Online Masters in Sport Management Degrees

There are a multitude of quality universities offering the opportunity to complete their Masters in Sport Management degrees online while gaining the exact same experience and learning from the same knowledgeable faculty and staff that hold class on campus. Connecting students with internship opportunities in their areas of interest is also something most programs still offer their online learners.

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An M.S. vs An M.A. in Sport Management: What's The Difference?

Like with any field of study or curriculum, each university is going to come with its own setup, style, and offerings. One key difference to keep an eye out for, though, is the actual name of the degree programs you are considering. Some sports management programs are Masters in Arts while others are Masters in Science. The names are very indicative of the style of curriculum and coursework you can expect out of the program.

M.A. in Sport Management Degree

The M.A. takes a more interdisciplinary approach while the M.S. would lean more scientific and technical. For students interested in strength and conditioning, kinesiology, or athletic training, an M.S. would be more appropriate. If your heart is set on collegiate athletic administration programs or tourism and recreation style careers, an M.A. would be more than adequate in preparing you.

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5 Top Online Masters in Sport Management Programs

University of Florida - M.S. in Sport Management Program

The University of Florida is a public institution with elite NCAA Division 1 athletics competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under the science umbrella, UF's sport management program is within the College of Health and Human Performance. Students can choose a 30-credit thesis or 36-credit non-thesis track with comprehensive examinations. Both thesis and non-thesis track candidates begin their academic curriculum with research-intensive core classes followed by 15 credits of required courses, as well as electives. Required courses include sport sociology, sport marketing, sport finance, sport law, and management and leadership in sport. Non-thesis candidates then work with advisors to select 15 credits of elective courses to specialize within their area of interest. Thesis candidates instead begin work on their thesis research for 6 credits. UF also offers concurrent coursework to complete another degree while pursuing the M.S. in Sport Management, with a Joint Degree program already established for Juris Doctor (JD)/M.S. Sport Management candidates.

Georgia Southern University - M.S. in Sport Management Degree

Georgia Southern University offers an online Master of Science in Sport Management within their Waters College of Health Professions. The 36-credit degree is expected to be completed over the course of two years. There are 24 credits of required courses that cover sport administration, finance and revenue in sport, facility and event management, sport marketing, and sport law. There are 12 credits of elective courses which are guided by an advisor to specialize within an area of the student’s interest. There is no thesis or comprehensive exam exit requirement. Internship placement aid and practicum opportunities are also available.

Texas A&M - M.S. in Sports Management Degree

Housed within the College of Education and Human Development and accredited by NASM and COSMA, Texas A&M offers a 32-credit thesis and 36-credit non-thesis track with comprehensive exams required for both tracks. Their online platform is offered entirely asynchronous, meaning maximum flexibility to work at the pace that best suits your lifestyle. Both programs start with research-intensive core classes followed by the required courses of management of sport organizations, financial management in sports, ethics in sport organizations, and sport and media communications. The online program does not have a residency requirement and is still required to complete an internship and practicum approved by Texas A&M.

Miami University - M.S. in Sport Management

Miami's graduate program in sports administration is a NASM and SACSCOC-accredited, 30-credit hour, program that can be completed in 20 months and offers concurrent internship opportunities while completing coursework. There are 10 required courses that each take 7 weeks to complete. Coursework areas of focus include event and organization management, sport finance, sport marketing and sponsorship, sport law and ethics, leadership in sport, and sport globalization. One thing that separates Miami from other programs on this list is that there are no thesis or comprehensive exam exit requirements. Lost most universities, the University of Miami offers mentorship and networking opportunities throughout the 20 month degree.

Northwestern University - Masters in Sports Administration

The School of Professional Studies features a Master's degree in Sports Administration. The curriculum is divided up into seven main courses, three elective options, and a final project. Students complete their education by showcasing what they have learned throughout, which may feature thesis research. Elective options feature wide-ranging topics in this program to fully customize their sports administration education. Subjects include NCAA compliance rules, management in the front office, strategy toward sales, sport globalization, and digital media. There are also specializations available. One in Sports Analytics, which focuses on a data-driven approach toward sports administration with data science and R programming and one in College Sports Management honing in on the operations of a collegiate athletics department and all the moving parts that go into it.

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4 Top Most Affordable Online Masters in Sports Management Programs

Western Carolina University – M.S.

Western Carolina University is a public institution that offers its online Master of Science in Sport Management to in-state students for a total of $8,720. While still a Master of Science degree, WCU’s is one of the very few degrees that is taught from within a business school giving it a uniquely corporate perspective. Offered within the College of Business, graduates will also earn a certificate in project management. Coursework includes topics such as sport administration, sport finance and economics, sport marketing and communication. The project certificate coursework includes project planning and estimating, project scheduling, risk, and contracts, and project change management.

Arkansas State University – M.S.

Arkansas State University is a public institution that offers a COSMA-accredited online Master of Science in Sport Management degree for a little over $11,000 total for all students, regardless of residency location. Students must complete 36 credits total and receive 6 credits for an internship facilitated by Arkansas State. There is no thesis or comprehensive exams exit requirement. Required courses include sport law and ethics, sport marketing and communication, sport finance and budgeting, sport operations, and sport in society.

