasizes the concept of a “healthy body, healthy mind” to improve athletic success by maintaining exercise, well-being, and proper diet. 
• Sports Business Journal²⁴: 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 it. The journal covers everything from marketing and sponsorship to labor, agents, and sports facilities.
• Sports Management Resources²⁵: 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 various documents providing cutting-edge training and knowledge to help students equip themselves for the industry.