Masters (MS) in Sports Management

Requirements for Earning an MS in Sports Management

As more colleges continue to add athletic programs and teams to their rosters, management is needed to ensure adequate competition opportunities in each official sport. With an MS in sports management, students learn how to support athletic programs by enhancing their leadership, teaching, and administrative skills.

Sports management programs build upon what students learned as an undergraduate. Graduate-level courses include accounting, management, marketing, economics, and computer applications. Courses also focus on the business side of the sports industry with classes in interscholastic intercollegiate and professional sports, facility management, sport ethics, sport marketing, sport law, and sport finance.

Jobs for MS in Sports Management Graduates

In this field, graduates can find employment in various capacities. For example, recreation management is just one layer of the sports management industry. Recreation management staff members ensure that facility upkeep is controlled, events are planned in the most effective way possible, teams and individuals are supported, league/conference rules and regulations are upheld, and more.

Daily job responsibilities in this field depend on the students career path. In an entry-level position, students can expect to work closely under a manager or with a team of administrators. However, as students advance, they are progressively given more responsibilities. Graduates can also pursue careers with the following titles:

  • Athletic Director
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Facility Manager
  • Scout
  • Sports Agent
  • Sports Marketer

Average Salary and Career Data

The average starting salary in the sports management field varies depending on job title and professional experience. With a master’s degree in sports management, graduates can expect higher wages and better perks.

Given the wide range of jobs functions and work environments in the sports management field, salaries run the gamut. Salary.com lists a variety occupations in sports and recreation field and their respective salaries. The salary range is a varied as $30,000 to $300,000 annually. Professional teams and division I universities will likely pay better than minor league teams.

Online Masters in Sports Management Degrees

The Best Online Sports Management Degrees

Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance it, there are several online degrees from accredited schools available in Sports Management at every education level. Specializations range from Sports Psychology to Marketing or Athletic Administration emphasis. The following links from each school will put you in contact with the right people for more information on the program of your choice.

Ashford University — Your BA in Sports and Recreation Management or Marketing degree can be completed entirely online, and you can transfer up to 90 credits, accelerating the process further. Ashford University was founded almost 100 years ago and its online division includes over 30 degrees at the associate, bachelor, and master level.
Post University — Post University offers an online BS in Sports Management degree that explores the managerial, administrative, and marketing aspects of the sports industry. Average class size is about sixteen students leaving room for peer-to-peer interaction and one-to-one tutoring. Post University is located in Waterbury, Connecticut and has 9000 part- and full-time students.
Southern New Hampshire University — While an undergraduate degree is required, the MBA and MS of Sports Management from South New Hampshire University can be completed in less than two years, making it a quick way to propel your career forward. Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, the main campus has WiFi, an Olympic pool, and even an art gallery.
Liberty University — The focus of Liberty University's MS in Sports Management is how organizational skills and leadership plays a role in sports organizations and athletic programs. The program can be completed in less than two years and up to six credit hours can be transferred. However, you will need an undergrad degree in order to enroll.
Northcentral University — Northcentral University offers online programs for an MEd or PhD in Athletic Administration which prepares students for high profile and leadership positions. Founded in 1978 in Prescott Valley, Arizona, NCU is now the school of choice for over 10,000 students who are active in school events and organizations.

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