Best Online Master’s Degrees in Sport Administration

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Do you want your office on the field or court? The Best Online Master’s programs in Sports Administration is the first step to get there.

Getting your master’s in Sports Administration can open a wide range of possibilities for you. Your main focus is on developing and managing athletes. You could be a team manager, a coach, or even a trainer.

Who knew you could become a coach with just an online degree program? You don’t have to work exclusively for professional sports teams. You can work at fitness clubs, sports facilities, or community athletic associations. You can also choose to specialize in a certain area, like marketing or contract negotiations. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is a Sports Administration Master’s Degree?

The overall aim of a degree in this discipline is to improve sports programs. Having a master’s degree in Sports Administration can open many more doors for you than a bachelor’s. Some careers for this degree include athletic director, compliance officer, or sports information director.

Internships are crucial for this degree, so you’ll literally be on the field. The courses you’ll take will be dependent on the industry, but they’ll definitely include some business classes. The sports and sporting events industry is a huge industry worldwide, and if you’re looking for an exciting career, Sports Administration may be the path for you.

If it’s the business side of the degree that excites you, consider a more direct path: the best online master’s in Business or Business Administration.

How Much Can you Earn with a Sports Administration Master’s Degree?

You’re probably wondering how much you can actually make with this degree. Coaches and scouts earned a median salary of $33,780 per year as of 2018, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. The more experience you have, the more potential salary you can make.

The projected growth rate for this field is pretty high, at 11 percent by 2026. That’s much faster than the average growth rate of 5 percent. The highest 10 percent of workers earned over $77,880 per year. 

What Is Required for a Sports Administration Master’s Degree?

Before enrolling in the program, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree. It often doesn’t need to be in any related discipline. You will be required to gain hands-on experience before graduating from the program.

If you’re looking to be a coach, you’ll typically have to be state-certified. You’ll be required to take an exam. If you’re looking to be an athletic director, you’ll have to take the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association certification exam. Some common classes you may take include:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Leadership and Administration
  • Public Relations

What Are the Best Sport Administration Master’s Degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other U.S. institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the U.S. Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

United States Sports Academy

Quick Facts

  • 33 credits
  • Offers a thesis and non-thesis option
  • Offers mentorship option
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$36,233

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

58%

100%OSR Score

The Master of Sports Science degree program is designed to prepare you for sports management at local, professional, and collegiate levels. Some subject areas you’ll focus on in this program are NCAA Rules and Procedures, Olympic Culture, and Fundraising in Sports.

University of the Southwest

University of the Southwest

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits
  • Financial aid available for online programs
  • Background in business not required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

35%

Programs Offered Online

20

Median Debt

$27,467

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

19%

82%OSR Score

The MBA in Sports Management and Recreation at the University of the Southwest aims to enhance both leadership and sports management skills. Some courses you may take in this program include Sports Management: Economy and Finance, Probabilities and Statistics, and Physical Education and Sports Administration.

Concordia University-Chicago

Quick Facts

  • 48 credits
  • Faculty are experienced practitioners
  • Offers three different start dates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$20,993

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

10%

81%OSR Score

Concordia University (Chicago) MBA program offers a specialization in sports management. Some courses you may take in this program include Sports Law Essentials, Sports Finance, and Economics of Sports. In your classes, you’ll get the full feel of the business through audio chats with business and sports mentors.

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Quick Facts

  • 33 credits
  • Capstone required
  • Offers study abroad option
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

55%

Programs Offered Online

17

Median Debt

$29,365

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

15%

77%OSR Score

Concordia University (Saint Paul) offers a Master of Arts in Sport Management. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with topics like effective decision making and human and facility resource management. Some courses you may take in this program include Sports Media and Technology, Legal Aspects of Sport, or Facility and Event Management in Sport.

