2024 Guide to the Best Online Masters in Sports Administration Degree Programs. Want to launch your career in Sports Management? Start here!
A satisfying career in sports doesn’t always require being on the field. Sports managers take care of many of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities in amateur and professional athletics. These experts may handle public relations, marketing, finance, facility management, player development, legal matters and more.
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If you’re ready to turn your love of athletics into a career in sports management, then you need the education to support your passion. Although a bachelor’s in sports administration could prepare you for entry-level positions, a master’s degree may give you a competitive edge over other contenders for advancement. Plus, there are even a few no GRE masters programs available if you want to skip the hassle of taking the exam.
An online master’s in athletic administration can be your ticket to a fulfilling sports career.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Sports Administration Course
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
1. Adams State University
Located in the San Luis Valley, Alamosa, Colorado, Adams State University was established in 1921. It has a robust diversity ethos and supports inclusivity.
The department of Kinesiology offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis or Master of Science in Kinesiology degrees.
- MA in Sport Management
Adams State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Adelphi University
Adelphi University, established in 1896, is located in Garden City, New York, with centers in Manhattan, Hudson Valley, and Suffolk County.
Ranked among the top 15% colleges for sports management, Adelphi offers a BS and MS in Sport Management, an Online MS in Sport Management, and Sport-Based Youth Development Specialization for MS.
- MS in Sport Management
Adelphi is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
3. American Public University
American University was initially set up to promote distance learning opportunities for a mobile population of military-learners. Today, having made a successful transition from correspondence to online courses, it serves a diverse community of the general population.
The university offers an MS in Sports Management in an 8-week program format.
- MS in Sport Management
American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. American University
American University, established in 1892, is a research institution in Washington, DC, considered to be a feeder university for government jobs. It is affiliated to the United Methodist Church but doesn’t consider religion to be a criterion for admission.
Their Master’s Degree program in Sports Analytics & Management is offered online as a distance education program in a 10-course format, each being 8 weeks long.
- MS in Sports Analytics and Management
AU is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
5. Arkansas State University
Established in 1909, this is a research university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. With Missionary Baptist origins, the university is today one of the top colleges in the US.
ASU offers a one-year, 36-credit-hour MS program in Sports Administration, accredited by COSMA (Commission on Sport Management Accreditation).
- MS in Sport Administration
A-State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
6. Baker University
Baker University is located in Baldwin City, Kansas. It is a liberal arts college, established in 1858, affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
The MS in Sports Management is a 33-credit hour program offered by BU that has been recognized as one of the most affordable and value for money colleges in the US. The online program is 18-20 months long.
- MS in Sport Management
Baker is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania: was founded in 1852 and is located in California, Pennsylvania. The 100% online MS program in Sport Management Studies has a flexible schedule and can be completed in 13 consecutive months.
The course was ranked #21 in the US in 2017 as being top-ranked and affordable. Specialization in Strategic Sports Analysis or Intercollegiate Athletic Administration is part of this program.
- MS in Sport Management Studies – Intercollegiate Athletic Administration
- MS in Sport Management Studies – Sport Management Generalist
- MS in Sport Management Studies – Strategic Sport Analysis
Cal U is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
8. Campbellsville University
Ranked #4 most affordable Christian College in the US, this university is located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Upholding the ideals of the Kentucky Baptist Association, the university welcomes students of all denominations.
The two-year 30-credit-hour online MA degree in Sport Management can be completed in one year.
- MA in Sport Management
Campbellsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
9. Canisius College
Founded in 1870 by German Jesuits, this Jesuit college is located in Buffalo, New York.
The Master’s in Sports Administration program is recognized as one of the top sports management programs in the world. It can be completed in one year. Courses include Leadership in Sport, Strategic Sport Marketing, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Sport Finance & Business.
- Master’s in Sport Administration
Canisius is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education.
