In this article, we list the top ranked and most affordable online master's in sports management degrees for 2016-2017.
For those with a passion for sports and desire to work as a leader in the field, marketable skills are necessary. One of the most credible ways to slide your foot in the door of a sporting organization is to earn a master's degree in sports management. Today, many college coaches, athletic directors, and community recreation department heads have a master's in sports management or related degree. Online programs are offered from some of the top ranked institutions to accommodate the needs of busy and working students.
Methodology
We examined 54 accredited colleges and universities that offered an online master's in sports management program or related degree in sports leadership, sports science, or sport administration. We selected institutions that had received rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, or U.S. News and World Report. We then chose the most affordable schools based on recent in-state graduate tuition/fees listed by NCES College Navigator. The schools on our list are presented in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for the 30 most affordable top-ranked online master's degree programs in sports management.
#30 – Northeastern University
Online Master's in Sports Leadership
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,166
Northeastern University's sports leadership program is designed for students interested in earning an online master's in sports management or related degree. The program provides a foundation for careers in sport-related occupations with professional and intercollegiate sports teams and organizations. The program is entirely online and offers classes in leadership and organization in sport, sport in society, sports law, sports media relations, and the ethical leader. Two areas of concentration are available, including collegiate athletics administration and professional sports administration. The university is accredited and ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 47th best national university and the 6th most innovative school.
#29 – United States Sports Academy
Online Master of Sports Science
Daphne, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,965
The United States Sports Academy offers an option for those interested in an online master's in sports management program. The master's in sports science is a 33-semester hour program with thesis, non-thesis, and mentorship options. Students enrolled in the mentorship option must complete a mentorship in lieu of the thesis and sit for the comprehensive examination at the end of the program. Online courses include contemporary issues in sports, issues in nutrition and health, management strategies in sports medicine, and scientific principles of resistance training. The Academy is a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education and is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#28 – Franklin Pierce University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Rindge, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,605
For those interested in a business program that emphasizes sports management, Franklin Pierce University offers an online MBA in sports management. This online master's in sports management degree program appeals to students interested in business functions within the sporting industry. Access to athletic and recreational facilities, such as the New Hampshire International Speedway and Boston Red Sox is among the benefits the program offers. The program may be completed in 18-24 months and is available with an accelerated, self-paced option. Franklin Pierce is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional universities in the North.
#27 – Wayne State University
Online Master's in Sports Administration
Detroit, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,853
Wayne State University offers one of the most affordable online master's in sports management programs. The College of Education offers a fully online master's in sports administration degree program that is designed for busy students. Courses are delivered online and include concepts of supervision and management, introduction to sports administration, risk management in PE and Sport, sport finance, and sports marketing. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required, as well as either an internship or master's thesis. Also, four specialization areas are available, including commercial, intercollegiate, interscholastic, and professional. Wayne State is a nationally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report.
#26 – Gonzaga University
Online Master of Sport and Athletic Administration (MASAA)
Spokane, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,090
Gonzaga University offers one of the top online masters in sports management programs in the nation. The school and its programs are highly ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online MASAA program offers students the prestige of a top-10 NCAA athletic brand to their resume. All courses are delivered online, and the program typically takes two years to complete. Online courses include administration in sport and athletics, facility management in sport athletics, sport and athletic promotions, and sport media and communication. As mentioned, Gonzaga is ranked by U.S. News. In fact, the school ranks #4 for best regional universities in the West and is the 4th best value school in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#25 – Fresno Pacific University
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Fresno, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,755
Fresno Pacific University offers a master's in sports management online program that focuses on sport administration and leadership. FPU's online master's in sport administration allows students to take courses fully online so that they may work and earn a degree simultaneously. Online courses include legal aspects of kinesiology and sport, research methods in kinesiology, sport career development, sport leadership and administration, sport revenue and finance, and values in kinesiology and sport. Fresno Pacific is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best regional university in the West. Also, several of the school's graduate programs are ranked among the top in the country.
