Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Programs of 2025
Online master’s in sports management programs typically only take two years to complete. Learn more, and find the best programs of 2025.
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2025Are you eager to boost your sports management career without taking a break from work?
Maybe you have other obligations but still want to pursue a career that combines fulfilling work with your love of sports.
An online master’s in sports management program builds on the skills you gained in your bachelor’s program, more so if your bachelor’s degree was in a related field. And you’ll have the flexibility and convenience to study from home.
Once you graduate, you can pursue a variety of sports-related careers.
Read on to learn more about the best online master’s in sports management programs of the year, and find one that is a great fit for you.
Sports Management Degree Highlights
- Master’s in sports management degrees can advance your skills and knowledge of the sports industry.
- These programs typically take around two years to complete, requiring 30-36 credits. However, shorter, accelerated programs also exist.
- Tuition and fees for two-year online master’s business programs cost an average of around $22,000 without financial aid and around $17,000 with financial aid. These costs are based on 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- Our 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment (ROI).
- The majority (97%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
- Over 80% of student respondents say that online learning is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Source: BestColleges
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Top Online Master’s in Sports Management
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida's online master's degree in sport management tops our list of standout programs. Throughout this 36-credit graduate program, students tackle core classes such as sports sociology, sports marketing, sports finance, and issues in sports law. Before graduation, students also complete an internship.
In addition to a roster of experienced professors, online students can access career coaching and the program's network of sports management grads.
Applicants typically hold a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and have some sports industry experience. UF takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, and students can make up for application shortcomings with strong letters of recommendation.
Highlights
- PAADS-certified
- Hands-on experience
- Career coaching
Know Before You Apply
- Competitive
- Industry experience required
- 3.0 GPA requirement
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida's online master's degree in sport management tops our list of standout programs. Throughout this 36-credit graduate program, students tackle core classes such as sports sociology, sports marketing, sports finance, and issues in sports law. Before graduation, students also complete an internship.
In addition to a roster of experienced professors, online students can access career coaching and the program's network of sports management grads.
Applicants typically hold a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and have some sports industry experience. UF takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, and students can make up for application shortcomings with strong letters of recommendation.
Highlights
- PAADS-certified
- Hands-on experience
- Career coaching
Know Before You Apply
- Competitive
- Industry experience required
- 3.0 GPA requirement
Clemson University
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
Why We Chose This School
South Carolina's Clemson University offers a master's in athletic leadership that's ideal for future coaches and administrators who want to work in college sports. Clemson's status as an elite NCAA institution has the potential for numerous hands-on learning opportunities in the field.
Throughout this 36-credit master's track, students tackle core requirements like leadership development in intercollegiate athletic programs while covering vital topics like finance, legal issues, ethical issues, and marketing in college sports.
This flexible program is ideal for working students, allowing them to complete both synchronous and asynchronous online coursework.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Leadership focused
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- Focus on college athletics
- Complete classes consecutively
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
$10,858
$22,566
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
South Carolina's Clemson University offers a master's in athletic leadership that's ideal for future coaches and administrators who want to work in college sports. Clemson's status as an elite NCAA institution has the potential for numerous hands-on learning opportunities in the field.
Throughout this 36-credit master's track, students tackle core requirements like leadership development in intercollegiate athletic programs while covering vital topics like finance, legal issues, ethical issues, and marketing in college sports.
This flexible program is ideal for working students, allowing them to complete both synchronous and asynchronous online coursework.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Leadership focused
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- Focus on college athletics
- Complete classes consecutively
Georgetown University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$56,592
$56,592
13%
24%
Why We Chose This School
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., offers an online master's in sports industry management. This standout graduate program, which is available both in person and online, leverages faculty connections to offer unrivaled networking and mentoring opportunities.
This 30-credit online program typically takes between 2-5 years to complete. Online learners tackle core classes such as applied ethics in sports, strategic sports marketing, and sports leadership and management. Before graduating, students also complete a degree-culminating capstone project.
Highlights
- Experienced faculty
- Mentoring opportunities
- Flexible online format
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- Internship not required
- GRE not required
$61,872
$61,872
97%
20,392
Private
Yes
$56,592
$56,592
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$56,592
$56,592
13%
24%
$61,872
$61,872
97%
20,392
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., offers an online master's in sports industry management. This standout graduate program, which is available both in person and online, leverages faculty connections to offer unrivaled networking and mentoring opportunities.
