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15 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Sports Management

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Updated: October 31, 2024, Reading time: 27 minutes

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The sports industry is huge and ever-relevant. It involves more than star players, team members, and coaches. The success of every major league team is made possible by a team of business professionals who work together to support the players and sports teams.

This billion-dollar industry offers a wealth of opportunities to a range of professions. Those who want to make it big and competitive in this field may want to earn an online master’s in sports management program.

Gaining an advanced education in sports industry management will help interested students strengthen their careers and boost their earning potential. Most master’s in sports management degree programs involve working in finance, marketing sports teams, coaching a team, representing professional athletes as sports agents, coordinating events, and many more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that entertainment and sports occupations will grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033.


Additional Resources:


Overview

A great number of higher learning institutions in the country offer online master’s in sports management programs. Many of these sports management degree programs prepare working professionals to take on challenges in the world of sports, including sports event marketing, personnel management, athletic administration, sports administration, and facility and event management, among others.

If you are planning to pursue a sports management career, then earning an online master’s in sports management degree program is an ideal step.

Quick audio summary:

Methodology

True to the competitive nature of sports, careers in the field of sport management are also highly dynamic and competitive. Students looking to enter into this field or seek career advancement would do well to choose the best education and preparation they can find, to better ensure their chances of success.

We can help you with that choice! We’ve put together a list of graduate schools that offer online master’s in sports management programs, chosen based on the following characteristics:

Visit our Methodology page and learn more about our master’s program ranking process.

Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Programs

Georgetown University

Georgetown University - School of Continuing Studies

Washington, DC

Master of Professional Studies – Sports Industry Management

Considered the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the country, Georgetown University has been offering innovative educational experiences since 1789 to help prepare the next generation. Its School of Continuing Studies showcases a wide range of academic programs and applied learning experiences for students and professionals.

Most of these programs are a combination of theory and practice through a rigorous curriculum rooted in ethical values.

Standout Features of Georgetown University’s Online Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management Program:

As part of the program requirement, students are required to complete a capstone project, guided by sports industry professionals and program faculty. In this project, students will be able to jump-start their sports management careers right after they graduate.

Did You Know?

Georgetown University has accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Graduate School at Georgetown has also approved all the graduate programs, including the Master’s in Sports Industry Management. This assures students of the online program’s quality and competence. 


University of Florida

University of Florida - Online Master of Science in Sports Management

Gainesville, FL

Master of Science in Sport Management

Ranked among the country’s best public universities, the University of Florida enrolled around 55,781 students across hundreds of degree programs. As a community of collaborators, the university made transformational investments in faculty and inspired record public and private support.

Students at the University of Florida are encouraged to embrace a diversity of experiences and ideas.

Standout Features of the University of Florida’s Online Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

The program offers four specialization options for students who want to satisfy their elective credits and tailor their learning according to their career goals. This includes Athlete Development, High-Performance Coaching, Director of Racquet Sports, and Sports Law.

Interested students can also take advantage of the optional graduate certificate. They can choose between Sport Event Management and Social Media.

Did You Know?

The University of Florida houses Institutional Planning and Research, which provides evidence-based analyses and reports. These are integral in informing and shaping institutional planning at the university. The office is responsible for providing timely, accurate, and consistent information about the university, peer institutions, and higher education.


Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University - Online

Baton Rouge, LA

Master of Science in Sport Management

Louisiana State University is another top research university and Louisiana’s flagship institution. It is only one out of 24 universities in the country that hold land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designations. Currently, Louisiana State University is home to more than 35,000 students. The university also brought $470 million in federal funding to the state.

Standout Features of Louisiana State University’s Online Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

The program’s flexible online learning format means students can complete the degree requirements at their own pace. The online MS in Sport Management offered at Louisiana State University is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Did You Know?

As part of the Louisiana State University’s family of institutions, the LSU Online and Continuing Education made it its mission to help students advance their career goals by offering them flexible and affordable online certificate and degree programs. It provides students with a one-of-a-kind online learning experience, designed with working professionals in mind.  


University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

Master of Science in Education – Health, Sport Management, and Exercise Science – Emphasis in Sport Management

Founded in 1866, the University of Kansas has since flourished into the state’s flagship institution. It is a premier research university that houses nearly 30,000 enrolled students across five campuses. Kansas University has 16 schools and departments, including Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Business, Health Professions, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Nursing, among others.

