collageports management degrees are as varied as the industry, and the best first step to enrolling is doing your research before submitting that application. To assist you in that process, below are the top 30 master’s degrees in sports management. We selected these programs out of approximately 70 colleges and ranked them based on an industry-specific methodology model for future leaders in sport management.
In determining the order of this ranking, we awarded points based on online sports master’s curriculum that is both relevant and competes well in the industry (1-4 point range), accolades or other noted recognition in the field (1-4 point range), faculty expertise with terminal degrees in the field (1-4 points), quality of online learning portal (1-3 points), industry connections (1-4 points), and an additional point was awarded for features of particular distinction. In the event of a tie in points, the school with the lower tuition is ranked higher.
Sports management degrees focus on the business aspect of sports and recreation. Graduates may work as marketing agents, publicists, team managers, coaches, sports lawyers, or recruiters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for these professionals to grow between 6% and 16% in the next 10 years. Professionals in this sector also earn much higher annual median salaries ($135,900) than the national average ($39,810.)
A master’s degree in sports management is typically required for a teaching or high administrative position in a postsecondary institution. National sports organizations also often look for a master’s degree for top managerial positions.
In general, master’s degree-holders earn more and enjoy a lower unemployment rate than workers without a master’s degree. Additionally, a master’s in sports management increases one’s career options in a growing industry.
Whether a sports manager works for a professional athlete, a team, or an organization, their main responsibility often revolves around enabling their clients to focus on their performance while they take care of everything else. As sports managers gain professional experience, their duties usually expand as well, and they begin to take on leadership positions in the workplace.
A master’s degree in sports management can also position sports practitioners for top-level occupations. Colleges and universities that hire sports management graduates as recruiters or coaches often require them to hold a master’s degree to qualify for leadership roles with greater responsibilities.
Many students choose to pursue their degree online in order to balance familial obligations or work experience. An online degree can help you manage multiple goals like gaining real life work experience in your field and pursuing the next level of education. Most employers will value an online degree the same as a traditional program.
A graduate degree in sports management will prepare you for a myriad of careers in the collegiate and professional sports world. You can choose from concentrations like coaching, sports law, and sports management to further specialize your degree.
Most programs will ask you to either complete an internship or craft a thesis to graduate. Some of the programs on our list are designed to be completed in just one year while others give you the flexibility to take several years.
Nearly seven million students were enrolled in online courses in 2018. That number has undoubtedly increased in years since. Employer views on online degrees can vary, but often the reputation of your school will matter more. For example, incredibly reputable schools like Harvard University and the University of Southern California offer online graduate degrees — and your diploma doesn’t specify it was earned online. The quality of your education and work experience should be the most important factor for employment.
Colleges and universities throughout the United States periodically complete the accreditation process voluntarily to signal their commitment to providing quality education. Recognized accrediting agencies evaluate schools’ academic offerings and institutional integrity according to accepted standards and norms. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the accreditation process.
Nonprofit, degree-centered, private and public institutions usually seek regional accreditation. Career-focused trade or sectarian schools often seek national accreditation. Regional accrediting agencies typically follow more rigorous accreditation standards than national accreditors. For this reason, organizations often prefer applicants who graduated from a regionally accredited school. However, ED and CHEA acknowledge both accreditation types.
Some accrediting agencies focus on specific programs instead of entire institutions. In the sports management field, ED and CHEA recognize the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) as the main accrediting agency. COSMA accredits sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Public Relations Specialist
These professionals write press releases, manage their clients’ public image, and respond to media requests for information. They also evaluate advertising and promotion campaigns to measure their effectiveness and timeliness. Some public relations practitioners monitor and manage their clients’ social media channels.
Athletic Trainer
These professionals often provide first aid or emergency care during training or field games. They also educate and train athletes on how to avoid injuries and help them perform rehabilitative exercises during training. Some athletic trainers perform administrative tasks such as keeping a record of supplies, monitoring treatment progress, and writing injury reports.
Coach and Scout
Coaches teach and train athletes on proper techniques, sportsmanship, and game strategies to help them succeed in their sport. Scouts look for new players, evaluate a potential athlete’s skills, and arrange for incentives for qualified recruits. Coaches and scouts often work together to make sure they recruit players with skills needed to build a competitive team.
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
Fundraising managers develop and coordinate campaigns that attract donors. Some fundraising managers work on capital campaigns that focus on raising money for specific projects, such as a new hospital wing or school building. Professionals with specialized training work in planned giving campaigns. They manage large donations such as real estate bequests and gifts of major stocks and bonds.
Sports Marketing Manager
A sports marketing manager will create campaigns for a team, stadium, franchise, league or athlete to create engagement and buzz with fans. They also use marketing to attract sponsors and advertisers. This job spends a lot of time developing brand and creating advertisements that promote their clients and connect with viewers.
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