This 30-credit online program typically takes between 2-5 years to complete. Online learners tackle core classes such as applied ethics in sports, strategic sports marketing, and sports leadership and management. Before graduating, students also complete a degree-culminating capstone project.
Highlights
- Experienced faculty
- Mentoring opportunities
- Flexible online format
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- Internship not required
- GRE not required
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$51,869
$51,869
7%
12%
Why We Chose This School
Chicago's Northwestern University offers a master's in sports administration that ranks among our top of the year. Whether you're pursuing a career in college sports or professional athletics, this flexible online master's allows you to tailor the program to align with your academic and career goals.
Students complete core classes such as introduction to sports analytics, sports marketing, sports business, and the technology of sport. Alongside major requirements, students can also pursue specializations in sports analytics or college sports management.
Highlights
- Academic specializations
- Networking opportunities
- Annual Sports Administration Symposium
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- No internship
- Writing sample required
$62,391
$62,391
97%
22,801
Private
Yes
$51,869
$51,869
Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$51,869
$51,869
7%
12%
$62,391
$62,391
97%
22,801
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Chicago's Northwestern University offers a master's in sports administration that ranks among our top of the year. Whether you're pursuing a career in college sports or professional athletics, this flexible online master's allows you to tailor the program to align with your academic and career goals.
Students complete core classes such as introduction to sports analytics, sports marketing, sports business, and the technology of sport. Alongside major requirements, students can also pursue specializations in sports analytics or college sports management.
Highlights
- Academic specializations
- Networking opportunities
- Annual Sports Administration Symposium
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- No internship
- Writing sample required
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,422
$19,422
76%
18%
Why We Chose This School
Based in Spokane, Washington, private Gonzaga University offers an online master's in sport and athletic administration. Throughout this 31-credit graduate program, students complete courses such as sport media and communication, ethical and legal aspects in sport, and research methods and statistics.
Alongside standout coursework, Gonzaga provides a robust set of student services. A large alumni network, online counseling, and study abroad opportunities all ensure that students can make the most out of their virtual learning experience.
Highlights
- One-on-one mentoring from professors
- Study abroad opportunities
- Hands-on learning
Know Before You Apply
- Required internship
- Private school tuition
- No specializations
$49,800
$49,800
94%
7,306
Private
Yes
$19,422
$19,422
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,422
$19,422
76%
18%
$49,800
$49,800
94%
7,306
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Based in Spokane, Washington, private Gonzaga University offers an online master's in sport and athletic administration. Throughout this 31-credit graduate program, students complete courses such as sport media and communication, ethical and legal aspects in sport, and research methods and statistics.
Alongside standout coursework, Gonzaga provides a robust set of student services. A large alumni network, online counseling, and study abroad opportunities all ensure that students can make the most out of their virtual learning experience.
Highlights
- One-on-one mentoring from professors
- Study abroad opportunities
- Hands-on learning
Know Before You Apply
- Required internship
- Private school tuition
- No specializations
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$41,580
$41,580
19%
26%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Miami's master's in education in sports administration ranks among our best for 2025. This flexible online master's program offers practical online tools, comprehensive student support, and a study-at-your-own-pace delivery.
This 30-credit online master's provides a holistic curriculum ideal for students pursuing careers in coaching or administration. Core classes include topics like sport sponsorship, legal aspects in sports, globalization in sport, and principles of sports marketing.
Online learners can complete this program in fewer than two years.
Highlights
- 20 months to complete
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Strong collegiate sports history
Know Before You Apply
- Potential GRE requirement
- College sports focused
- Private school tuition
$55,440
$55,440
92%
19,593
Private
Yes
$41,580
$41,580
Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$41,580
$41,580
19%
26%
$55,440
$55,440
92%
19,593
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Miami's master's in education in sports administration ranks among our best for 2025. This flexible online master's program offers practical online tools, comprehensive student support, and a study-at-your-own-pace delivery.
This 30-credit online master's provides a holistic curriculum ideal for students pursuing careers in coaching or administration. Core classes include topics like sport sponsorship, legal aspects in sports, globalization in sport, and principles of sports marketing.
Online learners can complete this program in fewer than two years.
Highlights
- 20 months to complete
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Strong collegiate sports history
Know Before You Apply
- Potential GRE requirement
- College sports focused
- Private school tuition
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,132
$9,132
74%
48%
Why We Chose This School
LSU is an NCAA stalwart, and students can take advantage of the school's rich sporting history through its online master's in sport management. This 36-credit online program can be completed in just one year.
As you complete this COSMA-accredited program, you'll encounter core classes on social issues in sports, sports law, organizational behavior, and economic issues in sports.
