Accelerated degrees shorten the time spent in class. Accelerated online master’s programs allow students to earn a master’s degree online in less than two years. In the interest of this ranking, we examined accelerated online master’s in sports management programs. A master’s in sports management is a versatile graduate degree that can be completed entirely online and without meeting on campus. With accelerated options, students earn this degree in less than two years. In fact, some of the programs on our list take only one year to complete.
50 Accelerated Online Masters Sports Management Methodology
We looked at over 300 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master’s in sports management programs. To narrow our original pool of schools, we selected institutions offering an accelerated online master’s in sports management. To find the top 50 programs, we applied the following criteria: national or regional accreditation (school and/or program), accelerated degree pathways (completion time of less than two years), and institution rankings with at least one major publication, such as U.S. News and World Report. We then ranked the top 50 accelerated online sports management programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the results for the top 50 accelerated online master’s in sports management programs.
#50 – University of Miami
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Coral Gables, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $37,624
The University of Miami offers an accelerated online master’s in sports management that is delivered entirely online and can be completed in only 20 months while taking just one course at a time. The program, and the institution at large, has a strong tradition in collegiate sports, as well as relationships with many professional franchises. Additionally, the university is ranked in several U.S. News and World Report national rankings including #57 in national universities and #77 in best value schools. Featured courses include advanced sport information management, contemporary issues in kinesiology and sports science, ethical decision-making in sports, and fiscal management in sport administration.
#49 – University of Indianapolis
Masters in Sport Management Online
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $37,234
The University of Indianapolis offers one of the best online sports management program degrees in the industry. The program can be completed in just 12 months with a full-time course load commitment. Part-time students can finish in just 20 months. The program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation to confer the graduate degree to those who successfully complete all of the requirements. Students concerned with educational quality should know the University of Indianapolis ranks #228 in national universities and #176 in social mobility by U.S. News and World Report. Courses include foundations of athletic administration, human resource management, and revenue generation in athletics.
#48 – Drexel University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,995
Drexel University’s master’s in sports management online offers prospective students the opportunity to earn a business-focused sport management degree leading to a successful career. The program offers full- and part-time enrollment options and the opportunity to transfer up to 15 credits towards the 45-credit program. Graduates have gone on to careers as sports agents, athletic directors, coaches, sport marketing directors, financial analysts, and more. Students may take sport management courses such as corporate sponsorship sales and strategies in sport, development and fundraising strategies in sports, gender equality in high school and collegiate sports, and labor relations and collective bargaining in sports.
#47 – American University
Online Master’s in Sports Analytics and Management
Washington, District of Columbia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,446
American University offers a 30-credit, 20-month accelerated online master’s in sports management and analytics. With the industry rise in data analytics and metrics used to improve sports performance and results, the American University program is positioned to prepare graduates with the essential skills and knowledge in analytical sports analysis and management. Students learn the latest research, kinesiology, and technology that drive performance. Additionally, students learn the essential business skills within the context of sport. Courses may include data-driven decision making, innovation through new technologies, and intercultural communication for professionals. U.S. News and World Report ranks American University #77 in national universities and #82 in best value schools.
#46 – Robert Morris University
Online Master’s in Business and Sports Management
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,250
Robert Morris University offers one of the leading online sports management program degrees embedded within an MBA curriculum. Through the RMU School of Business, the fully online program allows students to customize their degree towards achieving their desired career path. The program can be completed in less than two years. In particular, the program does an exceptional job of preparing students for careers in business analytics, project management, and supply chain/logistics. All of these skills are highly valuable to sports-related contexts including schools, sports franchises, marketing firms, and more. The institution is ranked #202 in national universities and #159 in social mobility by U.S. News and World Report.
#45 – Northeastern University
Online Master’s in Sports Leadership
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,309
When searching for a one-year online master’s in sports management, Northeastern University offers a competitive program that is fully accredited by The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation that takes just 1.5-2 years to complete. Additionally, the program is housed within Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, which is home to the #40 ranked national institution in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. Courses include bystander strategies for the prevention of gender-based violence, developing your leadership capability, introduction to the digital era, the power of social media, and leadership and organization in sports. The GRE is not required for admission.