American Public University System

American Public University System

Quick Facts

  • 33 credits
  • Military friendly
  • May take capstone or supervised practicum
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Programs Offered Online

45

Median Debt

$33,165

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

4%

77%OSR Score

American Public University System offers a Master of Science in Sports Management program designed to teach you business skills, give you a full understanding of sports administration, and teach you coaching theory and strategy. The program will keep you up to date as it follows current industry trends. This program offers three concentrations: Sports Business Leadership, Coaching Theory and Strategy, and Interscholastic Athletic Administration.

SUNY Cortland

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits
  • May choose between Master’s project or internship
  • May transfer up to 6 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$25,114

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

21%

77%OSR Score

The program at SUNY Cortland is designed for students who want to work in sports but are currently employed. Students have previously interned at places like the New York Islanders and Madison Square Garden. Graduates of the program often work at universities or professional sports organizations like the Utica Comets.

Georgia Southern University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Has 8 core classes required
  • Can specialize with 4 different electives
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$22,101

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

10%

76%OSR Score

The MS in Sport Management program at Georgia Southern University is made to prepare you for work in fields like sports marketing, promotion, and advertising, or athletic leagues and associations. Some core classes you’re required to take include Current Trends in Sports Admin and Revenue Generation in Sport. One of the school’s main objectives is to teach students how to apply critical thinking to sports management problems.

Wilmington University

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits
  • Internship requirement
  • Offers a concentration in Nonprofit Management
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

18

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

1%

74%OSR Score

The Sports Management degree program at Wilmington University aims to give students hands-on experience with the right academics to be successful in the sports field. The electives in this program can earn you certificates in Sports Analytics or Nonprofit Sports Management. You’ll learn from faculty who have already been in the field in positions like sports agents and general managers.

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

Quick Facts

  • 24 credits
  • Military friendly
  • Requires a comprehensive exam
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$17,233

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

5%

73%OSR Score

This school prides itself on developing Sports Event Security Management, which is designed to meet the security and safety challenges of today in the sports industry. In this program, you’ll take classes like Socio-Ethical Issues in Sport and Trends and Issues in Sport. You’ll also be required to take a Sport Management Practicum.

Missouri Baptist University

Quick Facts

  • 31 credits
  • Thesis required
  • No application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Programs Offered Online

10

Median Debt

$22,093

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

11%

73%OSR Score

At Missouri Baptist University, you’ll be taught by a knowledgeable faculty with an emphasis on the Christian perspective. You’ll take various courses like Sport and Social Media, Sports Law, and Sport Psychology. Students are required to take an internship. 

Liberty University

Liberty University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Offers Thesis and Non-Thesis tracks 
  • Can transfer up to 18 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Programs Offered Online

23

Median Debt

$31,460

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

2%

72%OSR Score

Liberty University offers several different concentrations, including Outdoor Adventure Sports, Coaching and Athletic Administration, and Tourism. Its program is designed for those who want to lead athletes, whether on or off the field. Bible principles are also integrated into the coursework at this school.

Delaware State University

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits 
  • Accelerated program 
  • Offers blended learning courses
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$34,205

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

13%

72%OSR Score

Delaware State University offers an M.S. in Sports Administration. People who have graduated from this program have gone on to be professionals in fields like facilities management and intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics administration. The faculty of this program all have their doctoral degrees.

Mississippi College

Quick Facts

  • 37 credits 
  • Requires two six-week practicums
  • No thesis required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$33,855

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

71%OSR Score

You can choose between two concentrations at Mississippi College, Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Athletic Administration. Its program is designed for those who want to start their career either in a secondary school or college.

Campbellsville University

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits 
  • Requires a capstone internship
  • Military friendly
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

10

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

70%OSR Score

Campbellsville University aims to prepare you for leadership positions in the sports industry at all levels. You can choose between an administration or a marketing emphasis. You’ll be required to take core classes to build your skills in areas like managerial finance and ethics related to sports administration.

