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Last Updated on November 8, 2024

Guide to the Best Sport Management Degrees in Georgia

When it comes to launching a career in the sports industry, getting a sport management degree in Georgia is an excellent way to start. In this guide you’ll find sports administration and sport management degrees in Georgia.

“Georgia is a rapidly growing state with very diverse offerings in sport. The traditional spectator/team sport offerings can be found in Atlanta and throughout the state, but there are also unique sports cities and opportunities in Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, and the Golden Isles.” 

Dr. Chris Barnhill

Professor Chris Barnhill

Associate Professor of Sport Management, Georgia Southern University

Georgia is home to major league teams including the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and two MLS teams, Atlanta United FC and Inter Atlanta FC. College Football is king in the state, led by the University of Georgia’s legendary program.

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Here you’ll also find thriving minor league teams, including the Gwinnett Stripers, Augusta GreenJackets, the Macon Bacon, and the Savannah Bananas, who have become a national phenomenon.

Georgia’s exciting sports scene also includes The Masters at Augusta, and auto racing which is also a big business in Georgia. Despite its relatively small size, Georgia is home to several major race tracks and associated businesses.

With so many opportunities to get involved with excellent organizations, sport management students should strongly consider Georgia when choosing where to pursue their degree.

Sports Management Degrees in Georgia

Georgia is home to world-renowned sports tournaments and teams, and with its affordability, warm weather, and southern hospitality, it can be a great place to grow one’s career in the sports industry. UGA’s sport management degree is probably the largest and certainly among the best, but large or small, there are many high quality programs available in Georgia.

The University of Georgia tops the list in terms of name recognition in the state, and its robust sport management offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management in which students can work and learn with one of the most well-known D-I athletics organizations in the country.

Kennesaw State University also offers a Bachelor’s in Sport Management program that has solid reputation in the state and throughout the Southeast US.

Columbus State offers an intriguing Sport Management Major through its Sport and Exercise Studies department. The program is available fully online, and has an impressive number of pre-approved transfer options to excellent universities, making this a great option for budget-minded students.

In this section:
Sport Management Master’s Programs

Sport Management Bachelor’s Degrees in Georgia

Augusta University | Augusta, GA
BA in Sport Management

Delivery Method: On Campus

Credits Required: 120

Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $8,832

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $24,210

Augusta University’s revamped Sport Management program is now offered through the Kinesiology department at the school. It provides students with experienced faculty members that are dedicated to providing an innovative educational experience. Our faculty members bring first-hand experience from their own work in the industry, giving students the opportunity to learn from real-world professionals.

Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management

Credits Required: 120

Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $6,485

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $17,539

Georgia Southern University’s sport management program offers students a hands-on learning experience through internships and other opportunities. The program offers three concentration areas – Sport Marketing and Revenue Generation, Marketing, and Sport Development. The state-of-the-art facilities at Georgia Southern provides students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the sport industry. Georgia Southern’s experienced faculty members are dedicated to helping students succeed and reach their goals. Networking opportunities through GSU’s impressive network offers access to industry professionals and alumni, allowing students them to make valuable connections and build relationships.

Shorter University | Rome, GA
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management

Credits Required: 120

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $375

Total Tuition: $23,514 per year

Introducing “Finish in Four” – the fast-track to earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years at Shorter. Their program places a strong emphasis on developing professional skills, offering students exclusive access to job fairs and career development panels with industry experts. As a COSMA accredited institution, Shorter goes through a meticulous accreditation process and provides transparent academic benchmark data to the public.

Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management

Delivery Method: On Campus

Credits Required: 127

Total Tuition: $31,850

Toccoa Falls College offers an affordable option for earning your degree in sport management, with a tuition cost that is among the lowest in the region. The faculty is made up of experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the field of sport management, giving you the opportunity to learn from the best. The curriculum covers topics such as sport marketing, legal issues, team management, and much more. As a faith-based institution, students can expect quality leadership and a spiritual dimension to their education.

University of Georgia | Athens, GA
BSEd in Sport Management

Delivery Method: On Campus

Credits Required: 120

Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): 12,068

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): 31,108

The University of Georgia’s sport management program is led by a group of highly respected faculty members and instructors who are recognized experts in the field. Their knowledge and expertise makes UGA’s sport management program one of the best in the country, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable insights and experiences from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry. UGA’s program provides students with real-world opportunities through internships, job placements, and other experiential learning programs that help students make meaningful connections with potential employers.

University of West Georgia | Carrollton, GA
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management

Delivery Method: On Campus and Online

Credits Required: 120

Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $6,521

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $17,576

The University of West Georgia’s Sport Management program is committed to excellence in sport management education. UGA’s program provides the best possible learning environment for our students, with a wide range of courses, access to internships, and hands-on experience in the sport industry. Our program boasts a number of strengths and highlights including a focus on experiential learning, with a wealth of opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the sport industry. UGA also has extensive connections to local sports organizations and businesses, providing internships and employment opportunities for our students and a top-notch curriculum that combines theory and practice.