Indiana State University – M.S.

Indiana State University is a public institution that offers an accredited online Master of Science in Sport Management degree for a total of $12,780 for in-state students and $16,620 total for out-of-state and international students. Required coursework includes sport management, sport facility design, administrative theory, sport finance, sport law, sport marketing and communication, sport leadership and a capstone.

Concordia University at St. Paul – M.S.

Concordia University at St. Paul offers an accredited online M.A in Sport Management with the same tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency location. Students must complete 33 credits over an accelerated 18 month period. Required coursework includes sport management leadership, sport marketing and communication, sport law and ethics, sport facility and event management, sport finance and sales, and a capstone. Typically an undergraduate-only program aspect is that, at Concordia, students have the option to study abroad for credit in this program.

Why consider studying Masters in sports degrees online?

The flexibility of an online program is ideal for students interested in working full or part-time while taking classes, parents, or those seeking a change in career. It’s also the case most often, that online curriculum is more affordable because the learning platform requires less resources of an institution. Years ago, the perception was that an online degree was often from a lesser-known university and was, therefore, not as widely-recognized or sought after as its on-campus, brand name, counterparts.

Today, that perception has simply been proven wrong. The advancements in technology have given way to an experience that brings the classroom to you, giving students a vast array of options to find the program that fits a wide assortment of wants and expectations.

Common Curriculum and Areas of Study

Event Management and Sponsorship/Promotions

Coordinating logistics from sponsorship acquisition and resource allocation to in-game promotions and staffing all contribute to successful event management. Sporting events especially, typically include many moving parts and require expertise in organization, communication, and risk management.

Marketing, Game-Day Experience, and Sports Information

Understanding how to generate excitement surrounding sporting events is a fundamental part of working in sports and making a team successful in terms of the bottom line. Marketing means creating a brand strategy, designing social media campaigns and driving target by specific consumer groups to events. Once you have an audience, merchandising, signage, concessions, music, and entertainment all contribute to that audience’s loyalty and likelihood of returning. Behind the scenes, sports information directors track statistics, records, streaks, and everything numbers. They help tell the story of the entire experience.

Ethics and Sport Law

Laws and regulations guide decisions made by sport organizations and their ownership. An understanding of historical law rulings in sports helps inform decision-makers and provide a path for the future. Especially important when working in educational settings, an understanding of legal precedence and procedures prevents violations, penalties, and fines.

Finance and Revenue Generation

Sports today, at every level, have become big business. The bottom line will always circle back to profitability. A clear comprehension of accounting, budgeting, payroll, and investment is necessary to work in a sustainable sport organizations. Every corporate environment needs people to balance the books, forecast revenue and the different streams of from which it will be generated, and provide insights to increasing efficiency and stretching the budget to maximize profits.

Sociology and Psychology of Sport

Sometimes referred to as “Critical Issues in Sport,” or “Sport in Society,” classes of this nature aim to contextualize sport within the larger community. Sports have impact beyond the playing field and as representatives of their future organizations, it is vital for Masters in Sports Management to utilize their platform according to the organization’s mission and values. Courses of this nature aspire to humanize sport and inform the rest of the decision-making process through this lens.

Career Possibilities With a Masters in Sports Management

Collegiate Athletics Administrator

Acting as an athletic director or administrator of any educational intuition, from high schools through Division 1 universities requires the highest standard of communication and decision-making expertise. The administrative staff is charged with every decision regarding budgeting, marketing, facility and event management, sport oversight, and everything in between. Specifically, the athletic director plays the most crucial role in the hiring (or firing) of coaches and other athletics staff members. In many ways, the athletic director acts as the “face” of a school’s athletic department.

Rec League Sport Clubs and Facility Management

If you’re wanting a more relaxed atmosphere away from the cutthroat world of collegiate athletics, park and recreation offices, minor and amateur leagues, and intramural departments all require similar administrative experience within sports. Facility managers in particular oversee places such as multi-purpose recreation centers, gyms, sports arenas, practice courts, swimming pools, indoor climbing centers, or complexes that combine multiples of these elements. Common duties include budget management and preparing financial forms for the owner/operator of the facility, managing staff and inventory, as well as ordering supplies, equipment and scheduling/executing necessary maintenance and repairs. Facilities managers also usually act as a point of contact to ensure visitors to the facilities have a positive experience.

Sport Agents

Sport agents are business managers for athletes. They represent and act on behalf of them in contract negotiations, public relations scheduling and issues, and especially the financial aspects that come along with professional sports and especially successful performance. Agents who work with young athletes beginning their professional careers will also provide career guidance and aid in procuring endorsement deals. There are large organizations that employee agents but this is also a career than can be done independently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for an agent is one of the highest on this list at $89,000.

Sports Degrees by Level

• Bachelors degrees in sports
• Online Bachelors in Sports Management
• Online Masters in Sports Management
• Doctorate degrees in sports

Sport Program Areas

• Athletic Administration Degrees
• Exercise Science Degrees
• Kinesiology Degrees
• Coaching Degrees
• Health and Wellness Degrees
• Sports Industry Management
• Sports Analytics Degrees
• Sports Marketing Degrees
• Sports Psychology Degrees
• Recreation Management Degrees