Best Online Sports Management Degrees 2025

Sports management programs prepare students for business careers in sports and recreation, such as event management, sports communication, and promotions. Students learn the fundamentals of business management and discover how to make important decisions for amateur and professional sports organizations, marketing firms, and colleges.

If you want to earn an online sports management degree, you can find many options nationwide. But which schools offer the best programs? The University of Southern Indiana, Johnson & Wales University, and the University of Louisville are some examples of schools with great reputations that offer virtual sports management programs.

Below, we'll highlight some of the nation's best online programs in sports management. We'll also share which schools offer low-cost online sports management degrees and answer frequently asked questions about what you can expect when enrolled in a program.

Best Online Sports Management Degree Programs

Students interested in the business of sports can find flexible online sports management degrees at schools across America. Explore the following list of institutions to learn more about these programs.

1. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers two online sports management programs with multiple start dates and accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Graduate students interested in strengthening their sports leadership and management skills can pursue an online Master of Science that can be completed in one year.

The Bachelor of Science explores marketing, sports management, and business administration concepts; it also offers credits for prior learning to help students graduate in three years. Indiana residents over 25 who enroll in this program can save up to $2,000 in tuition with the Adult Student Grant.

2. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University is home to the online BS in sports, entertainment, event - management degree program, which explores sponsorship and negotiations, hospitality law, and more. JWU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) in sport leadership is a two-year online program teaching global issues in sports, business policy, and more.

BS degree tuition costs $495 per credit hour; however, it can be reduced with grants and scholarships. The MS program costs $842 per credit hour and offers savings from the 20% Graduate Success Scholarship.

3. University of Louisville

The MS in sport administration at the University of Louisville is a COSMA-accredited program that explores the legal aspects of the sports industry, as well as strategic marketing and sports administration. Online students are prepared for career paths in facility management, corporate sponsorship, and athletic administration.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a 2.75 GPA. Students work with an online success team that helps with enrollment and graduate success.

4. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri, ranked among the nation's best sport management schools for value, offers a 100% online COSMA-accredited MS in sport management with a 99% job placement rate. Enrollees take self-paced core courses and electives and can participate in internships for hands-on experience.

The school helps students save on tuition with programs like the Lyle B. and Evelyn E. Beaver Scholarship in Recreation. Enrollees can benefit from personal career advising and resume help from the Career Services Center.

5. University of Miami

Students interested in managing professional sports team operations or leading marketing campaigns for major sporting events could grow their decision-making and critical thinking skills in the University of Miami's Master of Science in Education in sport administration program. Self-paced courses teach leadership, strategic planning, operations, and more.

This program, consisting of 10 seven-week online courses, can be completed in 20 months. Students seeking admission should submit official transcripts, test scores, a resume, and other required documents by the application deadline.

6. American Public University

American Public University offers two COSMA-accredited sports management online learning opportunities. The BS in sports management teaches sports law, public relations, sports marketing, and more. This online bachelor's degree costs $350 per credit, has no application fee, and charges nothing for textbooks and ebooks.

The online MS in sports management discusses business administration, sports finance, and public relations and strengthens students' critical thinking skills within the context of sports. This program costs $455 per credit, has no application fee, and doesn't require GRE or GMAT scores.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's MS in sport management is a top-ranked program that prepares students for sports business jobs in athletic programs, sports facilities, and marketing firms. The 33-credit degree offers a flexible online learning format with asynchronous courses.

Coursework explores data analysis, emerging technologies in the field of sport management, and sporting event planning. Tuition costs $620 and $642 per credit hour for Virginia residents and out-of-state students, respectively. Scholarships and financial aid are available to reduce school expenses.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online BS in sports management for students interested in careers as athletic directors and special events coordinators. This program teaches sports marketing and global business; it also offers an internship and practicum in sport management.

Tuition costs $330 per credit for full-time and part-time enrollment; however, students can save nearly $30,000 when transferring 90 prior learning credits (e.g., college credits, CLEP exams, certificates, work experience, military training, etc.). To enroll, students need proof of high school graduation but ACT or SAT scores aren't required.

Our Selection Criteria for Online Programs

Our team used a rigorous vetting process to select the institutions in the rank list above. Each school in this list has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The colleges and universities have been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the schools in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as rankings, student outcomes, graduation rates, and acceptance rates.
• Affordable: Institutions above offer lower tuition rates, financial aid, or scholarships to reduce school costs.
• Path to degree completion: Schools in this list offer an accelerated degree path flexible online options, generous transfer credit policies, and shorter terms.

FAQs About Online Sports Management Programs

Are you ready to earn an online sports management degree? Review the following FAQs to learn more about what to expect while enrolled and after graduating.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Sports Management Degree Online?

Traditional online bachelor's degrees require four years for completion, and master's programs take two or three years. However, if you pursue online accelerated sports management degrees, you could complete your studies in a fraction of the time.

For instance, the University of Southern Indiana's accelerated BS and MS sport management programs require three years and one year, respectively.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management?

A sports management bachelor's degree opens doors to numerous career opportunities. Roles you can pursue include:

• athletic director
• marketing manager
• sports information director
• sales manager
• special events coordinator

Administrative services managers and facilities managers are also common roles for sports management degree graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for these roles is projected to grow faster than average at 6% from 2023 to 2033.

Is It Worth Getting a Sports Management Degree?

Yes, earning a sports management degree is worth it. Programs teach business administration concepts and prepare students for numerous sports-related roles. Online accelerated programs can help you earn your degree in less time while learning from home. You can even find affordable programs with lower tuition and financial aid to reduce costs.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs for the Sports Industry Today

If you're ready to begin your career in sports management, explore the degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.