In this article, we feature the top-ranked and most affordable online master's in sport management degree programs.
If you love sports and are fortunate enough to work in the field, there are educational opportunities to make you more marketable. The sport industry is fast-paced and highly competitive. Gaining an edge on your competition is as beneficial behind the scenes as it is on the field. Today, graduate sports management degrees are offered at some of the nation's top-ranked schools, and online options have become the norm.
Methodology
Using College Navigator we reviewed 51 accredited colleges and universities that offered an online master's in sport management, or closely related program, such as a master's in business with sport management concentration. We narrowed this pool to institutions with rankings from at least one major publication like Forbes magazine or U.S. News and World Report. We then selected the 30 most affordable of these institutions based on recent graduate tuition/fees listed by 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 in sport management degree programs.
#30 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online master's in sport management program that is designed for those with a passion for sports and the desire to work in this fast-paced industry. Students develop strong communication skills and the ability to think critically while studying sport-related subject matter. Two graduate certificates are available and allow students to tailor their degree to suit their individual interests and career goals. These concentrations include athletic administration and international sport management. Curriculum is delivered online and includes coursework in internationalization of sport business, management of sport organizations, and sport marketing. The institution ranks #101 by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.
#29 – Franklin Pierce University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Rindge, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,605
Franklin Pierce University's online sport management degree program prepares students for leadership and management careers within the growing sports industry. Offered through the institution's business school, students earn an online MBA in sports management. Classes are delivered 100% online with customizable and fast-track options. For those wanting to accelerate their learning, a 12-month MBA in sports management is available. Courses include economics for managers, financial management, legal and ethical issues in organizations, and media relations and technology in the sports industry. Franklin Pierce has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North.
#28 – Wayne State University
Online Master's in Sports Administration
Detroit, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,853
If you've always dreamed of working in the sports industry, an online sport management degree is the first step. Wayne State University offers an accredited online master's in sports administration with four specializations: Commercial sports administration, intercollegiate athletic administration, interscholastic athletic administration, and professional sports administration. Courses are delivered online and include concepts of supervision and management, introduction to sports administration, risk management in PE and sport, and sports marketing. Wayne State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor's programs rank #79 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
#27 – Gonzaga University
Online Master of Sport and Athletic Administration
Spokane, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,090
Gonzaga's online master's in sport management degree program offers students the prestige of adding a top-10 NCAA athletic brand to their resume. Courses are delivered on-campus or 100% online, and the program generally takes two years to complete. Courses include administration in sport and athletics, facility management in sport and athletics, research methods and statistics in sport, sport and athletic promotions, and sport media and communication. The same distinguished professors who teach on-campus deliver online instruction. Gonzaga is ranked as a best value school and 4th best regional university in the West by U.S. News and World Report. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#26 – Fresno Pacific University
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Fresno, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,755
Fresno Pacific University offers an accredited graduate program that appeals to those interested in online sport management master's degrees. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the online master's in sport administration. Courses are offered entirely online so that students may work and earn a graduate degree simultaneously. Courses include legal aspects of kinesiology and sport, research methods in kinesiology, sport career development, sport leadership and administration, sport marketing, sport revenue and finance, and sport sales and sponsorship. A passing grade on the comprehensive examination is also required. Fresno Pacific University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 44th best regional university in the West.
#25 – University of Massachusetts
Online MBA in Sport Management
Amherst, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,754
The world-renowned Isenberg School of Management offers an online MBA in sport management degree program designed to provide students with the competitive edge needed to succeed in the fast-paced sport industry. All classes are taught online by the same professors who teach at the Amherst campus. Online courses include applied sport market research, consumer sales strategies, data management for business leaders, negotiations theory and practice, project management, and sport analytics. The business school is one of the highest ranked of its kind in the country. In fact, major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report rank the institution and its programs. The online MBA program ranks #12 out of more than 1,200 surveyed schools in the recent edition of Best Colleges.
#24 – Canisius College
Online Master's of Sport Administration (MSA)
Buffalo, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,684
The online sport management degree from Canisius College's School of Education focuses on sport administration. This is a flexible, online program that is designed for busy and working students with a passion to work in sport-related enterprises. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on the Buffalo campus. Courses include intercollegiate athletics, leadership in sport, moral and ethical issues in sport, sport communication, and sport finance and business. Canisius College has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of U.S. News ranks the school as the 23rd best regional university in the North and the 8th best value school.
#23 – University of Florida
Online Master's in Sport Management
Gainesville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
The University of Florida offers accredited online sport management graduate programs that are designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-paced sports industry. The program also offers specialization options in athletic performance and development or sport law. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on the Gainesville campus. Online courses include athlete training and development, finance for sport organizations, psychology and physiology of high performing athletes, research and evaluation methods, and sociological principles of sport. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school. Also, some of the school's online business programs rank among the top 10.
#22 – Tiffin University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
Tiffin University's online sports management master's degree combines business with sports management so that students may earn an MBA in sports management. All classes are taught online by the same university professors who teach on campus. In fact, the MBA program mirrors the campus program. Online courses include business strategies in sport, legal, and ethical issues in management, sport communication and fundraising, statistical methods for managers, and strategic management. Tiffin University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school as a best regional university in the Midwest.
