Top 20 Online Best Sports Management Graduate Programs

Are you passionate about sports?

Can you see yourself involved in the business aspect of the sport management industry?

Are you a business savvy individual?

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If you answered, “yes,” to the above questions, then an online top graduate degree in sports management may just be a perfect fit for you.

The business aspect of athletic administration is an exciting and fast-growing field that offers a variety of career paths once you have earned a sports management degree. Among the many sports management careers that a graduate program in sports management may provide you, are occupations in:

Facility management
Sales
Information technology
Sports agencies
Sports analytics
Sports marketing
Sports law
Sports media
Corporate partnerships
Personnel management
Event planning
Athletic recruitment
Financial management

Also, if you’ve always dreamed of a job in professional sports teams (say, NFL, MLB, NHL, and the NBA), a sports management master’s degree could very well be your means to that end.

All across the country, highly qualified sports management professionals are needed to carry out the daily operations and the practical/business side of the sports industry–including:

The general evaluation of sports organizations
The improvement of organizational efficiency
The overall profit generation
Many other challenging and financially rewarding tasks

We have here gathered the top 20 best online sports management programs offering a master’s in sports management and ranked them in order of best schools and programs.

Our sports management programs rankings here take some items into consideration, including:

Affordability
Prestige
Academic rigorousness
Quality of instruction
Sport management accreditation

Also, to assist potential students with varying life circumstances, we considered schools that offer any one of a number of unique features in their sports management programs, including:

Acceleration programs
Extreme flexibility in attending classes
Unique payment options

Lastly, because of the nature of the sports industry, colleges and universities that offer robust internships tend to rank higher. Overall, our programs in sports management list is designed to assist you in deciding which school or program is the best for your life and circumstance.

Go ahead–check out the 20 best sports management degree programs, and start planning your future.

20. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a master’s degree in recreation and sports administration with a concentration in facility and event management. This concentration emphasizes:

Sports administration
Bodily and health training
Facility management
Sports media
Branding
Sports marketing
Collegiate administration

This top master’s in sports management is highly individualized, and graduate students may seek to construct their degree to fit their own desired interests and aspirations.

Sports management courses offered include specialization in:

Law
Research
Development
Theory of recreation

From our list so far, WKU is one of the most featured colleges in the U.S. News and World Report rankings list, including the following categories:

#176 Best Education Schools
#31 Regional Universities (South)
#84 Best online MBA Programs
#44 Best Online Graduate Education Programs
#12 Top Public Schools

Overall, the U.S. News and World Report is highly impressed with this university, and it is not difficult to see why. WKU is highly respected in regards to the prestige of professors hired and overall academic rigorousness.

19. University of Southern Mississippi

Due to increased security risks over the couple decades, one aspect of the sports industry that is rapidly gaining interest is the area of safety in regards to event management. This best sports management graduate program through Southern Miss. offers a one-of-a-kind sports management degree.

The sports management degree comes with an emphasis on sports event security management. This emphasis is not provided as a part of any other online graduate degree program in the world. So, this is the ideal choice for anyone interested in security in the field of sports management.

The sports management graduate program at Southern Mississippi also provides areas of emphasis in research and experiential education and offers a choice between an internship or a master’s thesis before graduation.

Overall, U.S. News and World Report has in the past ranked the University of Southern Mississippi in the Top 20 Most Popular Schools in the Country.

18. Georgia Southern University

Like the predecessor on our list (Indiana State), Georgia Southern University (GSU) also ranks as one of the best online universities in the nation for part-time masters degree programs, by U.S. News and World Report. However, GSU jumps ahead one space because of the prestige of its online master’s degree program (#30, U.S. News and World Report).

The top graduate program in sports management at GSU is highly respected in the sports industry and is sure to land you a job upon graduation. In general, the degree is much like other sport management degrees (focusing on professional sports team management, marketing, and event management).

However, there are some unique features of this sport management program, including its “revenue generation in sports” emphasis which has been highly touted. Otherwise, it is the reputation of this best sports management graduate degree program that causes it to land on our #18 spot.

17. Indiana State University

The online sport management graduate program offered at Indiana State University is also geared towards the working professionals–and is focused on:

Marketing
Sports media
Event planning
Finance
Governance

But, an outstanding feature of this top sports management graduate program is the attention given towards the development of “administrative theory”–which:

Seeks to explain the best processes for the construction of an organization as a whole
Creates clear divisions of labor
Efficiently delegates authority

Overall, Indiana State University is highly respected, and U.S. News and World Report ranks their online MBA program as one of the best in the nation. No GRE is required for this online sports management degree.

16. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University ranks #30 in the category of Top Public Schools, according to the U.S. News and World Report and also ranks highly in Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Online MBA programs.

