Earn an Online Sports Management Degree
- $320/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
- Accredited by ACBSP
- Real-world internship experience
- Accelerated BS-to-MS Pathway option
Online Sports Management Degree Program Overview
Turn a passion for sports into a career with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sport Management degree online. Our innovative bachelor’s degree program has been preparing students for careers in sports for more than 25 years.
The sports industry continues to evolve. SNHU’s online sports management degree can help you evolve with it. You’ll take a mix of business, liberal arts and sports management courses and gain valuable field experience to help you get in the game.
With a sports management degree, you’ll gain key industry knowledge that will prepare you to handle the demands of a career in sports.
Learn how to:
- Make strategic decisions to help a sport business achieve its mission
- Build relationships between areas of sports business
- Apply sport management principles in an international context
- Understand the role of social responsibility in sports business
- Analyze social, cultural and political influences on sport businesses
- Use coursework to solve real-world problems
Your sports management courses are designed by professionals working in the field. As a result, courses offer cutting-edge learning resources to help prepare you for success in this growing industry.
Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Pathway Option: Earning a master’s degree can set you apart in a competitive field and prepare you for top sports jobs. Our accelerated BS-to-MS pathway can help you earn your degree faster.
The accelerated degree program lets you:
- Save money: Take up to 2 graduate-level courses (6 credits) during your bachelor's program at the online undergraduate tuition rate.
- Save time: Apply your graduate credits to your master's in sports management to complete your program in as fast as one year.
Interested in the BS-to-MS pathway? Talk with your academic advisor to make sure you meet all the academic requirements.
Career Outlook
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the sports market is projected to generate $83.1 billion in 2023 in the United States alone.1
This growth has been fueled by improvements in technology, a focus on marketing and the evolution of sport itself. In 2020, for example, the growing field of esports is projected to generate more than $1 billion of revenue worldwide.2
With an online bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll get the business skills and sports knowledge you need to drive success for a growing sports organization.
With an online sports management degree, you’ll gain key business skills and get important insight into the economics of sport.
After earning your degree, you’ll be positioned for rewarding sports jobs, from facilities management and event coordination to player benefits, communications and marketing.
There are many career options with a sports management degree online, including:
- Athletic director: Lead scholastic, college or professional athletic programs and manage sports schedules and athletic services.
- Facilities manager: Direct grounds and maintenance crews to maintain sports facility safety and appearance.
- Guest relations specialist: Work with guests at sporting events to solve problems, address complaints and create a positive customer experience.
- Marketing assistant: Promote a sports organization and sports events through social media, advertising and other means.
- Promotions manager: Lead advertising programs, sales, special events and contests to increase revenue.
- Media relations assistant: Create and maintain the reputation of a sports organization. Coordinate and assist with media coverage.
- Sales manager: Lead an organization's sales team, setting sales goals and analyzing performance.
- Special events coordinator: Plan and manage operations of special events for sports organizations.
- Sports information director: Provide statistics, player details and other information about a sports organization to the media.
- Tournament director: Coordinate sports tournaments at the scholastic, college and professional level.
Job growth and earning potential will depend on the career you seek with your degree.
For example, event planning jobs earned a median annual salary of $51,560 in 2020 and are projected to grow 8% through 2029.3 Advertising, marketing and promotions managers - important members of any sports organization - earned a median annual salary of $141,490 in 2020.3 Marketing jobs are expected to grow 6% through 2029.3
Your level of education may also affect your earning potential and career growth.
While a bachelor's degree is enough to start most sports management jobs, some leadership roles will require a master’s degree.
A master's in sports management can give you the skills and real-world experience you need to advance your career. The BS-to-MS pathway makes continuing your education a seamless process.
Other sports management degree options are also available. Our bachelor's in business administration degree and online MBA degrees both offer concentrations in sports management. These degrees provide a strong foundation of business and leadership knowledge you can use in a sports career.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Sport Management Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Sports Management Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
As a Southern New Hampshire University student, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 peers, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.4 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
With a sport management degree from SNHU, you’ll have access to up-to-date industry knowledge taught by faculty with years of sports management experience.
The BS in Sport Management gives students a well-rounded education focused on sports-specific career skills.
Sports management courses are designed and reviewed by experts working in the field and align with current industry standards.
“A large percentage of our faculty members currently work in the sports industry and share real world experience directly with our learners,” said Michael Newhouse-Bailey, an associate dean of business at SNHU.
With an online sport management degree, you’ll explore a broad range of industry topics, including:
- Sports marketing and sales
- Brand management
- Facilities management
- Economics of sports
- Ethics and social responsibility
- Global sports business
General business education courses provide a strong foundation of economics, statistics, finance and more. These areas of study will serve you well in a sports management career.
With 18 elective credits available, you’ll also be able to dig deeper into sports and business topics that interest you. Courses in marketing, data analysis or finance can give you specialized experience and help you stand out in a highly competitive field.
