Best Sports Management Graduate Programs in 2023

American University’s program gets students prepared with real-world experience as part of their Professional Studies Experience (PSE) and are prepared to lead in a globally-minded workplace. American University is well regarded as it is a Top-5 School according to Princeton Review and their program ranked in the Top 10 from BestColleges.com for their Sports Management Program.

Barry’s Sports Management Master’s program features academic rigor in combination with practical experience and excellent opportunities to cross-register in courses such as journalism, psychology, and communications to tailor your academic experience to exactly the type of opportunity you are looking for as a sports management professional.

A national leader in sports management education for nearly 40 years, Baylor prepares students for leadership roles in top professional and intercollegiate sports teams with small classes and a high degree of mentorship and interaction with faculty.

A cost effective degree that develops critical skills through innovative coursework aimed towards students who will contribute to the leadership of professional, collegiate, and non-profit sports & recreation-based organizations.

This proven M.Ed. program has been an effective gateway to careers in the administration and delivery of sports and physical education programs. Online and evening courses make for an easier path to completion for working professionals.

This Master’s in Sports Management challenges, engages, and cultivates students, imparting the skills and aptitudes to be the leaders of tomorrow in the rapidly expanding sports industry.

Columbia is the highest rated university in the world (and the only Ivy League university) offering a master’s degree in Sports Management. This highly competitive program was designed around market research and offers unrivaled access to industry leaders from across the world of sport. The curriculum was specifically designed to meet the needs of the sports industry with a focus on emerging technologies, the intersection of digital media and sports world, and the growing ways that data is being used to make decisions in sports. Students can choose to concentrate in Global Sports, Sports Analytics, or Digital Sports Media and Marketing, and graduates can expect to bring incredible value to the organizations that they will be joining.

A 36 hour course, this M.A. in Sport Management prepares future leaders in the business of sports with a campus in one of the largest sports markets in the country. Christian teachings and values are emphasized throughout the institution.

The coursework for this degree is available online, and all attendees must attend two separate two day seminars on campus during the summer.

Whether you’re headed for a career in collegiate, interscholastic, or professional sports management, ESU’s program provides the theory as well as ample opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, such as during your 7 credit-hour internship. Choose from two Sport Management degrees – Master of Science in Sport Management or Master of Science in Management and Leadership in Sport Management.

This program sets a solid foundation for students to be prepared to takes positions as an athletic director, facilities manager, operations manage, or working in sports marketing or administration. On top of learning academic concepts, students will learn about research methods to effective solve real-world problems.

FDU’s Sport Management program takes full advantage of its proximity to New York – known as a sports industry hub – through networking and internship opportunities to the area’s top organizations. Courses are offered through evening classes at two different campuses (Florham and Metro) and online. Program faculty have extensive industry experience, helping prepare graduates for dynamic professional opportunities. Students also have a chance to join an intensive course abroad in England, which exposes them to important ways that the sports industry is different outside of the US.

This program allows for flexibility in the start time (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and the program is interactive and engaging, allowing students to gain skills they need to jump right into the industry after graduation.

Students can study the curriculum either in Boca Raton Florida, or Online. The rigorous curriculum focuses on the fundamentals and foundation of business, while specializing in Sports Management. The program is meant to groom top level executives and managers to step into a role upon graduation and truly succeed in their organization and in the field as a whole.

This school has two tracks: Recreation and Sport Management, and Recreational Therapy. The curriculum is built so students can choose electives that will tailor their education and allow students to focus on what is important to them and their career goals.

This program can be broken up into two main portions of the curriculum- Sports Management and Law. There are 79 credit hours of Law Courses, and 30 hours of Sports Management Courses. Graduates will have both a J.D. and Master of Science upon completion of all requirements.

GWU has a program that is built for students to succeed in this fast growing industry. Faculty and alumni have worked with sports organizations from around the world. There are 21 core credits that set the foundation for all learners, and then 15 different elective credits that allow students to tailor their learning towards their own personal career goals.

Students will dive deep into topics like leadership, management, social responsibility and ethics, and have the chance to take 4 different elective courses to gain more understand about topics that really interest them. The schedule is flexible and can be completed in as short as one year, or students can take their time with the degree as they balance other responsibilities.

Set in Des Moines – recently ranked the top minor league sports city in the country – Grand View’s program boasts an impressive number of graduates in the field. Complete this program in as little as 16 months

This program places a strong emphasis on learning both inside and outside the classroom, with field trips and other experiential components featured prominently. All students must complete a culminating experience working closely with an advisor prior to graduation.

