2024 Top Online Schools for Sports Management
Scroll down to see the top not-for-profit colleges offering sports management degrees online.
Want to see the most affordable Sports Management degrees? View them here
Scroll down to see the top not-for-profit colleges offering sports management degrees online.
Want to see the most affordable Sports Management degrees? View them here
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When it comes to affordable online programs in sports management, the sky really is the limit! But with so many degrees out there, you may have trouble making a final choice. Never fear—help is at hand. In the following guide, you’ll find tips on assessing the worth of an online degree, deciding between the MBA and the MSA, transferring credits, taking advantage of tuition breaks, and much more. We also have handy financial summaries of the top online schools in our rankings for both quality and price.
Unsure if sports management is right for you? Check out our guide to Affordable Sports Management Degrees and compare it with our guide to Affordable Exercise Science Degrees. On each page, we go into more depth about your degree options, coursework, and typical job opportunities after graduation.
Students who enter the online Master of Science in Sports Management program at Adelphi University can specialize in either sport marketing or collegiate athletic administration. Candidates can complete the degree in as little as two years, and they never have to come to campus. Applicants do not have to submit GRE or GMAT scores. This is a 36-credit program that requires students to complete a capstone project. Students have the chance to network with department faculty and alumni who have ties to many major sports teams. For example, Adelphi sports management alumni Kevin Mawae served as president of the NFL Players Association.
Arkansas State University offers a Master of Science in Sport Administration that can be pursued online. The program prepares students for successful careers in sports administration in a variety of settings such as health and fitness clubs, stadiums and arenas, country clubs, and professional sport organizations. Online students are still required to participate in an internship with a professional team, a collegiate athletic organization, a conference, etc. Students enrolled in this program will take courses such as Ethical Issues in Sport, Sport Finance & Budgeting, and Sport Governance & Operations.
The School of Business at Belhaven University offers a Master of Sports Administration that can be pursued online. The goal of the program is to prepare students for successful careers in the sports and recreation industry. Online students will receive the same high quality, Christ-centered education as students who pursue this program on campus. Students are able to complete this program in two years in a series of eight-week terms. Many graduates of the program go on to pursue successful careers as athletic directors, associate directors of facilities, media relations directors, sports writers, and more. Students enrolled in the program will take courses like Current Issues and Trends in Sports Administration, Leadership and Sports Ethics, and Sports Finance and Budgeting.
California University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science in Sport Management Studies with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration or a concentration in Sport Management, and both of these programs can be pursued online. The concentration in sport management is oriented towards professional development, management, and leadership, and the concentration in intercollegiate athletic administration focuses on students who wish to pursue careers in intercollegiate athletics. Both concentrations are offered with asynchronous courses over the internet. Students enrolled in this program will take courses such as Research Methods in Sports Management, Socio-Cultural Aspects of Sport, and Management and Leadership in Sport.
The School of Education at Canisius College offers a Master's of Sports Administration online. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to manage a wide variety of sport-related enterprises. There is an internship component that may be completed with any athletic organization in a student's area. Many graduates of this program go on to pursue careers in sport-marketing firms, as professional sports managers, in special-event management, and more. Students enrolled in the program may take such courses as Leadership in Sport, Strategic Sport Marketing, Risk Management/Contract Negotiation, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Professional Sport.
3,900 Students
Students interested in sport management can earn a Master of Science in College Athletic Administration 100 percent online through Coker College. This program requires students to complete 30 credits, with courses ranging from NCAA compliance to college athletic facilities. Students can substitute an internship with a college athletic program or league for one required course. One recent student had an internship preparing social media content for the Charlotte Hornets, and another recent grad is now a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Colorado Mesa University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management that can be pursued online. This program focuses on topics such as governance and communication, legal considerations in sport operations, and leadership and ethics. Graduates of the program have the opportunity to work in a number of settings such as public and private agencies, schools, colleges, government, universities, and the military. Students enrolled in the program will take such courses as Health and Wellness, Survey of Economics and Finance in Sport, Governance and Communication in Sport, and Sport Marketing.