The Masters of Business Administration degree with an option in sport management focuses especially on leadership and communication in the sporting industry. Overall GPA as well as a GMAT of GRE scores are taken into account as requirements for admission to this sports leadership program.

This top master’s in sports management program prepares students for management and leadership positions through real-world experience and applied research projects. Many graduates from this best online MBA in sports management program have gone on to pursue careers in professional sports including minor league baseball and the National Hockey League.

15. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a research-focused institution and enrolls about 21,000 students. In sports management, the university offers a Master of Science in health and sports science with a sports commerce concentration.

Sport management graduates have found careers in many fields, including:

Sports teams
Sports facilities
Sports events
Athletic administration
Collegiate athletic departments
Corporate sport marketing departments
Community recreation organizations

If organizing rosters and planning events isn’t your forte, and you think that you’d much prefer the business/finance side of the industry, then the University of Memphis’ top sport management degree program ought to be highly appealing to you. The U.S. News and World Report ranks the university in the top 150 in the categories of part-time MBA, and Best Online MBA Programs.

14. Liberty University

Liberty University is the single largest Christian college in the world, with over 113,000 students worldwide. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university’s online master’s degree program as one of the best in the nation (#110).

Liberty University’s master’s in sports management is designed to instill competency in participating students. The sports management degree seeks to model a Biblical worldview for graduates that can be taken into the world of sport administration and focuses on:

Ethics
Social issues
Marketing
Public relations
Finance
Research

Overall, Liberty is one of the best online schools in the country, as they have for many years sought to offer value degrees at reasonable prices. This reasonably priced online master’s in sports management degree program is accredited through the Commission on Sports Management Education (COSMA).

13. Adelphi University

If small class size and more individualized attention from professors is your preference, then consider putting Adelphi University at the top of your list of potential schools for sports management programs. The university is an industry standard in the field, and yet maintains a “small-town” feel, which encourages strong student relationships with faculty.

Adelphi University has received numerous recognition including as a leader among national universities for ROI (return on investment) by PayScale.

Courses at this top sports management program are geared towards passing down the first-hand experience to graduates–thereby, the faculty at Adelphi consists of highly experienced professors in the field of sport administration.

The 36-credit-hour masters in sport management program focuses on:

Technology
Marketing
Research methods
Contemporary issues

Also, graduating seniors are required to complete a capstone project in sport administration.

12. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the best overall colleges in the South, and their School of Business features a top sports management master’s program.

Interestingly, Saint Leo is the first national college to be accredited by the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation (COSMA). COSMA is also one of the first specialized accrediting agencies with a focus on sport management. Sport management accreditation is important when looking for a degree in this industry, so take into account Saint Leo University.

Saint Leo University has been recognized by many independent institutions–including SportBusiness, and the Alliance for Sports Business (ASB)–as offering one of the best programs in the field. Overall, U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Leo’s business school in the top 100 colleges in the category of Best Online MBA programs.

This top MBA with a sports business concentration is also known for its internship program and general association with many companies in the sports industry–all of which has worked to the advantage of many graduate students in finding sports management employment upon graduation.

11. Drexel University

With its master’s in sports management, Drexel University is a high-octane educational environment designed to make you the best organizer and manager that you can be. Receive a sports management graduate degree from Drexel and you will be receiving the same degree that many respected professionals from around the nation, including:

Athletic directors
Head coaches
General managers
Marketing directors

Job opportunities upon graduating from this best online sports management program include:

Sports Marketing Manager
Account Manager/ Account Executive
Fitness Director
Event Planner/ Coordinator

10. Temple University

Philadelphia is one of the few cities in the country with a sports team involved in every major sports league:

With Temple University and their executive master’s in sports business program, you’ll get an opportunity to become a leader in the $1.5 trillion global sport industry through their online program.

The executive master’s program collaborates with the Fox School of Business Online MBA giving students the chance to learn from other top business leaders. You can set your own pace graduating in as few as 13 months, or taking up to 4 years to complete. Overall, U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple University #1 in overall Online MBA Programs.

9. New England College

New England College’s MBA in Sport and Recreation Management is one of the top 10 online sports management degree programs. This master’s dergee can be completed in 20 months and is designed for working professionals.

An MBA is worth it for increased salary, networking, leadership and management skills as well as preparation to meet challenges on the workforce. New England’s MBA in sports management program takes a look at the concepts of sports management as well as the responsibilities of coaches.

8. Central Michigan University

Michigan is a state renowned for college athletics and in the area of sports management programs, Central Michigan University doesn’t let the reputation down.

If you learn best with attentive professors and a personalized online classroom, you may fit in perfectly at this top master’s in sports management degree program. The staff and advisors at Central Michigan go out of their way to give as much one-on-one attention to their students as possible.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #36 in best online MBA programs and #17 in the best online graduate education programs. So, attend this school and attend one of the best places to get a master’s degree in general, and a sports management degree in particular.

