Online MBA in Sports Management

What is an MBA in Sports Management?

Do you want to combine your love of sports with business? Whatever your background, earning an MBA in sports management online can help you get ahead in this rewarding field. With a job growth rate of 9%, the demand for qualified candidates is increasing. This data will help you find the best online schools for sports management programs.

An online MBA with a sports management concentration prepares you for a career in the field, but it also teaches core concepts that can be applied to virtually any management position.

There are many factors that influence earnings, but none as strongly as education. The table below uses data from PayScale to demonstrate how an online MBA in sports management can lead to increased earnings, even in entry-level positions.

Comparison of Sports Management Master’s Degrees

Some schools offer degrees similar to a sports management MBA online, but these programs tend to differ in focus, scope, and outcome. An online MBA with a sports management concentration prepares you for a career in the field, but it also teaches core concepts that can be applied to virtually any management position.

Degree	Description	Average Salary*	Length
Master of Sports Management	This program’s specialized curriculum focuses on the unique administrative challenges of sports management. Coursework places less emphasis on the fundamentals of business theory.	$37,113	1.5-3 Years
Master’s degree in Sport Administration and Leadership (MSAL)	Emphasizing the financial and analytical aspects of sports management, this program is designed for students pursuing administrative roles in the sports industry. By examining mathematical models and statistical information alongside cultural trends, students learn the science of sports marketing.	$35,000	2 years
Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Sports Management	An MBA in sports management offers a versatile educational experience that combines core business concepts with issues specific to the sports industry. In addition to advanced topics in marketing, strategic planning, and sales, coursework covers the economic and social factors that influence sports organizations. Students acquire a range of broadly applicable management skills.	$41,248	1.5 years

While course offerings can vary between programs and schools, some skills and concepts are integral to any sports management curriculum. If you’re earning a sports management master’s degree online, you’re likely to encounter some variation of the following courses:

Course	Competencies Developed	Occupational Skill Level
Budget Management	Calculate revenue and develop and maintain a budget	TITLE: General Operations Manager SALARY: growth of 21%
Operations Management	Efficiently manage resources and labor while upholding quality standards	TITLE: Revenue Manager SALARY: growth of 24%
Team Leadership	Develop effective relationships between team members and improve performance	TITLE: Director of Operations SALARY: growth of 11%

Earning an online MBA in sports management is the first step to getting the job you want. Below are a few of the career paths frequently chosen by graduates.

General/Operations Manager		Median Salary: $60,002
Sporting facilities Sports teams	General managers oversee every aspect of a business, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and according to standards. They develop policies, budgets, and training procedures for new employees.

Revenue Manager		Median Salary: $60,745
Sport consulting firms Sports teams Fan merchandising companies	The responsibilities of a revenue manager include budgeting, financial planning, and meeting revenue goals. Through data analysis and research, they can determine a company’s best financial course of action.

Director of Operations		Median Salary: $87,668
Athletic facilities Private sporting clubs	A director of operations is tasked with managing employees, defining company goals, and negotiating sales and agreements. They help design, implement, and standardize policies while ensuring that all departments are compliant.