#44 – Full Sail University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Winter Park, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,854
Full Sail University’s master’s in sports management online is an accelerated degree focusing on preparing students for a career in the entertainment industry. The program can be completed in just seven months for those with at least five years of management or leadership experience. Those with less than five years of leadership or management experience can graduate in just 12 months. The curriculum features courses such as entertainment business finance, executive leadership, and sports marketing and sponsorship sales. It prepares students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the industry. Full Sail is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
#43 – Southern New Hampshire University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Students considering an online sports management program will find Southern New Hampshire University’s program a plausible option in terms of quality and value. The sports management degree is embedded within the institution’s MBA program and provides students with the critical skills and expertise to navigate a career in the sporting world. Students that graduate with this degree are well prepared to take on management and leadership roles within various sporting contexts and are taught core business functions such as sports marketing, sports finance, and more. Courses may include internationalization of sport business, management of sport organizations, sport management, and sport and society. This accelerated program can be completed in only 15 months.
#42 – University of Illinois
Online Master’s in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
Champaign, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,126
The University of Illinois offers a degree similar to a one-year online master’s in sports management with its 18-month graduate degree in recreation, sport, and tourism. The 36-credit offering is housed within the College of Applied Health Sciences and is part of the prestigious University of Illinois, which is ranked as the 48th best national institution according to U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, the university is ranked #126 in best value schools and #52 in most innovative schools. The recreation, sport, and tourism graduate degree is delivered fully online and is, therefore, an excellent option for working or place-bound adults not wanting or able to take on-campus classes.
#41 – Northcentral University
Online Master’s in Sport and Athletic Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,917
Located in San Diego, California, Northcentral University offers an accelerated online master’s in sports management that can be completed in just 15 months from the time of matriculation. The program consists of 30 credits and is delivered asynchronously, which means there are no set times students must be available online. Moreover, students are able to receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty members and there are no nettlesome group projects within the curriculum. Students are able to build peer networks, but without having to rely on others for their course grades. The program focuses on sport and athletic management leading to top administrative and coaching jobs. Graduates go on to work as athletic directors, coaches, and more at all levels and sport-related contexts.
#40 – Temple University
Online Master’s in Sport Business
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,378
Temple University’s online sports management program is designed for mid- and senior-level professionals seeking to leverage a graduate degree in sports business towards enhanced career opportunities. The program is administered through Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality, and Management and can best be described as an MBA for sport management professionals. All coursework is online with no residency requirements, which allows students to graduate in just 13-15 months. For context, the 2018 class had an average GPA of 3.2 with 10 years of work experience. Sport management classes include consumer behavior in sport and recreation, legal issues in sport and recreation, sport finance and economics, and sport media and communication.
#39 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Sport Management Studies
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,672
California University of Pennsylvania offers an accelerated online sports management degree that can be completed in 13 or 17 months. The curriculum provides three concentrations in intercollegiate athletic administration, sport management generalist, and strategic sport analysis. Courses include leadership and management in sport, legal aspects in sport, public relations in sport, and socio-cultural aspects of sport. Admission is done on a holistic basis and requires applicants to submit proof of bachelor’s degree and minimum 3.0 GPA, transcripts, and resume. No test scores are required to apply. The institution is ranked #129 in best regional universities North and #72 in top social mobility by U.S. News and World Report.
#38 – Canisius College
Online Masters in Sport Administration
Buffalo, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480
Housed within the School of Education and Human Services, Canisius College’s master’s in sports management online is an accelerated degree delivered entirely via distance education that can be completed in just one year. And with more than 700 nationwide alumni, the degree provides social capital and networking opportunities in addition to the academic rigor and skill development. Courses may include leadership in sport, risk management and contract negotiation, sport finance and business, and strategic sport marketing. Alumni go on to work for a variety of institutions and settings including the Chicago White Sox, Penn State University, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Lightning, and more.