Columbia College allows online students to major in sports marketing when they are earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. To earn the degree, students must complete 51 credits in core business administration courses as well as 18 credits in the sports management major. Sports management courses include sports finance, social media, and sports and event marketing. Electives for the major can be taken in a number of areas, including physical education and marketing. Columbia also requires students to meet general education, foreign language, and other requirements so that they earn 120 credits before completing their degree.
Concordia University Chicago offers several degrees related to sports management that can be pursued online: a Master of Art in Sports Leadership, a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management, and an Ed.D/Ph.D. in Sports Leadership. The M.A. program is 33 credits in 8-week courses where students will take such courses as Economics of Sport, Essentials of Law, Sports Promotion, and Leading in Time of Change. Graduates of the M.B.A. program often go on to have successful careers in sports media, sports administration, sports marketing, etc, and graduates of the Ed.D./Ph.D. program are well prepared for leadership and management positions with professional sports teams as well as intercollegiate athletics.
Concordia University Irvine offers a Master's degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration, which can be pursued online. In this program, students will develop a professional network of colleagues, peers, and instructors throughout the nation; grow professionally with a new approach to athletic administration; develop a new philosophy of athletics, coaching, and leadership; and enhance ethical leadership as well as character development in a faith-based learning environment. This program includes courses such as Legal Aspects of Sport, Ethics and Sport, and Research Methods & Analysis.
Concordia University - Saint Paul offers a Master of Arts in Sport Management, which can be pursued entirely online. The program is meant to help students to achieve their academic and career goals, and it consists of 33 credit hours in 7-week courses. The program is accelerated, and many students complete the degree in as little as 18 months. In this program, students will explore concepts of marketing, law, management, and strategic planning, particularly as they relate to the field of sport management. Students enrolled in the program will take such courses as Foundations of Sports Management, Sports Marketing, Ethics & Policy in Sports Management, and Legal Aspect of Sports.
The Donald W. Maine College of Business at Davenport University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management that can be pursued online. In this program, students will develop skills in business fundamentals in addition to the legal, marketing, regulatory, and operational aspects of sports management. Students who pursue this degree online will receive the same high quality educational experience as students who pursue this degree on campus. Students enrolled in this program will take courses such as Legal Aspects of Sport Management, Sport Management Foundations, Sport Operations and Facilities Management, and Sport Governance and Regulation.
The Master of Sports Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University can be completed entirely online. This is a 12-course, 36-credit program that requires students to choose an area of specialization: sports administration or coaching theories and strategies. The specializations are also available as online certificate programs. The curriculum includes three core courses, five courses in the specialization, an internship, and a capstone project. For their capstone, students develop a strategic or operational plan, a timetable for implementation, and an evaluation process. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA, but GRE or GMAT scores are not necessary. Students can begin the program at the start of any trimester.
Finger Lakes Community College offers an Associate of Science in Sports Studies that students can pursue 100 percent online. Graduates with the A.S. in Sports Studies are prepared to continue on at a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree in sports management or a related field. To earn the degree, students complete general studies requirements and take lower-division courses in sports management, including courses covering tourism, sports marketing, and event management. In past years, students in the program have traveled to national sports management conferences to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
Franklin Pierce University offers a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management as well as a graduate certificate in Sports Management, and these programs can be pursued entirely online. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage effectively in a wide variety of sports-related settings. Many graduates pursue positions in intercollegiate athletics, both professional and amateur sports, and sports marketing firms. This program is meant to be an 18 - 24 month program of study, and students are able to pursue an accelerated option where they will complete their degree in as little as 12 months.
The online Master of Science in Sport Management at Georgia Southern University is designed as a part-time program so that students can continue to work while taking classes. The curriculum requires students to complete 12 courses, and students can complete the degree in as little as two years. When reviewing applicants, the faculty considers factors such as previous coursework related to the sport management curriculum; professional experience, including any experience in the sports industry, even as a volunteer; academic performance; personal statement of career goals; and GRE or GMAT score. Students can only enter the program in the fall.