This program is split 50/50 between core curriculum related to kinesiology/human performance studies and interdisciplinary elective courses, giving students a wide range to really customize their degree to suit their possible future career. Also involved are two main tracks- Clinical Exercise Science Track and obtaining a Certificate in Public Health.

If you are interested in a career in any aspect of commercial or collegiate sports, Indiana University’s highly competitive athletic administration and sport management program will give you a clear advantage. Whether you want to become a sport communicator, marketer, administrator, or manager, you will develop a specialized combination of functional business and sport management skills that will prepare you to work in the $510 billion sport industry. As a student in this program, you will learn to produce, facilitate, promote, and organize sports products and services. In addition to foundational courses in athletic administration and sports management, you will be able to choose from core courses that address subjects such as sport communications, marketing and sponsorship, legal issues, governance in sport management, and financial analysis. Our experienced faculty will share industry expertise and also provide opportunities for research. You may choose to gain professional experience through an internship, though it is not required for this degree. For more information, contact the Sport Management master’s degree coordinator, Dr. Juha Yoon, or the director of the sport management undergraduate and graduate programs, Dr. Antonio S. Williams.

LSU’s program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) and prepares students with a quality education, and has a robust internship program with connections to professional and collegiate sports organizations.

This program dives into business communication, sport marketing, sport finance and economics, ethical and legal issues in sport business, and facility management. Alumni currently work in professional and collegiate organizations all over the country.

The program is focused on the study of leadership in sport, with supporting interdisciplinary knowledge in sport management, sport psychology, cultural studies of sport, and related cognate areas. The program prepares students for leadership roles in higher education, athletic administration, coaching, student-athlete development, sport psychology, and consulting through required coursework, independent research, and internships.

Middle Tennessee State not only offers robust coursework and career focused-concentrations, they support graduates in finding senior level positions in sports and leisure oriented companies and organizations as soon as possible after graduation.

From managing high school and college sports organizations to golf courses and community facilities to the major leagues, Millersville University give you the tools and pathway to start your career in sport management.

The NIU program has designed this program as a supercharged MBA with sports-specific curriculum as well.

Northwestern University has several different options for students enrolled in the Sports Management program. Students can choose to do a Capstone or Thesis project, or dive into Sports Analytics.

Sam Houston State’s Sports Management program was designed to educate the leaders of tomorrow’s sports industry. This program places emphasis on research and development with the latest technologies, diverse learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and immersive internship experiences. With the incredible connections with organizations in and around Houston, graduates can tap into the rich network of connections throughout their professional careers.

SDSU has a very well regarded that is international in scope and coursework focuses on statistical analysis, organizational behavior and leadership, financial management, and business strategy, sports marketing and economics. This programs gives students a truly international experience with the option to attend a program to the Dominican Republic.

This program is housed under the Kinesiology program and offers internship opportunities for students throughout the Bay Area. It prepares students for management and leadership positions across the Sports Industry with a deep and practical knowledge base gained by study and hands-on experience.

Seattle University’s Sport Entertainment MBA program is a two-year program taught on campus through evening classes, and is designed to prepare emerging professionals for a successful career in the sports industry. This program is designed to be driven equally by leadership development and sports analytics, and students have access to an extensive network of internship opportunities throughout Seattle as well as a formal mentor network.

This top tier Sports Management program attracts the best and brightest rising stars in the sports industry and can be completed in 16 months.

SNU’s Sports Management program was designed with busy professionals in mind, offering classes either one night a week or completely online. The program features a recommended personal connections trip where students can connect with professionals to witness what their work life and responsibilities look like. Networking and internship connections at organizations like the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Pistons are possible through the program as well.

Springfield College’s master’s in sport management gives students skill sets that will prove useful in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Engaging faculty prioritize student success and organize the curriculum around Springfield College’s unique Humanics philosophy. An extensive alumni network is available to help students and graduates transition into rewarding careers in sports. The program boasts an extremely high success rate when it comes to graduates finding relevant employment. In fact, a recent survey found that 100% of the 2021 sport management master’s graduates are currently employed.

The mission of the program is to develop students into well-educated, ethical, and highly competent leaders in the global sports industry. This is achieved by providing students with the theoretical and practical knowledge that will enable them to be successful leaders; establishing a curriculum that is consistent with current principles and practices of professionals in the academic and sport marketplace communities; and delivering instruction that is relevant, effective, and stimulates learning. Admission into the MPS program in Sport Management is contingent upon an assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully pursue graduate study. This assessment will be made by examining previous academic performance, letters of recommendation, the applicant’s essay, work experience, performance on standardized exams (such as the GRE or GMAT), and any other evidence that the admissions committee believes to be relevant.

