35 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT
If you have a love for sports and a mind for business, a master's degree in sports management may be perfect for you! Did you know that by 2021, the value of the sports market is expected to reach nearly $80 billion? And that's just in North America alone! As this industry continues to boom, more and more qualified folks are needed to effectively manage teams and facilitate growth. In fact, people with this degree go on to work as athletic directors, team owners, facilities coordinators, and more. With a sports management degree, you'll learn everything from sports analytics and marketing to digital media in sports, sports law, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agents and Business Managers of Athletes earn an average annual wage of nearly $65,000. Of course, your salary will be contingent upon where you work, your job title, and the level of education you have.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring, and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
#1 | Texas A&M University College Station, TX |
#2 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL |
#3 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS |
#4 | Georgetown University Washington, DC |
#5 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA |
#6 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL |
#7 | Troy University Troy, AL |
#8 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC |
#9 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN |
#10 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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Texas A&M UniversityLocation
College Station, TX
Tuition$16461
The Masters of Science degree in Sport Management at Texas A&M University can be completed entirely online. Graduate students may choose between a thesis and non-thesis program. Required courses in this 36-credit program may include Financial Management in Sport, Best Practices in Coaching, Sport Law, and more. Prospective students may apply for admission during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The GRE is not a requirement for admission into this program. Applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 and experience within the industry will have a better chance of being admitted.
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$27335
Graduate students at the University of Florida can now pursue a Master of Science degree in Sport Management entirely online. This program also offers concentrations in High Performance Coaching, Sport Law, and Athlete Development. Required courses in this 36-credit program may include Sport Marketing, Sport Sociology, Issues in Sport Law, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete an advanced capstone project to earn their degree. The University of Florida has been ranked among the nation's Most Innovative Schools, Top Public Schools, and Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
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University of Southern MississippiLocation
Hattiesburg, MS
Tuition$8108
The Master of Science degree in Sport Management at the University of Southern Mississippi can be completed entirely online. Required courses may include Socio-Ethical Issues in Sport, Trends and Issues in Sport, Sport Marketing and Public Relations, and more. This 36-credit program also offers a unique emphasis in Sport Event Security Management for interested students. Graduate students may choose to complete this program on either a part-time or full-time schedule. Prospective students may apply for admission during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. All applicants must submit their GRE scores to be considered for this program.
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Georgetown UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$47880
Georgetown University now offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management for interested students. This master's degree is made up of 30 credit hours. Required courses may include Applied Ethics in Sports, Sports Business and Finance, Sports Law, Contracts, and Negotiations, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a capstone project. There are no required on-campus residencies to complete this degree at Georgetown. Most students complete this program in just two years or less. Georgetown University is ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools, Most Innovative Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
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Georgia Southern UniversityLocation
Statesboro, GA
Tuition$26518
The Master of Science degree in Sport Management at Georgia Southern University can be completed entirely online. Offered through the Waters College of Health Professions, this 36-credit program is made up of 12 courses. Requirements may include Current Trends in Sport Administration, Revenue Generation in Sport, Sport Marketing, and more. Most students complete this program in just two years or less. Students may apply for admission during the fall semester and GRE scores are required. Georgia Southern University has been ranked among the nation's Best Universities by U.S. News and World Report.
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
Tuition$16695
The MBA in Sport Management at Florida Atlantic University is offered online each summer, fall, and spring semester. Working professionals can complete this flexible, 23-month program on a full-time schedule. The online MBA is taught in an asynchronous fashion so students can access their classes and assignments at any time, from anywhere in the world. With no residency requirement, students will learn from the same professors who teach on-campus. Required courses may include Global Environment of Management, Sport Law, Sport Business Analytics, and more. The GRE is required for applicants who don't have at least four years of relevant work experience.
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Troy UniversityLocation
Troy, AL
Tuition$15012
Graduate students at Troy University can now pursue a Master of Science degree in Sport and Fitness Management. This program is offered fully online formats and is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Required courses may include Risk Management in Sport, Motor Skills and Human Performance, Sociological Aspects of Sport, and more. Additionally, all students must complete a thesis as well. Graduates of this program have gone on to work for the NBA, NFL, and several other prestigious organizations. Troy University has been ranked among the nation's Most Innovative Schools and Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report.