Finding success in the sports industry also requires a number of career skills. An online sport management degree can help you develop these sought after skills, including:
- Communication: Effectively share ideas within a sports organization, department or team.
- Collaboration: Build and maintain valuable partnerships.
- Analysis: Gather and review data to make strategic decisions.
- Problem solving: Connect classroom learning and practical experience to solve real-world problems.
You'll get a chance to put these career skills into action when you finish your online sports management degree with an internship. This hands-on experience offers key on-the-job training that can help you reach your goals.
By working closely with advisors and career mentors, you'll learn to apply knowledge from your coursework to real-world scenarios.
Daniel Comstock '20 said his internship was a key part of his sports management learning and helped him land a full-time job offer before graduation.
"There’s something to learn every single day – whether it’s from an athlete, whether it’s from a fellow employee, whether it’s from continuing education that you’re reading – that you can apply to your day to day life," Comstock said.
As an online sport management student, you'll also have a broad range of virtual learning opportunities. A partnership with our esports program, for example, gives sports management students the opportunity to experience this growing field.
You’ll also have access to virtual tutoring, writing services, career services and even online student clubs and organizations. Cloud-based virtual environments in some courses give you access to the technology you need for your degree.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Business core: Business programs require learners to complete the business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
Sport Management Internship Requirements:
- Complete field experience(s) totaling a minimum of 300 hours
- Field experience can be satisfied through either two internships or one internship and one practicum
- Students will work with their advisor and a dedicated career representative to facilitate and track their internship activity
- Additional requirements related to grades and cumulative GPA for sport management major courses
- Internship experience must be U.S. based
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Sport Management |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS Sport Management Online | ||
| SPT 111 | Introduction to Sport Management | This introductory course emphasizes the management principles related to the business of sports. It includes personnel, programs, marketing, media, financial management and an overview of career possibilities in this growing field. |
| SPT 201 | Governance/Management of Sport Organizations | This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the role of governance structures and management in sport organizations. The primary aim is to familiarize students with a basic understanding of organizational structures used in the management and governance of sport. Topics and issues discussed will involve organizational theory, behavior, and governance structures used in amateur, professional, and international sport organizations; and to provide students with an overview of the sport industry, and the issues encountered by managers of sport organizations and how management techniques can be applied to effectively address these issues. |
| SPT 208 | Sport Marketing | Students study current sports marketing problems and apply marketing techniques to develop an effective sports marketing plan. Writing Intensive Course. |
| SPT 333 | Sport, Society, and Ethics | This course examines the major issues and controversies of sport in society. Students will develop an appreciation of the ways sport in society contributes to analyzing and understanding human behavior in sports contexts; and a basic understanding of the theories and principles related to socio-cultural issues and ethics and morality in the sport industry. |
| SPT 360 | Brand Management | Learn how to develop and drive a brand through social media, advertising, marketing, player recognition and the various verticals within a business, with a focus on gaining market share and increased customer loyalty through consumer insights, strategic thinking, and innovation. |
| SPT 401 | Sport Facilities Management | The elements of managing sport facilities, including arenas, stadiums and athletic complexes, form the content of this course. |
| SPT 461 | Seminar in Sport Management (Capstone) | This course serves as the capstone course for the sport management major and concentration. Students will apply the knowledge and skills obtained from courses in order to solve problems that a sport manager is likely to encounter. Instructor permission required. |
| SPT 491 | Sport Management Internship | This closely supervised on-the-job training combines classroom theory with business experience. Students spend one semester working in an environment where sport management practices and principles can be learned firsthand. |
| SPT 492 | Sport Management Internship II | Internship continuation course for online students. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
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Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation—and haven't raised our costs in a decade.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a sports management degree online?
Yes, you can. Earning an online sports management degree lets you attend class when it’s convenient for you. An online degree can also help you balance your coursework with whatever other commitments and responsibilities you may have.
SNHU has six 8-week undergraduate terms each year, so you can finish your degree at your own pace.
You'll have access to student services along the way. These include tutoring, writing assistance, career counseling and wellness programs. Online student clubs and networking opportunities are also available.
Virtual environments in some courses can give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Technology includes software applications, simulations and virtual desktops.
Finally, through gaming with fellow students or engaging in online esports coursework, you can develop a deeper understanding of the fast-growing esports industry.
Interested in esports on our campus? Read more about our college esports program.
How do I get a sports management degree?
Sports management degrees focus on the economics and business of the sports industry, as well as marketing, branding and facilities management. Graduation requirements depend on the type of sports management degree you want.
At SNHU, the sports management bachelor’s degree program features a mix of liberal arts, business and sports management courses. These courses give you a solid foundation in all aspects of running an athletic organization.
You’ll also gain business skills like written and oral communication, critical and creative thinking, analysis and problem solving. And you’ll learn from instructors with years of experience in the sports management field.
