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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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 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 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.
- 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
#1 Best Master’s In Sports Management Degrees
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in advancing their career can earn their master's in sport management at University of Florida. This Gainesville-based public institution serves degree-seekers of all types thanks to its many enrollment options. During the master's in sport management program, learners build on their undergraduate knowledge to gain an advanced understanding of sport management.
Master's degree-seekers can access college resources and support services for assistance. Financial aid advisors recommend scholarships and grants, while academic advisors can help with course selections. Enrollees can also take advantage of career advising, tutoring centers, and internship programs.
University of Florida at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 126
Total Online Master's Programs: 42
Admission Rate: 37%
Graduation Rate: 88%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,770
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,335
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $47,700
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Master’s In Sports Management Degrees
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in career advancement can earn their master of science in sport business management at the University of Central Florida. From its main campus in Orlando, the public university offers graduate programs with several enrollment options, including online programs. In the master's in sport business management program, the graduate-level curriculum encourages learners to strengthen their sport management skills.
Enrollees can take advantage of college resources and support services for assistance. Academic advisors help with course selections, while career counselors offer workshops, job fairs, and resume reviews. Master's degree-seekers can also access writing centers, career advising, and library services.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 75
Total Online Master's Programs: 26
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,916
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,759
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,900
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Master’s In Sports Management Degrees
Texas A&M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M University-College Station offers 121 master's programs, including a highly ranked master of science in sport management. Students can advance their career opportunities and increase their earning potential with this degree. Candidates benefit from flexible learning options, which make it easier to work while enrolling in graduate school.
The master's curriculum uses theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of sport management. Students can often complete internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, gaining varied experience while building professional connections. Learners meet with faculty advisors to choose electives and concentrations to individualize the sport management degree.
Texas A&M University-College Station at a Glance:
Location: College Station, Texas
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,677
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,700
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 76%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $10,115
Average Price After Aid: $19,237
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master’s In Sports Management Degrees
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking increased professional responsibilities can earn their master's in sport management from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The public institution offers several enrollment options on its Minneapolis campus and through its online programs. Master's degree-seekers complete a rigorous curriculum that builds on their undergraduate training in sport management.
Learners benefit from the university's support services, which include academic and career services. For example, career counselors host workshops and job fairs while also recommending resume changes. The university provides career advising, tutoring, and library services to master's degree-seekers.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 171
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,580
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,204
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $46,000
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Master’s In Sports Management Degrees
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn their master's in sport management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, which offers 78 master's programs. The master's in sport management program encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. At the school, programs offer flexible enrollment options that appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with other responsibilities.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of sport management. Internships and hands-on learning opportunities encourage students to gain varied experience while building professional connections. Learners can specialize their sport management education by choosing electives and concentrations.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst at a Glance:
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 64%
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,014
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,529
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $7,894
Average Price After Aid: $22,927
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
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