An online doctoral degree in sports management may provide students with leadership skills and expertise in the sports management field. In this three to five-year program, students may learn the legal and ethical principles of sports management and how to conduct scholarly research. Program coursework may include sports marketing research, ethics in sport, and leadership theory and practice.

Upon completion of a doctoral degree program in sports management, students may seek entry to upper-level employment in sports management or a related field. Doctoral-level graduates may find employment opportunities in sports administration, post-secondary education, management, and consulting.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 29% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level sports management degree programs may include major-specific courses as well as dissertation preparatory classes. These courses may teach students how to utilize leadership theories, understand sport psychology, and conduct market research in order to build or maintain a successful sports organization. Core sports management classes may include the following:

• Contemporary Issues in Sports
• Ethics in Sport
• Sports Marketing Research
• Financial Aspects of Sports
• Sport Leadership Principles
• Strategic Planning for Sports Organizations
• Leadership Theory and Practice

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may explore career opportunities in athletic administration, team operations, general management, post-secondary education, and sports commentary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in sports management are expected to increase by 29% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• University Professor
• Athletic Director
• General Manager
• Sports Agent
• Operations Manager

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook