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2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Sports Management

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 8/29/2023
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An online master's in sports management teaches valuable managerial and organizational skills that are used to oversee all aspects of an athletic program or sports organization — from amateur to the professional level. Students learn how to manage a program's finances, generate revenue, supervise athletic training, and effectively communicate and network with fellow sports professionals. Graduates may benefit from various career options, including public relations, sales, athletic management, and facility operations. 

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Alternative degrees may result in similar outcomes, like an affordable physical education master's degree or an affordable sports psychology master's degree. You can also explore our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for more inspiration.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake (IN) $5,100
# 2 #2 Missouri State University Springfield (MO) $5,415
# 3 #3 Briar Cliff University Sioux City (IA) $5,465
# 4 #4 University of Central Arkansas Conway (AR) $5,850
# 5 #5 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg (MO) $5,910
# 6 #6 Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR) $5,958
# 7 #7 Jacksonville State University Jacksonville (AL) $6,150
# 8 #8 Campbellsville University Campbellsville (KY) $6,285
# 9 #9 University of Southern Indiana Evansville (IN) $6,333
# 10 #10 Georgia Southern University Statesboro (GA) $6,444
#1
#1
Annual Tuition: $5,100
Annual Tuition: $5,100
Annual Tuition: $5,100

Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private, evangelical college offering a Master of Athletic Administration. This program requires 36 credit hours, which students can finish in one year if they maintain a full-time schedule. Approximately 75% of prospective students are accepted into Grace, with 73% graduating.

PathwayU is the primary LMS software Grace students use, allowing for 100% online coursework. This program is partnered with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) to deliver a curriculum based on leadership, organization, risk management, and ethics. Required classes include Athletic Decision-Making, Foundations of Athletics Administration, and Risk Management and Ethical Issues. To graduate, students must also complete a 3-credit capstone project. Careers may be available in coaching, facility management, and event management.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 106
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 188
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#2
#2

Missouri State University

Springfield (MO)
Annual Tuition: $5,415
Annual Tuition: $5,415
Annual Tuition: $5,415

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university that offers a Master of Professional Studies - Sports Management requiring 33 credit hours. Most full-time students complete this program in around one year. MSU's acceptance rate is 87%, with 57% of students graduating with their degrees.

At MSU, students use Blackboard as their LMS to study online. While faculty deliver some classes asynchronously, others may require scheduled web conferences. Additionally, students are required to finish three to six credits of in-person field experience. The curriculum for the master's in professional studies explores topics such as finance, ethics, law, research, and communication. Specifically, the sports management concentration looks closer at the skills needed to manage and lead athletic programs. Core classes include Principles of Sports Management; Current Problems in Sports Administration; and Risk Management for Recreation, Sport, and Park Agencies. Alums may find career opportunities as athletic directors, event coordinators, and sports journalists.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 1040 -1240
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,048
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,332
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#3
#3

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City (IA)
Annual Tuition: $5,465
Annual Tuition: $5,465
Annual Tuition: $5,465

Briar Cliff University is a private institution offering a 33-credit hour Master of Arts in Management - Sports Management. This online degree program requires five full semesters of courses, which may take students around two years to complete. All students are accepted into Briar Cliff, which has a 47% graduation rate.

Students at Briar Cliff use Brightspace, a popular LMS, which allows them to study 100% online with courses tailored to students' schedules. The curriculum for this degree is centered around enhancing leadership and organizational skills alongside promoting ethical standards in sports management. Among the required classes are Management Theories and Ethics, The Business of Sport, and Event and Facility Operations. In addition, students have the option to complete a thesis or opt for the non-thesis option, where they would take an extra course instead. Career options may include fitness manager, facilities manager, event coordinator, and contract administrator.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 72%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 162
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 160
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $5,850
Annual Tuition: $5,850
Annual Tuition: $5,850

University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university that offers an Executive Master of Arts in Sport Management. Students must complete 30 credit hours, which most finish in 20 months while enrolled full time. Of all the students that apply, 94% are accepted into UCA programs, while approximately 44% graduate.

At UCA, students utilize the Blackboard LMS, where students can learn online through either synchronous or asynchronous formats, depending on instructors' preferences. The curriculum for this degree teaches students advanced leadership and management techniques as they relate to the sports industry, with required classes that include Financial Principles in Sport, Sport Organization Communication, and Leadership in Sport Management. A Business Simulation capstone project is also required. Graduates may seek employment in the broader entertainment or sports industries.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Average SATs: 960 -1160
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 348
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 850
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $5,910
Annual Tuition: $5,910
Annual Tuition: $5,910

University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a public university that hosts a Master of Science in Sport Management requiring 30 credit hours. Typically, full-time students complete this degree in one to two years. The acceptance rate at UCM is 64%, and the graduation rate is 53%.

