What Is a Master's in Sports Management Degree?
A master's degree in sports management typically offers an advanced curriculum in various business operations related to the professional sports industry, including accounting, marketing and promotions, management, and event planning. Graduate students have the opportunity to leverage these types of sports management degrees in several ways, whether in a coaching position or as part of the everyday corporate functions within a sports-related organization or franchise.
Depending on their educational and professional goals, students have the option to apply to a campus-based or online sports management graduate program, while some students may choose to take a hybrid curriculum of both in-person and online courses. To be considered for admission into a master's sports management program, students should hold a bachelor's degree in a related field. Generally, a master's degree program in sports management consists of 30-40 credits, at times allowing students to concentrate on a specific area of study and requires the completion of a sports-related internship (commonly with a sports team, university sports program, or major network). Full-time students can typically complete their degree programs in about two years.
A master's degree in sports management is usually a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Sport Management or Sport Business and Entertainment Management. Some students may be able to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in sports management or a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Sport Administration. Oftentimes, students with master's degrees in sports management seek employment in several high-paying sports careers, such as sports marketing director, brand manager, game operations manager, sport event planner, or sports accountant. Graduates may also choose to continue their education in a doctoral program for sports management or a related subject.
The Best Masters Degree Programs in Sports Management
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University | $51790 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | University of Florida | $12737 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $10173 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $24218 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | SUNY Cortland | $13046 | 46% | 71% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | James Madison University | $11976 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | CUNY Brooklyn College | $11522 | 45% | 54% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Columbia University in the City of New York | $49968 | 5% | 95% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Florida State University | $11553 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 10 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $9720 | 82% | 65% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | Texas Tech University | $8181 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13380 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Washington State University | $13095 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 14 | University of South Florida-Main Campus | $10428 | 48% | 75% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $10890 | 75% | 74% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Canisius College | $15480 | 83% | 73% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | University of Central Florida | $8872 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $14137 | 69% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Temple University | $17846 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | Midwestern State University | $6609 | 79% | 45% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 21 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | $8550 | 98% | 51% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 22 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | $8474 | 63% | 50% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Sam Houston State University | $8016 | 83% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of San Francisco | $25810 | 64% | 75% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | Virginia Commonwealth University | $15086 | 87% | 67% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Louisville | $13196 | 69% | 59% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Iowa | $11666 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | George Mason University | $15648 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $11930 | 79% | 56% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | Concordia University-Irvine | $7953 | 71% | 63% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | University of Houston | $9372 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Middle Tennessee State University | $10350 | 94% | 47% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | Northwestern University | $56567 | 9% | 94% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $19983 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | Minot State University | $9553 | 67% | 45% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 36 | Georgia State University | $9292 | 76% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Wichita State University | $6932 | 92% | 50% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 38 | Western Michigan University | $17283 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | Wingate University | $11430 | 89% | 50% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Belmont University | $23510 | 84% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | Cleveland State University | $10148 | 94% | 46% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | University of Southern Mississippi | $8896 | 97% | 49% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Indiana State University | $7742 | 90% | 41% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 44 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $19221 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Boise State University | $9646 | 77% | 51% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 46 | University of Mississippi | $8828 | 88% | 66% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | East Central University | $5140 | 59% | 37% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 48 | Drexel University | $36021 | 75% | 69% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | $9151 | 66% | 44% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 50 | Central Michigan University | $17150 | 70% | 61% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Sports Management
Students can pursue sports management degrees at the associate and bachelor's degree levels. Undergraduate sports management degrees typically offer foundational learning in various business and sports-related subjects, allowing students to gain proficiencies in marketing, accounting, and organizational leadership, as well as professional presentation and writing skills.
Associate sports management degrees usually include approximately 60 credits of general education requirements (reading, writing, math, and science), introductory business and sports management courses, and electives. Associate degree programs usually take about two years to complete, resulting in an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Students with associate degrees in sports management or business administration may seek entry-level employment in the field or continue their education in a four-year bachelor's degree program.
Bachelor's degree sports management curriculums generally consist of 120 credits of general education coursework (which may be completed in an associate degree program), in-depth business and sports management courses, and electives. Students may have the option to concentrate on a specific study track in their programs and are encouraged (and sometimes required) to fulfill an internship component in the sports industry. A bachelor's degree in sports management is usually a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Students may also major in closely-related programs, such as exercise science, kinesiology, management, or marketing.
Admissions Requirements for Sports Management Master's Programs
Admissions requirements for attending a school for sports management usually vary by program, so students should contact their prospective colleges' graduate admissions offices to ensure they submit the correct documentation by their respective deadlines.
Typically, master's sports management programs require the following admissions criteria:
- Online application (students may be charged a nominal fee upon submission)
- Official transcripts from all prior schools
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- SAT and other test scores
- Personal statements and/or college essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume
Additionally, many schools mandate that students demonstrate a minimum grade point average, such as a 3.0 or higher, and have completed various prerequisite courses for consideration into a sports management graduate program.
Academic advisors are usually available to assist students with the application and enrollment processes, if necessary.
