Best Online Sports Management Degrees of 2025
This guide discusses some of the best online sports management degrees and how they can prepare you to succeed in the sports industry.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Sports Management Programs
- #1: University of Florida — Students in UF’s flexible online program can complete an internship in the sports management field during their last semester in lieu of classes.
- #2: University of Iowa — Iowa’s online sports management program has nine concentration options and a focus on real-world learning.
- #3: Maryville University of Saint Louis — FMaryville’s online bachelor’s program features industry-relevant curricula thanks to its partnership with sports equipment manufacturing company Rawlings.
Do you want a behind-the-scenes sports career? A bachelor’s degree in sports management can combine your passion for sports with the business side of the industry.
During your studies, you’ll explore various aspects of the field, including sports law, sports marketing, and sports psychology. This can prepare you to pursue management and leadership positions within athletic organizations.
If this sounds like a career for you, read on to explore the best sports management programs around and learn more about what they have to offer.
Best Online Sports Management Degrees of 2025
We use trusted sources like Peterson’s Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
1. University of Florida
$4,477
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$10,770
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$25,694
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$27,335
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Online Enrollment: 57%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UF Online Made Our List
UF Online’s bachelor’s degree in sport management includes the same broad-based, relevant curriculum as the school’s in-person program. You’ll learn about all aspects of sports management, from marketing to finance and law. UF’s sport management degree is informed by its own acclaimed athletics department.
Why Attend UF Online
- Prepare for Broad Careers: UF’s online sport management degree is meant to prepare you for a vast array of jobs, with alums going on to work in everything from professional sports to municipal recreation.
- Internship Pathway: Online students have the option to complete a 12-credit internship in place of classes during their last semester.
- Many Resources for Online Students: UF Online aims to give students an experience akin to studying in person through personalized academic advising and its “Plaza” feature that helps you connect with fellow students.
Know Before You Go
- Transfer Credits: UF Online uses a free virtual tool allowing students to see if previous college credits can apply to their degree. Those with an associate degree from a Florida public community or state college can receive up to 60 transfer credits toward their UF degree.
- Test Out of Classes: You can test out of certain prerequisites by taking exams, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), and more.
- Standardized Test Scores Required: All Florida universities require ACT or SAT scores — including UF Online. Scores are not always required for transfer students, although you will need them if you’re transferring fewer than 60 college credits.
2. University of Iowa
$10,964
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$10,875
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$32,927
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$29,822
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Online Enrollment: 58%
- Institution Type: Public
Why Iowa Online Made Our List
Iowa’s online sport and recreation management degree is another program with foundations in a major athletics program. An emphasis is put on real-world analysis and applying business principles to sports in its flexible online program. Iowa also offers a highly customizable degree featuring concentrations tailored to your career goal.
Why Attend Iowa Online
- Multiple Concentrations Available: Iowa offers nine concentrations in key sports management areas, like coaching, entrepreneurship, event management, and media relations.
- Emphasis on Analytics: Iowa’s curriculum puts an emphasis on using data to address both business and culture challenges in sports.
- High Job Placement Rate: Iowa graduates have a 96% job or grad school placement rate within six months of graduation thanks in part to its dedicated career center.
Know Before You Go
- College Credit Required: You’ll need at least 30 semester hours of college credit completed to apply as an online student.
- Student-Designed Concentration: If you don’t find your niche amid Iowa’s multiple concentrations, the school also allows you to design your own focus area.
- 2+2 Program: If you attend certain community colleges, you can earn both your associate degree and bachelor’s degree via a transfer option.
3. Maryville University of Saint Louis
$24,766
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$14,346
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$24,766
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$14,356
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Online Enrollment: 83%
- Institution Type: Private
Why Maryville Online Made Our List
Maryville’s online sport business management program is built around a unique partnership with Rawlings Sporting Goods, a sports equipment manufacturing company. The university combines a real-world, industry-informed curriculum with flexibility for working professionals as part of its innovative program.
Why Attend Maryville Online
- Two Concentrations Available: Maryville offers two online concentrations — sport data analytics and results-centered sales.
- Flexibility Focus: Maryville tailors its online degrees toward working professionals, featuring flexible scheduling and course options.
- Real-World Curriculum: Maryville partners with Rawlings to offer a relevant real-world curriculum.
Know Before You Go
- No ACT/SAT Required: Maryville University streamlines its admissions process and doesn’t require entry exams or admissions fees.
- Transfer-Friendly: Maryville accepts a maximum of 68 credit hours from two-year colleges and additional credits from four-year institutions. However, the last 30 hours of your bachelor’s degree need to be completed at Maryville.
- Transfer Scholarships: Maryville offers automatic and competitive scholarships for transfer students. In fact, you’ll automatically receive a transfer scholarship if you have at least 24 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
4. University of Louisville
$12,336
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$13,944
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$28,680
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$28,906
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Online Enrollment: 55%
- Institution Type: Public
Why Louisville Online Made Our List
Louisville’s online sport administration program puts an emphasis on real-world learning. It features industry-experienced faculty and guest lectures by leaders in the sports management industry. Its core curriculum includes more than a dozen niche electives to choose from, including athletics in higher education, entrepreneurship, and industry-focused courses.
