A degree in sports management online focuses on the business side of the sports industry, covering areas like management, marketing, finance, and law. With the flexibility of online learning, students build the expertise needed for roles in collegiate athletics, professional leagues, and other sports organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Louisiana State University excels with the highest median earnings for graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration program, at $54,654 per year.
- The University of Florida's Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program stands out with a remarkable graduation rate of 90%, placing it in the top 3% nationally.
- Southern New Hampshire University Online boasts an impressive online enrollment of 135,584.
OnlineU's program methodology compares the real-world outcomes of online school alumni while also considering how many online students are enrolled at each institution. These metrics help you decide which online sports management program meets your academic and career goals.
2025 Best Degrees in Sports Management Online
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Earnings | A | $54,654 | 1,005 | A- | $52,028 | 927 | B+ | $50,460 | 1,457 | B+ | $49,811 | 39,206 | B- | $45,532 | 3,046 |
Online degree: Why we like them: The high median earnings of $54,654 for graduates of LSU's online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration program places it in the top 12% nationwide for post-graduation salary, highlighting the significant return on investment. LSU enrolls just over 1,000 online students and 1,421 military students while offering fully accredited programs by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), emphasizing its adherence to high standards and flexibility. The curriculum covers a wide range of pertinent topics, including sport commerce, ethical and legal issues, and financial aspects, equipping you with a holistic education in the field. #2
Online degree: Why we like them: UMN UU直播 earns its place on our list due to its impressive median earnings of $54,452, positioning it in the top 12% nationally for this metric. This high earning potential is reinforced by a strong online enrollment of 2,003 students, placing the institution in the top 23% of universities, and indicating a healthy digital learning environment. The bachelor's degree covers a range of topics including sports law, facility and event management, sports marketing, and sports finance and economics. Additionally, with experiential learning opportunities through internships, job shadowing, studying abroad, and networking, you gain practical skills that enhance employability. #3 (tie)
Online degree: Why we like them: UI excels in helping graduates gain a Bachelor's in Sport and Recreation Management and achieve a median salary of $52,028, placing the school in the top 20% for this metric. This high-earnings potential comes from UI's comprehensive curriculum that integrates a unique business approach, preparing you efficiently for diverse career opportunities in fields such as community recreation, intercollegiate athletic departments, and professional sports organizations. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through field experiences, ensuring you gain practical experience along with theoretical knowledge. #4
Online degree: Why we like them: UF's median graduate salary is $50,460, situating it in the top 26% nationally. If we examine the popularity of UF's online programs, it boasts significant online enrollment (1,457 students), placing it in the top 29% of schools in the nation. This bachelor's degree features core courses like Social Issues in Sport, Sport Operations and Facility Design, and Sport Marketing. These foundation courses focus on management, marketing, finance, and law and are aimed at equipping you with the essential skills. Elective options such as The Legal Environment of Business and Entrepreneurship, and the inclusion of a 12-week internship, ensure a well-rounded academic experience. #5
Online degree: Why we like them: CU Chicago's Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management has impressive median earnings of $50,212, placing it in the top 27% across similar programs. This indicates a strong return on investment for graduates who enter the competitive sports management industry. The program is delivered entirely online, offering you the ultimate flexibility to study from anywhere at your own pace. The curriculum includes practical courses such as Foundations of Sports Management and a capstone course that emphasizes real-world application and networking, further enhancing your employability upon graduation. CU Chicago is also committed to integrating faith into its online programs. #6
Online degree: Why we like them: Graduates of APUS earn a median salary of $49,811. It also has a notable online enrollment of 39,206 students, placing it in the top 1% for online student populations. This substantial engagement, matched with a solid return on investment, highlights APUS's capacity to deliver quality education at scale. The online Bachelor of Science in Sports Management program is designed to enhance your understanding of sports administration and strategy, encompassing areas such as sports finance, law, marketing, events, and facility operations. This program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), ensuring a high-quality, industry-relevant curriculum. #7