The four main avenues that students go down in this program include Physical Education, Health Education, Exercise Science, and Sport Administration. The curriculum is designed in a way that a student can focus on one of these concentrations with the help of an advisor to build out a course schedule that works for the students, and helps them get closer to their dream job!

Texas A&M’s multidisciplinary Sports Management program prepares graduates to be future organizational managers and global citizens, in the sports industry and beyond. The renowned faculty has a deep knowledge of and strong ties to the industry, and students learn modern theories while applying what they’ve learned through hands on learning opportunities.

The curriculum touches on sport marketing, facility and event management, leadership, and financial management in sport. Whether students are looking to embark on a career in professional, collegiate, or municipal sports, Texas Tech has an expert faculty that can guide students to that path. With Texas Tech’s MBA program, students can combine a 42 credit hour MBA program with a 36 hour Masters with 12 credits applying to each degree, and come out with a combined degree of a Master’s and MBA in Sports Management.

The Citadel works to build a curriculum that is general enough to give students a wide variety of options upon graduation, but rigorous enough to ensure that every student going through the program develops leadership skills and a firm understanding of the fundamentals of business.

The University of Georgia Sports Management Program features extensive internship opportunities through partnerships with many local professional organizations which sets the program apart.

The University of Iowa’s Sports Management program is well established in the region and benefits from the legendary sports programs of the university. The program leans heavily on practical experience, and the faculty have a diverse base of experience from which to educate students seeking a variety of professional tracks within the vast sports industry. Students are accepted every semester (fall, spring, summer), and the program can be completed on a schedule that suits each individual, with the typical time to degree being three semesters. A limited number of Teaching Assistant positions are available to provide funding to some students in the program. Many students work in hourly positions in a variety of areas in the Athletics Department or in related areas, such as campus and community recreation. Travel funding to conferences for professional development opportunities and scholarships can be applied for once in the program.

Offering either an Accelerated (12 month) or Standard track (21 month), this program is well-positioned in the capital of Indianapolis to leverage UI’s deep professional networks. Each of their master’s courses is co-taught by a current sport industry professional, guaranteeing that students gain relevant knowledge and enlarge their network.

The University of Arkansas prepares students to work in multiple fields– professional, collegiate, recreational, public, or municipal sports. The faculty will assist students in obtaining internships and the curriculum allows for flexibility where students can tailor their learning to match their career goals.

The Master of Sport Business Management Program includes an internship as well as an MBA option. The MBA option is a total of 51 Credit Hours and requires an additional application. The internship is a period of independent study where students learn on the job in a professional setting and bring together many of the topics learned previously in the program.

This program from the University of Connecticut dives deep in to many facets of Sports Management, including Facility and Event Management, Sports Marketing, as well as the Legal and Sociological side of the industry. Students have a choice of a Thesis or Non-Thesis Track and their faculty have studied all over the country in the field of Sport Management.

University of Delaware’s program boasts one of the more established professional networks in the nation, which students can expect to leverage while completing their degree.

Students who have taken the MBA program at University of Delaware have found themselves landing roles as Senior Marketing Managers, Director of Business Development, or as a Senior Strategic planner. The program combines a curriculum of business fundamentals with courses and topics that are especially relevant to the Sports Industry.

This program is rigorous and designed by the University of Dubuque faculty to be on the cutting edge of the industry.

University of Kentucky prepares its students to lead in all sorts of fields related to the sports industry by developing the knowledge and skills of each individual student. Alum have thrived in roles related to sport administration, sport management, coaching, community and youth sports, and recreation. While studying, you have the flexibility to tailor your coursework based on your career goals.

This program works to turn students into masterful coaches through its unique curriculum which focuses on Kinesiology, effectiveness in leadership, while also exploring current issues in the world of sports.

Home to one of the largest full-time faculties and state-of-the-art facilities, the McCormack Department of Sports Management has been leading the field of sports management education for nearly fifty years. This program features partnerships with prominent agencies and a three-month internship requirement. The curriculum offers graduates unparalleled real world experience, an alumni mentorship program, and can be completed in one year. UMass also offers a top-rated dual degree program that combines this MS in Sports Management component with an MBA.

This M.Ed program was created to prepare students for successful careers in sport management, sport administration, or related tracks. With the help of key program advisers, students choose 30 credit hours consisting of coursework, independent study, internships, workshops, and professional site-based experiences. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-balanced perspective of the industry while including optional electives so that students can specialize in ares of interest.

