Best Sports Management Degree Programs of 2023

Our Intelligent Pick for the best sports management degree program is the Master of Sports Science in Sports Management program offered by the United States Sports Academy. The program has an Intelligent Score of 99.96 and has the highest score on the list! This online program consists of 33 credit hours and is designed to prepare students for management roles within the sports industry. Course topics in this program include sports administration, sports marketing, sports finance, sports law and risk management, and more. Students can choose from a list of degree emphasis options, including sports management, sports coaching, sports exercise science, sports studies, sports psychology, hospitality management, and esports management.

The Sports Management degree program at Columbia University is the best sports management degree program offered by a private research institute. Not only will students be getting an education at one of the most renowned universities in the country, but they will also be able to apply the skills and knowledge learned in this program in New York City, considered the sports hub of the world due to the multiple sports franchises and events that occur in the city. This sports management degree program consists of 30 credit hours and offers full-time and part-time opportunities for students.

Georgetown University offers a Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management degree program that is the best sports management degree program offered by a liberal arts institution. Georgetown University is a storied liberal arts institution with a strong military history and a diverse culture. This program consists of 30 credit hours and offers both an on-campus and online classroom experience, as well as both full and part-time options for students to choose from. Students in the program can choose from three focus areas: Sports Communications, Sports Business and Sales, and Athletics and Administration. Because the school is located near Washington, D.C., the program offers opportunities for students with major sports franchises and sports networks.

The best sports management program on our list with the most flexible admissions is the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management degree program offered by Kutztown University. Located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the program features an admission rate of 93% and an Intelligent Score of 96.79. Graduates of this program have a 93.5% job placement rate, with 52% of graduates finding employment in a related field. Students in this program can find roles in the sports industry that include sport management, facility management, event management, sport product marketing, and sport tourism. They can go on to a graduate program to get their Master's degree in Sports Management.

The Master in Sports Administration degree program provided by the School of Professional Studies at Northwestern University is the best sports management degree offered by a faith-based institution on our list of the best sports management degree programs. During this program, students will acquire the skills and knowledge they need to lead enterprising sports organizations, analyze data to make evidence-based decisions, assess finances and risk mitigation, and develop effective business plans to establish strategic goals for sports franchises. The program offers two specializations for students to choose from, which are Sports Analytics and College Sports Management.

The Sport Management program offered by Rice University is the best sports management degree program offered in the Southern region. The school offers students both an undergraduate and graduate program to help them hone their skills and succeed in the sports industry. Their undergraduate program consists of 120 credit hours and provides students the choice to pursue a concentration in either Sport Law or Sport Leadership. The school also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Analytics. Located in Houston, Texas, the school offers students plenty of opportunities with major sports programs in the city and the region.

The Sport Management program offered by the University of Michigan is the best sports management degree program offered by a public institution on our list. This program prepares students to excel in careers throughout the global sports industry. The curriculum of this course focuses on the cultural and business impact of sports by utilizing hands-on and real-world case studies and projects. The coursework includes topics like economics, finance, marketing, research and analytics, legal and ethical issues, and more. This program consists of 120 credit hours, and graduates of this program have found work with major sports leagues worldwide.

The Master of Science in Sports Administration degree program at Boston College is the best program for adult learners on our list of the best sports management degree programs. This program is designed for students that are looking to advance their careers in the field of sports administration. The curriculum in this program is designed to focus on how organizational culture is built on core values, how to address the needs of stakeholders, and how to develop leadership abilities. The 30-credit hour program is offered in both full and part-time formats, which is perfect for adult learners who need flexibility in their schedules.

The Bachelor of Science in Sports Management at Columbia College prepares undergraduate students to face the unique rewards and challenges of careers in sports and recreation-focused industries. The curriculum teaches business and management principles and theories through the lens of athletics. Core topics include sports finance, sporting event planning and marketing, social media, organizational behavior, and more. This highly accessible program is available online, in a traditional daytime format, or via evening classes. Students with prior college experience can transfer in up to 90 credits, accelerating their path to graduation and one of several fulfilling careers in sports management.

The Sports and Recreation Management programs at the University of Minnesota Crookston are built around hands-on learning experiences that help students develop the insight and skills they need to excel in a variety of sports management careers. Learning environments include labs, simulation scenarios, site visits, and internships, including with professional sports organizations. In this highly flexible program, students can opt to earn a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree either in person or online. A number of minor options, including coaching, marketing, or humanities, allow students to further tailor their education to their specific career interests. This program is also ACBSP-accredited, confirming its quality in preparing sports management students.