#24 – Canisius College
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Buffalo, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,684
For those interested in a top online master's in sports management, Canisius College offers an accredited program that is designed for busy and working students and teachers. The online master's in sport administration degree can be completed entirely online and without a residency requirement. Online classes include leadership in sport, moral and ethical issues in sport, risk management and contract negotiation, sport communication, and strategic sport marketing. Canisius College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 34th best regional university in the North. Additional rankings include #13 for best value schools and #27 for best colleges for veterans.
#23 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Online Master's in Sport Leadership
Richmond, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,779
The Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University offers an online master's in sport leadership that is similar to masters in sports management online programs. Classes are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus at VCU, and offer convenient start times and access to content 24/7. Required online courses include leadership models in sport, research methods in sport, sociology of sport, sport business, and sport law. To graduate, students must complete a total of 36 credit hours. Virginia Commonwealth is an accredited and nationally ranked institution. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #156 for best national universities.
#22 – Tiffin University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
Tiffin University offers an online master's in sports management program that leads to an MBA in sports management. The program offers various opportunities for students to participate in a mentorship and be connected to the Olympic games. Several internships are also available for qualifying students. In recent years, internships have taken place at the NCAA Headquarters, with the Cincinnati Reds, and with the Cleveland Browns. All classes for the MBA in sports management degree are offered online. Courses include financial accounting, legal and ethical issues in management, managerial finance, and sport mentorship. Tiffin is a ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 68th best regional university in the Midwest.
#21 – University of the Southwest
Online MBA in Sports Management
Hobbs, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,528
Many online master's in sports management programs offered through accredited institutions offer an MBA option. University of the Southwest is one of those schools. The online MBA degree program offers a specialization in sports management that is designed for those with a passion for the world of sports business. Courses are delivered online and include seven core business classes and five specialization courses. Specialization classes include law and liability in sport and recreational services, management in sport and recreational organizations, organizational design and strategy, and social psychology of sport and recreation. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university among the best regional colleges in the West.
#20 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master's in Sport Management
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,707
California University of Pennsylvania offers an affordable masters in sports management online program that requires 24 credits of core courses and a 12-credit mentorship. All courses are delivered online and include leadership and management in sport, legal aspects in sport, public relations in sport, sport ethics, sport finance, and sport marketing. The program is designed for working students and those individuals who are busy with life obligations. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school among the best regional universities in the North. Several of the institution's online graduate programs have also been ranked.
#19 – Lasell College
Online MS in Sport Management
Newton, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,870
One of the top online master's in sports management program on our list is found at Lasell College. The program offers three concentrations so that students may acquire additional knowledge in specific areas of interest. Concentrations include sport hospitality management, sport leadership, and sport non-profit management. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by experienced faculty. Core courses include current issues in sports, financial management in the sport industry, managing diversity in sport organization, and sport sponsorship and marketing. Lasell is accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 26th best regional college in the North.
#18 – Morehead State University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Morehead, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,422
Morehead State University's master's in sports management online degree program is designed to equip busy and working adults with the skills needed to work in various areas of sport management. Skills developed include communication, financial, and marketing. Students learn how to lead teams and navigate the sporting world effectively and competently. Required courses are delivered online and include financing the sport enterprise, legal issues in sports and physical activity, organizational behavior, planning and designing sport and physical activity facilities, and research methods in sport management. Morehead is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 61st best regional university in the South.
#17 – Wesley College
Online Master's in Sport Leadership
Dover, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,350
For those looking for online master's in sports management programs that are both accredited and affordable, Wesley College provides an online degree that may be completed in 24 months. The online master's in sport leadership program offers two tracks: coaching and sport management. Classes are delivered entirely online and include ethical social issues, facility management, legal aspects of sport, research design and methods, sport leadership communication, and sport leadership organization and administration. Students interested in coaching may also obtain a coaching certificate after completing an additional 15 credit hours. Wesley College has earned rankings from U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional colleges in the North.