#37 – Jacksonville University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,724
Jacksonville University’s one-year online master’s in sports management focuses on preparing students for leadership positions in sporting contexts. Additionally, the program is designed as a master’s of science and focuses on building student’s quantitative skills such as data management and analytics that have become increasingly popular when evaluating athletic performance. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, professional resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. GRE scores are not required for students who meet the GPA minimum. Among its peers, Jacksonville State ranks well according to U.S. News and World Report as evidenced by its #28 ranking among southern universities.
#36 – New England College
Online Master’s in Sport and Recreation Management
Henniker, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560
New England Colleges offers an accelerated online master’s in sports management as part of its broader MBA program. The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis with the ability to be finished in just 20 months. The degree is an excellent option for working students due to its fully online format. Courses may include current issues in sports and recreation, legal issues in sports, management and practice in sports and recreation, and strategic planning and policy. The institution is fully accredited and ranks in multiple U.S. News and World Report categories including #129 in regional universities North and #96 in top social mobility performers.
#35 – Johnson & Wales University
Online Master’s in Sport Leadership
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,350
When seeking an accelerated online sports management degree, Johnson & Wales University offers a program that can be completed in less than two years. The curriculum includes courses such as effective communication strategies in sport, global issues in sports leadership, human management resource, and sports and entertainment venues and events development and management. All courses were developed with a career focus that gives students the practical skills and knowledge needed to be successful on the job, whether it’s as an athletic director, sports agent, sports marketer, or any of the other careers found in the industry. For students seeking a quality and convenient education, Johnson & Wales ranks #80 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.
#34 – Louisiana State University
Online Master’s in Kinesiology and Sport Management
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,023
Louisiana State University offers a master’s in sports management online for individuals seeking leadership careers across the sports landscape. The program’s curriculum balances depth and breadth giving students a comprehensive overview of potential careers as well as the depth required for advanced graduate studies. The curriculum features 36 credits that can be finished in just one year. Moreover, the entire program is delivered online with no campus residency requirements making it a great fit for working professionals. Louisiana State University is a tier 1 institution that ranks #153 in best national universities and #72 in best public schools according to U.S. News and World Report.
#33 – SUNY Cortland
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Cortland, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,756
State University of New York at Cortland offers an online sports management program that can be completed in two years attending part-time or in approximately one year attending full-time. Students take 24 credits of course work and can choose between a 6-credit internship or master’s project. Courses may include business and finance in sport, policy and strategic management in sport organizations, research methods in sport management, and thesis in sport management. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is preferred for applicants. Additionally, students who have a 3.3 GPA or can demonstrate at least five years of industry experience will have GRE testing requirements waived.
#32 – University of Northern Colorado
Online Master’s in Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Administration
Greeley, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,444
The University of Northern Colorado offers a one-year online master’s in sports management designed to prepare graduates for top sport careers. The career-focused curriculum provides in-depth analysis of core business functions such as marketing, finance, economics, decision science, and more all within the context of sport. Additionally, the program offers maximum flexibility and efficiency as it is delivered entirely online and can be completed in just 12 months. Graduates have gone on to careers with organizations such as the Denver Broncos, New York Yankees, The Air Force Academy, U.S. Olympics, and University of Colorado. Classes may include administration of sports organizations and employees, legal aspects of sport, and sport promotion and marketing.
#31 – William Jessup University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Rocklin, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,760
William Jessup University offers an accelerated online sports management degree that can be completed in less than two years. The 36-credit degree explores a combination of kinesiology, leadership, and business subjects. Courses may include athletic administration and coaching, leadership in sport and athletics, sports operations and event management, and strategic marketing for sports organizations. Admission requirements include 2.5 minimum GPA, completion of an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, one letter of recommendation, letter of intent, bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, and official transcripts. William Jessup University is ranked #2 in regional colleges West, #2 in top performers in social mobility, and #5 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#30 – North Carolina State University
Online Master’s in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,495
North Carolina State University offers an accelerated online sports management degree from one of the leading public institutions in the country. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds including current and aspiring sport management professionals. Students with at least two years of relevant work experience have the GRE testing requirement waived. Additional admission requirements include resume, 3.0 minimum GPA, three letters of support, and official transcripts. North Carolina State University ranks #84 in national universities, #69 in best value schools, and #34 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report. The program is completely online aside from one campus visit at the beginning of the program.