Online degree: Why we like them: USI's online sports management degree boasts median graduate earnings of $46,368, placing it in the top 54% of all institutions for this metric. As an online USI student, you can tailor your studies to fit specific career goals with concentrations like Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Sports. Coursework is entirely online, allowing for flexibility and accessibility, crucial for working professionals. USI's curriculum is designed to be completed in three years, making it an accelerated path to entering the workforce. You also gain practical insights from faculty with extensive industry experience, enhancing your readiness for the job market. #8
Online degree: Why we like them: Maryville stands out with a $45,531 median salary for graduates, indicating a high quality, career-driven curriculum. For example, you will benefit from Maryville's strong academic and professional partnership with Rawlings Sporting Goods, enhancing the real-world relevance and marketability of your degree. The program requires completing 128 credits, including core courses in business and sports management, with the option to specialize in Results-Centered Sales or Sport Data Analytics. This tailored and industry-relevant curriculum is designed in partnership with industry leaders like Rawlings to ensure you acquire the most current skills needed for success in the sports business field. #9
Online degree: Why we like them: MBU stands out due to its favorable median earnings of $45,163 for graduates, placing it marginally above average compared to other institutions. The sports management program requires 42 major semester hours with courses designed to equip graduates with skills for sports administration, facilities management, and sports media, among other fields. This is supplemented by a well-rounded education comprising at least 37-38 semester hours in general education and an 18-credit minor in business administration. When combined with a generous transfer policy allowing up to 96 credits, it's clear that MBU's program is accessible and relevant. #10
Online degree: Why we like them: Shorter's median earnings for graduates are $45,143. This figure indicates that Shorter's sport management program effectively prepares you for a financially rewarding career. The sport management program's curriculum is comprehensive, covering foundational courses, business administration, and specialized sport management subjects. The inclusion of courses like Sport Marketing, Sport Psychology, and Event and Facility Management ensures that you are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the industry. The curriculum also emphasizes leadership through courses like Leadership in Sport, ensuring graduates are prepared for managerial roles. #11
Online degree: Why we like them: Graduates of Davenport earn a median annual salary of $44,981. Its online enrollment of 1,607 students is even more impressive, placing it in the top 26% of universities with the highest number of students studying remotely, a clear marker of its strong digital infrastructure and ability to deliver quality online education. The program blends business administration with sport management, covering topics in finance, marketing, economics, and sports analytics. You'll also gain practical experience through two internships, positioning you well for the job market. It's accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. #12
Online degree: Why we like them: SNHU's most notable metric is its astonishingly high online enrollment statistics. The university boasts one of the highest number of online students in the nation at 135,584. This substantial virtual community can offer you a rich learning environment, fostering interactions with a diverse cohort of peers. However, it's important to keep in mind that graduate earnings only reach a median salary of $38,971. You will encounter classes such as Global Sport Business, Sport Marketing, and Introduction to Sport Management. Courses are delivered on eight-week terms with 24/7 online support. A capstone course and internship are included to give you real-world experience. #13
Online degree: Why we like them: ASU is capable of delivering a quality sports business program, as indicated by the fact that 50,637 students enrolled online, placing it in the top 1% nationally. This substantial online presence is complimented by the fact that graduates earn a median salary of $30,592 four years after they enter the workforce. ASU's sports business program offers a curriculum that includes 40 courses, requiring the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses are designed to be completed in 7.5 weeks each, allowing for an accelerated path to degree completion. From marketing and analytics to fan behavior and media relations, the curriculum prepares you with skills that are directly applicable to the sports industry. #14
Online degree: Why we like them: LU earns our recommendation primarily for its substantial online enrollment, with 35,243 distance learners participating in its various online programs. This places Liberty among the top 1% of universities in the United States for online enrollment, demonstrating its capacity to deliver quality education at scale. Additionally, LU graduates earn a median salary of $41,591, showing the potential return on investment graduates receive in the four years after they finish their sports management degree. There are six cognates available online, including Sport Outreach, Sport Administration, and Sport Venue Management. Minors can also be added, like Coaching and Sport Management. #15
Online degree: Why we like them: PU Global is one of our top picks primarily because of its impressive online enrollment. If you were to compare Purdue Global's online enrollment of 33,392 students with that of other universities, you would find it in the top 1% for the highest number of students studying online, underscoring its capacity to deliver quality education on a large scale. PU Global's program is 100% online, offered in a 3-week trial period at no cost, and allows you to earn your degree in as few as four years. With concentrations like Sport Entertainment Management, Purdue Global ensures you gain industry-relevant skills, such as managing sports programs, sports sponsorships, and sports analytics. #16
