Sports Management Graduate Degrees

Professionals with a sports management degree can pursue positions including director of operations, public relations manager, and sports agent. Applicants to master's programs need a bachelor's degree. Some programs require applicants to submit a personal statement and have a minimum GPA.

Curricula vary by program but often include classes in strategic communication, risk management, and revenue generation. Degree-seekers also complete an internship. This guide explores typical classes and tuition costs for master's degrees in sports management. Learners should contact their prospective school's admissions department for program details.

View Our Rankings List Here

Questions About Sports Management

What do sports managers do?

Sports managers maintain accounts, act as a team's public face, and prepare athletes for media interviews.

What can I do with a master's in sports management?

Master's degrees in sports management prepare learners for careers as competition coordinators, market research analysts, and sports accountants.

Is sports management the same as sports administration?

Sports managers oversee their team's finances. Sports administrators focus on athletes' development. Aspiring managers and administrators take similar classes at the master's level.

Why Get a Degree in Sports Management?

Experienced professionals and recent college graduates can pursue master's degrees in sports management to prepare for leadership positions. Graduates often become college-level athletic directors. Additional sports management careers include event coordinator and communication recreation manager.

Many online master's degrees in sports management feature asynchronous curricula. These programs often benefit students with children or full-time employment. Degree-seekers can schedule academic requirements around other responsibilities. Like on-campus students, online learners can access student services including career advisement and research assistance.

How Much Does a Sports Management Degree Cost?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master's degree was $66,340 in 2021. Degree-seekers can reduce the cost of their education by choosing in-state public schools. Some institutions charge all online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency status. In addition to tuition, learners should budget for books, fees, and technology. Online programs typically post technology requirements on their website.

Learners can fund their sports management degree through institutional scholarships and grants. Many schools award funding based on students' academic achievement or financial need. Students submit the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need and qualify for federal grants and loans.

How Much Do Sports Management Majors Make?

Graduates' salary potential depends on factors including career, employer, and geographic location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletic trainers earn a median salary of $49,860 per year. Educational services and hospitals pay these professionals the highest median salaries. Professionals in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Massachusetts earn the highest average salaries, ranging from $62,110-$72,970.

Athletic trainers and other sports management professionals can increase their salary potential by obtaining education, licensure, and certifications. In addition to a master's degree, many professionals in the field hold certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer.

Courses in Sports Management

Learners pursuing master's degrees in sports management can specialize in an area such as business foundations, sport marketing, or sport media and communications. A student's specialization impacts their classes and career options. Learners in a generalist track do not typically complete a master's thesis.

Many sports management degrees require the following courses. However, course requirements and availability vary by program. Students should consult their prospective program's website for more information.

• Social Issues in Sport Management

  Sports play an important role in U.S. society, allowing participants to socialize and build teamwork skills. Students examine these issues in relation to casual play and professional sports. Degree-seekers also analyze how members of minority groups pushed for integrated teams. Learners examine sports managers' roles in upholding professional ethics.

• Sport Marketing in Public Relations

  Many sports management professionals oversee team finances and marketing. This class emphasizes the latest best practices for managers promoting their team's public relations image. Coursework also covers marketing fundamentals. Students write extended essays and learn to create marketing promotions and analyze their success.

• Ethics in Sport

  Sports managers must set an example for players and other workers. Students in this course develop critical thinking and advanced communication skills. Graduates can use knowledge from this class to identify ethical conflicts and apply a moral code in the workplace.

Career Options for Sports Management

Career options for individuals with master's degrees in sports management vary by specialization. The following list highlights common positions for graduates. Degree-seekers can select a career by taking interest inventories, working with a career advisor, and completing an internship. Some sports management careers require a degree and professional experience.

• Athletic Trainer

  Athletic trainers help athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak physical fitness. These professionals give first aid, create rehabilitation programs, and complete paperwork. Most trainers work at a college or high school. These professionals earn a median salary approximately 25% higher than the median for all occupations.

• Coaches and Scouts

  Coaches lead their team's practice sessions and provide athletes with individual guidance. Other responsibilities include creating lineups and analyzing players' performances. Scouts research athletes to help coaches recruit the best players. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $36,330.

• Athletic Development Specialist

  Athletic development specialists help athletes improve their skills and become more effective competitors. They may work exclusively with early-career athletes. Others help retired athletes maintain physical health. These professionals may hold a degree in sports management, social work, or business.

• Contract Administrator

  According to February 2021 Payscale data, contract administrators earn an average salary of $62,245 per year. These professionals manage teams' contracts and help parties agree to changes. They also close out completed or expired contracts. Some contractor administrator jobs involve extensive travel and recordkeeping. Experienced professionals may work as contract specialists and senior contract administrators.

Best Master's Degrees in Sports Management