#29 – Ohio Dominican University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,250
Ohio Dominican University’s online sports management program features a 100% online degree that can be completed in just 16 months. Students can choose from a general track or a concentration in leadership. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school, 3.0 minimum GPA, and scores of 150 on each component of the GRE (encouraged not required). The 39 credits consist of courses such as human resource management in sport, organizational behavior in sport systems, sport economics and law, and sport marketing and consumer behavior. Ohio Dominican has a rich history of educating students, going back to 1911, and is currently ranked #84 in top regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
#28 – University of Kansas
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,027
Students looking for a viable accelerated online sports management degree may consider the University of Kansas offering approved by the North American Society for Sport Management. The interdisciplinary degree touches on several different topics from sports business, analytics, leadership, and law. Courses include ethics and legal aspects of sport, facilities and event management, socio-cultural dimensions and organizational behavior in sport, and sport finance and marketing. Admission requirements include official transcripts, undergraduate GPA of 3.0, resume, two letters of recommendation, and personal statement – there is no test requirement to apply. Students will also have access to the influential alumni network of University of Kansas graduates dispersed throughout the country.
#27 – Lasell College
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Newton, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,960
The Lasell University master’s in sports management online offers a robust program with convenient delivery and several concentrations for students to choose from based on their career path. The accelerated degree takes just 12-24 months to complete with concentrations in sport leadership, sport tourism and hospitality management, parks and recreation, and athletic administration. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Classes may include financial management in the sport industry, historical and current issues in sports, research and design in the sport industry, and sport and recreational leadership to shape the future. Lasell University ranks #116 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.
#26 – Wesley College
Online Master’s in Sport Leadership
Dover, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
Wesley College’s accelerated online master’s in sports management includes tracks in coaching and sport management that lead to a wide variety of successful careers in the sport and recreation industries. Graduates have gone on to fruitful careers in several types of industries and organizations including professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, secondary education, government, and private business. Admission requires students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, accredited bachelor’s degree, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume. Admitted students may take core courses such as ethical social issues, legal aspects of sport, research design and methods, and sport leadership organization and administration.
#25 – Grand Canyon University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
When looking for a one-year online master’s in sports management, the 18-month MBA in sports management at Grand Canyon University is an excellent choice for those seeking the convenience of an online degree with the rigor of a ranked university. This online MBA consists of 54 credits with classes such as applied business probability and statistics, introduction to graduate studies in the college of business, sport business analytics, and sports business revenue generation. For students concerned with educational quality and rigor, Grand Canyon is ranked #293 in national universities and #42 in top performing social mobility for U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 rankings
#24 – University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Sport Commerce
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,697
The University of Memphis offers a master of science in sport commerce, which is very similar to an accelerated online sports management degree. The program is approved by the Sport Management Program Review Council, a joint venture of the North American Society for Sport Management and National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Students will take classes such as advanced management of sport organizations in international perspective, computer applications in sport commerce, research and data in sport commerce, and strategic management of sport commerce organizations. In addition to the accelerated format, students can transfer up to 15 credits from other programs or institutions upon approval.
#23 – St. Thomas University
Online Masters in Sports Administration
Miami Gardens, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,596
St. Thomas University’s online sports management program consists of 30 credits that can be completed in just one year, including a 3-credit internship. The institution has been at the forefront of sports management, as it was the first institution to start an undergraduate sports management program back in 1973. Additionally, St. Thomas is well regarded by rankings publications, as evidenced by its #73 ranking among Southern institutions and its #1 ranking in social mobility. The sports management program includes several high profile alumni including New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman, general manager of the Miami Heat Andy Elisburg, and Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila.
