Online Degrees in Sports Management
Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Sports Management and a detailed list of the programs that are offered.
Play Ball!
As the sports industry continues to grow and take on more significance in the United States, Sports Management has exploded into a $200 billion industry and the 16th largest in the country. Both traditional and for-profit universities have responded with an array of Bachelor and Masters online degree programs tailored to meet the interests and needs of students and busy professionals in the field.
Currently there are 33 online Sports Management degree programs offered.
Ten online programs offer Bachelor's degrees in Sports Management with tuition ranging from $21,900 to $58,800.
Writers for the Princeton Review wrote about the changing face of sports and the important role managers can play:
'The way we think of sports has drastically changed over the years; these days few people would say that a sport is 'just a game.' Indeed, sports provide serious entertainment and big business in this country, and sports managers are crucial to ensuring that the players, fans, coaches, and financial backers coexist peacefully.'
What jobs are available in Sports Management?
As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of jobs in the sport industry. Whether you want to work with professional, amateur, or intercollegiate sports, each league needs people to fill the roles of:
- Event managers
- Game day operators
- Ticket sales coordinators
- Fundraising coordinators
- Facility managers
- Team travel coordinators
- Spectator accommodations employees
- Recruiters
- Equipment coordinator
- A host of other positions.
It would be wrong to mention professional and collegiate sports as the only landing spot for sport management graduates. There are numerous other sporting fields that would be great to work in. Take for example a regular golf course, a racetrack, college intramurals, or a ski resort. All of these areas need qualified and educated individuals to help the company or organization make a profit and build business. Sport management is a growing field, and the education opportunities within the field are becoming more abundant.
Sports Management Career Outlook
Many students considering this profession think of the professional side of the industry—the teams and leagues of the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. But a career in sports management covers a broad spectrum of employment options.
'What I stress to my students is that this is a small piece of the pie,' said Doug Blais, Director of Sports Management at Southern New Hampshire University which offers an online MBA and MA in Sports Management. 'The field also encompasses the minor leagues, TV and media, high school and collegiate athletics, sporting goods, manufacturing and retail (think of Nike, Reebok, Sports Authority). There is also the whole area of sponsorship where individual companies have Sport Marketing Divisions, such as Bank of America. Parks and Recreation and the fitness industry also fall under the umbrella of sports management.'
Kinesiology vs. Business Management: Which Approach is Right for You?
Schools offering sports management degrees will follow either a kinesiology or a business management approach. Kinesiology is the study of physical activity and includes exercise, activities of daily living, work, sport, dance, and play for improvement of health and physical fitness. It often involves special populations such as children and the elderly; persons with disability, injury, or disease, and athletes. Kinesiology focused programs will offer course such as: Psychology of Coaching, Foundations of Kinesiology, Health Promotion Program Design and Implementation, and Sociology of Sport. They will also offer courses that focus on the business side of sports management including Event Management in Sports, Facilities Management, Sports Finance, and Sponsorship. A kinesiology based sports management degree will prepare you for a position as coach, athletic trainer and eventually, athletic director in sports and fitness organizations.
Programs that are offered in conjunction with the Business Department or School of Business focus on the business side of the field and offer courses such as Sports Administration and Planning, Sports Marketing Management, Sports Finance, and Sports Communication. The emphasis is on the managerial and leadership skills required of managers and executives in the sport industry in such areas as marketing, public relations, event management and recruiting.
Salary Forecast for Sports Management
Aside from an obvious passion for sports and fitness, being able to work in a team environment is a must for anyone considering a career in the sports management field.
Having the ability to communicate persuasively and tactfully with managers, staff and the public, both in writing and in person, is another vital skill. Establishing and maintaining good personal relationships with your colleagues and clients is essential. But don’t expect a glamorous job when you're just getting started. 'Students think they will be the next Jerry Macguire,' said Doug Blais, referring to the passionate sports agent portrayed by Tom Cruise. 'While it’s good to have goals, those goals need to be realistic,' he advised. With so many people vying for positions in this demanding field, expect to work late nights and weekends.
Entry into the field is highly competitive. Salaries will typically be in the $25,000-$30,000 range with a Bachelors degree in Sports Management. Working in ticket sales and event hosting will provide exposure to a wide range of areas within the industry including marketing, public relations, finance, and event operations.
A Masters degree will provide the knowledge and management skills necessary to advance to higher salary levels in the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages for advertising and promotions managers were $80,220, $108,580 for marketing managers, $97,260 for sales managers, and $89,430 for public relations managers.
The annual mean salary for coaches and scouts working in elementary and secondary schools is $32,110, $49,140 at the college and university level, and $60,610 in the arena of spectator sports.
Making the decision to obtain a Sports Management degree is a worthwhile investment that will open and enhance many diverse career paths in this exciting and dynamic profession.
