Best Online Sports Management Degrees

A ranking of the best online bachelor's in sports management. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Sports management focuses on the organization and operation of sporting events, facilities, teams, and companies. Sports managers typically work behind the scenes, ensuring that events and athletic organizations operate properly. While there are no set educational requirements to enter the field, an online sports management degree builds valuable skills that can help candidates progress to more advanced positions.

The sports management field offers strong career opportunities and salary potential. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that event planners will see above average job growth from 2019-2029. While a degree in sports management typically leads to careers in the sports industry, most programs build broad business skills applicable to various management careers.

This page offers an overview of sports management programs, including admission requirements, course content, and professional organizations for sports management students.

FAQ on Sports Management Programs

What skills do you need for sports management?

Sports management professionals need skills in business, communication, administration, and organization. They also need knowledge of the sports and recreation industry.

What do sports managers do?

Sports managers take responsibility for the business and administrative side of sports. These professionals oversee the operations behind facilities, events, teams, and other athletics-based businesses.

Are sports management majors in demand?

The BLS projects careers for event planners (a common career path for sports management graduates) to grow 8% from 2019-2029, a rate much faster than the national average.

How long does it take to become a sports manager?

While exact completion times vary among programs, most sports management bachelor's degrees take about four years to finish. Master's degrees take 1-3 years to complete.

What Are the Goals of a Sports Management Degree?

Sports management focuses on the administrative aspects of sports. Courses typically cover topics including business administration, finance, sports marketing, ethics, and social issues in contemporary sports.

At the undergraduate level, online sports management degrees may take a more broad approach, building general business and management skills applicable to various sports operations. Students may also specialize their degree with a concentration in an area such as event management, sports marketing, athletic development, or athletic program administration. Most graduate degrees take a specialized approach, preparing graduates to pursue specific career paths in the sports industry.

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Featured Colleges and Universities

Why Get a Sports Management Degree?

Students pursue sports management for both professional and personal reasons. This list highlights five of the most recognizable benefits of earning an online sports management degree.

Prospective students should always check a school's accreditation status. Accredited schools meet the highest standard for academic excellence, and accreditation benefits students in several ways. Credits earned at an accredited school are more likely to transfer, and students must attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid. Sports management students can also look for business schools that hold programmatic accreditation.

Increased Career Opportunities
College degree-holders enjoy a distinct advantage when job searching, and sports management graduates may be able to apply for an assortment of positions in the field.
Increased Salary Potential
Along with more job opportunities, earning a sports management degree often leads to more advanced positions that feature higher salaries.
Networking Opportunities
A sports management program surrounds students with peers and professionals from the industry, offering many opportunities to make important professional connections.
Opportunity to Work in the Sports Industry
Most sports management students possess a passion for sports. Earning an online sports management degree offers the chance to work in the industry.
Hands-on Experience
Many sports management degrees offer students the opportunity to complete internships or capstone projects, gaining real-life experience in a professional sports management setting.

What Are the Requirements for a Sports Management Degree?

Sports management program requirements vary among schools and degree level. At the bachelor's level, all programs require at least a high school or GED diploma. Many programs may also require SAT or ACT standardized test scores, though schools often waive these requirements for applicants who are several years out of high school.

At the graduate level, all sports management programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Many programs accept candidates of all backgrounds and do not require applicants to hold a bachelor's in sports management. However, some programs may require relevant professional experience in sports management or a related field. Many graduate programs may also require GRE or GMAT standardized test scores.

Professional Organizations for Sports Management Students

Sports management students and degree-holders rely on professional organizations to network with peers, share knowledge, and stay current on new developments in the field. Many organizations offer discount memberships for sports marketing students, along with resources that serve degree-seekers both during college and after graduation. This list highlights two prominent professional organizations for sports marketing students.

Dedicated to research and professional development in the fields of sports management, leisure, and recreation, NASSM hosts professional conferences and publishes two sports management journals. Members receive discounts on conference fees, access to specialized job listings, and subscriptions to the NASSM's publications.

The country's leading professional organization for sports marketers, SMA stresses the relationships between sports management professionals, academics, and students. The organization emphasizes networking, career development, and scholarly research. Member benefits include a subscription to the SMA's Sport Marketing Quarterly and discounts on conference fees.

Scholarships for Sports Management Students

Most candidates see their sports management degree as a professional investment, weighing the cost of tuition against future earnings. Students can further benefit from various scholarships that serve candidates enrolled in sports management programs. Some scholarships specifically serve students from diverse backgrounds. Others offer funding to all eligible students attending sports management programs.