Why Attend Louisville Online
- Flexible and Customizable: Louisville provides flexible learning options for working professionals, including the ability to customize the degree to fit your career goals.
- Real-World Focus: You’ll be taught by faculty with industry experience, and you’ll also hear from current leaders in the sports industry during the program.
- Large Employer Network: Louisville has more than 450 employers in sports management fields that students and alumni can connect with.
Know Before You Go
- Major Military Discounts: If you’re an active-duty service member, tuition is discounted to $250 per credit hour from the regular $540.
- Flexible Transfer Options: Louisville accepts up to 60 credit hours from a community college and up to 90 from a four-year college.
- Tests May Be Required: Louisville is test-optional on a case-by-case basis.
5. Northwood University
$30,020
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$37,080
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$30,020
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$37,080
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Online Enrollment: 70%
- Institution Type: Private
Why Northwood Made Our List
Northwood’s online sport management program is focused on adult learners. That means it’s both highly flexible and highly customizable. It can help prepare students to work in a variety of jobs, from concert management to broadcast and facilities operations. Northwood also has a heavy emphasis on industry-relevant curriculum, so you’ll learn skills that you can apply on day one.
Why Attend Northwood Online
- Adult Learner Focus: Northwood’s focus on adult learners means the degree is built for maximum flexibility. You can work toward your education on your own time.
- Real-World Curriculum: Northwood builds its curriculum around insights from industry professionals and entrepreneurs.
- High Industry Placement Rate: Northwood boasts a 100% job placement rate of sport management students after they graduate.
Know Before You Go
- Flexible Transfer Options: You can transfer up to 90 credits toward your Northwood sport management degree, dramatically cutting down on the time and cost of earning your degree.
- Prior Learning Credit: Northwood’s industry emphasis extends to its students. Your real-world employment experience, certifications, military service, and civic engagement can all be evaluated to count toward your degree.
Why You Should Get a Bachelor’s in Sports Management
- Learn versatile skills: A sports management program can help you develop leadership, marketing, finance, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable across several industries.
- Learn the sports industry: Turn your passion for sports into a career by acquiring specialized knowledge of the sports industry.
- Gain a global perspective: Many sports management programs can prepare you for the globalized sports industry by exposing you to the international aspects of sports.
- Earn more money: Bachelor’s degree-holders earn nearly $600 more per week than those with just a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Benefits of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Online
- In our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 93% of all online college students and program graduates say earning their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment (ROI).
- 97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
- 81% of online student respondents say that online learning is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
- Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
Curious what courses you’ll take online? Check out our sports management program guide.
How to Choose the Best Online Sports Management Program for You
When comparing online sports management programs, consider tuitions costs, program length, and the careers they can help you pursue after graduation.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Sport Management Degree Cost?
Online Bachelor’s in Business, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,476
Avg. Net Price
$5,928
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, an online bachelor’s degree in sports management usually costs around $42,000 for tuition and fees over four years without any financial aid. However, financial aid can reduce that price tag to around $23,600.
Financial aid can often lower the cost of tuition and fees by thousands of dollars. With this in mind, remember to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you plan to attend college. This can help you qualify for several financial aid options, including grants and scholarships.
Find Financial Aid for Your Psychology Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
Typical Number of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Bachelor’s programs usually take four years as a full-time student to complete. During tis time, you’ll have to earn around 120 credits to graduate — typically 30 credits per academic year.
If you’d like to graduate faster, consider enrolling in an accelerated and degree-completion programs. These programs can be completed in a shorter amount of time because they let you take more classes simultaneously, and the courses usually last fewer weeks.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Sports Management?
With a bachelor’s in sports management, you can pursue a variety of careers in different fields, including advertising, agenting, and athlete management.
According to the BLS, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are among the top earners in this field, making a median salary of $159,660 per year, as of May 2024.
The lowest earners are coaches and scouts, who bring in a median salary of $45,920 per year.
The table below lists some other popular roles you can qualify for with a bachelor’s in sports management:
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $159,660 | Leads marketing teams, uses data analysis to find new markets, and increases interest in products and services |
| Agents and Business Managers of Athletes | $84,900 | Represents athletes by negotiating contracts, managing public appearances, and giving career advice |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $62,360 | Competes in public sporting events, often representing a team |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,920 | Prepares athletes to win competitions, teaching them relevant sports skills |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers | $77,180 | Plans and manages various recreational or wellness activities, including events |
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management Worth It?
Whether an online bachelor’s in sports management degree is worth it depends on your career goals and learning style.
Our Online Education Trends Report shows that over half (56%) of online bachelor’s students and graduates say their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options. Additionally, 51% percent say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their future jobs.
An online program will also provide flexibility to balance work and personal commitments as well as the potential to save money compared to traditional, in-person programs.
However, online programs provide limited face-to-face interactions, which can reduce your networking opportunities. You may also have fewer chances to gain hands-on experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Sports marketing managers tend to earn the most money in the sports management industry, according to Florida International University. These professionals earn an average salary of $156,580 per year, according to the BLS.
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