Introduction to Sports Management

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Sports management education teaches students how to navigate the business side of the sports industry. Some examples of sports managers include team coaches, general managers, recruiters, scouts, athletic directors, sports agents, and venue managers. Jobs in marketing and promotions, sports information, academic student services, and development within intercollegiate sports are often available to sports management degree holders. Other employment opportunities are in professional sports with event management and community relations, or sports licensing and public relations, merchandising, and finance.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports management. The undergraduate sports management specialization offers professional preparation in the application of business principles to the sports industry. Students complete a degree program that includes courses in accounting, management, marketing, economics, and computer applications. Sports management courses focus on the business side of sports in culture, sports information, interscholastic intercollegiate and professional sports, facility management, sport ethics, sport marketing, sport law, and sport finance. After completing a sports management program, you can start an entry level job in a sports organization, or jump right to middle management with luck and prior experience.

Additional Resources on Sports Management

The Best Online Sports Management Degrees

For those looking to begin or advance a career in sports management, there are several accredited online colleges that offer degrees in the subject. For beginners, bachelor's degrees are available. For graduate students wishing for more in-depth study, master's degrees and MBAs in sports management are also available. The following schools offer online degrees in sports management and similar subjects.

Post University — The bachelor's degree in sports management from Post University prepares its students for administrative, management, and marketing careers in the sports industry. Because the program can be completed entirely online, working adults will find the scheduling flexibility of the program to be one of its greatest strengths.
Ashford University — The bachelor's degree in sports management from Ashford University will prepare its students for managerial positions in the sport and recreation industry, including gymnasium management, athletics equipment merchandising, and professional sports management. Specialties offered within this program include sports marketing, sports finance, sports project management, sports entrepreneurship, and sports information systems.
Northcentral University — Northcentral's M.Ed. in athletic administration will provide you the skills and education necessary for K-12 athletic administration. Northcentral also offers a more advanced PhD degree in athletic administration that provides students with knowledge on comprehensive educational concepts necessary to direct athletic programs and sporting events.
Liberty University — Liberty's MS in sports management provides students with an understanding of the sports and recreation industry. The program is extremely relevant in today's sports environment covering controversial topics in the social and ethical issues that face the industry. Students will be prepared for various managerial positions in sports, fitness, and athletic marketing and merchandising.
Southern New Hampshire University — Southern New Hampshire University's MBA in sport management and MS in sports management degree programs teach its students to become adept in the business and marketing side of the sport industry. For these programs, no GMAT or GRE is required, but applicants must have a bachelor's degree.

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Frequently Asked Questions About a Sports Management Career



What exactly is a sports management degree?

Sports management mainly involves the application of sound business skills and knowledge to the sports industry. Someone in a sports management program may take classes in accounting, marketing, management, ethics, economics, computer applications, and more. Persons who graduate and start their sports management career should have the necessary tools to work in a wide variety of positions. These positions include program directors, directors of ticketing and finance, sporting goods sales reps, compliance directories, player representatives, and much more.

What are the different types of degrees in this field?

There are a variety of sports management degree programs that persons can enroll in online. In terms of minimum education requirements, all degree programs require at least a high school diploma or GED. Students can pursue anything from an associate's degree to a master's degree in sports management.

Associates Level Sports Management Degrees

Bachelors Level Sports Management Degrees

Masters Level Sports Management Degrees

Doctorate Level Sports Management Degrees

What is the average salary of someone with a sports management degree?

Persons who have earned their degree in sports management face a robust job market, with competitive salaries. Because of the amount of variation in occupations and degree levels, there is a significant gap between the lowest salaries and highest salaries for a sports management career. On average, persons in the sports management industry make $50,000 a year. However, someone who is a sports agent can make significantly more (some commanding salaries of as much as $600,000 yearly). Someone who is an athletic director can make around $100,000. More info.

What kinds of financial aid are available for schools offering sports management degrees?

Students who have demonstrated that they have a financial need are generally always able to obtain help for financing their education. At the very least, every student should fill out a FAFSA to see what aid they may be able to receive. However, there are also a variety of sports management scholarships available for students who meet requirements. More specifically, students can obtain aid from the Institute of Sports Management. Women interested in this degree can apply for the Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship. Specific universities also offer scholarships for qualified candidates. For example, The Ohio State University offers the Ted Coates Scholarship fund for sports management students, and the University of Florida offers the Fred and Charlotte Rozelle Sport Management Endowment. Extensive research is the best way to learn more about the various scholarships available for this field of study.

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