10. Coker University
Coker University is a co-ed college, located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Associated earlier with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, it has been non-denominational since 1994.
The MS in College Athletic Administration online program has two entry points per year, where graduate students can take one course at a time in the cohort model.
- MS in College Athletic Administration
Coker is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
11. Concordia University – Irvine
Established in 1976 as a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod college, Concordia is a Christian university, located in Irvine, California. The Master’s degree in Coaching & Athletics Administration is ranked the #1 athletics graduate program in the US.
The 15-month, 36-credit-hour program can be taken on campus, online, or in a combination of both options.
- Master’s in Coaching and Athletics Administration
CUI is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
12. Concordia University – St. Paul
Concordia University – St Paul was founded in 1893 in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The MA in Sports Management program is 100% online, consists of 33 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months. The program is affordable and provides great employment opportunities for those who have completed the course.
- MA in Sport Management
CSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
13. Concordia University – Texas
Founded in 1926, this co-ed institution is located in Austin, Texas. It is a Lutheran university, dedicated to developing Christian leaders and originally intended to prepare young men for the ministry.
The MEd program in Coaching & Sports Administration is an 8-week, 30-credit online course. No GRE is required for enrollment.
- MEd in Coaching & Sports Administration
CTX is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
14. Delaware State University
Delaware State University is located in Dover, Delaware and is a historically black university, founded in 1891, catering to a diverse population.
BS Sport Management and MS Sport Administration programs are available. The BS program is COSMA accredited, and students must complete the general education program. The 12-month, 30-credit-hour MS program is a flexible, accelerated option.
- MS in Sport Administration
DSU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
15. Drexel University
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, DU was founded in 1891 as a non-sectarian, coeducational center of higher learning.
The online, full/part-time, 45-credit MS program in Sport Management with optional graduate minor subjects can be paired as a dual degree with other MBA programs. It can be completed in 24 months.
- MS in Sport Management
Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
16. East Central University
ECU is located in Ada, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1909. The MEd in Sports Administration online, 8-week, 33-credit hour program can be completed within 12-18 months. Non-resident tuition waivers are available based on eligibility.
- MEd in Sports Administration
ECU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
17. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University is located in Portales, New Mexico and was founded in 1934. The 36-credit-hour MS in Physical Education has an emphasis on Sports Administration and has options to take some courses on campus, 100% online, or a combination of both.
This is one of the most affordable graduate programs in the US.
- MS in Physical Education – Sport Administration
ENMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
18. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Located in New Jersey, FDU was founded in 1942, with campuses in the UK and Canada. The 36-credit-hour Master of Sports Administration program is available online and in the classroom. Students can enroll at the start of any trimester.
- Master of Sports Administration
FDU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
19. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University is located in Boca Raton, Florida. This university has five satellite campuses across Florida and opened in 1964.
The 23-month, 40-46 credit-hour MBA in Sport Management program can be taken on-campus or online. The online courses are in a cohort format, while the on-campus courses are held in the evenings twice a week.
- MBA in Sport Management
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
20. Fort Hays State University
Located in Hays, Kansas, FHSU was founded in 1902, initially in the premises of Fort Hays, a military outpost. The college offers an online-only MBA in Health & Human Performance/Sports Management Concentration that ranked #3 in 2015 for Best Schools for Online Master’s Degree in Sports Management.
- MBA in Health and Human Performance/Sports Management
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
21. Fresno Pacific University
This Fresno, California-based Christian university was established in 1944 by the Pacific Bible Institute under the aegis of the Mennonite Brethren Church.
The 30-credit-hour, 5-semester average, 100% online MA in Sports Administration program requires students to work for 9 hours a week in a sports administration related area.
- MA in Sport Administration
FPU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
22. Georgetown University
This university is located in Georgetown, Washington, DC. It is the oldest Catholic/Jesuit institution in the US and was founded in 1789. The online 30-credit hour Master’s in Sports Industry Management program prepares students for high-level careers in the field.