Online degree: Why we like them: The primary factor that makes CSU highly ranked is its impressive online enrollment, positioning it among the top 2% of institutions with the highest number of students studying online. This robust online presence demonstrates the university's ability to deliver quality education at scale. Because this is a business administration degree first and foremost, it has a practical curriculum that is blended with business theory to train you for leadership roles. Therefore, the best career options for CSU graduates can be found in sports marketing, facility operations, sport front office administration, sport PR leadership, and corporate partnership management. #17
Online degree: Why we like them: BU provides extensive online education opportunities, as evidenced by its significant online enrollment of over 10,100 students. When comparing its online enrollment against other universities, BU ranks in the top 2% nationwide. The university’s Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management is accessible and highly adaptable to your lifestyle, enabling you to balance academic pursuits with other commitments seamlessly. There's a required internship that offers substantial hands-on experience and the development of professional skills crucial for career readiness. The flexible online courses cover marketing, finance, ethics, and management for the sports industry. #18
Online degree: Why we like them: WilmU shines for its substantial online enrollment of 7,008 students, placing it within the top 3% of institutions with the highest number of online learners. This demonstrates the university's extensive experience and capability in delivering quality education remotely. The sport management concentration is delivered as part of a business management degree, allowing you to gain traditional business skills while focusing a portion of your coursework on the sports industry. You'll engage in courses like Sport Management, Sport Media Relations, and Financing Sport Operations. A two-part internship is also included as part of the concentration's curriculum. #19 (tie)
Online degree: Why we like them: The primary reason to consider Franklin for an online sports management degree is its capability to deliver remote programs, as proven by its strong online enrollment of 5,224 students, placing it in the top 7% of universities. The curriculum for the online Bachelor of Science in Sport Management covers essential business concepts applied within the sports context, including marketing, law, and finance. There are 120 required credits, 75% of which can be transferred from another institution. Required courses include Sports Communication and Public Relations, Sports Law, and Sport Facility and Event Management. There are also unique courses such as Introduction to Esports. #19 (tie)
Online degree: Why we like them: Keiser has a significant online enrollment with 8,209 remote learners, placing it within the top 3% of universities with the highest number of online students. This strong presence in online education underscores Keiser's dedication to accessibility and flexibility. Keiser integrates an internship within its curriculum, enabling you to gain practical experience in the sports industry, thus enhancing your employability upon graduation. Courses are taken one at a time, allowing you to give each subject the attention it deserves. You'll study topics like how consumers engage with sports and daily management responsibilities for sports organizations. #20
Online degree: Why we like them: CC's online enrollment is noteworthy, placing it within the top 12% of universities that have the highest number of students studying online. This highlights the school’s substantial capacity to deliver quality education in a remote environment. Military enrollment is also very strong (2,171), placing CC in the top 4% for GI Bill students, signaling significant support for armed forces members. This degree program includes a business analytics framework along with targeted sports management courses covering sports finance, sports and event marketing, and sports and society, preparing you for multiple career paths in the sports industry. #21
Online degree: Why we like them: UofM excels in online enrollment with 3,461 students, placing in the top 13% of universities for distance learners. The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Leisure Management is meant to equip you with essential skills for excelling in the sports and sports-related industries, including tourism and recreation. Key courses include Commercial Recreation and Tourism, Sport and Leisure as Popular Culture, and Financial Management in Sport and Leisure Services. This breadth of study prepares you for diverse career roles such as sports event coordinator, public relations manager, and fitness manager, among others, providing excellent professional flexibility. #22
Online degree: Why we like them: RU Online hosts 3,418 online students, positioning it in the top 13% of institutions for online enrollment and ensuring you join a well-established and active remote learning community. This Bachelor of Science in Business with a Sports Management concentration prepares you for the multifaceted world of sports management, with career outcomes including sports agent, game day specialist, and sports statistician. Over the 120 required credits, you'll study the principles, marketing techniques, legal issues, and economics of sports management. Since RU is a faith-based institution, you'll engage in Christian values along with your core sports management curriculum. #23