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Western Carolina UniversityLocation
Cullowhee, NC
Tuition$14842
The Master of Science in Sport Management is offered by the College of Business at Western Carolina University. This fully online program also includes a certificate in project management. Graduate students can earn their degree in just one year on a full-time schedule, or two years on a part-time basis. Required courses may include Project Planning and Estimating, Sport Marketing, Managing Enterprise Projects, and more. Prospective students may apply for admission during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. While GRE scores are not required, they may help to strengthen your application.
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Indiana State UniversityLocation
Terre Haute, IN
Tuition$14274
Indiana State University now offers a 36-credit, online Master of Science degree in Sport Management tailored for working professionals. Required courses may include Sport Marketing, Administrative Theory in Sport, Sport Law and Risk Management, and more. Additionally, graduate students must complete a research project and an internship to earn their degree. With no on-campus residencies, students have up to seven years to complete this online program. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Admitted students may transfer up to nine credits of graduate coursework to count towards their degree.
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Arkansas State UniversityLocation
Jonesboro, AR
Tuition$9612
The Master of Science in Sport Administration at Arkansas State University is a 36-credit online program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Required courses may include Sport Law, Sport Marketing, Sport in Society, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete an internship to earn their degree. Graduates of this program have gone on to work at prestigious health and fitness clubs, country clubs, stadiums, and more. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission into this program. Arkansas State University has been ranked among the nation's Top Public Schools and Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report.
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Southeast Missouri State UniversityLocation
Cape Girardeau, MO
Tuition$12104
Southeast Missouri State University now offers an online MBA in Sports Management for working professionals looking for a flexible degree. This program is made up of 33 credit hours. Required courses may include Strategic Cost Management, Topics, Trends, Issues in Sport Management, Design and Operation of Sport Facilities, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a Strategic Decision Making capstone. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA and must submit either GRE or GMAT scores. Southeast Missouri State University has been ranked among the nation's Top Public Schools and Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Tuition$24390
The Master of Science degree in Sport Management at West Virginia University is a fully online, 30-credit program that admits new students each summer. Graduate students may choose from one of two tracks: Comprehensive Sport Industry Management or Interscholastic Sport Administration. Students in this program can earn their degree in as little as 12 months. Admissions are rolling and GRE scores are not required. Required courses will expand your skill sets in business technology, sport management strategy, and problem-solving. Graduate students in this program are not required to complete an internship.
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$23967
North Carolina State University now offers a unique Master's degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management. Working professionals may take just one course at a time and complete all degree requirements in just two years. Students must complete 31 credit hours and semesters are only seven weeks long. Required courses may include Conceptual Foundations of Recreation, Data Management and Applications in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport, and more. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores if they have two years of work experience within the industry. New students are admitted as a cohort every fall semester.
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$8217
The Masters in Sports Management at Liberty University is a 36-credit program that can be completed entirely online in just 1.5 years. Each class is just eight weeks in length and admitted students may transfer in up to half of their total degree requirements. Liberty offers a variety of degree specialization areas, all with thesis and non-thesis tracks available. These include: Coaching and Athletic Administration, General, Outdoor Adventure Sports, Sports Administration, and Tourism. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above and do not need to submit their GRE scores.
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Gonzaga UniversityLocation
Spokane, WA
Tuition$16421
Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Sport and Athletic Administration is a 31-credit program that can be completed entirely online. Students in this program must complete ten courses and one internship. Required courses may include Sport Media and Communication, Ethical/Legal Aspects in Sport, Sport and Athletic Finance, and more. Additionally, all graduates will prepare a final portfolio for their capstone experience. With no on-campus visits required, students can graduate in just two years. Online students at Gonzaga have access to the university's Foley Library, IT Help Desk, Career Center, and more.
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Old Dominion UniversityLocation
Norfolk, VA
Tuition$26820
Through its Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion University offers a Master of Science degree in Sport Management. Graduate students must complete 36 credit hours, including either a thesis or an internship capstone. Required courses may include Strategic Marketing in Sport, Management and Leadership in Sport, Ethics in Sport Management, and more. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0 and must submit their GRE scores to be considered for admission into this program. Online courses at ODU can be accessed at any time, allowing students the flexibility they need to earn their degree.