Rank	School	Location	Cost	Toggle	Logo	Tuition	% Receiving Financial Aid	Student Population	School Type	Description
	Adams State University	Location Alamosa, CO	Tuition			Tuition $15,120	% Receiving Financial Aid 63%	Student Population 3,404	School Type Public	Concentrations Healthcare Administration Leadership Public Administration Sports Management View School Profile
	Ashland University	Location Ashland, OH	Tuition			Tuition $29,500	% Receiving Financial Aid 58%	Student Population 5,677	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Business Analytics Entrepreneurship Financial Management Global Management Healthcare Management And Leadership Human Resource Management Management Information Systems Project Management Sports Management Supply Chain Management View School Profile
	Belhaven University	Location Jackson, MS	Tuition			Tuition $19,440	% Receiving Financial Aid 68%	Student Population 4,450	School Type Private	Concentrations Leadership Human Resources Healthcare Administration Sports Administration View School Profile
	Concordia University - Ann Arbor	Location Ann Arbor, MI	Tuition			Tuition $27,261	% Receiving Financial Aid 74%	Student Population 899	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Communications & Public Relations Finance Healthcare Administration Human Resource Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Business Management Management Information Systems Nonprofit Management & Leadership Public Administration Risk Assessment & Management Sport & Entertainment Business Strategic Marketing Sustainability Management & Analytics View School Profile
	Concordia University - Chicago	Location River Forest, IL	Tuition			Tuition $24,840	% Receiving Financial Aid 75%	Student Population 5,239	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Chief School Business Official Digital Marketing Finance Healthcare Management Leadership & Change Management Not-For-Profit Management School Business Management Sports Management Digital Marketing Certificate Finance Certificate Healthcare Management Certificate Leadership and Change Management Certificate Not-for-Profit Management Certificate Sports Management Certificate View School Profile
	Concordia University - Wisconsin	Location Mequon, WI	Tuition			Tuition $27,261	% Receiving Financial Aid 67%	Student Population 8,268	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Communications & Public Relations Finance Healthcare Administration Healthcare Practitioners Human Resources Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Business Management Management Information Systems Nonprofit Management & Leadership Public Administration Risk Assessment & Management Sport & Entertainment Business Strategic Marketing Sustainability & Management Analytics View School Profile
	Fort Hays State University	Location Hays, KS	Tuition			Tuition $13,600	% Receiving Financial Aid 41%	Student Population 14,210	School Type Public	Concentrations Finance Healthcare Management Health And Human Performance - Sports Management Human Resources Information Assurance International Business Leadership Studies Management Information Systems Marketing Tourism And Hospitality Management View School Profile
	Franklin Pierce University	Location Rindge, NH	Tuition			Tuition $25,545	% Receiving Financial Aid 89%	Student Population 2,273	School Type Private	Concentrations Energy And Sustainability Healthcare Administration Human Resources Management Information Technology Leadership Sports Management View School Profile
	Gardner-Webb University	Location Boiling Springs, NC	Tuition			Tuition $19,800	% Receiving Financial Aid 40%	Student Population 4,329	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Banking And Finance Economics Forensic Accounting Healthcare Management Human Resource Management International Business Marketing Management Information Systems Sports Management Tax Accounting View School Profile
	Lynn University	Location Boca Raton, FL	Tuition			Tuition $27,380	% Receiving Financial Aid 28%	Student Population 2,693	School Type Private	Concentrations Aviation Management Entrepreneurial Management Financial Valuation And Investment Management Hospitality Management Human Resources International Business Marketing Media Management Web Development Management Sports Management Social Innovation Management View School Profile
	Midway University	Location Midway, KY	Tuition			Tuition $16,800	% Receiving Financial Aid 71%	Student Population 1,055	School Type Private	Concentrations Equine Studies Healthcare Administration Sports Management Tourism (Hospitality) And Event Management View School Profile
	Misericordia University	Location Dallas, PA	Tuition			Tuition $26,640	% Receiving Financial Aid 72%	Student Population 2,963	School Type Private	Concentrations Management Accounting Human Resource Management Sports Management Healthcare Management View School Profile
	New England College	Location Henniker, NH	Tuition			Tuition $23,800	% Receiving Financial Aid 77%	Student Population 2,517	School Type Private	Concentrations Business Analytics Digital And Social Media E­-Commerce Entrepreneurship Health Informatics Healthcare Management Human Resource Management International Business Marketing Management NonProfit Management Operations Management Project Management Sports And Recreation Management Strategic Leadership Strategic Sales Management View School Profile
	Saint Leo University	Location Saint Leo, FL	Tuition			Tuition $25,920	% Receiving Financial Aid 60%	Student Population 15,800	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Healthcare Management Human Resources Information Security Marketing Market Research & Social Media Analytics Project Management Sport Business Supply Chain Global Integration Management View School Profile
	Shorter University	Location Rome, GA	Tuition			Tuition $15,500	% Receiving Financial Aid 67%	Student Population 1,472	School Type Private	Concentrations Healthcare Management Sports Management View School Profile
	Southeast Missouri State University	Location Cape Girardeau, MO	Tuition			Tuition $10,725	% Receiving Financial Aid 48%	Student Population 11,987	School Type Public	Concentrations Management Healthcare Administration Sports Management View School Profile
	Southeastern University	Location Lakeland, FL	Tuition			Tuition $20,475	% Receiving Financial Aid 60%	Student Population 4,538	School Type Private	Concentrations Executive Leadership Missional Leadership Sports Management View School Profile
	Southern New Hampshire University	Location Manchester, NH	Tuition			Tuition $22,572	% Receiving Financial Aid 67%	Student Population 61,285	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Athletic Administration Business Intelligence Community Economic Development Corporate Social Responsibility Criminal Justice Economics Engineering Management Entrepreneurship Finance Forensic Accounting Healthcare Administration Healthcare Management Human Resources Information Technology Management Internet Marketing Leadership Marketing Music Business Operations & Supply Chain Management Project Management Public Administration Quantitative Analytics Six Sigma Social Media Sports Management Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Workplace Conflict Management View School Profile
	Tiffin University	Location Tiffin, OH	Tuition			Tuition $25,200	% Receiving Financial Aid 76%	Student Population 3,496	School Type Private	Concentrations Finance Management Healthcare Administration Human Resource Management International Business Leadership Marketing NonProfit Management Sports Management View School Profile
	University of Massachusetts - Amherst	Location Amherst, MA	Tuition			Tuition $35,100	% Receiving Financial Aid 60%	Student Population 29,269	School Type Public	Concentrations Business Analytics Entrepreneurship Finance Healthcare Administration Marketing Sports Management View School Profile
	University of the Southwest	Location Hobbs, NM	Tuition			Tuition $21,564	% Receiving Financial Aid 55%	Student Population 1,059	School Type Private	Concentrations Accounting Finance Healthcare Administration Law Enforcement & Corrections Marketing Research Track Sports Management Strategic Management View School Profile
	Salem State University	Location Salem, MA	Tuition			Tuition $16,704	% Receiving Financial Aid 60%	Student Population 9,001	School Type Public	Concentrations Digital Studies Certificate Financial Planning Certificate Foundations of Computer Science Certificate Global Policy Analysis Certificate Public History Certificate Public Policy and Administration Certificate Sports Development and Management Strategic Communications Certificate Teacher Leadership View School Profile
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If you’ve decided that an MBA in healthcare management is right for you, the next step is to narrow down the list of schools that draw your interest. Below are a few tips and tricks to help you through this process.

