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, associate's degrees and 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.


University of Phoenix
AA in Sports Mgmt
University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix offers an associate's degree in sports management. This degree program lays the foundation for further study in recreation management and sport. Students will learn about management, ethics, leadership, finance, marketing, and more.
Click Here
Post University
BS in Sports Mgmt
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.
Click Here
Ashford University
BA in Sport & Rec Mgmt
BA/SM - Marketing
BA/SM - Entrepreneurship
BA/SM - Project Mgmt
More...
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.
Click Here
Grand Canyon University
BSBA in Sports Mgmt
Grand Canyon University — The BS in business administration - sports management degree from Grand Canyon University readies students to gain positions in the field of sports business management. Graduates of this degree program will be well schooled in sport marketing, sport law, and sport finance.
Click Here
Liberty University
MS in Sports Mgmt
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.
Click Here
Ohio University
MS in Athletic Admin
MS in Coaching Education
Ohio University — The Ohio University offers two master's degrees in subjects related to sports management. The MS in athletic administration degree prepares students for careers in front office management or athletic departments. The MS in coaching education prepares students for coaching careers at the collegiate and professional level.
Click Here
Tiffin University
MBA in Sports Mgmt
Tiffin University — TIffin University's MBA program in sports management prepares its students for management positions in recreational, collegiate, and professional sports. The main focus of the program is on developing skills in communication, leadership, IT, and problem solving.
Click Here
American Military University
MS in Sports Mgmt
BS in Sports & Health
American Military University — The BS in sports and health sciences program from AMU studies issues related to recreational health and sports health. Topcis range from psychological issues, physical ailments, and overall well-being. AMU's MS in sports management program provides the education necessary to enter the field of sports management with careers ranging from coaching to program administration.
Click Here
Salem International University
BSBA in Sports Mgmt
Salem International University — The BS in business administration from Salem International University is available with a sports management specialization. Within this career-focused degree program, students take core business classes such as accounting, finance, marketing, and business law, along with specialized classes in event management, sports economics, sports ethics, and sports management.
Click Here
California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Sports Mgmt
California University of Pennsylvania — The BS in sports management from California University of Pennsylvania features a concentration in fitness and wellness, allowing graduates of this program to find careers working in fitness clubs, gyms, strength coaching, and more. This is a full four-year program that is available 100% online.
Click Here
St. Leo University
MBA in Sports Mgmt
St. Leo University — The MBA degree in sports business from St. Leo University will give its students a thorough understanding of teamwork, ethics, communication, and management within a sport and recreation environment.
Click Here
Drexel University
MS in Sports Mgmt
Drexel University — The Master of Science degree in sports management from Drexel University is designed to help sports managers and administrators receive a full understanding of the links between management skills, nutrition, psychology, and sport.
Click Here
Columbia Southern University
MBA in Sport Mgmt
Columbia Southern University — The MBA in sport management program from Columbia Southern University is designed to produce leaders within the sports industry. Areas of study include HR management, marketing, MIS, ethics, business policy, sport law and risk management, sport fund raising, and sport administration & finance.
Click Here
Northcentral University
M.Ed. in Athletic Admin
PhD in Athletic Admin
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.
Click Here
University of the Rockies
MA in Sport Psych.
University of the Rockies — The University of the Rockies offers an MA in sports and performance psychology degree program that educates its students in how to be an effective coach/leader and get the most out of a team, in sports or more general human performance. Graduates of this program typically enter careers as business consultants, coaches, physical therapists, or personal trainers.
Click Here
Argosy University
MA in Sports Psychology
Argosy University — The news is wrought with athletes that have used unethical performance enhancing substances. The MA in sports psychology trains students to become to become ethical performance enhancement specialists highly needed in today's sports arena. Many potential positions currently exist for people with this knowledge set.
Click Here
Southern New Hampshire University
MBA in Sports Mgmt
MS in Sports Mgmt
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.
Click Here
See more sports management degree programs...

Frequently Asked Questions About a Sports Management Career

Sports managerWhat 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.

  • AA in Sports Management: An associate of arts in sports management is an excellent program for those interested in starting their career right. Management, ethics, and leadership, are some of the key components of an AA in Sports Management degree.
  • BA in Sport & Rec Management: If one hopes to work in a recreational sports facility as a manager, than this is the perfect degree to obtain. This degree involves coursework in athletic equipment merchandising, professional sports management, and more.
  • MBA in Sports Management: If one has already obtained an undergraduate degree, than getting a Master's of Business Administration is an excellent option. Persons who obtain this degree will be positioned to be leaders in a wide variety of sports-related settings.
  • BS in Sports Management: The Bachelor of Science in sports management is an excellent program for students interested in learning about fitness clubs, strength coaching, management, and more. Graduates will be positioned to take a variety of well-regarded occupations in the industry.
  • MS in Sports Management: A master of science in sports management degree is geared towards students who already have undergrad coursework completed and are ready to pursue their next level of education. This sports management curriculum will focus heavily on understanding how nutrition, management, psychology, and sports are all tightly linked.

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 schools offer sports management degrees?

Many well-regarded academic institutions currently offer sports management degrees. Some of these degree programs are on the associate's level, while others are on the bachelor's or master's degree level. Most schools offer students a variety of options for enrollment:

  • University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix is one of the premier online institutions in existence today. Students can enroll in the Associate of Arts in sports management degree program offered by the university.
  • Ashford University: Ashford University gives students the opportunity to enroll in an online Business Administration in Sport and Recreation Management degree program. This program is geared towards those who want to hold leadership positions in recreational facilities.
  • Tiffin University: Tiffin University gives students the opportunity to obtain an advanced degree in sports management. Those who meet the requirements can pursue their Master of Business Administration in sports Management.
  • California University of Pennsylvania: Students interested in earning their sports management degree online, via distance education, can apply to CAL-U's Bachelor of Science in sports management program.
  • Drexel University: Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this excellent institution also offers online programs. Students who have the desire can obtain their Master of Science in sports management degree.
  • New Hampshire Institute of Technology: NHTI, located in Concord, New Hampshire offers an Associate in Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in sports management. Students will obtain instruction in business and technology, through the scope of sports.
  • American Military University: AMU gives students the opportunity to pursue a variety of sports management degree options. Students can begin coursework for a B.S. in Sports and Health Sciences, M.S. in sports management, or a Graduate Certificate in sports management.
  • York College of Pennsylvania: York College provides students with a high quality education, and an opportunity to pursue their sports management degree. York's undergraduate degree involves extensive business study, as well as required real-world experience. Graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of career opportunities in sports.
  • The University of Washington: UW offers a well regarded Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) program. This program is designed to prepare students to be athletic administrators for high schools or universities.

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.

Looking for a sports management degree program?

Use the degree finder below, and we'll help you find a sport management program.

Latest articles from our blog