Sports and recreation are everywhere. Youth sports accompany intercollegiate and professional athletics as some of the most popular activities worldwide. Fitness facilities, vacations, and athletic events offer job opportunities for professionals in health, entertainment, and event management alike. The best master’s programs online in sports management open the door to professional opportunities and personal fulfillment. To find out more about our top picks for sports management master’s degrees, check out the rankings below.
Top 5 online schools for master’s in sports management 2022
The best online master’s in sports management degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology collects data from federal agencies with input from industry experts to provide a holistic assessment of academic programs. Our criteria emphasize programmatic and professional outcomes through a five-layer review process. Gainesville, FL Application fee: $30 College Station, TX Application fee: $65 Coral Gables, FL Application fee: $50 Statesboro, GA Application fee: $50 Cullowhee, NC Application fee: $65 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
What to expect in an online master’s in sports management degree program
A sports management master’s degree consists of two years of business coursework with an emphasis in the sports and recreation industry. Students learn about business operations while building analytical and leadership skills through lecture coursework. Learners also participate in group projects and internships.
Acceptance rate: 37%Graduation rate: 87%Avg. annual net price: $6,302Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 82%Avg. annual net price: $19,057Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Texas A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 27%Graduation rate: 83%Avg. annual net price: $46,949Time to completion: 20 monthsGRE/GMAT: GRE requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: The University of Miami is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 54%Graduation rate: 50%Avg. annual net price: $15,536Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: OneCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 62%Avg. annual net price: $13,722Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Western Carolina University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 60%Avg. annual net price: $15,397Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Central Washington University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 49%Avg. annual net price: $13,406Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Arkansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 59%You Graduation rate: 40%Avg. annual net price: $10,334Time to completion: 12-18 monthsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: East Central University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 33%Avg. annual net price: $8,237Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Southeastern Oklahoma State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $22,906Time to completion: 18-24 monthsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.7Enrollment periods per year: One to threeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Ohio University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 46%Graduation rate: 75%Avg. annual net price: $18,705Time to completion: 18-24 monthsGRE/GMAT: Either accepted, waiver availableMinimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: SUNY Cortland is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 72%Avg. annual net price: $20,820Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Grace College and Theological Seminary is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 97%Graduation rate: 51%Avg. annual net price: $14,923Time to completion: One to three yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Southern Mississippi is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 93%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $13,437Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of Southern Indiana is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 55%Graduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $15,559Time to completion: TwoGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.7Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Jacksonville State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 67%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $11,898Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Minot State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 73%Graduation rate: 45%Avg. annual net price: $13,965Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: M/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Wayne State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 90%Graduation rate: 42%Avg. annual net price: $13,896Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: Two Course delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Indiana State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $26, 142Time to completion: 15 monthsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Concordia University Irvine is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Acceptance rate: 98%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $16,245Time to completion: 18 monthsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Concordia University St. Paul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 79%Graduation rate: 43%Avg. annual net price: $15,501Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: The University of South Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 47%Avg. annual net price: $41,095Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $34,914Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Acceptance rate: 78%Graduation rate: 35%Avg. annual net price: $15,569Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Either acceptedMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Colorado Mesa University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Acceptance rate: 53$Graduation rate: 41%Avg. annual net price: $12,995Time to completion: One yearGRE/GMAT: Either accepted, waivers availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Accreditation: Delaware State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Courses cover global sport, the social and political implications of sport, and diversity in sports and recreation settings. Learners may complete an internship, a comprehensive project, or a thesis as part of a sports management master’s degree. Online sports management degrees require dedication and determination. Sports enthusiasts thrive in sports management programs as they explore the behind-the-scenes world of sport and recreation.
Master’s in sports management courses
Master’s degrees in sports management vary in specific coursework, but curricula generally include similar core classes. Students study business as it relates to sports and recreation while learning practical skills applicable to leadership roles in the field.
Sport marketing
Coursework in sport marketing builds knowledge of marketing theories, strategies, and trends as they relate to sports. Learners gain insight into how to apply class content to sport scenarios and environments. Topics include ticket pricing, sport promotions, and branding.
Diversity in sport
Diversity in sport courses emphasize racial, ethnic, and gender issues in the world of sport. Students learn how differences and similarities between individuals influence managerial approaches in sport organizations. They also gain insight into larger implications of how race, sport, and culture relate to social norms and values.
Facility management
A class in facility management teaches students how to manage buildings, outdoor spaces, and the daily operations of sports and recreation facilities. Topics include budgeting, human resources, risk management, and facility sight, design, and construction.
Sport law
Sport law coursework provides a comprehensive look at the legal issues related to amateur and professional sport. Students look at sport law from the perspectives of athletes, teams, leagues, and media organizations.
Sports management degree levels
Sports management degrees offer unique opportunities to students with different educational and professional backgrounds. Undergraduate programs in sports management prepare learners for entry-level roles in the sports and recreation industry. Graduate programs build the knowledge and skills to allow for advancement to leadership roles in the world of sport.
Associate in sports management
Length: Two yearsCost: $6,000-$18,000Post-grad careers: Sports event planner, stadium operations assistant, sports marketing associate
A sports management associate degree introduces students to accounting, management, and marketing. As learners explore business practices and how they relate to sport, they may have an opportunity to complete an internship or comparable practical requirement. During a sports management associate degree, individuals develop the communication and technical skills to work in entry-level positions within sports and recreation organizations. The curriculum also sets the foundation to earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related discipline.
Bachelor’s in sports management
Length: Four yearsCost: $12,000-$90,000Post-grad careers: Facility operations manager, assistant athletic director, sports marketer
Through four years of coursework in management, marketing, and other business topics, sports management students build foundational understanding of business and how it relates to the sports and recreation industry. Coursework in sport sociology, sport economics, and sport law accompany classes in ethics, organizational behavior, and strategic planning to prepare learners for an internship requirement. Sports management degrees weave in multiple experiential learning components, group activities, and communication exercises as part of a comprehensive curriculum. At the end of a sports management bachelor’s program, learners complete a capstone requirement.
Master’s in sports management
Length: Two yearsCost: $$18,000-$80,000Post-grad careers: Athletic director, sports promotions manager, sports marketing director
Master’s degrees in sports management build leadership, analytical, and communication skills for current sports and recreation professionals. Coursework in the business of sport, sports psychology and sociology, and research methods allow students to work independently and with their classmates on assignments and projects. Sports management master’s degrees often include an internship requirement. Depending on the program, a sports management master’s degree may result in a comprehensive project or thesis. Individuals who seek to continue onto a doctorate in the discipline benefit from the thesis option by honing their research and writing skills.
Doctorate in sports management
Length: Three to five yearsCost: $$27,000-$120,000Post-grad careers: University professor, senior sport researcher, athletic administrator
Options for a doctorate in sportz management include a Ph.D. in sports management, a doctorate of business with a sports management emphasis, and a doctorate of education with a specialization in sport administration. Sports management doctorates emphasize research. Coursework in sport sociology, international sport, and sport research methods precedes comprehensive exams and the proposal of a dissertation. Students choose an area of emphasis, undertake an in-depth research project, and write a dissertation on an issue or challenge in the field of sports management. Some doctorates may allow for an internship or project alternative to a dissertation.
In conclusion
A sports management degree combines two exciting fields, business and sport. By learning about the administrative and managerial side of sport and recreation, learners emerge from a sports management master’s degree prepared to lead in the sports and recreation industry. The information on this page can help you take the first step down that path.