#21 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master's in Sport Management
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,707
California University of Pennsylvania's online master's in sport management degree program offers three concentration options. Students may tailor their studies to suit personal interests or career goals by selecting one of the concentration areas. Concentrations include intercollegiate athletics administration, sport management, and strategic sport analysis. The sport management program may be completed in just 13 months if attending full-time, although part-time options are also available. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as among the best regional universities in the North.
#20 – Louisiana State University
Online Master's in Kinesiology – Sport Management
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,954
One of the more affordable online sport management graduate programs on our list is found at Louisiana State University. The school offers an online master's in kinesiology with a specialization in sport management degree that may be completed in just 12 months. The entire program is comprised of 36 credit hours across 12 classes. All courses are delivered online and include administrative problems in kinesiology, economic issues in sport, financial issues in sport, organizational behavior and development in sport, social issues in sport, and sport law. Louisiana State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 135th best national university.
#19 – Lasell College
Online Master's in Sport Management
Newton, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,870
Lasell College offers accredited and affordable online sport management graduate programs with three available concentrations – sport hospitality management, sport leadership, and sport non-profit management. Students may earn a master's in sport management degree entirely online. The program is flexible and highly personalized. Students may attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis. Lasell College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 131st best regional university in the North. Also, several of the school's online graduate degree programs have earned rankings.
#18 – Western Kentucky University
Online Master's in Recreation and Sport Administration
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,860
Western Kentucky University offers a type of online sport management master's degree that focuses on recreation and sport administration. The program also offers a concentration in interscholastic athletic administration and coaching. The concentration is specifically designed for those interested in working with K-12 athletics. Courses are delivered entirely online and include fiscal practices in recreational sports, legal issues in recreational sport, recreation and sport administration, research methods in recreational sport, and theory of recreation and sport. Western Kentucky is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the South and many of its online graduate programs rank in the top 50.
#17 – Morehead State University
Online Master's in Wellness Promotion
Morehead, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,422
One alternative to online sport management graduate programs is the online master's in wellness promotion offered at Morehead State University. This program is highly flexible, with classes delivered entirely online. The program is designed for busy students who want to work with community health organizations like commercial fitness, hospitals, wellness facilities, or the YMCA. One-year and two-year completion options are available. Also, the completion of a thesis is required for graduation. Morehead State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #72 among the best regional universities in the South and #24 among top public schools.
#16 – Belhaven University
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Jackson, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,990
Belhaven University offers a sport administration program that may appeal to those interested in an accredited online sport management degree. There are two available concentrations – coaching and sports ministry – so that students may tailor their studies to suit career goals and personal interests. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Courses include administration and activities of sports ministry, introduction to sports ministry, sports marketing, and strategic management in sports administration. Belhaven is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the institution as the 52nd best regional university in the South and the 20th best value school.
#15 – Ohio University
Online Professional Master's in Sports Administration
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510
Ohio University's online sport management graduate programs include the online professional master's in sports administration. This program is designed for working professionals and is ranked as the #1 online postgraduate sports program in the world by SportBusiness International. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on the Athens campus. Courses include leadership in sports administration, research methods in sports administration, sport facilities and event management, sport governance, sport marketing, and sport sponsorship. Ohio University is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report as the 146th best national university.
#14 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
One of the most affordable online sport management graduate programs on our list is found at Missouri Baptist University. Busy and working students do not have to attend traditional classes in order to earn a master's in sport management. In fact, all classes are delivered online and the program offers full or part-time options. The program takes approximately 18 to 24 months to complete and students may work at their own pace to finish their required coursework. Online classes include amateur and professional sports, special-event and facility management, and sport marketing. In recent years, the school has earned rankings by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Midwest.
#13 – Clemson University
Online Master of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Clemson, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,220
Interested in an online sport management master's or related degree? Clemson University offers a master's in parks, recreation, and tourism with four concentration areas: Community recreational management, parks and conservation areas management, recreational therapy, and travel and tourism management. While a non-thesis program, students are required to complete a three-credit culminating project. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same qualified professors who teach on-campus. Clemson is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 66th best national university.
#12 – Jacksonville State University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Jacksonville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,204
Earning an accredited online MBA in sport management degree or online master's in sport management degree can help you secure your dream job. Finding the right institution is critical. Jacksonville State University offers an online sport management degree that is designed for those with a passion for sports but have outside obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes. All courses are delivered online and include health and safety in sports programs, issues in sports such as gender equity and Title IX, organization and administration of sports programs, and sports law and risk management. Jacksonville State is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 98th best university in the South. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned national rankings.
#11 – Saint Leo University
Online MBA in Sport Business
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,730
For those interested in an online MBA in sport management degree, Saint Leo University offers an affordable program. Accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), the online MBA in sport business prepares students for leadership roles in the sports industry. All classes are delivered online and include facility planning and management, financial aspects of sport, legal issues in sports, risk management, sales and marketing, and strategic management. Students are also required to complete a 21-credit business core. Saint Leo is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South and the 26th best value school. Affordability and accreditation are just some of the reasons students are drawn to Saint Leo's online graduate programs.
