Last Updated on April 3, 2024
Why Consider an Affordable Online Master’s in Sports Management?
Pursuing higher education is always an exciting and valuable experience. It not only expands your knowledge but also opens new doors of opportunities for career growth and advancement. In the sports industry, this is especially true.
If you are passionate about sports, then an online master’s degree in sports management could be the perfect next step for you. In this guide, we will explain why a sports management graduate degree could be the best investment you can make for your career
In this guide…
The Case for Choosing an Affordable Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree
Sports Degrees Online’s Most Affordable Master’s In Sport Management Programs 2024-25
Affordable Degrees Still Help You Gain Hands-On Experience in the Sports Industry
Affordable Sports Management Master’s Programs Lead to Job Opportunities with Top Organizations
Affordable Online Sports Management Graduate Degrees Offer Incredible Value
Build Your Best Resource – Your Professional Network
Investing in Yourself is the Best Money You Can Spend
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Sport Management FAQs
The sports industry is larger than ever and growing quickly. This means the demand for highly skilled professionals in management positions is on the rise. It’s no longer enough to study general business or marketing principles. Today’s sports organizations favor job candidates with sport-specific degrees such as a master’s in sports management. Visit our Online Sport Management Bachelor’s Degree Guide for the best undergraduate programs. And if you’re considering in-person programs, visit our Sports Management Master’s Degree Guide and our Sports Management Bachelor’s Degree Guide.
The Case for Choosing an Affordable Online Master’s Degree in Sports Management
There is no question that the playing field is leveling out with regard to higher education. In 2024, there are options available to earn a master’s in sports management for less than 30% of what it would have cost a decade ago. What’s more, is that with online degree programs, you can still work full time and complete the degree at your own pace.
So why is the most affordable degree the best choice right now? It’s simple:
- Graduating with a Master’s Degree in hand AND very little debt is a huge win. With interest rates (and borrowing costs) at a recent high, the more you borrow to pay off your degree, the more painful it will be to pay off.
- A Master’s in Sports Management is what you make of it, not what you pay for it. The value add of your degree is what you are able to learn, the connections you make, and how you apply your new skills. As long as you execute on these things and leverage your network, nobody cares how much you paid to get there.
- Earning an Affordable Master’s in Sports Management leaves money for invaluable extra-curricular opportunities. What will you do with the money that you didn’t have to spend on your degree? How about taking a trip or two to a NASSM conference, where you can build your network exponentially? Or travel with one of your former connections to volunteer at the Final Four, or the Super Bowl? Having a bit more financial flexibility can provide the path to new and exciting opportunities.
Sports Degrees Online’s Most Affordable Master’s In Sport Management Programs 2024-25
#1
University of Central Arkansas
Location: Conway, Arkansas
Program: Master of Arts in Sport Management
Credits: 30
Tuition: $10,080 for the full degree
Details: The program from University of Central Arkansas is mean to be suited for students who are working full time and are looking to advance their careers. The program will dive deep in to the Management, Marketing, Legal, Financial, and Leadership aspects of the Sports Industry. Generally, students finish the program within 20 months.
#2
The University of West Georgia
Location: Carrollton, Georgia
Program: Master’s in Sports Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $11,412 for the full degree
Details: The program at the University of West Georgia places a special focus on two specific areas – Intercollegiate Athletic Administration and Sports Analytics. The chance to study entirely online makes this program a great choice for a wide variety of candidates.
#3
Georgia Southern University
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Program: Master of Science in Sport Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $12,888 for the full program
Details: Sport Management is one of the fastest growing fields in the country, and Georgia Southern has well established programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels – reflecting the depth and investment in this industry. This program is designed for working professionals eager to develop their qualifications and earning potential, this program can be completed in two years.
#4
University of South Alabama
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Program: Master’s in Science in Sport Management
Credits: 30
Tuition: $15,150 for the full degree
Details: The University of Southern Alabama Masters in Sports Science program was designed with distance technology so that students not only study online, but also identify key issues in the Sports Industry and identify strategies to address these complex topics. This program is great for students looking to specialize in Event and Organizational Management.
#5
Colorado Mesa University
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Program: Master’s in Sport Management
Credits: 30
Tuition: $16,552 for the full degree
Details: This program is 100% Online and also has a thesis and non-thesis option for students. The program is meant to prepare students to take on leadership and management positions at Professional, Collegiate, or Interscholastic Organizations, or go into the field of Sports Media, Management, or Marketing.
#6
Morehead State University
Location: Morehead, Kentucky
Program: Master of Arts in Sport Management
Credits: 33
Tuition: $17,100 for the full program
Details: Morehead State’s Sports Management program is offered by the business department and features professors who have extensive experience in the sports industry.