Standout Features of the University of Kansas’ Online MSE in Health, Sport Management, & Exercise Science – Sport Management Program:

Students have the opportunity to acquire supervised real-world experience in various athletic settings that they prefer, including professional, intercollegiate, high school, and nonprofit sectors. As part of the online sports management master’s program, students have the chance to be paired with a dedicated Jayhawk Alumni Mentor who will guide and help them throughout their journey.

Did You Know?

Kansas University is considered a major research institution. In fact, it is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities with a distinguished record of innovation. The university has more than 180 invention disclosures and 45 active startups created from KU research.

Graduates from Kansas University are armed with the knowledge and skills to elevate the region’s workforce and drive a prosperous future for Kansas. 


West Virginia University

West Virginia University - Online

Morgantown, WV

Master of Science in Sport Management

West Virginia University is among the top-ranked universities when it comes to prestigious scholarships. The Morgantown colleges and schools have 13 colleges and schools that offer around 355 majors across a variety of disciplines. This includes agriculture, applied and human sciences, business and economics, and medicine.

Standout Features of West Virginia University’s Online Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

Students who want to customize their learning to better meet their career needs and goals may be able to do so by choosing a two-course area of emphasis. This includes specializations in Comprehensive Sport Industry Management and Interscholastic Sport Administration.

Did You Know?

In 2021, West Virginia University received $203 million in external funding for research and other programs. The National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture are the top two federal funding agencies.


University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin - College of Education

Austin, TX

Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) – Concentration in Sport Management

A world leader in tackling the challenges in education and health, the University of Texas at Austin has more than 51,000 students and 3,000 faculty members. It is considered one of the nation’s biggest public universities in the vibrant capital of Texas.

Standout Features of the University of Texas at Austin’s Online Master’s of Education (M.Ed.), with a concentration in Sport Management Program:

The sports management program welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. The degree can be completed in as little as two years, allowing students to continue their professional careers while completing the course schedule.

Did You Know?

The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education has consistently ranked among the top colleges of education in the country, according to the U.S. News and World Report. The college has remained committed to improving education access among the underrepresented student population.

This is done by preparing future educators, leaders, and researchers to tackle impactful issues that are faced by today’s students. 


Colorado State University

Colorado State University - Online

Fort Collins, CO

Master of Sport Management

Making its home in Fort Collins, Colorado State University is considered one of the country’s top public research universities. It is currently home to over 33,400 students, enrolled across undergraduate, graduate, and online program offerings.

Standout Features of Colorado State University’s Online Master of Sport Management Program:

Students are allowed a customized learning experience by choosing among four learning tracks. The program concentrations include Business Foundation, Marketing, Sports Media and Communication, and Generalist. This lets them focus their learning and build knowledge and skills integral to their career.

Did You Know?

In 2023, Colorado State University demonstrated its commitment to sustainable higher education by being one of the recipients of the Platinum rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System (STARS), earning its fourth consecutive rating.

This also makes them the first in the world to be 4-time Platinum-rated. Colorado State University is also designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the APLU.


Western Carolina University

Western-Carolina-University

Cullowhee, NC

Master of Science in Sport Management

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina is a member institution of the University of North Carolina system. From its beginnings in 1889 as a semi-public secondary school, it became a university in 1967. Today the university is composed of six colleges, hosting a student population of over 11,000.

Standout Features of Western Carolina University’s Online Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

The online master’s in sports management coursework does not have any prerequisites, and the program includes an embedded Certificate in Project Management. Likewise, students are taught by distinguished faculty who all have terminal degrees in the field and are also experienced practitioners in the field.

Did You Know?

In its early days, Western Carolina University was the first publicly funded normal school (an institution dedicated to teacher training) in the state. Presently, WCU holds around 21 program accreditations and is part of around 30 state and national organizations related to its professional degree program offerings.


University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

Master of Science in Sport Management

The University of Southern Mississippi, known affectionately as Southern Miss, is a public research university in the city of Hattiesburg. It was first established in 1910 as the Mississippi Normal College, dedicated to training teachers.

It became a university in 1962 and currently has over 14,000 students, enrolled across over 180 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Southern Miss is also classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”.

Standout Features of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

This program is designed with an emphasis on Sports Event Management, the first of its kind in the country to do so. Southern Miss also offers a range of scholarship opportunities, including the Online Student Scholarship, which gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester.