#22 – Campbellsville University
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,380
Campbellsville University offers a master’s in sports management online for students seeking the convenience of an online degree without sacrificing rigor or personal faith. The institution is a Christian University and integrates faith-based content into its curriculum that espouses the Christian worldview. The 30-credit degree offers a sports administration or sports marketing emphasis that includes courses such as current issues and trends in sport and PA, event management and promotions, facility development and management, human resource management, and sport psychology. Campbellsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and has also received programmatic accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
#21 – University of Southern Indiana
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Evansville, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,820
The University of Southern Indiana offers a one-year online master’s in sports management for those seeking to advance their sport-related career through completion of a graduate degree. Students take courses such as contemporary issues in sport and exercise, dimensions of diversity and society in sport organizations, leadership skills and innovation, research methods and statistics in sport management, and sports budgets and fiscal practices. The program is part of a respected academic institution that ranks #105 in regional universities Midwest, #139 in social mobility, and #30 in top public schools according to rankings published by U.S. News and World Report in 2020.
#20 – Ohio University
Online Masters in Sports Administration
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,720
Ohio University offers the #1 ranked accelerated online master’s in sports management according to Sport Business International. Additionally, the program can be completed in just 21 months and is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 minimum GPA, three years experience in the sports industry, three letters of recommendation, and resume. No GMAT or GRE test scores are required. Students will take courses such as contemporary issues in sport sciences, financial administration in sport, human resource management in sport organization, and sport governance and policy development. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ohio University #185 in national universities.
#19 – Bryan College
Online Masters in Sports Administration
Dayton, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,130
Bryan College offers an accelerated online sports management degree as part of its MBA curriculum that can be finished in just 14 months. Students take 9-week accelerated courses such as accounting information for management decision, business in a global environment, integrated strategic management, sports facility and event management, and sports marketing that are delivered entirely online. The program is well respected among its peers and is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Bryan College is a Christian institution and integrates all curriculum with a Christian worldview. It is ranked #47 in top regional universities South and #30 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#18 – Saint Joseph’s College
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Standish, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,982
When searching for an online sports management program, prospective students seeking a rigorous and flexible option will find Saint Joseph’s College of Maine an excellent choice. The sports management degree is part of the institution’s larger MBA curriculum that can be completed in just 18 months. The admission components include a 2.5 GPA, bachelor’s degree, and a 750-word essay. The GMAT or GRE are not required to apply. Students choosing the sport management concentration will learn integral concepts and skills in the areas of sports marketing, sports facilities and event management, sports finance, and more. Graduates have gone on to successful careers as athletic directors, sports agents, scouts, and administration.
#17 – University of Wisconsin
Sports Management Masters Degree Online
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,961
Students seeking a one-year online master’s in sports management may consider the accelerated program at the University of Wisconsin at Parkside. The program can be completed in 1.5 years while attending just part-time. The institution offers hybrid and fully online options. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply, provided they have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, formal statement of interest, and all transcripts. No GMAT or GRE test scores are required to apply. Courses may include amateur sports governance and administration, ethical issues and leadership in sports, financial management for sports organizations, revenue generation and sales in sports organizations, and social and international issues in 21st century sports.
#16 – Georgia Southern University
Online Masters Sport Management
Statesboro, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728
Ranked #293 in national universities and #113 in top social mobility by U.S. News and World Report, Georgia Southern University offers a master’s in sports management online that prepares students for a career in sport across a wide variety of contexts and organizations. Graduates have gone on to careers in collegiate athletics, sports event management, sports marketing and promotion, the Olympic movement, and much more. Interested students will need to submit transcripts proving a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 2.5 minimum GPA, resume, personal statement, and a 1-2 minute YouTube video essay. Students will take courses such as current issues in sport administration, financial and strategic management in sport, research and analysis in sport, and sport facility and event management.