20,459 Students
Gonzaga University offers a Master of Sport & Athletic Administration, which can be earned entirely online. With Gonzaga's Jesuit traditions, the program provides a unique experience for both traditional and online students alike. The mission of the program is to prepare students for a successful career within the field of sport administration. Admission cycles for this program begin in the fall, and the curriculum of the program is interdisciplinary, including courses such as Sport & Athletic Promotions, Sport Media and Communication, and Sport & Athletics in Social Context. Online courses are available in a shorter 8-week semester structure, and the online program generally takes about two years to complete.
Indiana State University offers a Master of Science that can be pursued entirely online. The goal of the program is to provide working professionals with the opportunity to advance their career within the sports industry. The program consists of 36 credit hours, and it focuses on preparing students to enter or advance in the field of sport management while concentrating specifically on sport marketing, sport finance, the governance of sport, sport law, event and facility planning, and also management functions. There are no residency requirements in the program, and students may complete their coursework entirely online. The core content of the degree program focuses on the eight competency areas established by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM).
The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Jacksonville State University offers a Master of Science in Sport Management which can be pursued in entirely online courses. The mission of the program is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter or advance in the field of sports management. The program consists of 31 - 34 graduate semester credit hours, and there is an option for students to earn Class A teacher certification as well. The program adheres to all requirements established by The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.
Graduate & Professional Studies at Lansell College offers a Master of Science in Sport Management that can be pursued online. This degree is available in three concentrations: Sport Leadership, Sport Hospitality Management, and Sport Non-Profit Management. Lansell's M.S. in Sport Management is entirely online with no residency requirement. The online courses are taught by the same highly qualified faculty as the on campus classes, and online students are given the same services as students who pursue degrees on campus. Students enrolled in this program will take courses such as Current Issues in Sports, Managing Diversity in Sport Organization, and Sport Leadership to Shape the Future.
Liberty University offers a Master of Science in Sport Management with four different concentrations: General, Outdoor Adventure Sport, Sport Administration, and Tourism. All of these concentrations may be pursued online. The program prepares students to excel within the field of the sport management industry. The Outdoor Adventure Sport concentration provides students with the opportunity to develop the adventure-based and management skills necessary for a career in outdoor recreation, the Sport Administration concentration gives students the knowledge and skills they need to develop sports organizations, and the Tourism concentration develops the marketing and management skills that are required for a successful career in the tourism industry. Students enrolled in this program will take such courses as Social Issues in Sport Management.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at McKendree University has a program in sports management designed for students with career goals such as managing a sports facility or fitness center, or working for a sports-focused business or community organization. Students take courses covering topics such as sports and health psychology, legal aspects of sports management, sports financing and budgeting, and sports facility and event management. Students also work an internship to get practical experience in applying their education to real-world problems. McKendree requires students to earn 120 credits, including general education requirements, to complete the degree. Online classes are offered in an eight-week format, and many students take two courses per eight-week term.
Midwestern State University offers a Master of Education in Sport Administration, which may be pursued by students entirely online. The goal of the program is to prepare students for administrative and management positions in sport-related fields. Graduates of the program often go on to pursue career opportunities in school sports, professional sports, college sports, sport events, government entities, and fitness organizations. Students enrolled in this program will take courses that explore topics such as organizational leadership, media and community relations, and applied research.
6,043 Students
Missouri Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Master of Science in Sport Management, which can both be pursued online. These programs are meant to help students to develop the skills to manage sport programs at many different levels. The bachelor's degree is a 120-credit hour program, and there are no residency requirements. The Master's degree program is meant to prepare students to effectively manage sport-related enterprises such as intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, sport-marketing firms, professional and amateur sports, and special-event management. These programs offer online students the same experience as students who attend on campus.
National University has an online Associate of Science in Professional Golf Management for students interested in a career in the golf industry. Students in the program take courses covering topics such as history of sport, philosophy of coaching, facilities operations, accounting and business practices, player development, and sustainable golf and turf management. The associate degree requires 90 quarter units, and students must complete general education requirements along with their major requirements. National University will accept up to 31 transfer quarter-credits for students entering this program.
Northampton Community College offers an Associate of Arts degree in Sports Management online. The goal of this program is to prepare students for entry level positions in the field of sport or to prepare students to transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree. NCC has a transfer agreement with DeSales University that will ensure students have a smooth transition into a bachelor's degree in sports administration. Many graduates of the program go on to become successful sales representatives, directors of sports management, sports partnerships directors, community relations coordinators, and more.