The program will culminate with an internship, giving you on-the-job training in professional sports organizations. This hands-on experience provides the skills you need to take your learning from degree to career.
Additional sports management degrees are also available at Southern New Hampshire University.
A bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in sports management, for example, provides a strong foundation of interpersonal, operational and problem solving skills. You'll also explore the business of sports and prepare for entry-level sports jobs.
A master's in sports management or an MBA with a concentration in sports management can also help you start or advance your career in the field.
The MS in Sport Management explores the ins and outs of running a professional organization. Courses include sports marketing, finance and economics and the internationalization of sports business.
The sports management MBA program offers key industry knowledge, with a focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship and data-driven decision-making.
How much does a sports management degree cost?
It depends. The actual cost of your online sports management degree will vary based on the courses you take, the materials required for each course and your prior educational experience.
At Southern New Hampshire University, online tuition rates for bachelor’s degree programs are some of the lowest in the nation. Undergraduate courses cost just $320 per credit hour, or $38,400 for a 120-credit online bachelor's degree.
We also accept up to 90 transfer credits toward your bachelor’s in sports management. With maximum transfer credits, you could finish your degree in as few as 5 terms, or 10 courses - saving you as much as $28,800 in tuition.
Interested in a sports management master’s degree? The accelerated BS-to-MS pathway allows you to take up to 2 graduate-level courses during your bachelor’s program at the online undergraduate tuition rate – saving you time in the long run.
Is a sports management degree worth it?
An online sports management degree can help you succeed in one of the world’s biggest industries. In the United States, the sports industry is projected to generate $83.1 billion annually by 2023.1 Earning a sports management degree can help you get in the game.
Earning a sports management online degree can give you the business, communication and marketing skills you need to stand out when applying for competitive positions in this growing field.
"I knew I couldn’t just rely on my life knowledge of the game," said SNHU student Daniel Comstock. "I had to learn how to be a good manager and be a good leader."
"All these classes that I’ve taken at Southern New Hampshire University have really helped me open up my box, thinking outside of the sports world, which is something I’ve been so involved with my whole life," he said.
"I do feel my degree program was worth it," he said. "I've been coaching sports since I graduated high school. It took me a while before I really realized what my true passion was: and that's teaching and instructing young adults the many benefits of playing sports."
For Filardo, SNHU offered a pathway to complete his degree. He was able to get the support he needed, and even take his time in reaching his goals – a luxury he wouldn't have traded for the world.
"It literally took me 7 years to complete my degree and I am not ashamed of it," he said. "This is the beauty of attending SNHU online. The support I got from my advisors, teachers, and classmates was all worth it. It was like having my own cheerleading team by my side on my way to obtain my degree."
Can I do an internship as part of my sport management degree program at SNHU?
Keep in mind that a sport management internship doesn't necessarily have to be with a major league team. There are plenty of internship opportunities available to you, including:
- Athletic departments
- Pro and semi-pro teams
- Sports marketing vendors
- Youth and adult leagues
- Esports teams
- Parks and recreation
Our graduates have gone on to complete internships in roles such as fitness and athletic training, facilities and operations, event planning and sport broadcasting and media. As long as you find something you're passionate about, there are few limits to what you can do.
What careers can you do with a sports management degree?
There are many different sports management careers. With a bachelor’s degree, roles in marketing, sales, media relations, promotions and events and facilities management may be available.
Sports management careers include:
- Sports marketing: Lead an organization’s advertising and promotion efforts to increase sales and raise public awareness. Marketers conduct market research, create and manage advertising campaigns and work with company leaders to define and promote an organization’s brand.
- Public relations: Handle a sports organization’s communication with the public, including fans, investors and the media. PR pros create and maintain a positive public image for an organization, write media releases and lead social media campaigns to shape public perception.
- Athletic director: Work in public school districts, colleges or with professional sports teams to advance sports programs. Directors manage coaching staff, competition schedules and player recruitment. In professional sports organizations, athletic directors also lead the training and wellness program for athletes.
- Events coordinator: Help keep game-day operations running smoothly and act as a liaison between the organization and corporate and community partners to plan special events.
- Facilities manager: Lead grounds and maintenance crews, working with security officials to maintain facility safety.
- Sports data analyst: Work for a collegiate or professional sports program to collect, analyze and share player and team data for internal and media use.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4)
1 PWC, At the Gate and Beyond: Outlook for the Sports Market in North America Through 2023, on the internet, at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/tmt/library/sports-outlook-north-america.html (viewed April 15, 2020)
2 Newzoo, Global Esports Market Report 2020, on the internet, at: https://newzoo.com/insights/trend-reports/newzoo-global-esports-market-report-2020-light-version/ (viewed April 15, 2020)
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm (viewed July 27, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed July 27, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed July 27, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm (viewed July 27, 2021)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
4 According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.