Online degree: Why we like them: Monroe's strong online enrollment (2,681) places it among the top 17% of institutions with the highest digital student populations, underscoring its ability to deliver quality education remotely. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management includes coursework in business management systems, project management, and financial management tailored specifically for sports organizations. It also features a 120-hour internship requirement, providing practical experience with notable organizations like Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. Completing this degree in less than three years is possible due to Monroe's three-semester academic calendar. Student Reviews of Online Sports Management ProgramsHave been in the school for just a little over 6 months. I think they have the right people in place. I think the professors/instructors bring in their individuality, and also have a good sense of helping out students. They are very active in discussion boards, and are also aware of issues through e-mail. The only thing that is growing tiresome, and making me completely unmotivated, is the fact of writing paper...after paper....after paper. Every single class has had a "milestone" that is due, and... Read More Review Date: 6/5/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The University of Texas at Austin is an amazing school located in the amazing city of Austin, Texas that offers world-class events such as Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest Festival. Schools such as the McCombs School of Business and the Moody College of Communication are highly-ranked nationally, and UTs alumni network spans 482,000+ that allows for a vast network after you graduate. Review Date: 3/17/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes The most important factor that attributes to my school's overall greatness is that availability of online courses/degrees. My entire bachelors degree was earned online and I loved the convenience of it. A variety of classes are also available. I also like that my school provides me with early enrollment because it allows me to register for the classes I need ahead of time. Review Date: 12/27/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes American Military University was the best option for me. The condensed 8 week online courses allowed me to accomplish more classes throughout the year. Taking classes online gave me the flexibility to get class work done when time allowed. I was able to achieve a positive work/life/college balance thanks to the flexible schedule at AMU. I would recommend this school to all military members wishing to pursue higher education. I had a great experience and I look forward to graduate school. Review Date: 2/1/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Henderson State was a great place to call home for the past four years. My college experience was everything I could ask for. At the start of my college career I started out in the wrong major, and then I fell behind because I was not content. With all honesty, I failed a class, and my GPA slipped. I believe that was the moment I realized something wasnt right. I can say I matured a lot when I transitioned into a sophomore. Once I got on the right track and found sports management, there has been... Read More Review Date: 8/7/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No If it was not for the UCF DeVos Undergraduate Sport Business program, I would not be prepared for graduate school in the slightest nor would I have been accepted into two exceptional univerisities to obtain my MBA. When I was a senior in high school, I had every one of my peers and their mother telling me to choose either Florida State University of University of Florida for my bachelor's, but something in me pulled me towards the University of Central Florida. During my sophomore year, I met Professor... Read More Review Date: 3/23/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes This school made me feel comfortable. The small class sizes really helped me to have on-on-one time with the professors and get to know them personally. I was a student -athlete and the teachers worked well with me to get all my classwork and homework done in a timely manner. With this said, I graduated as a student-athlete with a 4.0 with the help of my professors and coach working together to fit my educational needs. Academics was the number one priority. I learned everything that I needed to... Read More Review Date: 8/24/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes If you are rich this is your school! A bunch of spoiled , bratty empty headed rich kids have this school wrapped around their fingers! Single parent kids are screwed here! Don鈥檛 bother administration bends over backwards for money they could care less about diversity and less it鈥檚 backed by millions. No diversity ! Review Date: 2/3/2023 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No Sport management was a huge disappointment for a major. I didn鈥檛 realize until I was further into the major that no sport companies recruit and there are almost no decent paying jobs in the field. A joke. Professors do little to create meaningful job opportunities which continue to be an issue even years after the students leave Rice. Review Date: 1/8/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a great college to attend. I may be a little biased but that's just because it has a huge variety of majors that can lead you into your dream job. The professors are really hands on, and the diversity which the school has amazing. I would recommend this University to anyone who is trying to further their education