Wesley College

Quick Facts

  • 33 credits 
  • Several different start dates
  • Has connections with United Methodist Church
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

17%

70%OSR Score

Wesley College aims to create graduates who can communicate effectively through all aspects of sport leadership. There are two tracks you can take with this degree, coaching or sports management. The program is designed to prepare you for careers like Director of Leisure Programs or Athletic administration.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits
  • Can choose between internship or research project
  • Offers veteran benefits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

85%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$22,477

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

69%OSR Score

Indiana State University offers an M.S. in Sport Management. In this program, you’ll take courses like Sports Media Relations, Sports Law and Risk Management, and Administrative Theory in Sport. The program has an almost 100 percent placement rate for graduates.

Arkansas State University-Main Campus

Arkansas State University-Main Campus

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Can transfer up to 9 credits
  • Offers accelerated program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$24,948

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

69%OSR Score

In the Sports Administration program at Arkansas State University, you’ll be taught by knowledgeable faculty who have had experience in the field. The program will even provide you with internship and networking opportunities. You’ll take classes like Ethical Issues in Sport and Sport Governance & Operations.

University of Florida

UF

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits for non-thesis 30 for thesis
  • Can choose between thesis or capstone
  • Can transfer up to 15 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Programs Offered Online

15

Median Debt

$37,921

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

68%OSR Score

The MS in Sport Management program at U.F. is constructed to reflect the latest advances in the sports industry. You will take a research core with the classes Evaluation Procedures in Health and Human Performance and Research Methods in Health and Human Performance. This school also has a concurrent plan where you can pursue more than one graduate degree at once.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits
  • Can choose 5 electives
  • Capstone required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Programs Offered Online

43

Median Debt

$38,085

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

1%

68%OSR Score

SNHU aims to provide you with the necessary tools to break into the industry with a combination of a business administration foundation and experiential learning opportunities. You’ll take courses like Management of Sport Organizations, Internationalization of Sports Business, and Finance & Economics of Sport. One of the main goals of the program is to provide you with the skills to compete in today’s job market.

Concordia University-Irvine

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Require a Culminating Project
  • Ranked number 1 athletics graduate program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$29,352

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

7%

68%OSR Score

Concordia University (Irvine) offers a Master’s in Coaching and Athletics Administration. Many alumni of this program have gone on to coach at top-rated institutions. All faculty of this program are experienced in coaching and athletics administration.

Fresno Pacific University

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits
  • Requires comprehensive exam
  • Must work at least 9 hours a week in the field
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

80%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Programs Offered Online

4

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

1%

67%OSR Score

FPU offers an online Master of Arts in Sports Administration. You’ll be taking classes like Sports Sales and Sponsorship and Legal Aspects of Kinesiology and Sport. Graduates of this program can work in all levels of the field, including high school, universities, and professional sectors.

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

Quick Facts

  • 45 Quarter Hours
  • Must take one-week summer institute in Boston
  • Requires internship/capstone
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

14

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

67%OSR Score

Northeastern University offers a Master of Sports Leadership program. You can choose from two concentrations, Professional Sports Administration or Collegiate Athletics Administration. Alumni of this program have worked in for teams like the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots.

Franklin Pierce University

Quick Facts

  • 39 credits
  • Offer different concentration work
  • Can take the program part-time or full time
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

10

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

5%

66%OSR Score

Franklin Pierce University offers an MBA in Sports Management. The program at this school is made to create business leaders in Professional Sports, Intercollegiate Athletics, or Amateur sports. Graduates of this program have gone on to work as facilities managers, sports merchandisers, business managers, and marketers. 

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Offers two concentrations
  • Capstone required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

64%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Programs Offered Online

22

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

66%OSR Score

Upper Iowa University aims to provide students with knowledge and skills within the athletic departments at all levels with an emphasis on the sports business setting. Graduates of this program often become athletic directors or work in the athletic department at other levels of the sport. You’ll take courses like Ethics in Sports and Sports Law and Contract Negotiation.

