Best Online Master’s in Sports Management

BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s degree programs in sports management for students who want to further their careers as coaches, sports agents, facilities managers, and more.

Top 10 Online Master's in Sport Management Degrees

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  1. University of Miami
  2. Wayne State University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. North Carolina State University
  5. University of Louisville
  6. University of Memphis
  7. Adelphi University
  8. Goucher College
  9. Hampton University
  10. Samford University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Baker University 99%
  3. Western Kentucky University 98%
  4. Old Dominion University 96%
  5. University of Southern Mississippi 96%
  6. University of Memphis 95%
  7. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  8. Georgia Southern University 91%
  9. East Tennessee State University 87%
  10. Northwest Missouri State University 86%
  1. Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  3. Northwest Missouri State University 19 to 1
  4. University of Cincinnati 19 to 1
  5. Southeast Missouri State University 19 to 1
  6. University of Louisville 19 to 1
  7. Western Kentucky University 19 to 1
  8. Old Dominion University 18 to 1
  9. East Central University 18 to 1
  10. University of Southern Mississippi 18 to 1
  1. University of Miami $54,760
  2. Goucher College $48,200
  3. Adelphi University $42,475
  4. Samford University $35,360
  5. Baker University $31,700
  6. Hampton University $29,312
  7. Liberty University $22,713
  8. Bob Jones University $20,950
  9. Mississippi College $20,364
  10. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  1. Adelphi University $43,040
  2. University of Miami $39,834
  3. Samford University $20,935
  4. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  5. Wayne State University $16,920
  6. University of Louisville $13,524
  7. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  8. Hampton University $13,099
  9. Western Kentucky University $12,140
  10. Mississippi College $12,060
  1. East Central University
  2. Northwest Missouri State University
  3. University of Central Missouri
  4. Southeast Missouri State University
  5. Mississippi College
  6. Baker University
  7. Georgia Southern University
  8. East Tennessee State University
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. Arkansas State University
  1. University of Miami 28%
  2. North Carolina State University 47%
  3. Mississippi College 49%
  4. Arkansas State University 63%
  5. Wayne State University 63%
  6. East Central University 65%
  7. University of Louisville 75%
  8. University of Central Missouri 76%
  9. Adelphi University 77%
  10. Southeast Missouri State University 79%
  1. Goucher College 9 to 1
  2. Baker University 10 to 1
  3. University of Miami 12 to 1
  4. Bob Jones University 12 to 1
  5. Samford University 12 to 1
  6. Adelphi University 12 to 1
  7. Arkansas State University 14 to 1
  8. North Carolina State University 14 to 1
  9. Wayne State University 15 to 1
  10. Mississippi College 15 to 1
  1. Georgia Southern University $4,371
  2. Arkansas State University $5,232
  3. Northwest Missouri State University $5,461
  4. East Central University $5,791
  5. North Carolina State University $6,535
  6. Old Dominion University $7,029
  7. Southeast Missouri State University $7,461
  8. East Tennessee State University $7,486
  9. University of Central Missouri $7,758
  10. University of Memphis $8,352
  1. East Central University $4,402
  2. Arkansas State University $4,986
  3. Georgia Southern University $4,986
  4. Southeast Missouri State University $5,858
  5. Northwest Missouri State University $6,301
  6. University of Central Missouri $7,836
  7. Liberty University $7,847
  8. East Tennessee State University $8,784
  9. University of Southern Mississippi $9,094
  10. North Carolina State University $9,095

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Management Degrees

How long does it take to get a master’s in sports management?

In as few as two years, students can earn their master’s degree in sports management either online or in person.

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What will you learn while getting a master’s in sports management?

This roughly 30-credit degree can help working professionals expand their network, fine-tune their industry knowledge, and advance their careers. Courses in this degree cover topics like sports finance, human resources in sports organizations, and strategic management. Programs also typically have an internship or professional experience component, which can help students network and gain relevant workplace skills. Additionally, a thesis or final project may be required. Specializations, like sports marketing, allow students to align their advanced degree with their immediate career goals.

Related ranking: Best Online Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Training

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What can you do with a master’s in sports management?

Graduates may qualify for careers as sports agents, contract negotiators, coaches, and facilities managers.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

Best Online Master's in Sports Management

Related ranking: Best Online Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Training

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes Salaries by Percentile in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes for each percentile in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

SVG Attribution: Wikipedia

Total Employed: 12480
10%
15%
50%
15%
10%
bell-curve
473706116078410162930N/A
10th Percentile25th Percentile75th Percentile90th Percentile

Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs

  2. #2

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sport Administration
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sport Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sport Commerce
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    #1 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sports Administration

    Concentrations

    • Intercollegiate Sports
    • Sports Business Leadership
    • International Sports
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Sports Chaplaincy
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Sport Management
    • Accounting
    • Business Intelligence
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Online Degrees

    MS in Recreation and Sports Administration

    Concentrations

    • Sports Media and Branding
    • Intercollegiate Athletic Administration
    • Athletic Administration and Coaching
    • Facility and Event Management
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Goucher College

    Baltimore , MD
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Athletic Program Leadership and Administration

    Concentrations

    • Athletic Program Leadership and Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Northwest Missouri State University

    Maryville , MO
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2023 #8 Best Colleges in Missouri 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/21

    Online Degrees

    MS in Education in Recreation

    Concentrations

    • Sports Management
    • Recreation Management
    • Therapeutic Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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