Best Online Sports Management Degrees
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- A bachelor's in sports management can prepare you for entry-level roles in the sports industry.
- You'll gain skills needed for the business side of sports, including operations and marketing.
- The global sports market is expected to grow substantially in the next five years.
- Some professionals in sports management earn up to $108,000, according to Payscale.
The games don't have to stop just because you grew up. While you may not make the game-winning catch, you can be the one who thinks up a marketing strategy out of left field. That is if you pursue a career in sports management.
Sports management involves the business side of the sports industry. And it's a huge industry. Depending on your job, you might handle the operations of a sports facility or budget for a sports marketing agency. The options are seemingly endless.
A bachelor's degree in sports management prepares you for entry-level roles in the sports industry.
Is a Bachelor's in Sports Management Worth It?
Yes. There are a few big reasons why a bachelor's in sports management is worth it:
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Sports management jobs are growing: Analysts at Research and Markets project the global sports market to reach $707.84 billion in 2026, an increase of about 34%. A bigger market means more demand for workers, including professionals in sports management. -
It has a solid return on investment: Professionals with a BS in sports management earned an average of $56,000 annually as of December 2022, according to Payscale. But your pay could be much higher depending on your position and experience level. For example, sports management graduates who became marketing managers made up to $108,000 a year during the same period. -
You can pursue your passion: You're much more likely to find a job in the sports industry than not. You'll have plenty of options, from working at a sports facility to being in charge of marketing for a professional team.
Popular Online Sports Management Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Is an Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Right for Me?
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What the degree is about: A bachelor's in sports management introduces you to the sports industry and teaches you how to work in business and industry-related fields.
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How long it takes: It usually takes 5-6 years for part-time students and about four years for full-time students.
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Career path: Sports management professionals often work with professional teams, brands, facilities, and companies revolving around sports.
How Much Does a Sports Management Degree Cost?
A bachelor's in sports management may cost around $12,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The cost may change depending on if you enroll in a public or private institution. Private colleges and universities are often more expensive.
You can offset the costs of college in a few ways. You can apply for federal grants and scholarships that you won't need to pay back later. Or, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help cover most or all of your college costs.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
Read More: The Student's Guide to College Scholarships and Grants
How Long Does an Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Take?
Online bachelor's programs give you the option to enroll full time or part time, which changes the time it takes to finish a degree program. Part-time students — who take fewer classes to manage other responsibilities — typically complete their program in 5-6 years. Full-time students usually finish in four years.
Accelerated programs are the quickest way to get a degree. The workload is more intense, but accelerated bachelor's programs can be finished in 2-3 years.
Average Length of Time
4-6 years
Required Course Credits*
180 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
What Are the Admission Requirements for Sports Management?
Admission requirements are different at every school and for each sports management program. Some common requirements for a bachelor's degree include:
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High school transcript -
A GED certificate or high school diploma -
Letters of recommendation -
Personal essay -
Minimum grade point average (such as a 2.5 cumulative GPA)
How Much Money Can I Make With a Sports Management Degree?
The average base salary for those with a BS in sports management was $56,000 per year as of December 2022, according to Payscale. Some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with the degree include marketing manager (up to $108,000), operations manager ($95,000), and event coordinator ($60,000).
Source: Payscale
Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Programs You Should Consider
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management
Learning the business side of the sports industry opens up opportunities for all sorts of jobs. For example, you could be a marketing manager for a professional sports team and help promote players and games. In another role, like finance analyst, you could lean on what you've learned about how to make a sports arena profitable.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $63,040 |
| Finance Analyst | $63,890 |
| Operations Manager | $61,620 |
| Athletic Director | 59,370 |
| Sports Information Director | $37,600 |
Read More: Sports Management Careers
Read More: The 5 Most Promising Careers in Sports (With Tips for Success)
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Master's Programs to Consider
Having a bachelor's degree is a great way to start your career in sports management. But if you want to fine-tune your skill set and reach a higher level, why not consider a graduate degree?
BestColleges ranked the best online master of sports management degrees. The following programs are a few to consider:
- Master of Science in Sports Management
- Master of Education in Sports Administration
- Master of Science in Sports Business
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Bachelor's in Sports Management
Are Sports Management Majors in High Demand?
Certain careers for sports management majors are in high demand. For example, from 2020-2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 26% job growth for coaches and scouts, which is more than triple the average projected growth rate of 8% for all occupations during that period.
Sports management majors may also be in demand on the business, marketing, and finance side. For example, the BLS projects 22% job growth for market research analysts between 2020-2030.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Program?
A sports management program introduces you to the sports industry with relevant subjects like business, ethics, human resources, mathematics, and management courses. You'll also take elective courses that are more specialized for sports management.
Examples of sports management classes include:
- Sports marketing
- Personal management
- Ethics in the sports industry
- Organizational behavior in sports
- Legal aspects of sports
Is It Easy to Find a Job in Sports Management?
Yes. The sports industry is a massive and growing industry that creates many jobs in various disciplines. You can work in sporting goods sales, facility management, sports marketing, and more. The options are diverse.