Did You Know?

The University of Southern Mississippi is Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College-recognized. Its MS in Sport Management is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-approved.


Wayne State University

Wayne State University - College of Education

Detroit, MI

Master of Arts in Sports Administration

Wayne State University is a public research university in Detroit, Michigan, the third largest university in the state, after The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and Michigan State University in Lansing. It was founded in 1868 as the Detroit Medical College, gradually merging with other schools and adding more academic programs, eventually becoming Wayne State University in 1956.

Presently, Wayne State offers over 300 degree programs and has a student population of almost 24,000.

Standout Features of Wayne State University’s Master of Arts in Sports Administration Program:

Wayne State University students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management to avail of the Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program option, which lets them begin taking master’s level coursework, while they complete their bachelor’s degree. Students must demonstrate strong academic performance to be considered. 

Did You Know?

Wayne State University’s history of growth came in gradual steps. The College of Education, which hosts the master’s in sports administration program, was established as a teacher’s college back in 1881.


Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Durant, OK

Master of Science in Sports Administration – General

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public university, based in the city of Durant, Oklahoma. Southeastern was first established as a normal school in 1909, like many other universities on this list, eventually growing to become a university in 1974. Today, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is composed of three academic schools and has a student population of around 5,000.

Standout Features of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Master of Science in Sports Administration – General Program:

Aside from the specialized focus of the curriculum design, this program follows an accelerated format, hence the 12-month completion timeframe. The admissions process is also made easier with the lack of a GRE requirement, and up to 9 credit hours can be transferred in.       

Did You Know?

Aside from the General Track, Southeastern Oklahoma State University also offers the Master of Science in Sports Administration with the following tracks: Business, Educational Leadership, and Native American Leadership.


Utah State University

Logan, Utah

Master of Science in Sport Management

Utah State University is a public, land-grant, research university in the city of Logan, Utah. Also commonly called USU or Utah State, USU began in 1888 as the Agricultural College of Utah and was granted university status in 1957. Utah State is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”.   

Standout Features of Utah State University’s Master of Science in Sport Management Program:

Utah State University’s program faculty consists of professionals with a vast array of industry experience and connections in the sports industry. They also work closely with students to help tailor their coursework to suit their backgrounds. The program itself is suited for a variety of careers including facility management, revenue generation, sports marketing, and more. 

Did You Know?

Utah State University is the state’s largest public residential campus, with almost 20,000 of the university’s almost 27,000-strong student population living on or near campus.


University of Miami

University of Miami - Online

Coral Gables, FL

Master of Science in Education in Sport Administration

The University of Miami, a private, not-for-profit school, is based in the city of Coral Gables, Florida. A research university classified among “Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity”, the University of Miami was founded back in 1925, and at present has over 140 master’s degree programs among its offerings. The university currently has a student population of around 19,000. 

Standout Features of the University of Miami’s MS in Education in Sport Administration Program:

This program draws on the insights gained from the University of Miami’s tradition of excellence in collegiate sports, and its deep-rooted relationships and connections to a range of top sports franchises.

Aside from a solid skills foundation, this translates to reputation and access for graduates of the program. The program’s material also continually undergoes constant development by the university’s industry expert professors to constantly stay current.

Did You Know?

As a research university, the University of Miami is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).


Ohio University

Athens, OH

Master of Sports Administration

Based in the city of Athens, Ohio University is a public research university, chartered by the Congress of the Confederation back in 1787, first opening its doors for students in 1809. At present, the university has 9 campuses and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

The university’s Athens campus has over 18,500 students, with the university’s total student population across all campuses at around 28,000. Ohio University is also classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”.  

Standout Features of Ohio University’s Master of Sports Administration Program:

Ohio University’s Master of Sports Administration degree is Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)-accredited. It is also a top-ranked sports management program and consistently makes the top spots in many independent rankings.

Did You Know?

The first university to be chartered by an Act of Congress, and the first university to be chartered in Ohio. One of the oldest public universities in the country, and the oldest in the state.


Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR

Master of Science in Sport Administration

Arkansas State University is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The university is relatively young, opening its doors in 1909 as the First District Agricultural School, becoming a state college in 1933, and eventually earning its state university status in 1967.

Arkansas State University, or A-State, is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System, and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”. At present, A-State has a student population of around 14,000.