Learn more about the degree:
#7
Jackson State University
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Program: Master’s in Sport Science, Sport Management Concentration
Credits: 36
Tuition: $17,136 for the full degree
Details: Jackson State’s Master’s in Sport Science has a sport management concentration, and the program prepares graduates for leadership roles throughout the sports industry. Featuring extensive courses in the business side of sports – marketing, statistics, research methods, and finance – graduates will be well prepared for executive and management consideration.
#8
Indiana State University
Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
Program: Master’s in Sport Management
Credits: 33
Tuition: $17,550 for the full degree
Details: Indiana State boasts a nearly 100% placement rate for graduates, and it’s 100% online program suits driven students very well. Care is taken to prepare graduates for the ever-changing world of sports so that they will stay ahead of the curve in terms of what the future will bring to the industry. The program places emphasis on seven competency areas and the program maintains small class sizes to ensure every student receives plenty of attention from the faculty.
#9
University of Indianapolis
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Program: Master of Science in Sports Management
Credits: 33
Tuition: $18,348 for the full degree
Details: 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.
#10
Wilmington University
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Program: Master’s in Sport Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $18,864 for the full degree
Details: Wilmington University’s program features a unique partnership with the US Olympic Committee allowing for special projects with TEAM USA.
#11
PennWest California
Location: California, Pennsylvania
Program: Online Sport Management Studies Master’s Degree
Credits: 36
Tuition: $18,936 for the full degree
Details: California University’s Sports Management program offers three different areas of specialization. The program features a 12 credit mentorship program–which can be a current employer or another placement of your choice–so the program is inherently experiential. This program is rooted in Sports Management and graduates who complete the program will have a strong basis in the fundamentals of the business side of sports, but will also take a deep dive into analytic and economic analyses of the market and various aspects of the industry. Graduates of the program have successfully been placed into jobs in major sports leagues and organizations.
#12
East Tennessee State University
Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
Program: Master of Science in Sport Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $19,266 for the full degree
Details: Separated into three main categories- performance, promotion and production), ETSU prepares students practically and academically for entering into the world of professional sports. Students learn from industry experts and will have the ability to enter into roles focusing on media, marketing, facilities, logistics, and performance.
#13
Salem University
Location: Salem, West Virginia
Program: Master’s in Sports & Recreation Management
Credits: 30
Tuition: $19,500 for the full degree
Details: Salem University’s Master’s program is taught in four week classes, in either a part time or full time setting. The program focuses on managerial strategies, use cutting edge research and data in an applied setting, understand regulations, and provide leadership with integrity.
Learn more about the degree:
#14
West Virginia University
Location: Morgantow, West Virginia
Program: Executive Sport Management Master’s (M.S.)
Credits: 30
Tuition: $20,190 for the full degree
Details: West Virginia University’s Executive Master’s in Sports Management program prepares graduates with the foundation needed to compete for high level jobs in the fast growing sports industry. Offering two different specializations depending on your future goals and access to WVU’s extensive alumni and professional network, there is a perfect track for both working professionals and those just entering the industry. No thesis is required, as the focus is on applying the knowledge in work settings. Tuition for all students is offered at the in-state rate, making this program an excellent value and very affordable compared to similar caliber programs.
#15
Liberty University
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Program: Online Master’s in Sports Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $20,700 for the full degree
Accreditations: COSMA
Details: Offered through the Sports and Recreation Management Department, Liberty University’s graduate program offers the education and skills needed to succeed in the fast growing world of Sports Management. Liberty prepares graduates for leadership roles in this dynamic industry, and develops the whole person with a Biblical worldview. The programs consists of 8 week courses, and Liberty allows students to transfer in up to half of the credits for the degree. This program is COSMA certified.
Learn more about the degree:
#16
Old Dominion University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Program: Master’s Degree in Sport Management
Credits: 33
Tuition: $20,559 for the full degree
Details: With a combination of essential theoretical and practical knowledge, students graduate full prepared to enter into leadership roles within the sports industry. It also allows the flexibility to complete the program in either 1 or 2 years, and can be taken in person or online.
#17
Southern Nazarene University
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Program: Sport Management and Administration Master’s
Credits: 36
Tuition: $20,700 for the full degree
Details: What makes Southern Nazarene University unique is its flexible schedule. Students are able to participate in the program in a 100% online fashion, or by taking classes in person one night a week, and you will focus on one course at a time. This program is built for people with a busy schedule looking to make a positive change in their life.
#18
Cumberland University
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Program: Master’s in Sport Management
Credits: 33
Tuition: $22,500 for the full degree
Details: Cumberland’s Master of Arts in Sports Management is a great choice for students planning a career in Sports Media, Facilities, Event Management, or Front Office management.