- MPS in Sports Industry Management
Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
23. Georgia Southern University
With its flagship campus in Statesboro, Georgia, this is a research university and offers affordable online courses. It was founded in 1906 and has a widely recognized name in athletics.
The 36-credit-hour, online MS in Sport Management program can be completed within 24 months or according to your schedule.
- MS in Sport Management
Georgia Southern is accredited by the Commission on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
24. Gonzaga University
Located in Spokane, Washington, this is a Roman Catholic institution. The 31-credit Master’s degree in Sport & Athletic Administration has both online and on-campus options. It can be completed in 24 months or earlier according to your own pace, with internships of your choice.
- MA in Sport and Athletic Administration
Gonzaga is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
25. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It was established by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention in 1949.
The 53-credit, online MBA in Sports Business program offers classes that 8 weeks long on average, with an emphasis on ethical decision-making. Graduates may qualify for placement assistance.
- MBA in Sports Business
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
26. Hampton University
This historically black university is located in Hampton, Virginia was established in 1886 following the Civil War, by both back and white missionaries.
The accelerated, 33-credit, online MS in Sports Administration program prepares students for high-profile, rewarding careers in intercollegiate athletics, sports leadership, and sports business.
- MS in Sport Administration
Hampton U is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
27. Indiana State University
Established in 1865 and located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this is a doctoral/research institution. The online MS in Sport Management program is a 36-credit hour program with a requirement of 3 additional credits for those without sport management major/minor and available only to students in the US and Canada.
- MS in Sport Management
ISU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
28. Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University was founded in 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida. The 100% online MS in Sport Management program can be completed in 12 months.
If your language is not English, TOEFL scores are necessary. The program is related to several prestigious entities in the field of professional sports.
- MS in Sport Management
JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
29. Lasell University
Lasell University is located in Auburndale, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1861 based on a radical approach to female education of the time.
The 100% online MS in Sport Management program can be completed in 12-24 months. It has been ranked #15 among the best online sport management courses in the US. Classes are capped at 23 students.
- MS in Sport Management
Lasell is accredited by the Commission on Institution of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
30. Liberty University
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, it was founded in 1971. It has an informal affiliation with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.
The 100% online MS in Sports Management program can be completed in less than 2 years and the costs are affordable, with no upfront application fees.
- MS in Sports Management
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
31. Midway University
This Christian liberal arts university is located in Midway, Kentucky and is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. Established in 1849, it was the only women-only college in Kentucky until 2016, after which male undergraduates were admitted.
The MBA – Concentration in Sport Management can be completed in 15 months, either online or on campus.
- MBA in Sport Management
MU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
32. Northeastern University
Established in 1898, NU is located in Boston, Massachusetts and is a top-40 college in the US, famous for its co-op education program that integrates classroom and international professional experience.
The online Master of Sports Leadership program has a summer residency, work opportunities with sponsors, and is accredited by COSMA.
- Master of Sports Leadership
Northeastern is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
33. Northwestern University
Located in Evanston Illinois, with campuses in Chicago and Doha, Qatar, this is a university that houses the famous Kellogg School of Management. Founded in 1851, it has famous alumni, including Noble Prize winners and celebrities.
The Master’s in Sports Administration, or with a specialization in Sports Analytics, is an 11-course interdisciplinary professional program, with sports administration networking opportunities.
- Master’s in Sports Administration
- Master’s in Sports Administration – Sports Analytics
Northwestern is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
34. Ohio University
Ohio University is a research university located in Athens, Ohio. Chartered in 1787, it was founded by a chaplain in Washington’s army.
The 36-credit, 100% online, interactive, Master of Athletic Administration program can be completed in two years, in a condensed, 7-week structure, and no GRE is required. It prepares you for a career in an interscholastic athletic program.
- Master of Athletic Administration
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
35. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia and was established in 1930. It welcomes students from 89 different countries.