Shorter University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management as well as a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Sport Management online. Both of these degrees offer students a specialized education focused specifically on the sports environment including career opportunities. The M.B.A. is accelerated and may be completed in 12 months. In addition to providing students with the general M.B.A. curriculum, this program gives students an opportunity to explore the business side of sports. Students enrolled in the M.B.A. program may take courses such as Business of Sport, Risk Management in Sport, and Sport Operations & Event Management.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an international Master of Business Administration in Sport Management and a Master of Science in Sport Administration, and both of these programs can be pursued online. The Master of Science in Sport Management can be received with an Athletic Administration Graduate Certificate or with an International Sport Management Certificate. The M.B.A. in Sport Management can be completed in as little as 18 months. Both programs focus on learning opportunities with a strong core of business administration. Students enrolled in the M.S. program will take courses such as Sport and Society and Sport Marketing and Media whereas students in the M.B.A. program will take courses such as Internationalization of Sport Business and Management of Sport Organizations.
The online Master of Science in Sport Management at Texas A&M University is a 36-credit, non-thesis program that accepts both full-time and part-time students. The curriculum includes research courses and sport management core courses covering topics such as financial and personnel management and sport media and marketing. Students also complete electives and a field experience. Admission to the online program is competitive, with accepted students typically having an undergraduate GPA much higher than 3.0 and more than four years of experience in the sport industry. GRE scores are not required, but students may submit them to enhance their application. Students can start the program in any semester.
63,813 Students
Troy University provides online options for degrees in sport management at the bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. level. Undergrads can earn a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management with a concentration in sport management. The Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Management with a concentration in sport management is a 36-credit program with a thesis or non-thesis option. Master's candidates can gain real-world experience through an optional internship. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and must submit MAT, GMAT, or GRE scores. Troy has the nation's first Ph.D. in Sport Management offered online. Troy sport management grads have found jobs with organizations including the NFL, NBA, and Division I athletic departments.
The U.S. Sports Academy offers a Bachelor of Sports Science, a Master of Sports Science, and a Doctor of Education in Sports Management. All of these degrees can be pursued online. The Doctor of Education in Sports Management program is 66 credit hours, and it prepares students to become private sport entrepreneurs, high school or college athletic directors, and/or college professors of sports management. The school is a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Sports Management program will take courses such as Structure and Function of the Olympic Games, Ethics in Sports, Psychology of Elite Performance, and Group Dynamics in Sports.
Students without a sport-related baccalaureate might look to UCMO's Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. All they need is an introductory management course and they're set to apply. Successful applicants choose between a thesis and an internship in this completely online program. Both options share five required core courses in law, marketing, finance, leadership and public relations, but the former mandates two research courses instead of just one and limits enrollees to one elective. The internship option is more freewheeling, letting students explore multiple electives; in exchange, however, they must complete 33 credits, whereas thesis students stop at 30.
14,395 Students
Despite being completely online, Cincy's MS in Sport Administration is most beneficial to local students. That's because graduates may take advantage of the program's connections with college and high school athletic departments in the area. They should be qualified for roles as athletic directors, media relations directors, facility managers or event directors. Just one year in length, the MS makes it easy to get started: There are three enrollment dates, and applicants with a 3.0 don't need to submit GRE results. Finishing up may be painless as well, as the school lets students choose between a final thesis, project or portfolio to graduate. Before that, however, they must finish coursework in finances, sales, public relations and marketing.
With required coursework in Economics, Marketing and Psychology, the BS in Sport Management at University of Florida is broad enough to appeal to both aspiring sports agents and budding university athletic directors. An internship takes up the entire final semester. The MS in Sport Management is more specialized, letting students choose between Athlete Development, High Performance Coaching, and Sport Law. The 36-credit program values applicants with some experience working in the sport industry. Up to 15 credits may be earned through a combination of a practicum and internship. The former is essentially part-time work experience that can be completed at any time, while the latter comprises 20 to 40 hours a week of on-site management.