• Search for schools in your area

  Even though you are looking for online programs, it’s always helpful to choose a school that is within a 100 mile radius of your home. Online students often report that they enjoy the ability to visit campus if the need arises. In addition, schools often partner with local businesses, meaning a school in your area will have a better chance of helping you find a job close to home.

• Compare student outcomes data

  Many schools will readily provide this information on their website; however, if you can’t find it, be sure to contact the school and ask for it. This data should include graduation rates, employment rates, and compensation levels of recent graduates. When compared side-by-side, this information can provide a snapshot of program quality.

• Estimate the expected costs of your programs

  Prospective students often underestimate the total cost of their program. Make sure you calculate the total number of credit hours you will need to graduate, and multiply that by cost per credit hour. Do not forget to include the cost of supplies, internet, and time you will spend not earning an income. Additionally, compare financial aid options, different schools may offer better financial aid packages and/or scholarships that can offset the cost of education.

• Check that classes will fit in with your schedule

  One of the central benefits of online education is flexibility. However, some programs require set meeting times, synchronous workshops, and mandatory campus visits. Be sure that you are aware of all time commitments and be sure that they will fit into your current schedule.

• Look for partnerships with local businesses

  The main objective of getting your MBA in Sports Management is to find a job with a healthy salary in a field you enjoy. Attending a school that is well connected with local businesses can provide an advantage. Many of these partners will offer internships to students that can lead to full-time employment or provide the network and experience you need to get a job elsewhere.

• Make sure the program is accredited

  Accreditation is the formal review process that ensures a school is offering a reputable program that adheres to certain academic standards. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is the national agency that accredits for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in business and accounting. By checking a program’s status with the AACSB, you can be confident you are receiving a recognized, quality degree. Employers generally will not hire job candidates who possess a degree from a school that is not accredited, and schools will not accept academic credentials from an unaccredited program.

• Talk to current students and/or recent alumni

  One of the best resources when it comes to making a final decision on an online MBA in Sports Management program is actual students and graduates. They can give you an unbiased, real-world take on how the program has served them, what they have liked, and what they have disliked. Ask an admissions counselor to put you in touch with a current student or recent alumni. Alternatively, use LinkedIn or Facebook to find and reach out to people.

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Some positions in sports management require additional licensure or certification. While some programs cover material frequently featured on certification exams, the tests themselves are not typically taken while earning an MBA in sports management online. Depending on your chosen career path, you may be expected to apply for one of the following professional certifications:

Liscense	Description
CSEE Certification	To receive this certification, applicants must complete 34 hours of online coursework and hold five years of experience in the sports tourism industry.
United State Sports Academy Certifications	The United States Sports Academy offers certification programs in three areas: sports public relations, law and risk management, and sports marketing.

• Why an Online MBA
• MBA Accreditation
• MBA Admissions
• Choosing an MBA Program

Scholarships can be a great way to help fund your online master’s sports management, and many companies, professional organizations, and special interest groups offer generous scholarships to students earning their sports management MBA online. Awards range from $1,000 to $30,000. Depending on your personal background, academic progress, or area of concentration, you may be eligible to receive one or more scholarships, such as:

• NBA Stern Scholarship: $30,000
• NASCAR/Wendell Scott, Sr. Scholarship: $10,230
• Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship Program: $10,000
• Stadium Managers Association Scholarship: Varies

• Healthcare Administration
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration
• Executive MBA
• Risk Management