Online and Distance Learning

A sports management degree program can help you get a successful career in the world of sport, even though you might not be athletic.  This page will help you to find out more about sport management study and to locate suitable university degree programs.

But what is sports management?  To make a successful career in the world of sport, you don't have to be a player - you can instead be employed in sports managment.  But you do need two things: the first is a passion for most sports, and the second is a degree in sports management.

There is a variety of challenging and lucrative sports management jobs available, and many career paths to choose from.  Professional sporting teams employ many staff members, in various roles, e.g., as coaches, trainers, athletics directors, recruiters, marketers and publicists.  All these roles are aspects of sports management. This page looks at some of them briefly.

You might also like to check the sports psychology PhD page for details of advanced programs and careers.

Which schools offer online sports management degree programs?

The following list shows the recommended schools for sports management programs or degrees in which you can take a sports management major.  The list also shows other programs relevant to a career in sports management:

• Grand Canyon University
  • BS in Business Administration - Sports Management

• University of the Rockies
  • Master of Arts in Psychology - Sports and Performance Psychology
  • Doctor of Psychology - Sports and Performance Psychology 

• Capella University
  • MS - Sport Psychology

• Full Sail University
  • BS Sports Marketing and Media
  • Master of Science in Entertainment Business with Sports Management Electives

• Liberty University - Online
  • Master of Science in Sports Management

• Browse more schools and programs at the foot of the page

• Search for sports management degree programs

What jobs do graduates get?

As already mentioned, there are many possible careers in sports management, because it is such a diverse field.  Coaching is a great option if you want to be heavily involved in a sporting activity that you are passionate about. For this, you need to have playing experience and have enjoyed some personal success. In addition, a comprehensive knowledge of the game is imperative. This includes all the rules, regulations, and everything else attached to it.

When you graduate in sports management, you can start a coaching career by working as a high school or college coach. As you build up your resume, you can then better opportunities. Alternatively, you could become a trainer who works alongside a coach. Trainers keep the team physically fit, organize their nutrition, and overall health. To work as a trainer, your coursework study should have included subjects like physiology and anatomy.

If you love all sports, another position to be pursued is that of an Athletics Director. Again, you can work in a high school or college environment, or seek employment with a professional sporting association. The main components of this job are management and marketing. In a similar line, there is the opportunity to work as an Events Manager. This work involves organizing tickets, supervising staff, coordinating schedules, marketing, and advertising.

Many professional sports teams employ Recruiters or Scouts. Their job is to hunt down new players for the team. Sometimes, this may include poaching players from opposing teams. For this job, excellent negotiating and business skills are necessary, plus the ability to build relationships and trust. You may be involved in discussing the terms and conditions of the new player's contract.

Marketing is one of the most important areas of sports, and its primary focus is on making money. In this environment, you work with manufacturers, advertisers, designers, and writers to create an exciting marketing strategy for your team. Other tasks include maintaining the team's website, contacting companies for sponsorship, and making deals with advertisers to promote their products at events.

Another option is apply for a position as a Public Relations Officer. This is somewhat similar to marketing, yet not as aggressive. The basic duties are to liaise with the media, organize TV and radio interviews for the players, and planning contests or concerts during half-time at games. Once you have gained experience, a future prospect is to become a player's personal agent. This involves negotiating contracts, securing sponsorship deals, and generally acting on behalf of your player in many spheres.

What are the prospects for graduates?

In the USA, the future is very bright for anyone with a sports management qualification. Up to the year 2018, the Bureau of Labor predicts that job employment opportunities will keep pace with other professional occupations. Many jobs will become vacant due to the increasing number of baby-boomers about to retire. It is difficult to give an average sports management salary because it comprises so many diverse occupations. Nevertheless, the earning potential is excellent, especially with a masters in sports management.

With a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology it is possible to obtain faculty positions at universities and community colleges. In the US, an Assistant Professor would earn about US$54,000, an Associate Professor about US$67,000, and a full Professor would earn about US$85,000.

For more schools and programs