50,645 Students
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers a Master of Science in Education in Sports Administration, and the degree can be pursued entirely online. The program is 36 credit hours, and it will provide students with the necessary preparation for successful careers as athletic directors, sports marketing managers, sports information directors, and other athletic administrative roles. The degree can be completed in as little as a year, but it also allows working professionals the flexibility to work full-time and pursue an online degree. Students enrolled in the program will take such courses as Sport Psychology, Sport Marketing, Management & Leadership in Sport, and The Administration of Special Programs.
The University of Northwestern Ohio offers an Associate Degree in Sport Marketing and Management as well as a Baccalaureate Degree in Sport Marketing and Management online. The program gives students the opportunity to learn how the principles of management and marketing can apply to the sport and recreation industry. Students in this program will acquire the necessary leadership, business, and management skills to have successful sports business careers. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level positions in areas like communications, sales, event marketing and management, community relations, promotions, and game operations. Students enrolled in the program will take courses such as Principles of Sport Management, Managing Fitness Concepts, History of Sport in the United States, and Sport in Society.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Master of Science in Sport Management entirely online. This program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to have successful careers in the sports industry. The program is also available with an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management. Graduates of the program go on to work in business management, sports event security management, and more. The program consists of 36 credit hours, and students enrolled in the program will take courses such as Financial Management in Sport, Socio-Ethical Issues in Sport, and Sport Marketing and Public Relations.
The School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Master of Education in Sport Leadership, and this degree can be pursued online. This degree is presented in video conferences, and there are no residency requirements. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of professional and amateur sports organizations. This program is interdisciplinary, and it is 36 credit hours minimum. Students in the program will take courses such as Research Methods in Sport, Foundations of Coaching, Sport Media and Communications, and Sports Psychology.
The Master of Arts in Sports Administration at Wayne State is a 30-credit program geared toward careers in amateur or professional athletics. Although the MA is an online program, the school pulls adjunct faculty from the Detroit area, with lecturers including the Director of Marketing for the Detroit Tigers and a local college athletic director. Courses cover everything from finance to marketing to risk management, and the final hurdle is a six-credit internship with a sports team anywhere in the world. The department employs its own internship coordinator to assist students with placements.
Wesley College offers a Master of Arts in Sport Leadership that can be pursued online. The program can be completed in two years, and courses are offered in seven-week semesters. This degree is meant for working professionals within the sports industry who would like to advance their careers and fill leadership roles. The degree is available in a coaching track and a sport management track. Graduates of the program often pursue positions as recreation leaders, athletic administrators, director of leisure programs, and more. Students enrolled in the program will take such courses as Legal Aspects of Sport, Sport Leadership Organization and Administration, and Sport Leadership Communication.
Wilmington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management as well as a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Sports Management for students to pursue in their entirety in online courses. The B.S. degree is designed to prepare students for entry level positions within the field of sports management whereas the M.S. degree is meant to prepare students to enter or advance their positions within the field. The M.S. program consists of 36 credit hours, and students enrolled in the program will take such courses as Strategy in Organizations, Leadership Development and Change Management, Business Strategy in Sports Administration, and Sports Economics and Finance.
Let’s say you’ve committed to studying sports management, chosen a degree level, and found three or four programs that suit your goals. Is there any way to whittle that shortlist down to one? You bet. Just ask yourself the following questions:
If you’re worried about any university offering an online program in sports management, find the state where the university is located and then have a look at our Online State Rankings. Under each state, we have a detailed list of Online Schools with Accreditation & Quality Concerns.
The following universities appear in our rankings of Top Affordable Schools for Sports Management and Top Online Schools for Sports Management. That means they have met some extremely tough criteria for quality, flexibility, price, and use of financial aid money (you’ll see a CAG Score next to their profiles).
Canisius’s Online MSA is administered by the School of Education & Human Services, but you’ll find Graduate Tuition & Fees listed under the Office of Student Records & Financial Services. The Office has an extensive advice section on Financing Graduate School, including tips on Graduate Student Aid (e.g. federal student loans), discounts for employees of certain partners, and religious scholarships.
Trying to expand your career prospects? Canisius encourages MSA students to participate in internship opportunities that are coordinated through its alumni network. You can also pursue independent research and gain practical experience & credentials in the sports industry via the college’s Institute for Research in Sport (IRIS).