#15 – Wilmington University
Online Master’s in Sport Management
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,636
Wilmington University offers an accelerated online sports management degree consisting of 12 courses (36 credits) that can be finished in as little as one year. And because the entire degree is online with no residency requirements, it is an excellent choice for busy working professionals who want an online degree from an accredited institution. Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer master’s degrees to those who successfully complete the curriculum. Sports management classes may consist of business strategy in sport management, sports economics and finance, sports law governance and compliance, and sports service and event marketing.
#14 – Saint Leo University
Online Master’s in Sport Business
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,498
Saint Leo University’s accelerated online master’s in sports management is offered as a concentration within its MBA program that is designed to prepare students for careers in sport across a wide variety of contexts and occupations. Courses may include facility planning and management in sport, financial aspects of sport, human resource in management, and risk management and legal concepts in sport. In addition, the program recommends students with no work experience in the sports industry enroll in SPB 597, a six-credit internship that provides hands-on experience. As a top 25 ranked southern regional university according to U.S. News and World Report, students can be confident they are earning a respected diploma.
#13 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Sports Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Liberty University offers an accelerated online sports management degree that takes just 1.5 years to complete. The program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation and is delivered entirely online with no campus visits or other in-person requirements, which means students are able to keep their commitments while earning their degree. In addition, Liberty’s generous transfer credit policy means students can transfer up to 50% of the required credits needed towards the degree. Students will engage in courses such as economic and financial management in sport, ethics in sport, social issues in sport management, and sport marketing and public relations.
#12 – University of Central Missouri
Online Master’s in Kinesiology and Sport Management
Warrensburg, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,067
The University of Central Missouri’s master’s in sports management online is a highly competitive graduate degree that accepts students from all academic and work backgrounds seeking a career in sports management. The program is an accelerated degree that can be completed in just 3-4 semesters including students with no experience or coursework in kinesiology or sport management. Courses include advanced sport marketing, organizational leadership in athletics and sport, sport law and risk management, and sport public relations. Central Missouri is a well-regarded institution that ranks #78 in regional universities Midwest and #16 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#11 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Coaching and Athletics Administration
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,774
Concordia University Irvine offers one of the top accelerated online sports management degree programs, focused on coaching and athletics administration. The program is the largest of its kind with over 3,000 alumni, including Olympic gold medalist volleyball player and volleyball director of operations at Long Beach City College, Misty May-Treanor. The program is designed specifically for experienced athletic educators seeking to leverage a graduate degree for skill development and upward career mobility. Students can expect a flexible yet rigorous degree from the #34 ranked western regional university and #27 ranked best value schools according to U.S. News and World Report.
#10 – Indiana State University
Online Masters in Sport Management
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,616
Indiana State University’s master’s in sports management online degree program is for working professionals with experience working in public or private organizations. The program is designed to further an advanced education in business and sports management and foster career opportunities. Core content of all classes and curriculum emphasizes the eight areas of focus established by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM). These areas focus on ethics, finance, leadership, legal aspects, marketing, and other competency areas. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like administrative theory in sport, assessment in sport management, governance and compliance, sport management foundations, sport marketing, and sport media relations. Indian State is accredited and ranked. In fact, the most recent publication of U.S. News and World Report ranks ISU among the top 300 national universities.
#9 – Western Carolina University
Online Masters Sport Management
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,361
Western Carolina University’s accelerated online master’s in sports management program is designed to provide a flexible learning environment for those pursuing their master’s degree. All courses are delivered online. There are no prerequisites to complete before sport management classes can be taken. Courses consist of business and sport management topics, such as critical issues in sport, economics and financial aspects of sport, managing enterprise projects, project change management, project planning and estimating, sport administration and governance, and sport marketing. An additional internship experience may also be completed and requires 200 hours. Western Carolina University ranks #23 in best regional universities in the South.
#8 – Midway University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Midway, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,020
Searching for one-year online master’s in sports management programs yields the Midway University MBA. Midway’s online MBA offers a concentration in sports management and takes approximately 15 months to complete. The program offers a solid business curriculum combined with specialized sports management focused courses. Some of the courses you will take include business law, economic analysis for business decision-making, organizational behavior, organizational behavior in sports, sports law, sports marketing, and sports organization finance. Midway is a regionally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, Midway ranks #73 in best regional universities in the South.