and wants the best college experience possible. Review Date: 8/28/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The sport management program was outstanding. I am now furthering my education and receiving my masters here on ESU campus. The program helped me understand More about my career in sport marketing and on the business side of sports. I am prepared for the next chapter in my life. Review Date: 9/5/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Colorado Mesa University is a phenomenal education institution. During my three years at CMU, I had vast educational and extracurricular opportunities. The school provides substantial amounts of financial aid (both federal and institutional). Since my freshman year, I was honored both merit scholarships and work-study. CMU is extremely engaged in their students' lives and providing the best opportunities and experiences; for example, while the school does not have unlimited work-study or federal... Read More Review Date: 9/29/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I absolutely loved Rutgers, it is the most diverse school in the nation and one of the leading schools in academics. I was an out of state student while majority of the students at Rutgers were from in state. Although a lot of the students knew each other and grew up with each other that was ok because Rutgers has so many organizations to offer. There truly is something for everyone. The one down side is if you are from out of state and need financial aid, it is very difficult to obtain but if you... Read More Review Date: 12/4/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I am still currently in college and it is my first year here at Kearney. Overall, it's a great school and I like it. It has nice upperclassmen dorms, a good cafeteria, and the classes are great. The professors know you by name and are willing to help. My mistake for the first semester was taking classes that are too hard for me, so my advice is don't be afraid to ask questions about the class so then you can make sure it is in your capability. Review Date: 10/19/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Hands down ETSU was the best decision for my undergraduate degree. After some trail and error I found the degree that would set me on the career path of my dreams. I focused in Park and Recreation Management and I couldn't have made a better decision! From the time I entered my major I found that the professors were great and they really want what is best for their students. I would find myself spending extra time in the classrooms and office hours just to soak up as much information as possible.... Read More Review Date: 7/25/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Hands down ETSU was the best decision for my undergraduate degree. After some trail and error I found the degree that would set me on the career path of my dreams. I focused in Park and Recreation Management and I couldn't have made a better decision! From the time I entered my major I found that the professors were great and they really want what is best for their students. I would find myself spending extra time in the classrooms and office hours just to soak up as much information as possible.... Read More Review Date: 7/31/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I absolutely loved and appreciated my time at SUNY Cortland. The people and opportunities brought to me at Cortland were forever life-altering. My favorite and most influential part of my undergraduate experience were the people I met; friends, professors, mentors. I had people guide me every step of the way and help me become the best version of myself. My favorite opportunity brought to me at SUNY Cortland was studying abroad. During my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Australia and it was the... Read More Review Date: 10/21/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The University of Tennessee (UT) is filled with tradition and excellence. Through the Sports Management program, I was able to network with various professionals within collegiate athletics. If you aspire to work in the world of collegiate athletics, UT is the school for you. Although the classes may not be rigorous, you will learn more than you ever expected with professors who have prior experience in the industry. The program is geared around your experience and how you can succeed based on what... Read More Review Date: 3/16/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Currently at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I am majoring in Sports Administration with a minor in Business administration, as well as pursuing my masters in Sport Science and Kinesiology. For my bachelors degree I was required to enroll in classes like Prevention and Care of Injuries, Motor Behavior, and Management Facilities and Events in Sports. I felt that my required courses allowed me to learn about both the financial and physical aspects of the sport industry which will be helpful in... Read More Review Date: 1/17/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No This is a fantastic school to start out in! The campus is beautiful and the environment really is conducive to learning. Being a newer school, the facilities are fresh and clean. There's many resources all over campus which you can use from academic help to personal health. The class sizes are very manageable. Everything you need can be found through gulfline and if you have questions people are available to help. Review Date: 8/5/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Why Trust Us?27 Data Researchers 60,000 Degrees Researched Annually 20,000 Hours Spent on Research Annually Launching Rankings Since 2009 Related Articles |
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