Last Updated on November 7, 2024
Sports Management Degrees in Colorado (CO)
Colorado has so much to offer– it has major league professional franchises across several sports, numerous semi-pro teams, thousands of miles of hiking trails, amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and is home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
In This Guide
Colorado can be a perfect place for someone with a love of the outdoors, and it has valuable opportunities for people looking for all types of opportunities. There are a number of schools with high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs, and employers that would provide a solid foundation for a prosperous career in the sports industry.
This guide will highlight the offerings of Colorado, including educational and employment opportunities. It will also paint a picture of the sports economy in Colorado. While Denver is the capital of the state and a hub for many organizations, there are plenty of opportunities in all sorts of fields outside of Denver.
Top Sport Management Degrees in Colorado (CO)
Looking for a high-quality Sport Management degree in Colorado? The following list will help you with your school search and get you started on the road to a rewarding sports career!
In this section:
Sport Management Master’s Programs
Sport Management Bachelor’s Programs
Sport Management Master’s Programs
Be sure to visit our Master’s in Sports Management Guide for complete information about choosing the right Master’s program for you.
Adams State University | Alamosa, CO
Masters in Sports Management
Adams State University | Alamosa, CO
Masters in Sports Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $406
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $586
GRE (or GMAT) Required: No
The Sports Management program at Adam’s State University offers a comprehensive curriculum to equip graduates with the necessary skills for success in the job market, regardless of their desired field within the sports industry. This two-year program, which includes summer sessions, prepares students for high-demand positions in the industry, allowing them to confidently compete for desirable career opportunities.
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
Masters in Sport Management
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
Masters in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $500
GRE (or GMAT) Required: No
At CMU, their faculty consists of seasoned professionals with extensive practical experience in sports management. They leverage their real-world expertise to offer students invaluable insights and industry connections. Their Master’s degree program in Sport Management comprehensively covers all facets of the field, including sport marketing, finance, facility management, event planning, and leadership. This holistic education equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the sports industry. At CMU, they prioritize hands-on learning experiences to enhance students’ education.
Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO
Masters in Sport Management Program
Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO
Masters in Sport Management Program
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 30-35 credit hours (depending on track)
Total Tuition: $700
GRE (or GMAT) Required: No
Colorado State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines practical internships with coursework covering various aspects of the sport industry. Their program goes beyond the fundamentals, delving into both historical and contemporary perspectives on sports. This approach provides students with a broad and culturally aware understanding of the field. Additionally, students have the opportunity to personalize their education by selecting one of four tracks: Generalist, Business Foundations, Marketing, or Sport Media and Communications.
Sport Management Bachelor’s Programs
Check out our Sports Management Degree Guide for complete information about what to look for in an undergraduate Sport Management program.
Adams State University | Alamosa, CO
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation Management
Adams State University | Alamosa, CO
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation Management
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $390
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $884
Fuel your academic journey amidst state-of-the-art facilities, providing unparalleled opportunities for cutting-edge research. And for ultimate accessibility, their flexible online classes ensure that students from diverse backgrounds can pursue this prestigious degree. Embrace the future of kinesiology at Adam’s State University and unleash your full potential in the realm of sports, health, and wellness. Designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge, this exceptional program offers an optional sport management emphasis, empowering you with expertise in sport administration, strength and conditioning, anatomy, sport psychology, and much more.
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
B.S. In Sports Management
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
B.S. In Sports Management
Credits Required: 120
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $419.18 per credit hour
CMU’s Sport Management programs, available online and on campus, are offered through their esteemed Kinesiology department. Notably, their department also offers a variety of related degree programs such as Adapted Physical Education, Exercise Science, Fitness and Health Promotion, and Outdoor Recreation Industry Studies. These programs can serve as valuable minor options to enhance your academic pursuits.
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
Sport Management
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO
Sport Management
Total Tuition: In-State: $9306 per year/Out-of-State: $23163 per year
Colorado Mesa University offers a comprehensive sport management program that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic sports industry. This program provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals, including marketing, management, and promotion, while also focusing on the specific nuances of organizing, leading, and evaluating sport-related business and operations. By completing this sport management degree, students are well-prepared to pursue either an MBA or a master’s degree in the field, opening up further opportunities for career advancement and success.
Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO
Sport Administration Major
Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO
Sport Administration Major
Total Tuition: In-State: $7056 per year/Out-of-State: $17712 per year
Fort Lewis College’s Sports Administration program, offered by the health sciences department, provides an interdisciplinary approach to equip graduates with the skills needed for leadership positions in sports, health & wellness, and education administration. Their core courses encompass a variety of essential subjects, including Marketing in Sports, Sociology and Sport, Sports Law, and many others.
Johnson and Wales University | Denver, CO
Sports, Entertainment, Event Management (B.S.)
Johnson and Wales University | Denver, CO
Sports, Entertainment, Event Management (B.S.)
Total Tuition: In-State: $35750 per year
Johnson and Wales University offers a pioneering program in Sport, Entertainment, and Event management. This degree is tailored for individuals aspiring to excel in event promotion, pursue roles as communications directors, or secure positions in the front office of sports teams.
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO
Sport Management Major, B.A
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO
Sport Management Major, B.A
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $316
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $859
The Sport Management program at Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to immersing students in the world of sport operations and business. Their program has been COSMA certified and their faculty members bring vast industry experience to the classroom. In addition to a comprehensive curriculum, students also have the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience through partnerships with various organizations, teams, and companies in Denver. They are committed to providing their students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the sports industry.
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO
UCCS Sport Management
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO
UCCS Sport Management
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $335
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $799 (UCCS participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange)
The Sport Management program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is designed to equip students with a business degree and a passion for sports with the skills needed to succeed in the industry. This program recognizes the need for hard work and excellence in a highly competitive field, and it prepares graduates for this reality through a variety of networking and professional development opportunities. Through partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Olympic movement organizations, and English Premier League soccer clubs, students have access to top-tier internships.
University of Northern Colorado | Greely, CO
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science: Administration
University of Northern Colorado | Greely, CO
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science: Administration
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $344
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $792
Get ready for a successful future in sports with the Sport Administration program at the University of Northern Colorado. They provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing Olympic, collegiate, and professional sports organizations. Their comprehensive program includes courses in sport marketing, facility and event management, sport economics and finance, and organizational behavior. Prepare yourself for a rewarding career in the sports industry with their strong business foundation and specialized training.
Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO
Sport & Fitness Management
Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO
Sport & Fitness Management
Total Tuition: In-State: $4587 per semester/Out-of-State: $9048 per semester
Prepare for a successful career in sport, health, and wellness with Western Colorado University’s Sport and Fitness Management program. Gain valuable real-world experience through an experiential internship. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art research facility, the High Altitude Performance Lab, for cutting-edge studies in sport and exercise science.
Sport Administration Master’s Programs
Sport Administration Bachelor’s Programs
Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO
Sport Administration Major
Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO
Sport Administration Major
Delivery Method: On Campus
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $431 per credit
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $431 per credit
Transform your love for sports into a lifelong career with a degree in Sport Administration at Fort Lewis College. Dive deep into the fascinating world of sports administration through dynamic courses such as Sociology of Sport, Legal Aspects of Sports, and Sports Marketing. Unleash your potential and become a leader in this exciting industry.
University of Northern Colorado | Greely, CO
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science: Administration
University of Northern Colorado | Greely, CO
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science: Administration
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $344
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $792
Get ready for a successful future in sports with the Sport Administration program at the University of Northern Colorado. They provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing Olympic, collegiate, and professional sports organizations. Their comprehensive program includes courses in sport marketing, facility and event management, sport economics and finance, and organizational behavior. Prepare yourself for a rewarding career in the sports industry with their strong business foundation and specialized training.
The Sports Industry in Colorado
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for someone working in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media occupations is almost $60,000/yr, there are more than 5,000 coaches and scouts employed throughout the state, and the entire state’s GDP is $393 Billion. According to the IMF, that would put Colorado’s economy at #35 in the world…just between the Philippines and Denmark.
There is a quickly growing tech scene that is supported by a number of venture capital investors which are making cities like Denver and Boulder up and coming tech scenes. In 2020 alone, startups in Colorado raised $2.2 Billion in venture funding. U.S. News, A World Report, ranks Colorado #2 in terms of Economy, and for good reason as the comparison used its unemployment rate, job growth projections, and labor force participation.