#19
Missouri Baptist University
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Program: Master of Science in Sport Management
Credits: 31
Tuition: $22,712 for the full degree
Details: Missouri Baptist’s Master’s of Science in Sport Management was designed to produce effective managers for the sports industry of tomorrow. Learn at your own pace from experience professors who will teach you the skills you need along with Christian values as a foundation. The structure of the degree allows you to complete your studies at your own pace, making it a perfect fit for working professionals or individuals with other life commitments. This program can be completed in 18 to 24 months.
#20
Southern New Hampshire University
Location: Manchester, NH
Program: Master in Sports Management
Credits: 36
Tuition: $22,932
Details: SNHU is home to one of the longest running Sport Management programs in the country, and a leader in the online learning space. SNHU is one of a select few programs to each distinction for both quality and affordability, making this program an exceptional value. It can be completed in as few as 15 months, and the alumni network accessible to graduates is extensive.
Learn more about the degree:
Affordable Degrees Still Help You Gain Hands-On Experience in the Sports Industry
Online master’s programs in sports management often incorporate practical, hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, case studies, and real-world projects. Internships offer students the chance to immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of sports organizations, providing invaluable on-the-ground experience.
Case studies foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, by challenging students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. With real-world projects, students are given the opportunity to collaborate and innovate, devising and implementing strategies to address actual issues in the sports industry.
These experiences not only enhance students’ understanding of the industry but also serve as valuable additions to their resumes, demonstrating their practical skills and commitment to the field. This blend of academic learning and practical experience prepares students to hit the ground running in their careers, positioning them for success in the dynamic world of sports management.
Affordable Sports Management Master’s Programs Lead to Job Opportunities with Top Organizations
Graduates who have earned an online master’s degree in sports management certainly hold a distinct edge over other candidates in the industry. Their comprehensive understanding of the sports industry dynamics, combined with a wide array of transferable skills and specialization in specific areas, positions them favorably for the best jobs within leading organizations.
Top-tier sports organizations are consistently on the lookout for individuals who bring such a blend of industry-specific insight and practical skills to the table. Hence, possessing an online master’s degree in sports management makes graduates highly attractive to these employers, setting them on a path for career success and advancement in this exciting field.
Affordable Online Sports Management Graduate Degrees Offer Incredible Value
The gradual increase in the number of online sports management master’s degree programs being offered each year has led to a surge in more affordable options for prospective students. These programs strike a balance between quality education and cost-effectiveness, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to gain comprehensive professional competence without breaking the bank. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs are also available, adding to the financial accessibility of these courses. This affordability, coupled with the flexibility inherent in online learning, makes these programs a compelling choice for those aspiring to a career in sports management.
These “Cheap” Online Sports Management Degrees Help You Build Your Best Resource – Your Professional Network
A key component of an online master’s degree in sports management is the opportunity to build a robust professional network that can be pivotal for your career trajectory. This network is not just a resource for immediate job opportunities, but a long-term asset that can continually yield professional insight, collaboration, and career advancements.
From classmates to professors, guest lecturers, and industry professionals you meet during internships or practicums, every connection you make can potentially open doors to new opportunities. These interpersonal relationships formed during your studies contribute to a professional ecosystem that fosters mutual growth, where shared knowledge and experiences enrich your understanding of the sports industry. Thus, a master’s degree in sports management offers more than just an academic qualification; it’s a gateway to a community of professionals who can support and enhance your career, now and in the future.
Investing in Yourself is the Best Money You Can Spend
Investing in an affordable online master’s degree in sports management is undeniably an excellent move towards ensuring increased earning potential and professional advancement. The inherent flexibility of online learning allows students to maintain their full-time employment while still advancing their education.
This means that you can immediately apply the knowledge and skills gained from your coursework to your current job, giving you a competitive edge and potentially leading to raises or promotions. Furthermore, the broad curriculum of a sports management master’s program equips graduates with an extensive skill set and domain knowledge, which are highly valued in the sports industry.
As a result, graduates find themselves well-prepared for a variety of senior roles in the field, from marketing and event planning to athlete representation and facilities management. These advanced positions typically come with higher salaries, demonstrating the direct correlation between this degree and increased earning potential. Therefore, an affordable online master’s in sports management is not just a smart academic choice, but a strategic investment in your professional future, yielding significant returns both in terms of career progression and financial rewards.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Sport Management FAQs:
All of the programs mentioned in our are available 100% online, sorted by tuition cost. Some may offer the option of attending some classes in person.
A Graduate Degree in Sports Management is what you make of it. If you put in the work, build your network, and make the most of your opportunities, these degree programs are no different than any other options. Be sure to cultivate connections with your professors, classmates, and mentors, as they will be an amazing resource throughout your career.