While LSU doesn't offer academic specializations in sports management, students can choose electives that align with their academic and career goals.
Highlights
- Public school tuition
- COSMA-accredited
- Complete in just 12 months
Know Before You Apply
- Few elective options
- No internship requirement
- GRE required
$8,038
$24,731
84%
39,418
Public
Yes
$9,132
$9,132
Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,132
$9,132
74%
48%
$8,038
$24,731
84%
39,418
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
LSU is an NCAA stalwart, and students can take advantage of the school's rich sporting history through its online master's in sport management. This 36-credit online program can be completed in just one year.
As you complete this COSMA-accredited program, you'll encounter core classes on social issues in sports, sports law, organizational behavior, and economic issues in sports.
While LSU doesn't offer academic specializations in sports management, students can choose electives that align with their academic and career goals.
Highlights
- Public school tuition
- COSMA-accredited
- Complete in just 12 months
Know Before You Apply
- Few elective options
- No internship requirement
- GRE required
Ohio University-Main Campus
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,444
$17,436
85%
63%
Why We Chose This School
Ohio University is a public research institution offering a standout online master of sports administration. Online learners can complete this 36-credit program in just five semesters.
Throughout this COSMA-accredited program, students complete core classes like sport law, leadership in sport administration, sport marketing, and human resource management in sport. Before graduation, students complete a degree-culminating capstone seminar.
While this program is online, students must complete an in-person residency and have access to various national conferences.
Highlights
- Flexible format
- COSMA-accredited
- Public school tuition
Know Before You Apply
- No GRE required
- Two years of professional experience preferred
- In-person residency requirement
$12,106
$23,898
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
$9,444
$17,436
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,444
$17,436
85%
63%
$12,106
$23,898
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Ohio University is a public research institution offering a standout online master of sports administration. Online learners can complete this 36-credit program in just five semesters.
Throughout this COSMA-accredited program, students complete core classes like sport law, leadership in sport administration, sport marketing, and human resource management in sport. Before graduation, students complete a degree-culminating capstone seminar.
While this program is online, students must complete an in-person residency and have access to various national conferences.
Highlights
- Flexible format
- COSMA-accredited
- Public school tuition
Know Before You Apply
- No GRE required
- Two years of professional experience preferred
- In-person residency requirement
Endicott College
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,084
$13,084
73%
40%
Why We Chose This School
Based in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College is a private institution that offers a flexible and affordable master's in sport leadership. Students can complete the program's 39-credit curriculum in 12-18 months.
As students complete their asynchronous curriculum, they complete core classes such as contemporary issues in sport, financial resources management, the impact of technology in sport, and preparing for a career in sport.
Before graduating, students complete either a sport management practicum or comprehensive seminar as a degree-culminating experience.
Highlights
- 12-18 month completion
- Flexible asynchronous delivery
- Personal and career advising
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- No GRE requirement
- No internship required
$36,926
$36,926
85%
4,381
Private
Yes
$13,084
$13,084
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,084
$13,084
73%
40%
$36,926
$36,926
85%
4,381
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Based in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College is a private institution that offers a flexible and affordable master's in sport leadership. Students can complete the program's 39-credit curriculum in 12-18 months.
As students complete their asynchronous curriculum, they complete core classes such as contemporary issues in sport, financial resources management, the impact of technology in sport, and preparing for a career in sport.
Before graduating, students complete either a sport management practicum or comprehensive seminar as a degree-culminating experience.
Highlights
- 12-18 month completion
- Flexible asynchronous delivery
- Personal and career advising
Know Before You Apply
- Private school tuition
- No GRE requirement
- No internship required
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,224
$24,966
88%
62%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati's online master's in sport administration stands out as a unique, experiential learning-focused program. This 30-credit master's pathway does not require traditional exams but rather has students showcase the skills they develop in the program via practical demonstrations.
Alongside vital hands-on learning through an internship, students complete core classes such as managerial strategies in athletics, applied financial management strategies, sports facility operations, and risk management in sports.
Online learners also have access to one-on-one professional development, resume workshops, and job and internship events.
Highlights
- No midterms or final exams
- Practical applications of the curriculum
- Asynchronous delivery
Know Before You Apply
- Full-time or part-time
- Internship options
- GRE waiver available
$11,892
$27,226
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
$13,224
$24,966
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,224
$24,966
88%
62%
$11,892
$27,226
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati's online master's in sport administration stands out as a unique, experiential learning-focused program. This 30-credit master's pathway does not require traditional exams but rather has students showcase the skills they develop in the program via practical demonstrations.
