Online Master’s Degrees in Sports Management: Finding the Right School

Your Guide to Earning a Master’s in Sports Management Online

An online sports management master’s degree offers a comprehensive, flexible path to advance your expertise in the sports industry while balancing other life commitments. Programs are typically one to two years and most equal around 30–36 credits. The curriculum often blends business and sports-specific coursework with core classes on topics such as marketing, finance, event and facility management, law, and leadership in athletic organizations. Many programs include a capstone project or internship to build real-world experience. 

The online format means courses are often asynchronous, where you log in to classes on your own schedule. There are also interactive discussions and networking opportunities via virtual platforms within each program. Tuition is usually charged per credit (commonly $380-$600 each), which means total tuition ranges roughly from $14,000 to $22,000 for the entire degree. 

Admissions requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a minimum GPA (often 3.0). GRE/GMAT scores are optional or waived for those with relevant experience. You’ll likely need to submit a current resume, some letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose outlining your career goals.

Sports Management Programs: School Comparisons

Deciding If You’re Ready for an Online Master’s in Sports Management

Pursuing an online master’s in sports management is a significant step, and it’s important to reflect on your readiness, goals, and expectations before you make some crucial decisions. Below are five introspective questions to help you determine if you’re prepared to succeed in an online sports management graduate program. Thinking through these questions can help you clarify your motivation and ensure this degree aligns with your personal and professional path.

1. Do I have specific career goals in the sports industry that require a master’s degree?
   Consider whether roles as an athletic director, sports marketing manager, or sports agent typically prefer or require an advanced degree.
2. Can I balance an online graduate program with my current work and personal responsibilities?
   Online programs are flexible, but they still demand consistent time and effort. Be honest about your time management skills and support system, and decide if you’ll be able to set aside the hours each week for coursework while working full-time or juggling family commitments.
3. Am I passionate about sports management enough to engage deeply with topics like finance, law, and leadership in sports?
   Earning a sports management master’s isn’t just about watching sports – it involves advanced study of business concepts applied to sports settings. Make sure you’re excited to dive into these areas, as your genuine interest will help you push through challenging coursework.
4. Do I meet the typical admissions requirements, and am I willing to bridge any gaps if I don’t qualify?
   Review the prerequisites: Do you have the required undergraduate degree and GPA? If you lack experience in the sports field, you’ll need to seek opportunities to gain relevant experience or knowledge, perhaps through volunteering or certifications.
5. How will I finance my education, and is the investment worthwhile for me?
   Reflect on the tuition costs and fees and how you plan to use savings – or financial aid such as loans or employer assistance – to pay for those. Consider the potential return on investment and if a master’s degree will likely lead to a role or salary increase that justifies the expense.

Online Master’s in Sports Management: Breaking Down Costs

The university you choose and where you currently live can greatly affect the cost of an online master’s in sports management. For starters, tuition is usually calculated per credit hour, and most programs require around 30–36 credits for completion. 

Public universities typically offer lower rates for in-state students, whereas private universities tend to have higher flat rates. To give you an idea: some affordable state schools charge under $300 per credit, which places your tuition well under $10K, while elite private programs might charge $1,500 per credit for an overall $50K price tag. Most programs fall somewhere in between these extremes. 

You’ll also want to factor in any mandatory fees (technology, online learning) and the cost of books or course materials. Ways you can reduce expenses include earning financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement, while you’ll typically save on relocation or commuting costs and can continue working while studying as an online student.

(Tuition figures are approximate. “Cost per Credit” and “Total Tuition” may differ based on academic year and student residency status. Always confirm the latest tuition rates on the program’s official website.)

Career & Salary Potential for Sports Management Careers

Graduates with a master’s degree in sports management typically move into leadership and administrative roles in collegiate athletics administration, operations management, or marketing. Some graduates become athletic directors at high schools or colleges, overseeing entire sports programs. Others go into professional sports, landing roles in team operations, player development, or front-office management for sports franchises. 

The degree also lends itself to careers where you could work on branding, fan engagement, and corporate partnerships for sports teams or brands. If you’re analytically inclined, you might enter the growing field of sports analytics or data management, helping teams make data-driven decisions. There are also opportunities in event and facility management, perhaps running a major stadium or organizing large sporting events. Sports management graduates often find positions with parks and recreation departments, sports camps, or youth sports organizations as well, where they can combine community impact with management skills.

Many mid-level professionals use a master’s degree to move up to executive roles. For instance, a marketing coordinator with a few years of experience might become a sports marketing manager after graduation – a role that can command six figures in larger markets. The sports industry’s popularity ensures a steady need for professionals who can organize, promote, and manage sporting events and organizations.