UCM students utilize Blackboard as the chosen LMS to complete their coursework remotely on a flexible schedule. The curriculum is designed for working professionals with previous experience in sports, and it's intended to advance the careers of its graduates. Here are three examples of core classes students are required to complete: Statistics in Sport Management, Organizational Leadership in Athletics and Sports, and Introduction to Research in Sport Management. There is an option to complete an internship, which requires an additional three credit hours. Career options after graduation range from working with professional sports teams and athletic facilities to recreational sports programs.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 449
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 728
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#6
#6

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro (AR)
Annual Tuition: $5,958
Annual Tuition: $5,958
Annual Tuition: $5,958

Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Sport Administration. Students enrolled in this program must complete 36 credit hours, which may take as few as 12 months. A-State students are accepted at a rate of 67%, with 51% of students reaching graduation.

Canvas is the LMS used by online students at A-State, allowing them to study completely online and asynchronously. The curriculum aims to develop skills in networking, communication, organizational efficiency, and program evaluation. Students participate in two seven-week internships as well as core classes, such as Ethical Issues in Sport, Sport in Society, and Sport Marketing. Graduates may explore upper management positions in parks departments, professional athletic teams, and amateur sports organizations.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 1013 -1220
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,064
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 3,414
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#7
#7

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville (AL)
Annual Tuition: $6,150
Annual Tuition: $6,150
Annual Tuition: $6,150

Jacksonville State University (JSU) is a public university offering a Master of Science in Sport Management that requires 30 credit hours. Students can finish this online degree program in one to two years, depending on how many courses they choose to take each semester. There are two degree options, including one for non-educator professionals and another for existing professional educators. JSU's acceptance rate is 64%, with 47% of students earning diplomas.

JSU students use Canvas for all remote courses, which are taught in synchronous and asynchronous formats. The online sport management master's is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to work in the field. Core classes include Issues and Trends in Athletics, Sport Finance, and Sport Marketing. Internships are required for both degrees. Career opportunities may differ slightly, with licensed educators able to pursue roles in high school and collegiate athletic programs. Non-educators, on the other hand, are better suited for roles as sports marketers, agents, and facility managers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
  • Average SATs: 930 -1160
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 979
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 935
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#8
#8

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville (KY)
Annual Tuition: $6,285
Annual Tuition: $6,285
Annual Tuition: $6,285

Campbellsville University (CU) is a private university offering a Master of Arts in Sport Management that requires 30 credit hours. The estimated completion time of this degree is two years for students studying full time. This degree also has two available concentrations: (1) Sports Administration and (2) Sports Marketing. At CU, 78% of applicants are accepted for enrollment, while 39% of enrolled students graduate.

Moodle is the primary LMS for distance learning at CU Online. This software allows students to complete their coursework fully online and on a flexible schedule. The core curriculum requires a capstone internship and focuses on the fundamental facets of sports management, such as finance, research methods, facility development, and ethics. For example, some core classes include Sport Administration, Ethics in Sport, and Managerial Finance. Career opportunities may differ slightly based on a student's chosen emphasis, but some options include human resources manager, event manager, and facilities manager.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 913
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 944
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#9
#9
Annual Tuition: $6,333
Annual Tuition: $6,333
Annual Tuition: $6,333

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a public institution offering a Master of Science in Sport Management, which requires 33 graduate credit hours. There is a one-year accelerated option and a two-year alternative option. USI has an acceptance rate of 94%, with 46% among the graduating class.

Students enrolled in the sport management master's program use Blackboard for their 100% online coursework. Classes are available on a flexible schedule to meet the needs of busy students and working professionals. The curriculum — with core classes like Sport Law, Sport Marketing, and Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise — focuses on developing communication and networking skills as well as an advanced understanding of equality and social justice. Graduates are eligible to explore careers in facility management, sports marketing, and sports agent.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Average SATs: 980 -1170
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 636
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,295
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC

Overview of Online Sports Management Master's Degrees

Online master's in sports management degrees connect business students with the sports and athletics industries through marketing, media relations, finance, and communication studies. These programs explore the administrative and operations side of sports, with training in leadership theory and organizational analysis. 

Graduate schools that offer a sports management master's degree generally require students to have earned a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA with their bachelor's in sports management or similar degrees, such as business administration, physical education, marketing, or nutrition. Once accepted into an online graduate program, coursework is delivered 100% remotely, taking full-time students approximately two years to complete. 

Specializations include coaching, adventure sports, interscholastic athletics, and marketing. Some examples of career paths for an online sports management degree are player agents, stadium managers, athletic event planners, and team marketing directors. 

If sports management seems too business-focused, check out the most affordable master's degrees in sports psychology or our list of budget-friendly physical education degrees can also prepare students for sports careers. 

Common Courses

Sports management coursework generally features a sports-centric business core. Students explore key business areas, such as public relations and finance, in the context of the sports industry. Specialized courses are available through concentrations where students can focus on their future careers, whether college football coaches, adventure tour organizers, or athletic administrators. Internships may also be available through capstone projects. 

Below are a few standard courses found in most sports management master's degrees:

Advanced Coaching Theory

Advanced Coaching Theory teaches theoretical and practical skills in communication, coaching philosophies, and athlete evaluation. Students apply behavioral analysis to famous coaches throughout history to understand effective strategies for team leadership. Whether students aim to become professional coaches or not, this course has proven helpful in preparing for leadership roles on and off the field. 