The Importance of Internships
Internships are another important component of a good sports management program as they provide students with real world experience. 'I recommend a minimum of one, said Dr. Blais. 'Our strong students will do 2 or 3. They are also involved in volunteer opportunities in the industry.'
Which Online Schools Offer Sports Management Degrees?
The schools offering the BA/BS degree in Sports Management include:
- Columbia Southern University
- Post University
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Grand Canyon University
- Salem University
Ashford University offers BA degrees in Sports Management with specializations in Sport and Recreation Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Project Management.
For individuals who wish to pursue careers that focus on training, coaching and sports psychology, the following schools offer Kinesiology focused Bachelors degrees:
- American Military University, BA in Sports and Health
- Ashford University, BA in Health Care Studies-Exercise Science
For students employed in other fields who want to transition to the business side of sports management, or those currently in the profession looking to advance their knowledge and careers, there are currently five online MBA programs and six Masters in Sports Management programs. The tuition in these programs ranges from a low of $9,540 to $65,772.
The following schools offer online Masters degrees with a specialization in business administration within the sports management field:
- Liberty University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Drexel University
- Saint Leo University
- Lasell College
- Tiffin University
- Columbia Southern University
- Franklin Pierce University
- American Military University
Individuals looking to take a busy coaching or fitness career to a program administrative or managerial level can consider an online Masters degrees with a specialization in Coaching and Athletic Administration, Sport Psychology, Sport Science, and Sports Leadership from:
- Ohio University
- Northcentral University
- University of the Rockies
- Argosy University
- American Military University
- University of Central Missouri
- Duquesne University
- Concordia University
Tuition for these programs ranges from a low of $12, 960 to $50,000.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Sports Management programs
Ashford University
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BA/Sports and Recreation Management
Apply your love of sports and fitness to the world of business while expanding your knowledge and experience with your Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management degree earned online from Ashford University. Build your management and leadership skills while deepening your knowledge of the many business aspects of sports, fitness, and recreation. Upon graduation, you will be well acquainted with the industry and be highly trained in various theories of management. Additionally, you will be prepared for potential managerial positions in the sports and recreation industry, including: professional sports, fitness clubs, athletics equipment merchandising, recreation programs, and more.
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BA/Sports and Recreation Management - Entrepreneurship
Apply your love of sports and fitness to the world of business while expanding your knowledge and experience with your Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management degree earned online from Ashford University. Build your management and leadership skills while deepening your knowledge of the many business aspects of sports, fitness, and recreation. Upon graduation, you will be well acquainted with the industry and be highly trained in various theories of management. Additionally, you will be prepared for potential managerial positions in the sports and recreation industry, including: professional sports, fitness clubs, athletics equipment merchandising, recreation programs, and more.
Specialization — Entrepreneurship
Prepare to launch and manage entrepreneurial enterprises. You will increase your business and your technical skills when you add the Entrepreneurship specialization to your Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management degree.
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BA/Sports and Recreation Management - Finance
Apply your love of sports and fitness to the world of business while expanding your knowledge and experience with your Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management degree earned online from Ashford University. Build your management and leadership skills while deepening your knowledge of the many business aspects of sports, fitness, and recreation. Upon graduation, you will be well acquainted with the industry and be highly trained in various theories of management. Additionally, you will be prepared for potential managerial positions in the sports and recreation industry, including: professional sports, fitness clubs, athletics equipment merchandising, recreation programs, and more.
Specialization — Finance
Add to your Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management degree with a specialization in Finance. You will bridge the fields of finance and business to gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches of financial management.
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BA/Sports and Recreation Management - Information Systems
Grand Canyon University
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B.S. in Sports Management
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management program prepares students for careers in the sports industry. The core curriculum emphasizes the development of the functional area skills required to become effective business leaders, and the major courses prepare students to become professional managers in areas such as sports marketing, sports media, amateur and professional athletics, and sports and entertainment event planning.Prospective students should have some previous college experience.
Northcentral University
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M.Ed./Athletic Coaching
The Master's of Education in Athletic Coaching degree addresses the skills needed to improve leadership, teaching and administration abilities in this field of athletics. Courses concentrate on financial analysis, sports governance, ethics, athletics, marketing and more.Courses focus on leadership, legal aspects in athletics, financial analysis, marketing, sports governance, events and facilities management, ethics. Basic concepts are addressed in each course and application of those concepts emphasized.
Post University
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B.S. in Sport Management
The Post University Sport Management online degree program is designed to prepare students to enter management, administrative, and marketing careers in sport and sport-related companies. The program is available completely online offering a flexible and convenient alternative for working adult students who wish to enhance their current career options or open up new opportunities in the broad and expanding fields in sport.
Post University's Sport Management online degree program includes a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that provides students with the skills and experiences they'll need to succeed. The degree fuses sport management courses, business courses, and encourages cooperative education experiences (optional for our online students). Additionally, students will take an interesting assortment of courses in liberal arts, organizational leadership, and personal development – all of which provide the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to become a leader in the field of Sport Management.
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