Jacksonville State University

Quick Facts

  • 30-33 credits 
  • Requires internship
  • Offers Class A Teacher Certification Option
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$29,873

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

66%OSR Score

Some partners of the school, where students get internships and job placements, include the Los Angeles Chargers, the Houston Texans, and Georgia Tech University. Classes you may take in this program include Sports Promotion & Event Planning, Human Resources Management in Sport, and Law and Ethics in Wellness & Sport Studies. 

Grace College and Theological Seminary

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Must be a member of the NIAAA or the CIAAA
  • Accepts transfer credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Programs Offered Online

2

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

65%OSR Score

Grace College offers a Master of Science in Athletic Administration. The program is designed for those who are currently athletic administrators and those who want to be athletic administrators in the future. This school bases its curriculum on Christian beliefs.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Can transfer up to 6 credits
  • Offer multiple start terms
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$26,414

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

7%

65%OSR Score

The MS in Sports Administration program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is aimed to prepare students for careers in college or high school athletics. The program will prepare you for positions like Athletic Directors, Sports Information Director, or Sports Marketing Manager. This school emphasizes Christian principles in their teaching.

Tiffin University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Must complete 200-hour mentorship
  • Core classes required if non-business undergrad
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

17

Median Debt

$35,261

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

4%

65%OSR Score

Tiffin University offers an MBA with a concentration in Sports Management. This school also has a partnership with the summer Olympic Games, where students may gain academic credit for volunteering. Some courses you’ll take include Communication and Fund Raising in Sports and Personnel Management in Sport.

Jacksonville University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Capstone required
  • Has connections with many sports organizations
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

87%

Programs Offered Online

1

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

64%OSR Score

The program is constructed to give you a thorough understanding of sport and sports business. The curriculum in this program is designed in order to meet market demands and with industry professional expertise in mind. You’ll take classes in this program like Sports Analytics and Sports Revenue Strategy.

Lasell College

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Offer several concentrations
  • Faculty has field knowledge
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$31,291

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

12%

64%OSR Score

This program was ranked 15th in the best online sport management programs in the nation. Some job titles of alumni include Director Program Manager for YMCA/YWCA/Boys & Girls Club, Physical Education Instructor, and Operations Director of Parks and Recreation. Lasell College has a strong support network and provides you with academic advising, enrollment counseling, and career counseling.

California University of Pennsylvania

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Accelerated program
  • Must complete mentorship
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$27,510

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

11%

64%OSR Score

This program offers three different concentrations; Strategic Sport Analysis, Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, and Sport Management Generalist. Graduates of the program have worked for organizations like YMCA, NHL and NFL, and NCAA Division athletics.

Midwestern State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Require graduate project
  • Offer many scholarship opportunities
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$25,897

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

2%

63%OSR Score

Midwestern University offers a Master of Education in Sports Administration. The faculty in this program have strong relationships with the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and other athletic communities in the area. Most alumni become head coaches, assistant coaches, or athletic trainers. 

Troy University

Troy University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Has an internship option
  • Faculty has field experience
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

88%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$35,690

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

62%OSR Score

Troy University offers a Master of Science in Sport & Fitness Management with a concentration in Sport Management. This program is designed to move graduates into leadership roles in the evolving sports industry. Alumni of the program currently work in organizations like Division I athletics departments, Minor League sports, and the NBA and NFL.

University of Miami

Quick Facts

  • 30 credits 
  • Offers scholarships
  • Has optional on-campus orientation weekend
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

36%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$43,928

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

62%OSR Score

The University of Miami has built strong relationships with top sports franchises. Its faculty are considered influencers in the sports industry. You’ll take courses in this program like Ethical Decision Making In Sport, Principles of Sports Marketing, and Legal Aspects of Sports.

Concordia University-Nebraska

Quick Facts

  • 36 credits 
  • Requires professional portfolio
  • Can customize your electives
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

75%

Programs Offered Online

2

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

3%

62%OSR Score

Concordia University offers both a Master of Arts in Coaching & Athletics Administration and a Master of Science in Coaching & Exercise Sciences. The program is partnered with Concordia University Irvine in California. You’ll have access to a network of over 3,000 alumni.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.