Best Master’s in Sports Management Degrees 2021

Located in Jonesboro, A-State is the second-largest university in the Natural State. Founded in 1909, A-State now offers more than 150 programs, including a master of science degree in sport administration.

Designed for working professionals, the 36-credit, full-time program requires an internship or thesis. Learners who choose the internship track must also pass a comprehensive exam. The program's core courses include sport communications, sport leadership, sport in society, and ethical issues in sport.

For unconditional admission, applicants must hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA or a 3.25 GPA during their final 60 undergraduate credits. For conditional admission, prospective students need a 2.75 cumulative GPA or a 3.0 GPA during their final 60 credits. Admission requirements also include official transcripts, a goals statement, a current resume, and two recommendation letters.

A-State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

One of the country's largest private universities, Drexel University operates its main campus in Philadelphia and a second campus in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Drexel's business school offers nine different graduate programs, including a master of science in sport management.

This part-time, two-year program allows learners to complete a minor in communications, marketing, or digital media. Relevant courses in the 45-credit curriculum include sports economics, sports industry management, sport law, and business statistics. Drexel runs on a quarter system. The program culminates in a thesis, independent study, or a practicum project.

Admission requirements include official transcripts, two recommendation letters, standardized test scores, a professional resume, and a 500-word essay. While the university accepts either GMAT or GRE scores for the application, Drexel prefers GMAT scores.

Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Drexel's business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Founded in1971, Liberty is now one of the largest Christian universities in the world, serving more than 100,000 students. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, this private evangelical university offers more than 300 residential programs and more than 400 online degrees.

Liberty's master of science degree in sport management includes a biblical focus. The program's 36-credit curriculum features four specializations: tourism, sport administration, outdoor adventure sport, and coaching and athletic administration. All learners must complete either a thesis or a 400-hour internship. Students can complete the program in two years.

The program accepts up to 18 transfer credits. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Liberty is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university's sport management program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.

A comprehensive research university, Northwestern first opened on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1855 with two faculty members and 10 students. Today, Northwestern employs more than 3,300 full-time faculty members and serves 21,000 students on three separate campuses.

Northwestern's School of Professional Studies offers a master of arts degree in sports administration. This master's program requires 11 courses, including six core courses, a leadership class, three electives, and a thesis project or capstone class. Students who pursue the degree online can add a sports analytics specialization that requires four additional courses.

Program applicants must write a 550-word statement of purpose and submit a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and official transcripts.

Northwestern is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U-M's 30-credit master of science degree in sport management provides learners with leadership opportunities through hands-on projects. Students who earn a 3.3 GPA during the program's first 12 credits can write a master's thesis, which increases their chances of admission to doctoral programs. The program's core curriculum includes courses in strategic management in sport, financial management for the sport industry, and legal aspects of sport.

Program applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three recommendation letters.

U-M is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A public research university, UI serves more than 32,000 students from all 50 states and 114 countries. Located in Iowa City, IU is the Hawkeye State's oldest higher education institution.

UI's master's in sport and recreation management prepares graduates to become leaders in school athletic departments, professional team offices, and community recreation programs. The program's 30-credit curriculum involves practical experience, coursework, and a capstone project, which requires written material and a presentation.

Admission requirements include a personal statement, a resume, three recommendation letters, and GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from another country.

UI is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M was the Lone Star State's first public higher learning institution. The research-intensive university now offers 133 undergraduate degrees and 175 graduate programs.

Texas A&M's master's in sport management allows learners to pursue either a 32-credit thesis track or a 36-credit non-thesis track. Learners must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA before taking the program's final exam. Students design their own degree plan and submit it to a committee for approval.

Students completing the degree on campus must fulfill a residency requirement, which involves either nine credits during a regular semester or a 10-week summer semester. Distance learners do not need to complete a residency.

Texas A&M is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A liberal arts institution affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, MC serves more than 5,000 students. Founded in 1826, the college is the oldest higher learning institution in the Magnolia State. MC offers more than 50 graduate programs, including a master's in professional communication in sports.

