Last Updated on July 30, 2023
Online Master’s in Sports Administration
In the sports industry, there is a great deal of competition for the best jobs. Networking and experience are extremely important for people who are trying to move up the ladder, but there are an increasing number of positions which require a master’s degree.
In this Guide…
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Sports Administration Degree?
What Courses Comprise an Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degree?
What are the Benefits to Studying a Master’s in Sports Administration Degree Online?
How Much Do Online Master’s in Sports Administration Programs Cost?
Experiential Learning and Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degrees
Career Opportunities for Master’s in Sports Administration Graduates
Online Master’s in Sport Administration FAQs
The good news is that earning a master’s degree has never been easier. There are more online degrees being offered each year, and the increased availability has meant that there are also more affordable options than ever.
Online Master’s of Sports Administration programs are designed to prepare graduates for success at every level of sports and athletics. Sports Administration is a multidisciplinary field which includes core elements of business, marketing, finance, and event and facility management. Many programs also offer concentration areas in subjects like collegiate athletics, analytics, or coaching and leadership.
What Can I Do With A Sports Administration Degree?
In the wide world of sports, the vast majority of positions do not require a master’s degree. However, as people with experience in the professional world can attest, oftentimes the best way to set yourself up for a promotion or a pay raise is by earning a master’s degree. This is especially true for those who work for educational institutions, or for those who aspire to reach the level of a manager, supervisor, or director.
For busy professionals currently working in sports and athletics who are eager to make the leap up to a dream job, an Online Master’s Degree in Sports Administration could make that vision into a reality. And considering how affordable many programs are, the degree might pay for itself in a very short time.
The actual return on investment for graduates of master’s programs tends to vary depending on what type of industry the individual is working in. According to the BLS, those working in the business world – which would apply to sports organizations and many other companies in the industry – see “some of the highest wage premiums for workers with a master’s degree”. Further, the BLS also mentions that nearly 20% of all master’s degrees are awarded to those in education, and that “the payoff for these degrees is usually relatively high”. This is excellent news for those currently working in high school or collegiate athletics, as earning an online master’s degree could make a significant difference financially.
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What Courses Comprise a Master’s in Sports Administration Program?
The curriculum for a Master’s in Sports Administration Degree covers a wide variety of topics which professionals are sure to encounter while working in the sports industry. Having said that, there can often be significant differences between different programs. For this reason, t is important to review the curriculum structure – including elective courses – thoroughly before deciding which program is the best fit for you and your career goals.
Here are a few of the course subject areas that are commonly found in a Master’s in Sports Administration program:
Sport and Athletic Leadership – Educational theory concerning the dynamics involved when working with teams and athletes in a school environment.
Sports Marketing – a foundation on marketing principles as they relate to the sports industry, including sponsorship, licensing, branding, and more.
Ethics in Sports – ethical issues that relate to sport, teams, and athletes.
Sport Tech – an examination into how technology is changing sports, from sport science to the fan experience.
Organization in Sport – how sports organizations large and small are structured and how they are managed.
Sports Law – Legal issues in sports
What are the Benefits to Studying a Master’s in Sports Administration Degree Online?
For busy professionals who are looking for a way to build qualifications and skills to level-up their career, an Online Master’s in Sport Administration could be an excellent option. Many online programs feature both synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing students to study and learn material while still enjoying the benefits of learning with a like-minded cohort.
For individuals who are already in the workforce, the ability to pursue an advanced degree on their own time is one of the reasons why degree programs like an Online Master’s in Sports Administration are so popular. Since Sports Administration is a multidisciplinary field of study, it provides students with the opportunity to build their skills in a range of different areas. Those who are already working in the sports industry will likely find that they are constantly getting better at doing the jobs they have while also preparing themselves to take on more responsibilities.
How Much Do Online Sports Administration Graduate Programs Cost?
There is great variation in the cost of Online Master’s in Sports Administration programs. Many universities offer significantly discounted in-state tuition rates for residents, and further many state universities offer reciprocal rates for residents of nearby states as well. It is always worth looking into these discounts, as they can sometimes be about half of the cost of the full tuition.
Having said that, there are a growing number of colleges and universities that specialize in offering low-cost degree programs to students. Tuition at these institutions can be as low as $7,500 per year, with entire degree programs coming in at around $11,000.
On the other end of the spectrum, top-tier schools price their programs at $40,000 and up. Students must do their diligence when comparing program costs because there might be situations where spending more on the program cost will be worth it in the long run. If a particular institution is known to have a strong alumni network and professors who are known to be industry leaders in a particular discipline, spending more on tuition might make sense.
However, for students who already have their own professional network and who already have their sights set on a particular position, the extra bells and whistles of an expensive program might not make sense.
Experiential Learning and Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degrees
One potential concern for students who are considering an Online Master’s Degree in Sports Administration is that they won’t have the opportunity to engage in any “hands-on” or experiential learning. The good news is that those who are already working in the sports industry will be able to use real world situations from their jobs any time class project opportunities present themselves.
For those who are not currently working in the sports industry, these class projects still represent an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with teams and organizations in your area. Be sure to ask them if they might have any volunteer or shadowing opportunities that would allow you to gain some real world experience while helping to address a need within their organization. Alumni networks can be a great way to discover these opportunities.
Careers Opportunities for Online Master’s in Sports Administration Graduates
Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration will be equipped with the tools needed to step in to any organization – be it high school or collegiate athletics, or in the business of sports – and make a positive impact. Whether you are someone who is seeking their first position in the sports industry, or you are trying to make the leap to the next level, a master’s degree can open doors that were previously out of reach. In the last five years, one in three companies have revised their educational requirement standards in a trend that is likely to continue going forward.
Sports Administration graduates might find themselves in the following roles:
- Athletic Director
- Facilities Manager
- Recreation Center Manager
- Director of Sports & Recreation
- Parks & Recreation Director
- University Recreation Director
- Sport Performance Specialist
- Marketing Director
- Director of Partnerships
- Scouting Director
- Coach