Last Updated on February 2, 2024

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…
Flex Your Hours: Online Programs Make a Master’s in Sports Administration Accessible for Anyone
What Can I Do with an Online Master’s in Sports Administration?
Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degree Courses
Experiential Learning and Online Master’s in Sports Administration Degrees
Career Opportunities for Online Master’s in Sports Administration Graduates
Sports Administration Expert Interview & Podcast Conversations
Online Master’s in Sports Administration FAQs
Master’s in Sports Administration Degree Listings

Online Master’s of Sports Administration programs are designed to prepare graduates for success in a wide variety or roles in sports, athletics, and related businesses. Every level of the sports industry is increasingly relying on technology, and the future leaders of the sports industry will need to be uniquely equipped to thrive in this world. Additionally, successful professionals in the industry must have excellent soft skills to manage a wide-range of departments and individuals.

After completing an online master’s degree in sports administration, you will be competent in a host of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge specifically tailored for sports administration. This includes being able to manage and lead sports organizations, analyze and make data-driven decisions to support your organization, create and implement risk management plans, analyze and expand revenue streams, customize marketing, and create an effective business plan.

Flex Your Hours: Online Programs Make a Master’s in Sports Administration Accessible for Anyone

For many working professionals, the idea of earning a master’s degree while juggling work and other commitments can seem daunting. However, with the rise of online education, pursuing a master’s in sports administration has never been more accessible or flexible. Here are some benefits of choosing an online program:

1. Convenience and Flexibility – Online programs offer the convenience of learning from anywhere at any time, making it possible to earn a master’s degree while still working full-time or managing other responsibilities. The flexibility of asynchronous learning allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule, making it easier to balance school and other commitments.
2. Cost Savings – Pursuing an online master’s in sports administration can also save you significant amounts of money. With online programs, there is no need to relocate or commute to campus, saving on transportation and housing costs. Additionally, many universities offer lower tuition rates for their online degree programs.
3. Real-World Application – Online master’s in sports administration programs often provide opportunities for you to apply what you learn in real-world settings. This can include internships, mentorships, capstone projects, and simulation exercises that allow you to gain hands-on experience while earning your degree. The more roles you have a chance to explore during your program, the more you will being to understand what kind of jobs suit you well, and which ones you don’t like.
4. Access to Industry Professionals – Through virtual networking events, guest lectures, and online forums, student in online sports administration programs have the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry professionals. The connections that you make during your program will be a key foundation of your network, and they will be invaluable for finding opportunities throughout your career.

Some of you may be wondering whether it’s better to do an online program or find an on-campus program. We have a chance to ask Professor Claudia Benavides of Arkansas State University this very question recently, and here is what she had to say,

“if you’re a person that is a little intimidated by technology and does not want to be tethered to their computer for your learning, then maybe [an on campus program would be a good fit]. But having said that, on campus degree programs of course have geographical and time constraints, whereas the online classes are going to have a lot more flexibility.
But if you are comfortable using a computer and an iPad and the phone, then you will enjoy the online classes because they are very interactive and exciting. Basically, if you can do social media, you can do the classes.”

– Dr. Claudia Benavides, Arkansas State University

Don’t let your busy schedule hold you back from earning a master’s in sports administration. Consider an online program for convenience, cost savings, hands-on experience, and access to industry professionals.

What Can I Do With An Online Sports Administration Degree?

In the wide world of sports, the vast majority of entry-level 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”. 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.

Online Master’s in Sports Administration Courses

Specific courses and graduation requirements differ from school to school, but in general a master’s program in sports administration will have a variant of this general course outline:

Sports Law & Ethics: Contract, case and statutory law play a huge role in sports administration, and an understanding of how the sports industry is shaped by the law is important for anyone in an administrator role. Litigation, legal concepts, managing risk, liability, contract, antitrust, crowd control and security are all important legal considerations covered in this class.

Athletic Administration:  Study the philosophy and approaches to directing athletic departments and programs. Eligibility, accounting, ticketing, sponsors, marketing, media and PR, alumni relations, etc.. Sports ethics is another important topic that administrators deal with, including issues related to performance enhancing drugs, sports gambling, and children in sports.

Marketing in Sports: Sports are entertainment and attracting fans and sponsors is an important fuel that keeps the industry afloat. Learn about the brand development and promotion, public relations, sponsorship, licensing, branding, and promotion plans.  This is the fun part of the job where you share your creativity and enthusiasm with others in order to grow your team.

Facilities Management: Sports need facilities and learning about the management of these, whether they are arenas or stadiums, health clubs, or training centers, fall under the responsibility of the administration. Learn about the logistics, administration, finance, emergency response and operation of common sports facility types.

Sport Athletic Leadership and Management: Learn best practices about how to plan, organize, lead, evaluate, and manage in the world of sports & sport-related businesses. To a large extent, your leadership ability will determine how high you can climb on the career ladder. Leadership and Management courses teach you how to create effective policies, motivate and communicate well with fellow employees from diverse backgrounds, and cultivate a positive culture.

Technology in Sport – Dive into how technology is changing the world sports, from sport science and analytics to social media and fan engagement. You will also get an introduction to the types of systems and platforms currently being used throughout the sports industry.

Organization in Sport – An in-depth look at how sports organizations large and small are structured and managed at various leagues throughout the country and around the world.

Human Resources: Any business with employees needs an understanding of human resource management and sports organizations are no different. Learn how human resources applies to sports and its related businesses. Some topics include compliance, appraisal and feedback, retention, training and development.

Research Methods: Like any discipline, sport administration can utilize the results of focused quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Learn about statistical methods and application, collecting data, applying results and writing proposals, as it relates to sports administration.

Capstone or Final Project: Most courses design their curriculum to culminate in a final research or capstone project that synthesizes the material learned through classes into a research project. The Capstone project will challenge students to think about an issue or research topic, develop a research proposal, collect data, analyze and draw conclusions.

Experiential Learning and Online Sports Administration Master’s 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.

The faculty of each program are the people who are responsible for maintaining the partnerships and connections that make the program special. Professor Amy Greene from East Tennessee State University, had this advice to share when she spoke with Sports Degrees Online,

“Look for faculty who are engaging. It takes lots of effort to run a sport management program that involves guest speakers, site visits, networking events, and community engagement, so be sure the faculty are excited to offer these out of classroom experiences.”

Dr Amy Greene, ETSU

For those who are not currently working in the sports industry, these opportunities represent a chance to get connected with teams and organizations in your area. Be sure to ask them if they might have any volunteer or shadowing roles 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 future 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

Online Master’s in Sports Administration FAQs

Sports Administration Expert Interview & Podcast Conversations