7. University of Florida

With a #1 ranking in best online graduate education programs, and a #4 in Best online MBA Programs, from U.S. News and World Report, it is little wonder that this university’s top master’s degree in sports management is so highly sought after.

The university has produced some of the most renowned financiers in the sports industry and is likely the college for you if your interest is primarily in finance. Both an internship and a capstone project are requirements for graduation–most universities usually require one or the other of these options.

In other words, this school is one of the most rigorous in the nation and prepares graduate students for dynamic careers in the sport management industry.

Job opportunities upon graduation include:

Game day coordinator
Sports administration
Facility operations manager
Sports agent
Athletic performance training and development specialist

6. Northeastern University

Northeastern University may just be the most truly unique university on our list. U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern University as the #6th Most Innovative School in the nation, and for all the buzz that they’ve created in their unique approach to education, it is hardly difficult to see why.

Other schools offer real-world experience as part of their approach, but with Northeastern and the master of sports leadership degree that they offer, it is made the foundation of all they do. With an emphasis on the relationship between social issues and leadership in business practices, anyone attending Northeastern will find it an unparalleled experience.

This top 10 sports management graduate program will prepare you for an exciting career in the sports industry. This COSMA accredited degree is in a flexible online format with an intensive one-week summer residency program in Boston.

Additionally, no GRE or GMAT is required for this online sports management degree program.

5. Texas A&M

The online Master of Science in sports management offered at Texas A&M University offers all of its 36 credit hours online and also offers graduation without a thesis requirement (for those who dread such).

The master’s in sports management focuses on research and field experience, and can be obtained either as a full-time, or part-time student. The course curriculum at Texas A&M is specifically designed to fully equip those who are pursuing careers working in:

Country clubs
Athletic departments
Fitness clubs
Professional sports
Sports administration

The U.S. News and World Report ranks this program as the #44th best online graduate education program, which makes it one of the highest ranking sports management degree programs one can obtain online. The Texas A&M online master’s in sports management can be completed through their distance learning program with no residency.

4. University of Miami

Perhaps no other school on our list is featured in as many categories of the U.S. News and World Report college rankings. Among the categories that the University of Miami excels at are:

Best in National Universities (#51)
Best Colleges for Veterans (#41)
Best Education Schools (#69)
Best Global Universities (#155)
Best Business School (#68)
Best Online Graduate Business Programs (#56)
Best Online Graduate Education Programs (#184)

So when attending the University of Miami, you know you are receiving a highly respected education.

This is no less true in the case of the online Masters of Science in education in sports administration, which focuses on sports management through a globalized perspective. Also, this best online degree in sports management requires just 30 credits and can be completed in just 20 months.

3. Isenberg School of Management (Subsidiary of UMASS, Amherst)

The MBA with a focus on sports management degree is one of the best degrees that can be achieved in the sports industry and comes from one of the most prestigious business schools in the nation: Isenberg School of Management.

Isenberg is home to a think-tank of professors, who seek to incorporate the latest and greatest research in the field. The professors at Isenberg (and UMass in general) are among the most respected in their field, and it is this resource that Isenberg offers that makes them an undeniable force in the field of sports education. The college is also home to many, year-round, guest lecturers–who are usually some of the most respected leaders in the industry.

This top sports management masters program offers real world experience and provides the best academic experience to prepare graduates for a high-paced career in sports administration.

2. Lasell University

Lasell University offers a top master’s in sports management completely online. This cost effective sports management program can be completed in 12-24 months, and no GMAT or GRE is required to apply.

The quality, affordability and flexibility of the sports management curriculum are what make this a top degree. After completing the degree, graduates have gone on to such jobs in the sports management industry as

High School Coach and Athletic Director
College Head Coach/ Assistant Coach
Sports Marketing Director
Professional Operations Manager
Event Manager

1. Ohio University

No other college could rank number #1 on any sports education list, besides Ohio University (OU) The school essentially invented the category, and has remained an industry giant since its inception. OU seeks to train future leaders in sports management enterprises and is unprecedented for educating many highly respected individuals in the field of professional sports like the:

Also, its Alumni network is considered one of the most prestigious in the country.

U.S. News and World Report ranks OU as one of the best overall universities in the nation, and one of the best places to get an online master’s degree. But it is their highly touted and affordable sports education program that cannot be denied. SportBusiness International ranked their online MSA as the best online sports masters program in the world.

If you are interested in sports management, then this cost-effective online sport management graduate program may be the program for you. Employers will be clamoring over themselves to hire you upon graduation, and a degree from OU will streamline your career into the most exciting places to work.