6 Affordable Online PhD in Sports Management Degrees 2025

The U.S. sports industry is massive, projected to produce more than $52 billion in revenue this year. According to Edison Research, more than 66% of the U.S. population considers themselves fans of at least one type of professional sport. These numbers are projected to continue growing through the next decade.

A graduate degree, like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in sports management, is an excellent way to advance in this expansive industry. This article highlights various sports management doctoral programs online and answers questions related to degree costs, curricula, and admissions requirements. Continue reading to learn how you can earn a PhD in sports management and launch your career in the sports business.

What Is a PhD in Sports Management?

A PhD in sports management is a doctoral degree that focuses on advanced studies in administration, sports marketing, economics, and sports leadership. PhD programs are generally research-oriented and prepare graduates to enter the industry as teachers, researchers, and leaders within organizations.

A Doctor of Education (EdD) is another pathway to earning your doctorate in sports management online. In an EdD in sports leadership program, graduate students develop leadership skills, such as coaching and administration, that can be applied to a wide range of sports settings.

Can I Earn a Sports Management PhD Online?

Yes, you can earn your PhD in sports management online. Accredited colleges and universities offer doctoral programs that are conducted entirely through distance learning. Many of these programs are self-paced and designed to accommodate working professionals.

How Much Does an Online PhD in Sports Management Cost?

The cost of an online doctorate in sports management can range between $28,500 and more than $100,000. The total cost of your degree depends on your chosen school and program, any applicable transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities (scholarships, grants, and more).

Public schools tend to be less expensive than private schools. In-state residents can often save through special tuition rates, though many online programs offer one low rate to all students, regardless of residency status. You can take advantage of financial aid by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal and state assistance.

Cheapest Online Sports Management PhD Programs

The following colleges and universities represent some of the most affordable sports management doctoral programs online.

1. East Tennessee State University

Designed for working sport practitioners, East Tennessee State University (ETSU)'s EdD in global sport leadership explores the world of sports management from a global perspective. The degree program is conducted 100% online and does not require a traditional dissertation. Doctoral students take courses including interpersonal relationships in sport, analytics in sport, and strategic planning and thinking for global sport leaders.

• Estimated tuition cost: $535 per credit hour (in-state); $803 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial support is available via grants, scholarships, and loans, as well as veterans' and disability benefits.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Troy University

Located in Troy, AL, Troy University offers a PhD in sport management. This degree program is available in a hybrid format or entirely online. Doctoral students at Troy University hone their critical thinking, statistical, and research skills and graduate ready to become sports management scholars and industry leaders.

The PhD program is 60 credits and includes courses such as sport marketing, sport finance, legal aspects of sport, and organizational behavior and leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, loans, and military and veterans' benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a large public school based in Columbia, SC. USC's online PhD in sport and entertainment management program is taught by one of the largest sport and entertainment graduate school faculties in the world.

The 60-credit degree program hones students' skills in data analysis, research, scientific writing, and management. PhD graduates can work in settings such as academia, higher education, professional sports, and team marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $572 per credit hour (in-state); $1,240 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, assistantships, and fellowships are available to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Concordia University Chicago

Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University of Chicago is a mid-sized private school that offers a PhD in leadership with a specialization in sports leadership. The doctoral program is 65 credits, and coursework is delivered entirely online.

The curriculum consists of leadership, sports specialization, research and statistics, and foundational courses. Courses include sports marketing, policy analysis, and sports leadership and ethics. Students must complete a doctoral dissertation to successfully graduate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $711 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for grants, scholarships, and loans for financial support. Veterans and active military members are eligible for tuition benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University (STU) is a private school located in Miami Gardens, FL. Graduate students at STU can earn their EdD in educational leadership with a specialization in sports administration online. The program is 60 credits and prepares graduates to work in a wide range of sports organizations.

Students gain an in-depth understanding of facility and special event management operations, intercollegiate athletic governing structures, and legal complexities of the sports business. The degree program has multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $50,000 total tuition
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, and veterans' benefits are available forms of financial assistance.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. National University

National University has an online EdD specializing in leadership in coaching and sport management. The doctoral program is designed to enhance students' academic and practical skills in academics, research, sports policy, and data analysis.

Students can enroll in classes on campus or online. The EdD curriculum includes courses such as analysis of sport performance, psychology of athletic coaching, and organization and administration in sport management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $947 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at National University can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans to help keep education costs low.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, tuition rates, and reputation when deciding which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed here are regionally accredited institutions. This ensures they consistently uphold quality education standards.
• Affordability: Tuition rates are $1,000 or less per credit hour. All schools offer financial aid options.
• Program reputation: A graduate school's program reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum quality, experienced faculty members, and any industry awards or special recognition.

What To Expect From a Doctorate in Sports Management Online

A doctorate in sports management online is typically around 60 credits, though programs vary in specific credit requirements. Program curricula cover topics related to sports management, such as sport finance, sport analytics, sport marketing, and organizational behavior and leadership. Course options vary according to your specialized degree path.

Most PhD programs require a doctoral dissertation, where doctoral students write a comprehensive paper based on independent research interests. A dissertation demonstrates that graduates can apply advanced research and analytic methodologies.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Sports Management

We answer questions related to pursuing affordable doctorates in sports management online, from salary statistics to admissions requirements.

Is an Online PhD in Sports Management Worth It?

Earning your PhD in sports management affords you greater opportunities in the job market, including leadership positions that have higher earning potential. Professionals who hold EdDs or PhDs in sports management can become athletic directors, sports marketing directors, professors, researchers, and sports consultants.

However, a doctoral program is a big investment in both time and money. You must carefully consider your professional goals alongside your current work, family, and budget commitments.

Are Online Sports Management PhDs Respected?

Yes, online sports management PhDs are respected. A growing number of colleges and universities are offering graduate degree programs through online platforms. An online degree program from an accredited institution must uphold the same quality education standards as its in-person counterparts.

How Much Does a Doctorate in Sports Management Make?

There are many roles you can pursue when you hold a doctorate in sports management. Salaries vary according to industry sector, prior professional experience, and what part of the country you live in.

For example, sports agents earned a median wage of $143,730 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Athletic directors earned a median wage of $103,960 in 2024.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctorate in Sports Management Program?

Generally speaking, admission requirements for online doctorate programs include a master's degree, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts with a minimum grade point average (GPA). Some graduate schools require prospective students to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.

Each school has its own particular requirements for the application process. It's important to refer to your chosen program for specific requirements and application deadlines.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

If you want to learn more about online doctoral programs, we invite you to connect with Learn.org's partner institutions. Discover which degree pathway best serves your professional goals.