#10 – Georgia Southern University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Statesboro, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728
Georgia Southern University's online master's in sport management program provides preparation for careers in the sports industry. The program consists of twelve courses (36 credit hours). All classes are taught online by the same university professors who teach at the Statesboro campus. Online courses include current trends in sport administration, financial and strategic management in sport, research and analysis in sport, revenue generation in sport, sport law and risk management, and sport marketing. Depending on pace, students may finish the program in just 24 months. Georgia Southern is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best national universities.
#9 – Texas A&M University
Online Master's in Sport Management
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,656
Texas A&M University's Department of Health and Kinesiology offers an accredited online sport management degree that consists of 36 credit hours and a no-thesis requirement. This 100% online program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully lead in the sports industry. All classes are delivered online and include administration of sport organizations, athletics administration, diversity in sport organizations, personnel management in sport, revenue generation in sport, and theory of research in sport management. Texas A&M is a top-ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the institution as the 74th best national university and the 21st best value school.
#8 – Liberty University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
Liberty University's online sport management master's degree is a 36-hour, non-thesis program designed for working students. All classes are delivered online so that busy students do not have to commute to campus. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who teach in the traditional program. Classes include economic and financial management of sport, ethics in sport, foundations of sport ministry, legal issues in sport, social issues in sport management, sport marketing and public relations, and understanding research in sport, recreation, and tourism. Internship options are available so that students may gain practical experience in their geographic location. Liberty University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned regional and national rankings.
#7 – Troy University
Online Master's in Sport and Fitness Management
Troy, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,948
Troy University's online sport management graduate programs include the online master's in sport and fitness management. According to the program website, Troy offers one of five graduate sport management programs in the country accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Two concentration areas are available for students to tailor their degree toward personal interests or career goals. These concentrations include athletic administration and coaching. All classes are delivered online and include current issues in sports management, governing agencies, legal aspects in sport management, sport administration, and sport finance and business. Troy is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 69th best regional university in the South.
#6 – Indiana State University
Online Master's in Recreation and Sport Management
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,184
Indiana State University offers an affordable online sport management degree designed for working professionals who have basic experience in private or public organizations but desire advanced skills and expertise. The online recreation and sport management master's degree program from Indiana State is one of the few meeting competency standards set forth by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM). All courses are delivered online and include administrative theory in sport, governance and compliance, sport facility design, sport finance, sport law and risk management, and sport media relations. An internship and comprehensive examination are also required. Indiana State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News. In fact, the school ranks as a best national university in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#5 – University of Southern Mississippi
Online Master's in Sports Management
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,090
University of Southern Mississippi offers an accredited online sport management degree that is designed for those with a passion for sports who want a career in the industry. All courses are delivered online and include applied research methods and statistics in sport, financial management in sport, legal aspects of sport, socio-ethical issues in sport, sport marketing and public relations, and sport venue and event management. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. For those interested in a non-thesis degree, a six-hour practicum and nine-hour sport management internship are required. University of Southern Mississippi is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university and top public school.
#4 – Western Carolina University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,065
Western Carolina University offers one of the most affordable online master's in sport management programs on our list. All classes are delivered online, and the program is designed with part-time and full-time attendance options. Part-time students can expect to complete the degree in approximately two years, while full-time students may finish is one year. A total of 30 semester hours are required to satisfy degree requirements. Courses include critical issues in sport, economics and financial aspects of sport, managing enterprise projects, project change management, and sport administration and governance. Western Carolina University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best regional university in the country.
#3 – Jackson State University
Online Master's in Sport Science (Sports Management Emphasis)
Jackson, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,886
Jackson State University's online sport management degree program aims to provide a wide scope of knowledge in the sports industry. Individuals interested in management positions within the sports industry may earn a master's in sport science with a concentration in sports management. Online courses include ethics of sport, facility design and maintenance, governing bodies and the law, sport finance, sport marketing, and sport psychology and sociology. A 6-credit internship or thesis is needed to complete the degree requirements. Jackson State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university and best historically black college. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned recognition.
#2 – Florida Atlantic University
Online MBA in Sport Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657
Florida Atlantic University offers an affordable online MBA in sport management degree that is AACSB-accredited. The program is designed to be able to be completed anywhere in the world since classes are delivered 100% online. The online courses are taught by the same professors who teach on-campus so that students receive the same education as their on-campus peers. Online sport management courses include financial aspects of sport management, management and administration of intercollegiate athletics, managing the sport enterprise, sport law, and sport marketing. Florida Atlantic is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university.
#1 – Arkansas State University
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,810
Arkansas State University is our most affordable online master's in sport management degree program. This 36-credit hour program may be completed in as little as 12 months. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on the Jonesboro campus. Online courses include ethical issues in sport, sport communications, sport finance and budgeting, sport in society, sport law, and sport marketing. Students must also complete a supervised professional internship in an approved organizational setting. The internship may be completed in the student's geographic location. Arkansas State is ranked as the 59th best regional university in the South by U.S. News and World Report. High rankings and affordability make Arkansas State our top school for online master's in sport management degrees.