Finance and Economics of Sports

This course takes an in-depth look at the financial theories, principles, and applications used in the sports industry. Students learn to create operating budgets, understand supply and demand, and analyze financial statements. Instructors may require students to assess the economic viability of real-life sports teams based on their initial public offering (IPO).

Sports Marketing

Marketing is vital for the longevity of professional sports franchises, collegiate teams, and local sports organizations. A sports marketing course examines branding, advertising campaigns, and licensing agreements. Media may also be discussed, particularly the relationship between broadcast companies and sports leagues. 

Funding an Online Sports Management Degree

Sports management master's degrees can be as expensive as any other graduate program. For this reason, it's beneficial to seek out an affordable online sports management degree to save money. Studying online can cut costs related to tuition, accommodations, and books. 

It's common practice for colleges to offer athletes scholarships based on their sports achievements. This is a strategic incentive to provide discounted or tuition-free degrees to extraordinarily talented players. Fortunately, non-athlete students can receive scholarships and grants based on academic excellence or prior experience working with sports organizations. Examples include the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Student Scholarship and Grant and several Girl Up scholarships that assist women in pursuing sports-related professions. 

Another way to save money on college is to take on part-time jobs to supplement income. The most affordable sports management degrees are flexible, allowing students to pursue work while maintaining their study schedule. These opportunities include assistant coaches, sporting event support, and sports coordinators for local gyms and youth organizations. These jobs also provide valuable experience that students can apply to future careers in the industry. 

Financial Aid

Most students apply for financial aid to fund their studies. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common way to pursue funding. Unlike scholarships and grants, this money must be paid back with interest, resulting in student debt. According to the Education Data Initiative, 60% of master's degree holders have federal loan debt. Although most students look to the federal government to fund their academic studies, other options include credit cards and bank loans. 

Financial aid is typically provided to the school directly. This way, the government or private lenders can pay the tuition and fees without the money changing hands too many times. Students may receive additional funds for rent, meals, and supplies deposited in their personal bank accounts. 

Student debt is a serious issue. The Chamber of Commerce reports a combined debt of $1.75 trillion among 45 million student borrowers. 

What Can You Do With an Online Sports Management Degree?

Sports management degrees provide job opportunities in local, high school, collegiate, amateur, and professional sports. Graduates may become sports event coordinators, football coaches, field inventory managers, sales directors, or team marketing managers. 

Here is a detailed breakdown of three common careers in sports management:

Athletic Coaches

Median Annual Salary: $38,970
Job Growth: 20%

Athletic coaches are responsible for the success of sports players and teams. They teach fundamental skills, develop game strategies, organize practices, and create conditioning plans. While master's degrees aren't required to become a coach, they can help position students for careers at the collegiate and professional levels, where salaries are much higher than the median rate.

Sports Marketing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $140,040
Job Growth: 8-10%

Sports marketing managers develop promotional strategies for brands, teams, venues, and organizations. They're tasked with coming up with creative ways to reach consumers, or in some cases fans, and building marketing campaigns around their analyses. They also have input on product pricing based on their understanding of customer satisfaction. 

Sports Agents

Median Annual Salary: $82,530
Job Growth: 8-10%

The role of a sports agent is to represent athletes in business, legal, and financial transactions. They negotiate contracts with teams, mediate disputes with brand partners, and find new ways to bolster athletes' careers. Experienced agents manage several players simultaneously, which requires excellent communication skills and extensive knowledge of the sports their clients are engaged in. 

FAQs About Online Sports Management Degrees

Should I Get a Sports Management Certificate?


There's more than one way to earn advanced sports management skills. Graduate certificates in sports management offer similar training at a more affordable price because they usually take less than one year to complete while still providing a strong foundation in sports marketing, finance, and operations. While the training is less extensive, students can use certificates as a launch pad into entry-level management roles.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Sports Management Master's Degrees?


Master's degrees in sports management require a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, usually with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0. During the application process, colleges and universities require that students provide official transcripts that prove their academic achievements. Students may also need to submit personal essays explaining their sports experiences or reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in sports management. Some programs require letters of recommendation written by non-family members, such as coaches, counselors, or teachers, that define a student's skills and past accomplishments. 

Can You Make a Lot of Money in Sports Management?


The salary outcomes for sports management master's graduates vary greatly depending on the career path. The options are vast, with opportunities to work in public relations, media programming, facilities management, talent scouting, and more. Among the highest-paid positions are athletic directors and marketing managers, with median annual salaries of over $100,000. Lower-income roles are athletic trainers and coaches, with median annual salaries of around $40,000.

Is a Master's Degree in Sports Management Worth It?

Master's degrees in sports management are ideal for sports enthusiasts with business, communications, physical education, or marketing backgrounds. Sports is a multi-billion dollar industry with unlimited potential and no shortage of opportunities to make a living. Graduates with master's in sports management degrees can best benefit from the industry's growth by tailoring their coursework to meet their career goals while gaining work experience along the way. Students can ensure their sports management degree is worthwhile by balancing debt from financial aid with earned income from part-time work and managing their future salary expectations. 

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