Alongside vital hands-on learning through an internship, students complete core classes such as managerial strategies in athletics, applied financial management strategies, sports facility operations, and risk management in sports.
Online learners also have access to one-on-one professional development, resume workshops, and job and internship events.
Highlights
- No midterms or final exams
- Practical applications of the curriculum
- Asynchronous delivery
Know Before You Apply
- Full-time or part-time
- Internship options
- GRE waiver available
Why You Should Get a Sports Management Degree
Engage in your passion
Sports management programs cater to sports fans, helping you turn your passion for sports into a satisfying career.Find career versatility
These programs prepare you for a variety of roles in sports settings such as collegiate athletics, event management, and sports marketing.Develop into a leader
Your coursework in sports finance, marketing, and law can help you develop leadership skills related to the sports industry.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Sports Management Degree Online
Nearly all (97%) online master’s students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.- The same percentage of these students say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Nearly 80% of online master’s students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online Sports Management Master’s Program for You
As you research online sports management programs, consider factors like cost, financial aid, program length, application requirements, and potential careers you can pursue once you graduate. Doing so can ensure you find the best program for you.
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in Business Cost?
Business, 2019-2020
Online
$10,995
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,534
Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
Tuition and fees for a two-year online master’s in sports management program costs students an average of around $22,000 without financial aid. With financial aid, it’s closer to about $17,070.
These rates are based on NCES data for the 2019-2020 academic year. You can, however, see how much financial aid, including grants and scholarships, can reduce the cost.
To qualify for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) both years you’re in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Sports Management
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Sports Management Online?
30 Credits
Typical # of Credits
2 Years
Typical Program Length
Online master’s in sports management programs typically take two years to complete, requiring around 30 credits to graduate. However, you should carefully research each program’s credit guidelines before applying to know what will be expected of you.
You can speed up the learning process by enrolling in an accelerated online master’s in sports management program.
The accelerated program at the University of Miami, for example, only takes 20 months to complete. And you can earn your master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania within 13 months.
Sports Management Master’s Degree Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
- Resume or CV
- Application essay
- GRE (if applicable)
- Two or three letters of recommendation
What Can You Do With a Sports Management Degree?
Once you earn your sports management master’s degree, you can pursue a variety of careers.
Some roles you may pursue include public relations manager, business development director, marketing director, athletic director, and player agent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects entertainment and sports occupations to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2023-2033, with nearly 109,000 job openings each year, on average.
| Job | Average Annual Salary (2025) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Director | $99,170 | Oversees marketing departments of organizations, which can include athletic leagues and sports programs and clubs |
| Public Relations Manager | $78,170 | Creates communication strategies to improve a client’s public image, raises funds, and oversees public relations teams |
| Athletic Director | $69,380 | Supervises the daily operations of an athletic department, including planning sports games, managing budgets, raising funds, and hiring new coaches |
| Business Development Director | $115,790 | Develops strategies for successful operations in companies, leagues, teams, and clubs |
| Sports Agent | $61,000 | Represents athletes during negotiations with teams over contracts and with companies over deals and sponsorships |
Learn More About Sports Management Jobs
Is a Master’s Degree in Sports Management Worth It?
To figure out whether an online master’s in sports management degree is worth it, consider your career goals, financial situation, learning style, and experience level.
The average starting salary for business master’s graduates in the class of 2023 was around $89,500, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
A major benefit to finishing an online master’s in sports management program is the specialized knowledge and skills you’ll gain in sports business from a convenient, remote environment.
There’s also the potential for career advancement — you can earn more money in high-level roles.
A master’s degree is, however, a significant time and financial investment. And the degree isn’t always required. Plus, as an online student, you’ll also have fewer opportunities to interact with your professors and classmates than you would in a traditional program.
Education Beyond a Master’s Degree in Sports Management
Once you earn your master’s in sports management, you can pursue a doctoral degree in sports management. These terminal degrees provide leadership and business expertise with career opportunities in academia.
You’ll earn around 60 credits beyond your master’s degree, gaining a deep understanding of research methods and law in sports business management.
Specializations include human resource management in sports, leadership in sports, sports marketing, and sports governance and combatting corruption.
With a doctoral degree, you may decide to teach at the undergraduate or graduate level, do research focused on the sports industry, or lead a sports organization or management company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Management
While online master’s in sports management programs typically take two years to complete, there are accelerated options that you can complete in a shorter time.
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