Janet B. Parks NASSM Research Grant

Who Can Apply: NASSM awards the grant to graduate students pursuing sports management research. Applicants must submit a research proposal and an itemized list of projected expenses. All research work must be completed within one year of the awarded grant date.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Walter J. Travis Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Travis Society offers this scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate an exceptional academic record, volunteer in the community, and show an interest in golf or golf-related activities. Applicants should include a recommendation letter, and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Past winners are eligible to apply for scholarship renewal through the same process and criteria.

Amount: $1,000

Best Online Sports Management Degrees

#1 Best Online Sports Management Degrees

University of Florida-Online

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

University of Florida-Online provides learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility to suit many different types of degree-seekers interested in the public institution. Of these, the bachelor of science in sport management is a top-ranking degree attracting students interested in a sports management-adjacent career.

Enrollees connect with distinguished faculty members and a supportive student body. The online learning environment includes classwork and projects relevant to degree-seekers' personal and professional goals. Faculty-driven research, internships, and externships are some of the opportunities learners can pursue. Enrollees can work with their faculty advisor to customize their coursework, select electives, and fit their program to their interests.

Since the price of an education can be high, the college features a variety of internal and external opportunities for financial assistance. Different types of financial assistance, like fellowships and scholarships, benefit qualifying students. At the college, 90% of enrollees decrease their educational expenses with some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
3,926
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Sports Management Degrees

Shorter University

  • Rome, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Shorter University's bachelor of business administration in sport management suits learners seeking a flexible remote education in sports management. The private institution offers 40 online bachelor’s programs, providing industry-relevant education to 565 remote students. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners at the Rome, Georgia, college.

Degree candidates gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. Classes covering both general education and advanced topics make up the curriculum, which also includes options for tailoring courses and picking electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Research, internships, and externships help provide a firsthand experience of working in the sports management field.

The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Of all enrollees, 100% get some type of financial aid, so students should check with the financial aid office to see learn their eligibility requirements. Lowering the cost of a degree is possible for learners who qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,940
Out-of-state
$21,940
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,360
Out-of-state
$12,360
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,487
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Sports Management Degrees

Concordia University-Saint Paul

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution, Concordia University-Saint Paul provides flexible learning opportunities to degree-seekers from all walks of life. From its main campus in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the college supports 18 online bachelor’s programs, reaching 3,036 distance learners across the country. Many students looking to start a sports management-related career choose the top-ranking bachelor of arts in sports management.

Upon enrolling, sports management students connect with premier faculty members and a supportive student body. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects to advance their personal and professional goals in an online classroom space. Many learners get involved with internships, externships, or research projects led by faculty members. Enrollees can work with their faculty advisor to customize their coursework, select electives, and fit their program to their interests.

Since education can be costly, the college offers a variety of internal and external funding opportunities. Eligible students can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. At the college, 98% of enrollees decrease their educational expenses with some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,800
Out-of-state
$22,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,550
Out-of-state
$8,550
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
5,137
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Sports Management Degrees

McKendree University

  • Lebanon, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For competitive study, students need look no further than the premier online programs offered by McKendree University, located in Lebanon, Illinois. The 1,067 learners enrolled remotely at the private institution choose from 12 bachelor's programs available online. The bachelor's in sport management program offers degree-seekers interested in sports management a rigorous education with industry relevance.

The program's online learning environment connects participants with colleagues and instructors, allowing them to fully benefit from the supportive remote community. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the sports management field. Learners also can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in sports management. During the program, degree-seekers get access to career counseling, academic advising, and other institution resources focused on student success.

Funding opportunities found with the help of a financial aid officer can bring down sports management degree costs. Funding opportunities at the college include many different fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,540
Out-of-state
$30,540
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,522
Out-of-state
$9,522
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
2,292
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Sports Management Degrees

Missouri Baptist University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The bachelor in sport management program at Missouri Baptist University suits people looking for an online education in with extra flexibility. The private institution offers 11 online bachelor’s programs, providing industry-relevant education to 1,826 remote students. The college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources from its camps in Saint Louis, Missouri, such as a tight-knit remote community.

Students learn industry knowledge through hands-on classes. The curriculum consists of general educational and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives. Experiential learning opportunities add to enrollee's educational experiences. Getting first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the field is possible for degree-seekers who complete internships, externships, or research projects.

Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Financial aid is awarded to 99% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Qualified learners can offset the cost of their degree through aid opportunities like internships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,860
Out-of-state
$26,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,197
Out-of-state
$10,197
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
5,309
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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