Standout Features of Arkansas State University’s Master of Science in Sport Administration Program 

Students in the program get quality instruction from expert faculty, who are sports management professionals themselves, as well as A-State’s wide range of networking and internship opportunities. Likewise, A-State implements a pay-by-the-course tuition model, on top of competitive and affordable tuition rates.

Did You Know?

A-State’s Master of Science in Sport Administration and their Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration are accredited by COSMA, or the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.


This updated table summarizes the key aspects of each program:

UniversityProgram TitleCreditsTuitionStandout Features
Georgetown UniversityMaster of Professional Studies – Sports Industry Management36$47,190 (total cost)Emphasis on career mentoring and networking; capstone project guided by industry professionals.
University of FloridaMaster of Science in Sport Management36$585.75 per credit hourFour specializations available; optional graduate certificates in Sport Event Management and Social Media.
Louisiana State UniversityMaster of Science in Sport Management36$639 per credit hourFlexible online format; accredited by COSMA; focuses on leadership positions in sports.
University of KansasMaster of Science in Education – Health, Sport Management36$695 per credit hourSupervised real-world experience; paired with Jayhawk Alumni Mentors for guidance.
West Virginia UniversityMaster of Science in Sport Management30$702 per credit hourOption to choose a two-course area of emphasis; explores contemporary issues in sports management.
University of Texas at AustinMaster’s of Education (M.Ed.) – Concentration in Sport Management30$18,032 (total tuition)Can be completed in as little as two years; welcomes students from all academic backgrounds.
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Sport Management36$800 per credit hourCustomized learning experience with four learning tracks; covers ethics, policies, and data-driven analysis in sports.
Western Carolina UniversityMaster of Science in Sport Management30In-state: < $10,000;
Out-of-state: < $30,000
100% online with embedded Certificate in Project Management; no prerequisites.
University of Southern MississippiMaster of Science in Sport Management33$556.12 per credit hourEmphasis on Sports Event Management; first program of its kind; scholarship opportunities available.
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Arts in Sports Administration30$885.02 credit hourAccelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program for current students; practical management focus.
Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityMaster of Science in Sports Administration – General30$11,640 (total tuition)Accelerated format allowing completion in 12 months; GRE not required; up to 9 credit hours can be transferred.
Utah State UniversityMaster of Science in Sport Management33$504 per credit hourIndustry-experienced faculty; flexible tailoring of coursework; three yearly start dates.
University of MiamiMaster of Science in Education in Sport Administration30$45,540 (total tuition and fees)Hands-on instruction with strong ties to sports franchises; constant curriculum development by industry experts.
Ohio UniversityMaster of Sports Administration36$828 (in-state); $847 (out-of-state)COSMA-accredited; top-ranked program in sports management with a comprehensive curriculum.
Arkansas State UniversityMaster of Science in Sport Administration36$12,240Accelerated program completion in as little as 12 months; networking and internship opportunities; pay-by-the-course tuition model.

Online Master's in Sports Management - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for master’s in sports management degree programs?

Online master’s degree in Sports Management students must have earned a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution.

Some universities and colleges may require them to meet a certain GPA and take a GRE or GMAT. Other requirements may include an updated resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and personal statement, among others.

How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree in sports management?

Generally, master’s in sports management online degree programs require the completion of 36 credit hours. This can take them between 20 to 24 months to earn the degree program. This can also be influenced by a host of other factors.

For example, students who are enrolled full-time will be able to finish the degree faster than part-time students. A university’s transfer credit policy can also affect the program duration.

Is there financial aid available for sports management degree programs?

Most sports management online programs have available federal financial aid options for graduate students. Some have grants and scholarships that can benefit eligible graduates. Other assistance extended to interested students includes veteran education benefits and credit for prior learning.

What are some of the careers that graduates of sports management programs can enter?

Master’s in Sport Management degree programs are typically designed as preparation for leadership positions, and these can involve a wide range of settings within the industry, such as managing stadiums and arenas, involvement in scholastic/collegiate-level or professional sports teams, in professional sports organizations, and managing other leisure & recreation facilities like parks and fitness health clubs.

Graduates of sports management programs can enter careers that may involve working directly with athletes, developing sports programs, acting as agents or managers, overseeing marketing & sales of sports events, or involvement in administrative and fiscal management functions.

Key Takeaways

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