An online master’s degree in sports management may provide students with the training and expertise to succeed in a sports organization. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to properly market a sports team, utilize media, and manage an organizations income streams. Program coursework may include business electives alongside core sports management coursework including sport marketing, the legal aspect of sports, and management of sports organizations.

Upon completion of this online master’s degree program in sports management, students may either seek entry to upper-level employment or pursue a doctoral degree in a similar or related field. Master’s level graduates may find employment in media, public relations, sports management, sales, and marketing.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 29% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for an online master’s-level sports management degree programs may include core sports management courses alongside required elective courses. These courses may teach student how to think critically, manage conflicts, understand complex issues associated with managing sports organizations, and examine the use of marketing in sport. Core sports management classes may include the following:

• Research Methods in Sports Management
• Sport and Society
• Management of Sports Organizations
• Sport Marketing and Media
• Internalization of Sport Business
• Sport Facility Management
• Legal Aspects of Sport

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may explore opportunities in promotions, management, public relations, sales, and global marketing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in sports management are expected to increase by 29% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Sports Manager
• Coach
• Scouting Manager
• General Manager
• Sports Marketing Analyst

Continuing Education

Students who successfully graduate from a master’s degree program in sports management may have the opportunity to continue their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program. An online doctoral degree in sports management may provide students with advanced legal, political, and marketing skills as it relates to sports organizations. Employers may require individuals to hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum in order to gain entry level employment in the field.

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