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University of South DakotaLocation
Vermillion, SD
Tuition$14521
The University of South Dakota's Master of Arts in Kinesiology and Sport Management is a 30-credit program. Students may choose a specialization in either Sport Management or Exercise Science. Graduate students can earn this degree entirely online on either a part-time or full-time schedule. Required courses may include Sport Governance, Strategic Sport Communication, Legal Aspects of Sport, and more. Applicants do not have to submit their GRE scores to be considered for admission. The University of South Dakota has been ranked among the nation's Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
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California University of PennsylvaniaLocation
California, PA
Tuition$18000
The Master of Science degree in Sport Management Studies at the California University of Pennsylvania is an entirely online program. Graduate students may choose from one of the following concentration areas: Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, Sport Management, or Strategic Sport Analysis. Required courses in this 36-credit program may include Sport Marketing, Sport Ethics, Sport Finance, and more. You may earn your degree in as few as 13 months in an accelerated cohort or 17 months in a traditional cohort. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA and GRE scores are not required.
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Wayne State UniversityLocation
Detroit, MI
Tuition$33217
Graduate students at Wayne State University can now pursue a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration. This 30-credit program can be completed entirely online and includes specializations in Interscholastic, Intercollegiate, Professional, and Commercial sports. Required courses may include Sports Marketing, Principles of Coaching, Sport Event Management, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete either a thesis or an internship. Prospective students may apply for admission during either the fall or winter semesters. While GRE scores aren't required, applicants should have at least a 2.5 GPA to be considered for admission.
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Belhaven UniversityLocation
Jackson, MS
Tuition$10170
Belhaven University's Master of Sports Administration is a two-year, 36-credit program with classes offered in eight-week terms. Required courses may include Venue and Event Management, Sports Finance and Budgeting, Leadership and Sports Ethics, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a Capstone Seminar in Sports Administration. Online courses at Belhaven can be accessed at any time and assignments are due every Saturday. Belhaven University has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools, Best Regional Universities in the South, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
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Western Kentucky UniversityLocation
Bowling Green, KY
Tuition$16260
Western Kentucky University's Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Administration is a completely online degree with a concentration in Athletic Administration and Coaching. Required courses may include Legal Issues in Recreation and Sport Administration, Sports Medicine, and more. All graduate students must complete a Championship Events Practicum as well. A perk of this particular program is all students receive two years of paid membership to the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Western Kentucky University has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools, Top Public Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
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Adelphi UniversityLocation
Garden City, NY
Tuition$39157
Adelphi University's Master of Science degree in Sport Management can be completed entirely online in just two years. Graduate students may choose from two areas of specialization, including Sport Marketing and Collegiate Athletic Administration. Required courses in this 36-credit program may include Technology in Sport Management, Public Relations in Sport, Athletic Administration, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a capstone course in Sport Management to earn their degree. Applicants do not have to submit their GRE scores for consideration. Adelphi University is ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
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Lasell CollegeLocation
Newton, MA
Tuition$10800
The Master of Science degree in Sport Management at Lasell College is available fully online. Graduate students may choose from the following areas of specialization: Sport Leadership, Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management, Parks and Recreation, or Athletic Administration. Required courses may include International Sport Management, Trends and Issues in Recreation Management, Sport Sponsorship and Marketing, and more. All classes are capped at 23 students so everyone gets the individualized support they need. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores but a GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. This degree program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
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University of Northern ColoradoLocation
Greeley, CO
Tuition$19566
Graduate students at the University of Northern Colorado can now earn a Master of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Science entirely online. Required courses in this 30-credit program may include Sport Promotion and Marketing, Legal Aspects of Sport, Financial Management for Sport Organizations, and more. Graduate students can complete this online program in just one year. Prospective students do not have to submit GRE scores to be considered for admission. Graduates of this program have gone on to work for the NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, and other prestigious sports organizations.
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University of MiamiLocation
Coral Gables, FL
Tuition$35280
The University of Miami's Master of Education degree in Sport Administration is a 20-month, 30-credit program that's offered entirely online. Each course is just seven weeks long and students will take one course at a time. Required courses may include Principles of Sports Marketing, Sport Sponsorship, Ethical Decision Making in Sport, and more. UOnline students will have access to several face-to-face and online networking opportunities, including Miami's annual Sport Industry Conference. Prospective students may apply for admission during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The GRE is required but may be waived for those with three or more years of related work experience.
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Drexel UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$33156
Drexel University's Master of Science degree in Sport Management is a business-oriented program that can be completed entirely online. This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year and admitted students may transfer up to 15 quarter credits. Required courses may include Leadership and Professional Development, Sport Media and Technology, Negotiations for Leaders, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must choose from one of the following experiential components: Sports Industry Practicum, Thesis Project, Seminar in International Business, or an Independent Study in SMT. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
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Texas Woman's UniversityLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$12142
The Master of Science in Kinesiology at Texas Woman's University is offered entirely online and can be completed in just four semesters. Students can be admitted in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Required courses may include Sport for Development, Sport Promotion and Publicity, Governance, Policy Development, and Ethics in Sport, and more. Additionally, this 36-credit program allows students to select their own culminating experience. You may complete an internship with a sport-related organization, a thesis, or a comprehensive exam. Applicants do not need to submit their GRE scores to be considered for admission.
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American UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$29556
American University's Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management is a 20-month, 30-credit program that can be completed entirely online. Graduate students will take 10 courses that are each just eight weeks in length. Required courses may include Sports Analytics and Social Engagement, Teams and Virtual Teams, Intercultural Communication for Professionals, and more. Additionally, all students will complete a Sports Analytics and Management Capstone. GRE scores are not required to be considered for admission. American University has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
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Bryan CollegeLocation
Dayton, TN
Tuition$11208
The MBA in Sports Management at Bryan College is offered entirely online and can be completed in as little as 14 months. This 36-credit program is made up of twelve nine-week accelerated classes. Graduate students may take up to two courses at a time. Required courses may include Leading the Sports Organization, Business in a Global Environment, Sports Facility and Event Management, and more. Bryan College offers seven start dates for this program throughout the year. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Bryan College among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Regional Universities in the South.
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New England CollegeLocation
Henniker, NH
Tuition$13080
New England College's MBA in Sport and Recreation Management is designed for both full-time and part-time professionals. This program is made up of seven four-credit core courses and three four-credit curriculum courses. Required courses may include Economics for Leaders, Management and Practice in Sports and Recreation, Legal Issues in Sports, and more. Graduate students can complete this 40-credit program in just 20 months. GRE scores are not required to be considered for admission. New England College has been ranked among the nation's Best Online MBA Programs and Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report.
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Concordia University ChicagoLocation
River Forest, IL
Tuition$15000
The MBA in Sports Management at Concordia University Chicago is offered entirely online. Required courses may include The Essentials in Law of Sports, Economics of Sports, Sport Finance, and more. In addition to the specialization in sports management, students may pursue a dual specialization degree. Prospective students do not have to pay an application fee and GRE scores are not required. Graduates of this program have gone on to work in sports media, sports marketing, events management, and other related industry careers. Concordia University Chicago has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
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SUNY CortlandLocation
Cortland, NY
Tuition$22210
The Master of Science in Sport Management at SUNY Cortland is 30-credit online degree program, taught by the same instructors who teach those on-campus. Required courses may include Sport Law, Policy and Strategic Management in Sport Organizations, Sport Marketing, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must choose between completing an internship/master's project or a thesis in sport management. This online program is designed to be completed in just five semesters. Applicants must submit GRE scores unless they have a GPA of at least 3.3 and/or five years of industry experience.
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Fresno Pacific UniversityLocation
Fresno, CA
Tuition$14999
Fresno Pacific University's Master of Arts in Sport Administration is designed for both those who do have industry experience and those with no background. All courses are offered online in this 30-credit program. Required courses may include Sport Leadership and Administration, Legal Aspects of Kinesiology and Sport, Values in Kinesiology and Sport, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam to earn their degree. New students are only admitted during the summer semester. FPU has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report.
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Neumann UniversityLocation
Aston Township, PA
Tuition$12600
Neumann University's Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management is made up of 36 credits, including a cooperative education field placement experience. Required courses may include Legal Aspects of Sport and Entertainment, Ethical Issues in Sport and Entertainment, Club and Resort Management, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a capstone seminar and master's project as well. Each class in this program meets once a week in a scheduled online classroom environment. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores to be considered for admission into this program.
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Northwestern UniversityLocation
Evanston, IL
Tuition$52239
The Master of Arts in Sports Administration is offered through Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies. This part-time program focuses primarily on the business of athletics and all courses are available online. Required courses may include Organization of Sports, Legal and Ethical Issues, Digital Media in Sports, and more. Students must complete 11 courses, including six core courses, three electives, a leadership course, and a capstone class or thesis project. The GRE is not required for admission into this program. Students typically complete this program within two or three years and have up to five years to earn their degree.
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