GSU’s Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology in the Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP) has the rundown on its Online MS in Sport Management. The latest tuition & fees are listed in the Office of Student Accounts. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per credit hour rate. The Office of Financial Aid can assist with federal aid applications.
There are no specific WCHP scholarships open to MS in Sport Management students, but GSU has developed a detailed Career Opportunities section, which includes a list of useful professional associations, for its sport management graduate students.
Both the West College of Education and MSU Distance Education have details on MSU’s Online MEd in Sport Administration. Current tuition rates are posted by the Business Office. The Graduate School has a separate section on Scholarships & Financial Aid; the West College also lists internal education scholarships.
Texas A&M’s Department of Health & Kinesiology (HLKN) in the College of Education and Human Development handles its Online MS in Sport Management. The Office of Student Business Services has the intel on tuition & fees—all online students in distance education courses pay the same differential tuition. The Office of Student Financial Aid can answer questions on graduate aid.
Looking for scholarships? Texas A&M posts university opportunities for graduate/professional student scholarships, as well as additional scholarships from outside sources. The Graduate Merit and Graduate Diversity Fellowship is open to first-time graduate students. (The HLKN department nominates students for the fellowship.) See the Graduate and Professional Studies section on funding opportunities for more info and ideas.
UCMO’s Online MS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management falls under the control of the College of Health, Science, and Technology (CHST). But it’s UCMOnline that has the details on online tuition rates & fees. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same rates. The Office of Student Financial Services supplies financial assistance for graduate students.
UCMO’s Academic Works website lists all its internal scholarships. You should also check out the list of UCM Foundation Scholarships for students of the Graduate School and Extended Studies.
UF Online has the full details on its Online BS in Sport Management, including an entire section on undergraduate tuition & financial aid; Florida residents receive a massive discount on tuition! The Office of Student Financial Affairs (SFA) is your first port of call for help with federal aid packages & scholarships. Current and former members of the U.S. Armed Services may qualify for assistance programs or out-of-state tuition waivers—visit UF Veterans Services for details.
Meanwhile, prospective graduate students can check out UF Distance Learning for the scoop on the Online MS in Sport Management. The program website has a section on tuition & aid (in-state and out-of-state students pay the same rates). You may be considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission—UF recommends you talk to an Academic Coordinator for details. You can also explore grant, scholarship, and loan options through the SFA section on graduate students.
Whatever your final choice, we recommend you opt for a university or college that holds regional accreditation. This accreditation is given to a institution, not an individual department or program, so it encompasses both on-campus and online degrees.
Earning an online qualification from a regionally accredited school will make it easier for you to transfer credits; qualify for federal aid; apply for student loans, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement; and gain acceptance into graduate programs. Many regionally accredited schools will not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.
Are you considering an Online BBA or MBA? You may wish to see if the business school has accreditation from one of the following accrediting bodies:
AACSB is often considered the gold standard, but we take a closer look at all 3 accreditations in our guide to Affordable MBA Programs.
The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) was created by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) in 2008. It’s the only organization offering discipline specific accreditation in sport management.
COSMA will accredit online degrees in sports management at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. Having said that, there are plenty of strong distance learning programs in our rankings that haven’t pursued the accreditation. You may want to use it as just one factor in your decision-making process.
View a list of COSMA-accredited sports management programs.
Aspiring sports agents should be aware of three important things concerning licensure:
We cover licensure in our guide to Affordable Sports Management Degrees, but we wanted to point out that licenses may have minimum education requirements. For example, sports agents in the NFL must hold an undergraduate and a postgraduate degree (Masters or Law) from an accredited college/university. Regionally accredited online degrees should meet the requirements, but check with the licensing body if you have any doubts.
Once you’ve completed any mandatory licensure, you may also want to think about earning a professional certification with an independent organization (e.g. Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE)). These voluntary qualifications show potential employers that you’re serious about your career.
You’ll often find info about certification options on the university’s program website. For example, UF clearly states that its Online MS in Sport Management with a specialization in Athlete Development will qualify students to pursue certification through the Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS). When in doubt, ask!
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