This program balances theoretical instruction with practical experience to prepare students for successful careers in the sports industry. There is a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum which has an emphasis of improving operations and systems in organizations that are a part of the sports industry.

**NOTE – The GRE is required unless waived due to having a high GPA or five years management experience**
Offering concentrations in business analytics and collegiate athletic administration, The University of New Haven has been offering a Masters Degree in Sports Management from their Business School longer than any other University in the United States (since the 1990s). There are multiple tracks available to students including Business Analytics, Collegiate Athletic Administration, and a general Sports Management Degree. WIth hands on experience and a rigorous curriculum, the University is preparing its students to be future leaders in the world of Sports. The College of Business is AACSB accredited. The program can be completed in one year and requires an internship or special research project. With thousands of alumni and an active advisory board, UNH can leverage their location in the backyard of ESPN, WWE, Octagon, and NBC Sports along with being close to New York City and Boston

UNT features a thesis and non-thesis degree option for those interested in Recreation, Event, and Sport Management. There are also teaching fellowships available which help to subsidize the tuition, and the recreational sports office employs graduate assistants and graduate students in various roles as part of their organization. The curriculum is balanced between theoretical approaches to the study of recreation, sport and leisure as well as research methodology as it relates to conducting relevant, scientific studies.

This specialized 18-month (on campus) or 21-month (online) program features faculty from the sports product industry. Research, innovation, and sustainability are key components of this program, and students will have full access to the Sports Product Management Innovation Lab for the duration of their program. Networking and company visits offer unparalleled access to industry leaders exclusive to students of this exceptional program.

Offers classes for this degree in two places, San Francisco and Orange County Campus. The course is scheduled for one night a week and should be completed in less than two years. University of San Francisco boasts a successful alumni network and has various internship opportunities.

South Carolina’s Sports and Entertainment Management program distinguishes itself in several key areas. The program prepares students for sport, entertainment, and venue management. Students also have access to many of the premier sports and entertainment agencies based nearby, and the program is suitable for a wide variety of applicants, regardless of previous experience.

Southern Mississippi’s program prepares students for success in the growing sports industry by developing critical thinking, and cutting-edge knowledge and research in sports. This nationally recognized two year program includes a 150 hour internship experience and the chance to study abroad while attending experiences led by university faculty, and it offers an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management, a first of its kind in the United States. Additionally, the online Sport Management degree is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

At the University of Tennessee, there are two main concentrations offered- Sport Management and Therapeutic Recreation. The program is rich in hands-on learning as the faculty take an experiential approach to education. The program is designed to balance coursework with professional experience, both of which are flexible and can be designed with the students’ learning goals in mind.

21 of the 33 credits focus on the three core competencies that all students will achieve as part of the program: the ability to demonstrate effective communication skills, effective management skills, and the ability to utilize skills, knowledge and competencies learned in the program in a real-world setting. The remaining credits can be applied to elective courses which allow students to mold their education in a way that is most advantageous to their future career goals.

The goal VCU’s Sports Leadership program is to graduate tomorrow’s leaders of the sports industry. The program is offered through the School of Business and combines fundamental theories in business and sport with practical real-world experiences. Unique to this program are courses in international sports, which expose students to a different sports business ideas than many programs cover. The program culminates with a six credit externship which allows students to specialize in an area of interest.

This program works to prepare students to lead in the field with a combination of theoretical and practical experiences taught by expert faculty. There is a diverse offering of courses that accommodate varied student interests and career ambitions. The purpose of VSU’s Master’s in Sport Management is to prepare professionals to serve the public in the areas of teaching, wellness, leisure and recreation, sports marketing, and allied fields. This is facilitated through teaching, research/technology-based activities, outreach-public service endeavors, and practical experiences. These components are designed to prepare students to negotiate the demands of a global marketplace that require a sensitivity to members of diverse cultures and special populations.

Students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis track, and there is a multitude of graduate assistantships available for students. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to take management and leadership roles in sports organizations, or have the ability to further their studies and conduct relevant research.

There is a thesis and non-thesis option available for students in this program. WT A & M features a high quality faculty and facilities which encourage growth and learning of all students.

This program is designed to enable and support students to develop their technical skills and prepare them for a career in supporting athletes and build systems for teams and team members to optimize performance.

Offered through the Kinesiology Department, this program is well recognized throughout the sports industry, and boasts a solid networking association. The program places emphasis on learning outside the classroom to ensure graduates are well suited for professional opportunities.