The MS in Sport Management program is 100% online, with 36-credit hours, including a capstone initiative. You can fit classes into your schedule within ODU’s regular academic calendar.
- MS in Sport Management
ODU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
36. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Established in 1909, SOSU is located in Durant, Oklahoma. The 100% online MS in Sports Administration – General program is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in 12 months. Additional courses in nutrition, strength training programs, and advanced coaching techniques are available.
- MS in Sports Administration – General
SOSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
37. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. It was established in 1932. In 2019, this university joined Walmart’s Live Better U program, which enables college students to pay just one dollar of tuition.
The 36-credit, 100% online Masters in Sports Management program is both affordable and supportive of career prospects.
- MS in Sports Management
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
38. St. Thomas University
St Thomas University is a Catholic university located in Miami Gardens, Florida and comes under the Archdiocese of Miami. It welcomes a diverse population of students from all over the world.
The 36-45 credit hour online MBA in Sports Administration can be completed in about 12 months. There are 6 course-start-date options to choose from.
- MBA in Sports Administration
STU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
39. SUNY Cortland
The State University of New York College at Cortland, a comprehensive college within the State university system, was founded in 1868 and is located off the Interstate between Syracuse and Binghampton.
The 30-credit-hour online MS in Sport Management program can be completed either full-time or part-time. Students with 3.3+ GPA or five years of industrial experience don’t need to submit GRE scores.
- MS in Sport Management
SUNY Cortland is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
40. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a research university, located in College Station, Texas, and was founded in 1876.
The MS in Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies – Athletic Administration with different concentrations is a 100% online. It is a 30-credit hour, one-year program with Fall, Spring, and Summer cohorts. Financial assistance is available to students who need it.
- MS in Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies – Athletic Administration
TAMUC is accredited by SACSCOC.
41. Tiffin University
Located in Tiffin, Ohio, this university was founded in 1888.
The MBA in Sports Management is a 32-34 credit program that can be completed in 14 months. There are no application fees. The university offers flexible start dates and a supervised mentorship program, with facilities for both online and on-campus study.
- MBA in Sports Management
Tiffin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
42. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is the oldest institution of higher education in Cincinnati. It was founded in 1819 and is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This research university offers an MS in Sports Administration. The 30-credit-hour, 100% online course of study offers the chance to compete in the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Certification program.
- MS in Sport Administration
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
43. University of Florida
This is a research land, sea, and space-grant university, established in 1893. It is located in Gainesville, Florida. The online Master’s degree in Sports Management offers specializations in keeping with emerging trends, sports industry demands, and customization options according to students’ requirements.
- MS in Sport Management
UF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
44. University of Kansas
This research university was founded in 1865 and is located in Lawrence, Kansas, with several satellite campuses and research centers across the state.
The 100% online Master’s degree in Sport Management is an interdisciplinary program that does not require the GRE and can be completed in two years. There are 12 courses, worth 36 credits total, with 8 weeks per course.
- Master’s in Sport Management
KU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
45. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is located in Louisville, Kentucky and was founded in 1798. It was the first city-owned university in the US.
It offers both BS and MS in Sports Administration. The online, 36-credit MS in Sports Administration program is ranked #4 in the US and can be completed in 2 years.
- MS in Sport Administration
U of L is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
46. University of Miami
The University of Miami is a research university established in 1925. It is located in Coral Gables, Florida and was ranked in 2011 as the most fiscally responsible non-profit organization in the US.
The 30-credit, 20-month long Master of Education in Sports Administration program is famous in the sports sector.
- MEd in Sport Administration
UM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
47. University of Northern Colorado
Located in Greeley, Colorado, this research university was founded in 1889. It has a strong tradition of teacher education.
The 12-month Master’s degree for Sport Business and Administration, ranked #5 in the world, is an online delivery program and has 30 credit hours, with a thesis and non-thesis (examination) option.