Whether your goal is to run a pro team’s operations, direct a college athletic program, or launch a sports marketing agency, this degree equips you with the strategic skills and network to make it happen.

FAQs for Sports Management Master’s Program Students

Is an online sports management master’s degree respected by employers?

Yes – as long as the program is accredited and well-established. Most online sports management programs at reputable universities award the same degree as their on-campus counterparts, and your diploma typically won’t state “online.” 

Employers care more about the reputation of the school and the skills you bring. In fact, the flexibility of online study often means students continue working in sports while studying, which can be seen as an added plus. To ensure credibility, choose a program at a regionally accredited university or one with specialized accreditation or a strong industry reputation. When you apply for jobs, emphasize projects, internships, or work experience you completed during the program.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s in sports management?

Many students do. Online sports management programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Asynchronous courses (which you can do on evenings or weekends) are common, and you can often choose a part-time schedule. For example, some programs allow you to take just one course at a time if that suits your work-life balance.

It’s important to be realistic about time management – a typical graduate course might require 10-15 hours of work per week. If you’re working 40+ hours, you’ll need to carve out study time. The upside of continuing to work is that you can apply what you learn in real time and possibly have an income to help finance your studies. Many employers are supportive and may even offer tuition reimbursement for job-related degrees.

Do I need a background in sports or a related undergraduate degree to get into these programs?

Not necessarily. Most online master’s in sports management programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree from a variety of academic backgrounds, including business, communications, or exercise science. Sports management programs often teach foundational concepts from scratch for those new to the field. 

Some programs do prefer or recommend that you have experience in the sports industry, but this isn’t universal. If you don’t have a sports background, you can strengthen your application by highlighting transferable skills (leadership, teamwork, project management) and expressing your passion for the sports industry in your personal statement. 

Do these programs require the GRE or GMAT exam for admission?

Many online sports management master’s programs do not require the GRE or GMAT, but it varies by school. Increasingly, universities are waiving standardized test requirements, especially for online and professional programs, and many others waive the test if you meet a GPA threshold or have relevant work experience. 

That said, a few competitive programs (and some MBA programs with a sports focus) may still ask for GRE/GMAT scores as part of a holistic review. Always check the specific admissions criteria: if tests are optional, submitting a good score could strengthen your application. But, focus on other aspects of your application like your essay and recommendations if you don’t have to take the GRE/GMAT.

What’s the difference between an MS in Sports Management and a Master of Business Administration with a sports management concentration?

Both degrees can lead to leadership roles in the sports industry, but they each have a different emphasis. An MS in Sports Management (or MEd/MA in some cases) program features a specialized graduate degree where every course is related to sports or recreation management, often with opportunities for internships in sports organizations. In contrast, an MBA with a sports management concentration includes core business courses (finance, accounting, general management, economics) with classmates from various industries and then a handful of elective courses specific to sports management. 

The MBA route gives you a wider business education that can be applied beyond the sports world, while the MS is more deeply tailored to sports. Which is better depends on your career goals: if you want flexibility to move into other industries or already have significant sports experience, an MBA might be useful. If you want a career specifically in sports and want more in-depth sports-focused training, the sports management master’s could be the better fit. Employers in sports generally recognize both degrees.

What kind of support and networking opportunities will I have in an online program?

Quality online sports management programs strive to offer robust support and networking comparable to on-campus experiences. You can expect academic advising and career counseling tailored to sports management. Many programs have partnerships with sports organizations for internships or guest lectures. 

For networking opportunities for graduate students, schools often facilitate virtual events: think live webinars with industry experts, online discussion groups, and alumni mentorship programs. Some programs give online students access to dedicated career coaches and alumni networks in the sports field. Additionally, professional associations like the North American Society for Sport Management often welcome student members – joining these can be a great way to network outside your school. LinkedIn and social media groups related to your program or sports management can also lead to excellent connections with classmates and industry professionals.

Ranking Online Sports Management Programs: Top Options

Our ranking of the best online master’s programs in sports management is like the championship bracket of graduate schools – it highlights the top contenders nationwide. To create this list, we analyzed extensive data from the U.S. Department of Education and more than 7,700 colleges and universities. 

We evaluated programs on crucial factors such as tuition affordability, accreditation quality, the breadth of online offerings, and student support services like academic advising and career counseling. The result is an authoritative lineup of programs that deliver outstanding value and student experiences. Get ready to meet the front-runners that could take your sports career to the next level.