#7 – University of West Alabama
Online MBA in Sports Management
Livingston, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,868
University of West Alabama offers online sports management programs that include an MBA in sports management. The MBA with a concentration in sports management takes about one year to complete and is considered an accelerated degree. The MBA consists of 33 credits with an additional nine credits in the area of focus, such as sports management. Classes are delivered online and taught by University of Alabama’s full-time faculty. Some of the sports management topics covered include accounting and economics in sport, organization and administration in human performance, sport and exercise law, and sport management and marketing. University of West Alabama ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 96th to 122nd best regional university in the South.
#6 – Florida Atlantic University
Online MBA in Sport Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657
Florida Atlantic University’s accelerated online sports management degree earns a spot on our list of accelerated programs. Though not the quickest master’s in sport management, the online MBA in sport management takes 23 months to complete. Online classes are taught by the university’s esteemed faculty and consist of 28 core MBA credits, 12 specialization credits, and six foundation credits in financial accounting and managerial finance. Courses include advanced analysis of accounting data, corporate financial management, financial accounting concepts, leadership and organizations, and marketing management in a global environment. U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida Atlantic #281 in best national universities.
#5 – American Public University System
Online Masters Sports Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
American Public University offers a master’s in sports management online degree program designed to improve the understanding of sports administration, coaching, and the business side of the industry. In less than two years, students may earn a degree in sport management completely online. Three available concentrations include coaching theory and strategy, interscholastic athletic administration, and sports business leadership. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals. Courses cover topics like critical thinking in the sports and health industries, sports event management, sports finance, sports law, sports marketing and promotion, and the sports industry. While APU is an unranked regional university in the South, U.S. News and World Report recognizes many of the school’s online and graduate programs.
#4 – Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Athletic Administration
Commerce, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,424
Finding a one-year online master’s in sports management degree program takes research and time. However, Texas A&M University offers a one-year, 30-credit-hour, and 100 percent online program that leads to a master’s in health, kinesiology, and sport studies. Students may elect to earn a concentration in athletic administration. Courses cover topics like administration in sport and recreation programs, facilities and equipment in sport, finance and economics in sport, global health issues, marketing and public relations in sport, and sociology of sport and physical activity. According to U.S. News and World Report, Texas A&M ranks among the #293-#381 best national universities. Also, the online graduate business programs (excluding MBA) rank #57. This includes athletic administration.
#3 – University of Central Arkansas
Online Masters Sport Management
Conway, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,238
University of Central Arkansas offers an accelerated online master’s in sports management program aimed to prepare students for professional careers in the sport industry. This 20-month program is considered to be accelerated, as students earn their degree in less than two years. Classes are delivered online and cover sport management topics. Also, students take part in a capstone project and complete requirements prior to graduation. Some of the courses cover topics like data analysis, financial principles in sport management, leadership in sport management, sport marketing principles and strategy, and sport public relations and crisis management. University of Central Arkansas ranks #293-#381 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#2 – Arkansas State University
Online Masters in Sports Administration
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,210
Arkansas State University offers an accelerated online sports management program designed to complete in as little as 12 months. The program consists of 36 credits, all of which may be completed online. Courses cover sport management topics like ethical issues in sport, sport communications, sport finance and budgeting, sport governance and operations, sport law, and sport marketing. To apply to the program, you must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and provide two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic potential and professional abilities. Arkansas State ranks #293-#381 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#1 – University of West Georgia
Online Masters Sport Management
Carrollton, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,110
University of West Georgia’s accelerated online master’s in sports management is a fully online program accredited by the Southern Association and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Students take courses that explore a number of sport management topics. These classes include applied communication and technology in sport, introduction to sport analytics, revenue generation in sport, social issues in sport, sport law, and student athlete development. To successfully apply to the program, individuals must have taken the GRE and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7. University of West Georgia ranks #293-#381 in best national universities and ranks #1 on our list of most affordable accelerated online master’s in sports management programs.
BCO Staff
December 2019
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