With its beautiful, natural landscape as well as its dynamic tech landscape, there are a number of opportunities in Colorado that are not available in other states for individuals looking to start or grow their career in the sports industry. While there are opportunities, it will certainly take some effort to clinch that first role or position.
As Dr. Sean Phelps of Colorado Mesa University put it in an interview with Sport Degrees Online, “
“If you are going to be a part of this industry then perseverance is a big part of it. Just constantly trying to get that foot in the door and break into it in some capacity.”
Dr. Sean Phelps, Colorado Mesa University
Media, Marketing, and Athlete Representation Opportunities in Colorado
The media and marketing landscape is changing so quickly…not just in Colorado but around the world. Luckily, several universities in Colorado have programs that attempt to stay up to date with trends.
There are a number of agencies in Denver and the state of Colorado which deal with athlete representation issues like sponsorships, intellectual property, name, image, and likeness transactions. If this field is interesting to you, there are a number of employers in Colorado, and they serve very successful clients…whether they are sports organizations or individual athletes.
Sports Tech Companies in Colorado
Colorado is quickly becoming a booming state in the tech world and startup scene. According to BuiltInColorado, there are 46 different sports startups and companies in the state. Compared with the cost of living in other tech hubs like Silicon Valley and New York City, Colorado is much cheaper and can make a viable option for people looking to get into the world of sports and technology. These companies rely on analysts, salespeople, administrators, and people excited about sports and the future of technology in the sports industry.
Colorado Sports Teams
There are a number of professional and semi-professional teams in Colorado, as well as competitive college teams, and a number of amateur leagues. On top of all that, Colorado has a very active population, and there is no shortage of outdoor sports available. College teams in Colorado create a fun atmosphere and have competed in multiple national championships across different sports, and of course, there is the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown. This event is famous in Colorado as the Colorado University Buffaloes and the Colorado State University Rams fight for bragging rights and the Centennial Trophy.
Colorado Baseball Teams
Colorado is home to the Colorado Rockies, but also a number of semi-professional teams as well as a number of tournaments and amateur leagues. Colorado Classic Baseball hosts and organizes a number of tournaments in Colorado and the surrounding states. According to FieldLevel there are over 334 baseball teams at all levels in the state of Colorado.
Major League Baseball: Colorado Rockies
Pioneer League: Grand Junction Rockies, Rocky Mountain Vibes
Colorado Basketball Teams
The Nuggets are certainly the most famous team in Colorado, but the state has more to offer. The Colorado Buffaloes have made the March Madness tournament 14 times and most recently won the Pac-12 conference championship in 2012.
National Basketball Association: Denver Nuggets
Colorado Football Teams
Mile High stadium is home to the Denver Broncos, and the team is a huge part of the sports culture in Colorado. They have 3 Super Bowl titles and have won their division 15 times. D1 programs like Colorado University and Colorado State University are also big draws for residents of Colorado and have a significant economic impact.
National Football League: Denver Broncos
Colorado Hockey Teams
Hockey is huge in Colorado! Part of this may be due to its cold climate, but there are a number of organizations like the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association that do an incredible job as the state governing body for all youth hockey in Colorado.
National Hockey League: Colorado Avalanche
American Hockey League: Colorado Eagles
Colorado Soccer Teams
Colorado’s only MLS team is the Colorado Rapids, which was first founded in 1995. They are owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. While there is only one MLS program in the state, there are a number of clubs and organizations throughout the state. One such organization is the Colorado Soccer Association which does a great job organizing tournaments and is an excellent source of information for up-to-date soccer industry news in Colorado. The sport may get much bigger if the proposal to be a host in the FIFA World Cup goes through.
Major League Soccer: Colorado Rapids
Outdoor Sports and Recreation Management in Colorado
There are a number of colleges and universities offering Parks Management and Recreation Management programs as well Experiential Education programs. Colorado’s outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful and it is a big part of the economy. According to the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), “…Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry accounts for $37 billion in consumer spending annually and contributes 511,000 direct jobs.” Colorado has millions of acres of public land, thousands of miles of rivers, and 690 peaks over 13,000 feet. It is a wonderland for nature-lovers, and it lends itself to a burgeoning economic force.