#16 – Mississippi College
Online Master's in Professional Communication in Sports
Clinton, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,302
The Communication Department at Mississippi College offers a unique master's in professional communication in sports program that is designed for those interested in a master's in sports management online degree. The program emphasizes communication in the sports industry and equips students through coursework and projects to become knowledgeable in the field. Online courses include athletic administration, basic effective leadership, communication research, persuasion, practices in public relations, and societal and ethical trends in athletics. A total of 31 semester hours is required to complete the program. Mississippi College offers affordable graduate tuition and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional university in the South.
#15 – Belhaven University
Online Master of Sports Administration
Jackson, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,990
Interested in earning a master's in sports management online from an accredited institution? Belhaven University offers an online master's in sports administration degree that is both accredited and affordable. The sports administration program takes approximately two years to complete and offers online classes in eight-week terms. Online courses include advanced organizational leadership, current issues and trends in sports administration, leadership and sports ethics, sports finance and budgeting, and venue and event management. Belhaven University is a Christian liberal arts college that is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 58th best regional university in the South.
#14 – Ohio University
Online Master's in Athletic Administration
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510
Ohio University's master's in athletic administration is considered to be one of the top online master's in sports management degree programs on our list. All courses may be completed online and students may graduate within two years. Courses include administration of interscholastic athletic programs, legal foundations of risk management in athletics, management and leadership in sport, and sport marketing. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its Department of Sports Administration, and programs are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Ohio University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges lists Ohio University as the 135th best national university in the country.
#13 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
Missouri Baptist University offers an accredited online master's in sports management program that is designed to prepare individuals with skills needed to effectively manage a wide range of sport enterprises and organizations. Full-time and part-time options are available, and classes are taught by university professors who teach from a Christian perspective. The program is designed to be completed in 18-24 months. All classes are delivered online and students are also required to complete projects, internships, and research. Missouri Baptist University is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best regional universities in the Midwest.
#12 – Jacksonville State University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Jacksonville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,204
The affordable masters in sports management online degree program, offered through Jacksonville State University's Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, is designed to equip busy students for careers in sport management. The program is beneficial for teachers who want to earn a teacher certification in sport management. Classes are delivered online and include ethics in sport management, facilities management, health and safety in sports programs, and legal structures and terminology. As part of the graduation requirements, students must complete a sports-related internship. Jacksonville State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional universities in the South. Also, the school's online master's programs have earned recognition.
#11 – Georgia Southern University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Statesboro, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728
One of the most affordable online master's in sports management programs is found at Georgia Southern University. The flexible program is administered entirely online and may be completed in 24 months, depending on student schedules and education goals. Online courses include current trends in sport administration, financial and strategic management in sport, research and analysis in sport, sport administration, sport facility and event management, sport law and risk management, and sport marketing. Georgia Southern earns a top spot on our list for affordability and school rankings by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school among the best national universities.
#10 – Texas A&M University
MS in Sport Management Online
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,656
The College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University offers accredited online master's in sports management programs that are designed for students with busy schedules. The MS in sport management degree may be completed entirely online, with a non-thesis option. Online classes cover contemporary research topics and the challenges faced in the sport management industry. Courses may include diversity in sport organizations, personnel management in sport, revenue generation in sport, sport law, and sport marketing. Texas A&M is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 70th best national university and the 21st best value school.
#9 – Wilmington University
Online MS in Management – Sports Management
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,042
One of the top online master's in sports management degree programs on our list is located at Wilmington University. The College of Business offers an online MS in Management with a concentration in sports management. The program is IACBE-accredited and designed to provide flexible learning options for busy students. To fulfill the concentration requirement, students must complete 18 core and elective credits in sports management. These classes may include analysis of decision-making, business strategy in sports management, leadership development and change management, sports economics and finance, and sports law governance and compliance. Wilmington is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – Liberty University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
Liberty University is one of the top online master's in sports management programs on our list. The school offers a non-thesis program that is completely online and requires 36 total credits. Classes include economic and financial management of the sport, ethics in sport, foundations of sport ministry, social issues in sport management, and sport marketing and public relations. Four areas of specialization are also available, including general, outdoor adventure sport, sport administration, and tourism. Liberty University is a regionally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school ranks #80 for best regional universities in the South. Several of the school's online master's programs have also earned recognition.