How to Choose a Master's in Sports Management Program
When deciding on a master-level sports management adult education program, there are several program features students will want to take into consideration.
Depending on an individual's career aspirations, programs may offer students the opportunity to concentrate in a specific area of the sports management industry or combine their sports management curriculum with another program, such as business administration, law, psychology, or education. Likewise, students should review course offerings in different programs to determine which curriculum would best prepare them to meet their professional goals.
Other factors students will want to think about are the location of the school and the various internship and job placement resources provided to students in the program. Students who attend graduate school in a larger metropolitan area may have more opportunities to network and gain employment with several sports franchises than they would while attending a rural school.
Finally, students should seek a reputable graduate-level sports management program at a regionally-accredited school or accredited program, such as through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Not only is it important to attend an accredited school for gainful employment, but students seeking financial aid and most scholarships must attend an accredited higher education institution in order to qualify.
Sports Management Master's Degree Courses
Course offerings in sports management master's degree programs are usually wide-ranging, allowing students to explore several aspects of the sports industry. Typically, courses in sports management curriculums cover different topics related to business and management, law and ethics, marketing, accounting, and media with an emphasis on the theories and practices of the sports industry. Some programs also allow students to enroll in online sports management classes for greater flexibility in their learning curriculums.
Sports Management Foundational Courses
Whether a student intends to enroll in a thesis or non-thesis track, the majority of sports management master's degree programs require the completion of a series of foundational courses at the beginning of one's curriculum studies. These courses are designed to introduce students to advanced sports management concepts and perspectives across several different fields in the sports industry, while the materials typically serve as prerequisites for nearly any sports management concentration or specialization students may embark on.
Students enrolled in sports management graduate programs can expect to take the following foundational coursework:
- Sport Marketing
- Sport Law
- Financial Management in Sport
- Leadership in Sport
- Sport Communications
Sports Management Specialist & Elective Courses
Depending on the school, students majoring in sports management will have many specialists and elective course offerings to choose from within their programs. If a student is concentrating on a specific area of study, coursework may be more closely tailored to their chosen specialization.
Students in sports management master's degree programs may enroll in variations of the following specialist and elective courses:
- Sport and Culture
- Event Management
- Sport Psychology
- Sport Sponsorship
- Sport and the Media
While each master's program for sports management is different, students are typically asked to partake in a sports-related internship opportunity for credit toward the completion of their degree. The range of required internship credits varies by school.
Licensure & Certification in Sports Management
Licensure and certification in sports management are not typically mandatory, however, professionals may choose to obtain several types of voluntary credentials to demonstrate their experience and knowledge within their respective roles.
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential is designated for experienced public relations (PR) professionals and recent graduates to highlight their strategic communications skills and adherence to industry principled standards. To obtain their APR credential, candidates must fill out the online application on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) website, sit for a panel presentation, and pass a comprehensive examination on key PR topics. APR professionals must renew their credentials every three years.
Individuals who are seeking work as sport financial managers may be required or asked to obtain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. Candidates should review the licensure requirements for eligibility on their state's board of accountancy (typically a bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of field experience), as well as pass an examination through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Depending on each state's licensing criteria, CPA holders may need to recertify their credentials every two or three years.
Internships in Sports Management Master's Programs
The majority of sports management master's degree programs require students to fulfill a full-time or part-time internship component as part of their curriculum. Internships aim to provide students with practical field experience in a professional environment in which they can apply their learning.
Students tend to have several sports management internship prospects and may decide on an opportunity based on their professional aspirations; for example, sports marketing, brand management, event planning, or sports business administration, among others. Potential internship sites may include sports franchises, teams, television stations, universities, and more.
There are several benefits to taking part in a sports management internship. In addition to gaining new skills and field experience, students are able to receive mentoring from industry professionals, contribute their own ideas to the workplace, and hone in on their areas of interests and proficiencies. Additionally, some internships result in a paid job offer upon completion.
Concentrations Offered for a Master's in Sports Management Degree
Students in graduate-level sports management degree programs may study a comprehensive curriculum of business and sports-related subject matter, or have the option to concentrate on a specific study track.
Sports management concentrations and specializations tend to vary by school, particularly if a curriculum leans toward management, marketing, event planning, or law. However, the following concentrations may be offered at the graduate level:
- Sports Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Athletic Administration
- Digital Sports Marketing
- Coaching
In some instances, students will have the option to choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. A thesis track is typically a heavily research-focused curriculum and ideal for students who intend to continue their studies in a doctoral program. A non-thesis track tends to be more project-based with emphasized practical training, generally taking less time to complete.
Post-Graduate Options After Master's in Sports Management
Students with master's degrees in sports management may choose to continue their education in a rigorous doctoral program. Doctorates are the highest level of scholarship students can obtain and are ideal for those who are seeking research, post-secondary teaching, or higher leadership roles.
A doctorate in a sports management discipline may include 45 to 60 credits of specialized coursework taking approximately three to five years to complete. With a focus on research-based study, doctoral candidates may need to fulfill practical training, teaching apprenticeships, pass a comprehensive examination, and present a dissertation in order to graduate.