- MS in Sport Administration
UNC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
48. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama is a research university, founded in 1963. It is located in Mobile, Alabama and has 10 colleges offering various disciplines.
The MS in Sport Management is an online delivery program that utilizes the latest distance learning technology. Students must complete 30 semester hours for this 39-credit hour program.
- MS in Sport Management
USA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
49. University of Southern Mississippi
With its main campus at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this research university was founded in 1910. The 24-credit hour 100% online MS in Sport Management degree also offers an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management, the first of its kind in the US with a Fall, Spring, and Summer intake.
- MS in Sport Management
USM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
50. University of Texas – Austin
The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883, and the flagship campus is located in Austin, Texas. It is an Ivy university that counts 12 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni.
The online MEd and MS in Sport Management are also available on campus. The online format can be completed in 2 years, with flexible class sizes and no GRE requirement.
- MEd in Sport Management
UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
51. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, Iowa, with centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. It was founded in 1857, and until 1928, it was affiliated with the Methodist Church. The Master of Sport Administration program requires 36-semester credits and is an online program.
- Master of Sport Administration
UIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
52. Wayne State College
Wayne State College is located in Wayne, Nebraska. Established in 1910.
The Master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management (MSOM) is an affordable, online program, requiring 36 credit hours. It has been ranked #3 in the list of the USA’s Most Affordable Online Degree Programs and is among the lowest cost programs in the country.
- Masters in Sport and Recreation Management
WSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
53. West Virginia University
West Virginia University was founded in 1867 and is land and sea-grant research university. The principal campus is in Morgantown, West Virginia. It has 25 Rhodes Scholars among its alumni.
The 100% online MS in Sport Management program requires 30 credit hours over 10 courses and is offered by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
- MS in Sport Management
WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
54. Western Carolina University
Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, this university is part of the NC Promise Tuition Plan, which makes universities more affordable and accessible. Founded originally in 1888, the university has a tradition of teaching all major disciplines.
The 100% online MS in Sport Management program is offered by the WCU School of Business. It can be completed in one year on a full schedule of over 30 semester hours with an internship experience option.
- MS in Sport Management
WCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
55. Wilmington University
Wilmington University was founded in 1968, with its main campus located in New Castle, Delaware. It is a doctoral research institution.
The university offers a BS in Sports Management accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. The 36-credit MS degree in Sports Management offers exciting opportunities to work at an Olympic Training Center. The 12-course MS degree can be completed in one year.
- MS in Management – Sports Management
WilmU is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Sports Management Concentrations
Sports management is a broad field that appeals to many athletic-minded students. Selecting a degree concentration for your online sports management degree can give you the opportunity to take specialized classes that provide in-depth knowledge about one particular aspect of sports management. All these specializations can be earned through an accelerated sports management degree program.
Event Management
In the world of sports, every game can be an event. Plus, there are even bigger events that happen now and then, such as famous marathons, Olympic competitions, and championship games. Whether you want to be involved in planning and promoting the regular season games or you’d prefer to have a hand in once-a-year events, earning a specialization in Event Management can help you prepare.
Organizational Management
From local teams to world-renowned professional leagues, athletic organizations require managers and human resources experts. You can pursue that role when you earn a degree concentration in Organizational Management. Your responsibilities might include coordinating schedules, arranging facility use, communicating with players or keeping the team running smoothly.
Sports Law
If you’re interested in both athletics and the legal system, then a concentration in Sports Law could help you blend those two passions into a potentially lucrative career. Your studies may include topics like negotiations, trademark law and team sales. As a practicing sports attorney, you might provide counsel for players, teams or professional organizations.
Sports Media
The field of sports media deals with communications, merchandising and journalism in the world of athletics. As a professional in this area, you might be responsible for increasing brand recognition, developing new licensed products or reporting game coverage.
