The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs in this field to grow at a faster than average pace compared to all occupations.
Management occupations are also expected to grow at a strong pace from 2021 to 2031.
According to Payscale, the average worker with a Master’s in Sports Management degree earns $56,000 per year.
This list features some of the best online Master’s in Sports Management programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of sports management-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online Master’s in Sports Management programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Students pursuing an advanced degree in sports management have the option of obtaining an MS or MA in sports management or an MBA with a concentration in sports management. For those who want business skills that are applicable in fields beyond sports management, the MBA may be the better option, as it teaches a broader range of business and leadership skills. An MS or MA degree will teach those same skills, but specifically geared towards sports management.
For some career paths, earning a master’s degree will complete your education. However, for jobs such as sports lawyer, you will need to earn a law degree if you do not already have one. Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in sports management can go directly to law school and prepare for a career as a sports lawyer that way.
Individuals who work as agents will need to obtain licensure from the professional sports league whose players they represent. Each league sets up its own rules for agent licensure. Additionally, some states have their own regulations for licensing sports agents.
Although not all programs require an internship, it’s beneficial to participate in a practical learning experience if possible. Beyond applying the knowledge you learn in class in a real-world setting, this will allow you to make connections that could lead to employment post-graduation.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Sports Management programs:
As you research programs, review their application requirements and deadlines. Knowing what materials you need to apply and when to submit them will help make your admissions process easy and stress-free. You can find out this information online, or you can contact the school’s admissions department directly.
Also consider how you will finance your degree. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any tuition benefits. You should also research scholarships, assistantships, and loans.