A doctorate in sports management is usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a sports-related subject. Students pursuing sports law typically obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and must pass a state bar exam to practice.
Graduate Certificates in Sports Management
There are several graduate-level sports management and business certificates available. Students may choose to pursue certificates to improve or gain new skills, advance their careers, or stay abreast of industry trends.
Typically, graduate-level certificates consist of 12 to 18 credits of business, marketing, or sports-related topics and take about a year to complete. Examples of certificate programs that are ideal for sports management majors include sports analytics, sports leadership, and fundamentals of global sports management.
What Can I Do with a Sports Management Master's Degree?
Graduates with a master's degree in sports management may decide to pursue several different business careers within the sports industry. Depending on curriculum specifications, concentrations, internships, and other program components, graduates may choose to seek marketing, accounting, management, event planning, or sales positions with sports franchises, teams, or universities, among other work locations.
While not every career requires a master's degree to find employment, it is often recommended for greater applicant marketability, career advancement, and sometimes higher pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, individuals who worked in sports management careers had a median salary of:
- Financial Managers: $129,890
- Sales Managers: $126,640
- Public Relations Managers: $116,180
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers: $135,900
- Market Research Analysts: $ 63,790
Job Outlook for a Master's in Sports Management
The job outlook for sports management careers typically varies depending on the location and type of position one holds; however, the BLS expects employment to grow for several corporate sports management roles. The sports industry, including franchises, teams, and major networks, will always be in need of financial managers to coordinate and direct finances and investments, as well as handle cash and risk management. As such, the job outlook is expected to increase by 15 percent for all financial managers (2019-2029).
Employment of sales managers is also expected to rise by four percent in the coming decade. The sports industry relies on sales managers to increase profitability and effectively meet the standards set by their competitors.
Overall, the average job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to increase by six percent between 2019 and 2029; however, promotions and advertising managers will not experience the same type of growth as marketing managers. In the sports industry, professionals with adeptness at technology and digital campaigns (e.g., webpages, social media, etc.) should have greater employment prospects.
How to Become a Sports Financial Manager
Financial managers are responsible for maintaining the financial welfare of their company or organization. In the sports industry, financial managers may keep detailed reports of financial activities that include investments, revenue, and expenditures, while creating a comprehensive strategy for meeting their organization's financial goals.
Sports financial managers typically work in an office setting and usually hold a CPA credential. In addition to preparing, monitoring, and analyzing various financial reports, financial managers may need to oversee other aspects of sports finances, such as gambling, partnerships with media and broadcasting networks, and merchandising or venue financial agreements.
Financial managers may have an important role in assisting top executives in making important decisions based on the financial records they maintain for their organization. Naturally, financial managers in the sports industry typically have strong analytical, communication, organizational, and math skills. Additionally, communication skills are essential for relaying and justifying financial information for the company.
How to Become a Public Relations Manager
In the sports industry, public relations (PR) managers typically lead the development and creation of their organization's brand and identity. Common duties include recognizing their audience, strategizing outreach, serving as a spokesperson, and communicating with the public. On the creative spectrum, PR managers may correspond with the media through press releases, plan promotions and advertising initiatives, and oversee a PR team.
In the sports industry, PR managers may make recommendations for enhancing their organization's public image, serve as liaisons between media outlets and corporate managers, and even work alongside their organization's lawyers to ensure their work meets legal standards.
PR managers usually have a wide range of proficiencies to be effective in their roles, such as interpersonal, leadership, organizational, problem-solving, speaking, and writing skills. Because PR managers often work with the public, donors, members of the media, and other departments, many professionals have a friendly demeanor to easily build rapport.
Master's in Sports Management Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Graduate programs for sports management can be expensive; however, there are options for students who need assistance paying for their education. Similar to undergraduate students, individuals who are pursuing a master's degree may qualify for federal or state financial aid. To determine how much money they are eligible for, graduate students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility criteria are the same for undergraduate and graduate students and include attendance at an accredited school, proof of citizenship, and demonstration of financial need. Graduate students do not need to disclose their parents' information in their application.
Additional financial aid may be available through scholarships and grants. Graduate students can search for and apply to graduate-level scholarships online, which may also be available by major of study or through the school. Other options may include employer tuition reimbursement programs, state aid, and military/veteran benefits.
Students can contact a representative at their school's financial aid office to learn more about tuition and financing, federal aid, and scholarship opportunities that are available.
Kevin and Karen Elko Scholarship
The Kevin and Karen Elko Scholarship is offered to graduate students at West Virginia University (WVU) who are majoring in the on-campus sport management program. Applicants must be able to demonstrate public service or professional involvement in the sport management industry. To apply, WVU students should have already filled out a FAFSA form, as well as submit a general WVU scholarship application, activities summary, and current resume by the deadline. Scholarship awards vary.
Jake G. Hornstein Endowed Scholarship
The Jake G. Hornstein Endowed Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students at Florida State University (FSU) who are part of the FSU sports management internship program. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be active in FSU's clubs and student activities. To apply, students must register an account on FSU's scholarship website, fill out the online application, and submit the required supplemental documentation by the deadline. One scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 to apply toward their educational expenses.
