Master’s in Sport Management Online Graduate Program in Sports Administration

While competing in sports is elite and not for everyone, there are endless ways to enjoy a long, rewarding career in professional sports. If you’re interested in sports, business or community engagement, a master’s in sport management can take you just about anywhere you want to go.

With a master’s in sport management, you can combine your critical thinking, analytical expertise and savvy communication skills for such roles as:

• Athletic director: Make decisions for the overall direction of an athletic program at a university, professional franchise, school or community center.
• Ticket sales manager: Manage the box office at a sporting venue.
• Corporate sponsorship sales director: Develop and manage relationships to raise funds in support of an organization.
• Sports marketing director: Coordinate marketing for a sports organization, including promotional materials, social media and brand development.
• Event director: Manage large events, including staffing, purchasing, promotion and scheduling.
• Guest relations manager: Serve as the point of contact for guests, working to ensure a safe and positive visit to a sporting event or arena.

If you’re looking for a rewarding way to combine your interest in business with your passion for athletics, earning a master’s degree in sport management could be just what you’re looking for.

"The Master of Science in Sport Management was absolutely worth it," said Marcus Eagle '18. "I was having a hard time taking that next step in my career, and obtaining my master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University definitely opened a lot of doors. In less than 6 months, I was offered a much better opportunity with a great company that I am still with today."

With an emphasis on practical application, Eagle felt engaged from day 1. Plus, even as an online student, he always felt supported.

"I never felt isolated. The teachers were always very quick to respond and set up many groups or class projects that helped you interact with other students," he said.

Sport management involves skills grounded in marketing. The outlook for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is good, with a projected growth of 6% through 2032.¹ If you're looking to break into this growing field, a master's in sport management could help position you for success in the future.

Just as there is a constant demand for athletics, there is also a need for innovative thinkers. New ideas and mindsets on how to best bring people together through athletics will continually be in demand.

Sports, in general, are a key part of our national and global culture. They serve as a form of entertainment, but more than that, as a source of pride and community. Our strong cultural connection to sport is what contributes to its ongoing longevity as an exciting career field with so many opportunities.

"If you’re looking to take that next step in your career or just want to further your educational background, I would highly recommend taking the Southern New Hampshire University way," Eagle said.

While it takes 2 years on average to earn a master’s in sport management degree, this program can be completed in as few as 15 months.

The beauty of this online program is that you can go at your own pace. With 24/7 access to your courses, you can easily schedule your studies around work and other commitments.

You can take up to 2 courses per 10-week term. And thanks to the internship, you can graduate with great experience and professional connections already under your belt.

With a master’s degree in sport management, you can gain marketable skills in all areas of sport, including management, marketing and economics. You'll develop critical skills, like communication and analytical thinking, beginning with a foundation in business principles and ending with a hands-on internship.

And, you’ll do it all online, which can help strengthen your written communication skills. Thanks to the diverse and comprehensive curriculum, you can leave this program ready to tackle all kinds of exciting challenges with professional, collegiate, local athletics and recreational organizations.

A few of the jobs you may qualify for with a sport management degree include:

• Facility manager: You may be involved in the design and construction of a sports facility, its overall management and operations, or both.
• Communications director: Be responsible for internal and external communications including interviews, press releases and social media.
• Sport financial manager: Prepare financial plans, strategic plans and budgets, and devise new sources of revenue.
• Marketing manager: Promote a team or a franchise and leverage social media and other strategies to make connections between fans and the organization.

First, get the right degree. Solid credentials – and the education that goes with them – can make you stand out in any job market.

Second, take full advantage of the hands-on experience you'll earn with internship experience. With Southern New Hampshire University offering an undergraduate online sport management degree, this MS program and an online MBA in sport management, you have options. These programs can provide the hands-on professional experience needed to help make connections that could get noticed by the right hiring manager.

It was an internship with the Boston Bruins that helped Andrew Murphy '20 score 2 job offers. His internship (as well as the resulting recommendation from his manager) helped Murphy stand out to employers. It also prepared him to discuss the many experiences he gained throughout his time with the Bruins.

In addition, Murphy said he was able to acquire skills in leadership, organization, adaptability and problem-solving – and reaffirm his desire to work in the sports industry.

And third, don't forget the importance of networking. Southern New Hampshire University can help. You’ll be able to learn at your pace, while networking with faculty who are currently working in the field. Most importantly, you’ll have the support of 1 of the biggest alumni networks in the country to back you up.