The program's 31-credit curriculum includes studies in both communication and sports administration. The curriculum does not offer a thesis option. Learners complete core communication courses, electives, and kinesiology classes. Relevant courses include public relations, communication research, persuasion, and a seminar in journalism ethics. All students complete a comprehensive written exam and a convocation paper.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students must also submit GMAT scores. MC may waive the GMAT requirement for learners with a GPA of 3.5. The program accepts six transfer credits.

MC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A research university founded in 1851, FSU is the oldest continuous higher education site in Florida. Located in Tallahassee, the university offers individualized attention, maintaining a 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Offered through FSU's College of Education, the master of science degree in sport management helps students develop skills in marketing, business, and facility and event management. The program provides hands-on experience and mentorship with alumni and sport organizations. Learners may choose from a 34-credit thesis track or a 36-credit non-thesis track, which requires additional coursework. FSU's students may earn a dual degree by combining this program with a law degree.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Admission requirements include official transcripts, GRE scores, a statement of purpose, a resume, and three recommendation letters.

FSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A comprehensive public research university, TTU is one of the largest schools in the Lone Star State. TTU's master of science degree in sport management prepares graduates for careers in the sport industry. The curriculum includes coursework in sport marketing, facility and event management, and leadership. All students complete either a research project or a six-hour internship. The curriculum includes thesis and non-thesis tracks.

Admission requirements include a personal statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, and two recommendation letters. Applicants must also hold an undergraduate degree in sport management, kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.8 GPA during their final 60 undergraduate credits.

TTU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A public research institution located in Ohio, UC serves more than 46,000 students. Full-time students can complete UC's 30-credit master of science degree in sports administration in one year. Part-time students can graduate in 18 months. Designed for professionals already working in the field, the program examines major issues facing the field. Notable courses include athletic governance and compliance, strategic athletic marketing and communications, and sport finance and budgeting. The program culminates in either a thesis or a project.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA. Prospective students who do not meet this threshold must submit GRE scores. Additional requirements include unofficial transcripts, a personal statement, relevant professional experience, and two recommendation letters.

UC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1884 as a night school, Temple is now one of the largest universities in Philadelphia. This research university serves more than 40,000 students and offers more than 500 academic programs.

Temple's 36-credit master of science degree in sport business includes concentrations in sport analytics, athletic administration, sport marketing and promotions, and recreation and event management. Students can complete the master's program on campus or online in four years. Core courses include sport finance and economics and sport facility management. All students complete an internship in the field.

The university offers teaching and research assistantships and graduate externships to help learners reduce costs. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a goals statement, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and two reference letters. The program accepts up to six transfer credits.

Temple is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Founded in 1927, UH now serves more than 46,000 students and offers 258 academic programs, including a master's in sport and fitness administration.

The program's 36-credit curriculum allows learners to choose from a thesis or a comprehensive exam as a culminating experience. All learners must also complete an internship and practicum, which involves part-time or full-time experience under faculty direction and supervision. Core courses include sport media and public relations, sport in contemporary society, and promotional strategies for sport.

Admission requirements include official transcripts, a current resume, a statement of professional goals and interests, GRE scores, and three reference letters. Applicants must also earn a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

UH is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A state-supported research university located in Kentucky's largest metropolitan area, the UofL serves more than 22,600 students.

The university's master of science in sport administration prepares graduates for management positions in the sport industry. Learners can complete the program's 36-credit curriculum on campus or online. Students must pass a written examination, complete a research project, or write a thesis as a capstone experience. All learners also complete a 400-hour internship in the field.

Admission requirements include prior relevant coursework, a resume, GRE scores, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters.

The UofL is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The sport administration program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.

A private college affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, CUI opened its doors in 1976 to provide religious education. Today, the university serves approximately 4,000 students on its Orange County, California, campus and online.

CUI offers a master's degree in coaching and athletics administration that provides online, blended, and face-to-face delivery methods. The program's 36-credit curriculum typically requires 15 months to complete. Relevant courses include ethics and sport, research methods and analysis, principles of coaching and leadership, and the legal aspects of sport. All learners complete a culminating project. Students can learn about sports management through electives such as athletic finance and facility planning.

The program offers the same per-credit tuition rate to all students regardless of residency. Learners must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout program coursework to remain in good standing