#7 – Concordia University
Online Master's in Coaching and Athletics Administration
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,998
For those searching for online master's in sports management programs that emphasize coaching and administration, Concordia University offers a unique program designed for busy adults. Upon satisfaction of the requirements, students earn a master's in coaching and athletics administration. Online courses include ethics and sport, legal aspects of sport, principles of coaching and leadership, psychology of coaching, and research methods and analysis. An internship and culminating project are also part of the program. Concordia is a ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 55th best regional university in the West.
#6 – Troy University
Online Master's in Sport & Fitness – Coaching
Troy, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,948
If your educational goal includes earning an online master's in sports management, you might consider Troy University's sport and fitness management degree program. The degree is offered online and designed to provide coaching expertise for K-12 administrators, coaches, and teachers. Students are required to complete either a master's thesis that will lead them toward a future Ph.D. program or an internship that will provide hands-on experience. Troy University is accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 65th best regional university in the South and the 27th top public school. Also, several of the university's online graduate programs have earned recognition.
#5 – Indiana State University
Online MS in Recreation and Sport Management
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,184
One of the top online master's in sports management programs on our list is found at Indiana State University. The online MS in recreation and sport management degree is designed for working students seeking a graduate-level program to further their careers. Students work at their own pace and may take up to seven years to complete the program and earn their degree. Courses are delivered entirely online and include administrative theory in sport, assessment in sport management, governance and compliance, organizational leadership, sport finance, sport law and risk management, and sport media relations. Indiana State is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – University of Southern Mississippi
Online Master's in Sport Management
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,090
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an accredited online master's in sports management program that is designed with the working adult in mind. The program is considered to be highly affordable and flexible, with classes delivered entirely online. Core courses include applied research methods and statistics in sport, financial management in sport, legal aspects of sport, organizational leadership and management in sport, sport marketing and public relations, and sport venue and event management. Students have the option of following a non-thesis or thesis track. The non-thesis option includes a sport management internship and practicum, while the thesis track requires nine hours of approved electives. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution among the best national universities in the country.
#3 – Jackson State University
Online Master's in Sport Science
Jackson, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,886
The master's in sport science from Jackson State University is designed for those seeking online master's in sports management programs. In fact, students may select the sport management concentration if their career and educational goals align with the curriculum. Courses are delivered online and include ethics in sport, facility design and maintenance, governing bodies and the law, research methods, and sport psychology and sociology. A total of 36 graduate credit hours are required to earn the advanced degree. Jackson State University is a nationally ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a best national university and top historically black college.
#2 – American Public University
Online Master's in Sports Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
American Public University offers one of the top online master's in sports management degree programs on our list. The program's flexibility allows students to focus on a specific area of sports, including sports administration, coaching, and a general concentration for those interested in business operations. Concentrations like the sports administration track are ideal for aspiring high school and community college athletic officials. Students take classes delivered entirely online. Depending on the selected concentration area, classes may include promotion, public relations, sports law, and sports marketing. American Public University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report, and some of the school's online programs have also earned recognition.
#1 – Arkansas State University
Online MS in Sport Administration
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,810
Arkansas State University offers an online MS in sport administration degree program that may be completed in as little as 12 months. The 36-credit hour program is designed for working and busy students who want to earn an advanced degree while balancing life obligations. Courses are delivered entirely online and include ethical issues in sport, sport communications, sport finance and budgeting, sport law, and sport marketing. Also, two seven-week terms must be spent conducting a department-approved internship in a sports-related organization. Arkansas State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 53rd best regional university in the South. The school earns a #1 spot on our list of the top online master's in sports management degree programs for 2016-2017.
GSH Staff
September 2016