Sports Project Management
Across industries, project managers are people who see projects through from beginning to end; they coordinate details and keep an eye on the big picture. Sports project managers do this job in the realm of athletics. They often work as consultants who oversee projects like facility construction or victory celebrations.
Entering the job market as an expert in your chosen area can increase your appeal as a candidate for open positions.
Online Degree Admission Requirements
Applying to school is the first step in getting your sports administration master’s degree online. When submitting an application, it’s important to make sure that you meet the requirements and then gather all the necessary documentation.
The admission requirements for master’s programs commonly include:
- Completed application and fee
- Resume or curriculum vitae — Some programs want applicants to have a minimum number of years of related work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree — A minimum GPA or a particular field of study may be required.
- Transcripts
- Test scores — GRE or GMAT requirements are common, but exam waivers may be available.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
- Personal statement or essay
Admissions requirements vary among schools, so if you don’t meet the criteria for one program, keep looking. You might qualify for another sports administration program just fine.
Master’s Degree Curriculum
Your studies during a sports administration program will likely pull from a variety of disciplines, including business, sociology, law, and psychology. In each of these areas, your studies should be specifically tailored to applying the concepts within the realm of sports.
Sample courses you may take for a master’s in sports administration include:
- Athletics in International Settings: Learn to provide sports management services for athletes and teams around the world.
- Developing the Athlete: Prepare for a career as an athlete development specialist who can handle a player’s finances, media relations, career advancement and publicity.
- Ethics in Sports: Use case studies to evaluate considerations that should go into making decisions in sports, especially when it comes to issues of cheating, performance enhancement and crowd behavior.
- Finance in Sports: Learn about basic financial business principles that can be applied in the sports realm.
- Legal Issues in Sports Management: Gain a basic overview of sports law as it relates to players, teams and leagues.
- Marketing for Athletics: Increase your proficiency at building brand recognition, increasing product and ticket sales, and garnering fan loyalty.
- Nonprofit Sports Agencies: Cover leadership in nonprofit settings so to help prepare you to head up community leagues, school athletic departments or independent organizations.
- Psychology of Sports: Learn to apply psychological principles in athletic settings to improve player performance and team dynamics.
- Sociology of Teams and Players: Discuss social issues like sexism and discrimination that affect athletics.
- Statistics and Analytics: Learn how data can influence management and business decisions in sports.
Choosing a concentration may influence the classes you take in your master’s program. In addition, you may have the opportunity to take electives or complete an internship experience.
Careers/Salary
You’re probably choosing a sports administration degree because you have a passion for athletics. The many potential job opportunities available to sports administrators can help you to play an important role in this field that you love so much. Your job can be even more satisfying when you choose a career path that is particularly in line with your personal strengths and interests. Consider the following job options from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that may be available to you after you earn your master’s degree in sports administration.
Athletic Agent
As an agent or a business manager, you could represent one athlete or many different ones. Your responsibilities might include public relations, marketing and business advisement. Agents make an average of $75,420 each year, and the field is expected to grow at a rate of 12%.
Coach or Scout
Athletes need coaches to help them develop their skills and perform their best. Scouts recruit players for schools or teams. Coaches and scouts earn an average salary of $36,330, and positions are expected to increase by 12% over the next several years.
College Athletic Administrator
The athletic director of a university oversees all of the school’s teams, coaches, athletes, schedules and facilities. Postsecondary education administration roles are expected to grow at a rate of 4%, and administrators earn an average of $97,500 annually.
Event Coordinator Career
Special sporting events can garner significant attention from the public. As an event coordinator, you could help these major games or competitions run smoothly. Event planners earn an average salary of around $51,560 yearly, and positions are expected to increase at a rate of 8%.
Finance Manager
In this business role, you could be responsible for a team or organization’s money-related decisions. You might evaluate contracts or make recommendations for increasing revenue. Financial managers make an average salary of $134,180 per year, and the field has an expected job growth of 16%.
Marketing Director
In a marketing position, you could help advertise a special event or grow the fan base of a team. Your efforts might help increase ticket, merchandise or advertising sales. Marketing managers make an average of $142,170 annually, and positions are expected to increase at an 7% rate.
School Athletic Director
Like universities, middle and secondary schools often hire athletic directors to oversee their sports programs, coaches and athletes. To work at this level, some districts might require teaching credentials. Athletic directors are often considered school administrators, and the average administrator makes $98,490 annually.
Master Program Accreditation
Some sports administration programs have received a stamp of approval from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Schools can voluntarily choose to have their sports management programs reviewed by this organization. Those that meet the established standards of academic quality and student outcomes may receive COSMA certification. If a school has been accredited by COSMA, you can be confident that you are enrolling in a high-quality program.
On the other hand, since schools don’t have to undergo the COSMA review process, there may be many good sports management master’s programs without this certification. For many students, this type of accreditation doesn’t make or break their enrollment decisions.
Another type of accreditation is absolutely essential, though. You should only consider schools with regional accreditation from one of the country’s approved regional accreditors.
These include:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
All reputable universities bear school-wide regional accreditation. To qualify for federal financial aid, transfer credits to another school or graduate with a respected degree, you must attend a regionally accredited college.
Professional Organizations
To enhance your education and your career, consider joining a professional organization. These groups can help you build network connections and stay on top of industry happenings.
- National Alliance for Youth Sports: NAYS supports coaches and other leaders as they provide community-based sports programs for kids.
- National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics: NACDA is for those involved in athletics administration or conference leadership for postsecondary schools.
- North American Society for Sports Management: Membership in NASSM is open to professionals who are involved in the sports and recreation fields in any aspect, including marketing, law and facility management.
- Sport Marketing Association: Academic and industry leaders share ideas and research through membership in the Sport Marketing Association.
- World Association of Sports Management: WASM connects sports-management professionals from around the globe for research, educational opportunities, and industry advancement.
Sport Management Financial Aid
Whether you earn your sports management degree online or through on-campus classes, financial aid can make the tuition more affordable.
Financial aid can take many forms:
- Federal or state loans: This borrowed money must be paid back, but the interest rates are low.
- Federal or state grants: Think of grants like a gift; you don’t have to repay them.
- Work-study programs: You may be able to be matched with a job through your school or elsewhere for a work-study program. If so, at least part of your earnings would go toward tuition.
- Private loans: If you need to borrow more money than you qualify for in government loans, you could consider private sources.
- University payment plans: You may be able to break your tuition costs over multiple payments.
- Scholarships: Your school or other private sources may gift you with tuition money because of your accomplishments, background or financial need.
- Fellowships: You may be able to gain professional experience and offset your graduate tuition costs by earning a fellowship.
To learn more about your qualifications for financial aid, fill out and submit the federal government’s FAFSA document.
How Much Do Sports Administrators Make?
Your future earnings will depend largely on your post-graduation career plans. Local coaches may earn $30,000 or less annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics), but some agents make millions each year. Although you may not become a multi-million-dollar agent, it’s possible that you could be a manager or other sports professional with a triple-digit salary.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degree?
You may be able to finish your master’s program in 18 to 24 months if you carry a full-time class load. Often, schools with accelerated schedules offer the quickest path to graduation.
There are also some schools that have One Year Master’s Degrees.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Athletic Administration?
Those with master’s degrees may become coaches, athletic directors, agents, marketing managers or finance directors for sports organizations. The job market for nearly all related career options is expected to grow over the next decade, so this degree should afford you plenty of job exciting possibilities.
Get In the Game!
If you want a career in sports administration, here’s the gameplan:
- Determine what you want to do for your career and choose the specialization that can help get you there.
- Apply to the schools that offer that concentration.
- Research financial aid opportunities.
Once you enroll in a program, you could potentially finish in a year and a half or two years and be on your way to an exciting, lucrative career.