Sport Management Master’s Degrees in Georgia

Master and PhD level programs focus on the role of sports in society and advanced management principles within the sports industry. Georgia is an ideal place to pursue Master’s in Sport Management, and perhaps continue to a Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management, a degree that qualifies you for exciting work such as teaching at the collegiate level, leading research teams, and high level consulting work.

Be sure to visit our Master’s in Sport Management Guide for complete information about choosing the right Master’s program for you.

Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA
Master of Science in Sports Management

Delivery Method: Online

Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours

Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $358 per credit hour plus fees or $8,250 per year

Total Tuition: $28,632 per year

Sports management is a booming field that is experiencing rapid growth nationwide. At Georgia Southern, they offer comprehensive and highly regarded programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, demonstrating their commitment and expertise in this industry. Their program is specifically designed for ambitious working professionals who are looking to enhance their qualifications and increase their earning potential. In just two years, you can complete this program and take your career to new heights.

The University of Georgia | Athens, GA
Master of Science in Sports Management

Delivery Method: On Campus

Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours

Total Tuition: $19,200 per semester

The University of Georgia Sports Management Program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience through various internship partnerships with local professional organizations. This distinguishes the program from others, making it a top choice for aspiring sports management professionals.

The University of West Georgia | Carrollton, GA
Masters in Sports Management

Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours

Total Tuition: Refer to UWG Bursar’s Graduate Online tuition and fees chart.

The University of West Georgia offers a unique program that prioritizes Intercollegiate Athletic Administration and Sports Analytics. This program is particularly advantageous because it can be completed entirely online, allowing a diverse range of individuals to pursue this opportunity.

Sports Administration Degrees Programs in Georgia

The large number of athletic programs, teams, and organizations in Georgia mean that skilled sports administration professionals are highly in demand. For this reason, the education system Georgia has produces some of the best sports administration graduates anywhere in the country. Whether you’re focused on football, soccer, or NASCAR; high school, collegiate, or professional sports, Georgia is where many elite sports professionals get their start.

Georgia State University offers a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree in Sport Administration which focuses on business and marketing with the opportunity to study topics like sports analytics and communications. In addition, Georgia State’s impressive Sport Administration Board includes an impressive list of partners and helps ensure that the program curriculum is perfectly in line with the needs of sports industry employers.

In this section:
Sports Administration Master’s Programs

Sports Administration Master’s Degrees in Georgia

Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA
Master in Sport Administration

Delivery Method: On Campus

Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours

Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $898

GRE (or GMAT) Required: No

The Sports Administration program offered by Georgia State’s department of Kinesiology is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful leaders in the dynamic sports industry. With its strategic location in Atlanta, students benefit from a strong alumni network and valuable connections with top-tier organizations. Graduates of this program consistently secure competitive positions with professional and collegiate teams, which speaks to the exceptional quality of education they receive. Prepare for a rewarding career in sports administration with Georgia State University.

Sports Administration Bachelor’s Degrees in Georgia

Sport Management MBA Degrees in Georgia

Sports are big business in Georgia, and there is perhaps no better market in the country to get involved in the business of sports. Subsequently, there is a wide variety of highly focused degree programs available online and in person that are designed to fit around the busy schedule of students who work full time jobs, and MBA programs focused on sport management offer great value.

The Sports Economy of Georgia

Georgia has a reputation as an affordable place to live. The median home value of $236,223 is well below the national average of $281,370. Also, rent, gasoline, and property tax are also well below the average rates across the U.S.

The low cost of living coupled with the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and over 50 state parks makes for a great place to live. Georgia boasts a strong, diversified economy; Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the busiest in the world and the state is home to headquarters for corporate giants such as Coca-Cola, Delta, UPS, Home Depot, and Aflac.

Georgia outperforms many states in its unemployment rate and is often well below the national average. There are opportunities for working in just about any sport you can imagine. Georgia has teams in the highest tier of professional sports in Basketball, Baseball, Football, and Soccer. On top of that, there are a multitude of semi-professional teams and collegiate teams which are highly competitive and also a great source of jobs for Georgians.
The Sports industry is well-paying compared to other industries in the state. With an annual average wage of $57,960 in the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media occupations, this is over 11% above the average wage across all occupations.

Universities in Georgia

There are many prestigious universities in Georgia, including the Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech not only has a division 1 athletic program, but also has helped support a growing startup scene. Emory University is prestigious in its own right, and also the Emory University Hospital is nationally ranked for its cancer, cardiology, diabetes, endocrinology, geriatrics, neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics treatment.

Major Sports Markets in Georgia

Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, is also its biggest market. With almost half a million people, it has more than double its next biggest city, Augusta. However, there are 7 cities with over 100,000 residents. These larger cities are more apt to have sports jobs available. There are also a number of sports marketing, media, and research agencies (mostly in Atlanta) throughout the state.

Sports Teams in Georgia

All major sports are represented in Georgia. There is excitement for sports at both the professional and collegiate level, and there are many municipalities working to build recreation and athletics programs. The sports landscape is varied, but ripe with opportunity.

Baseball

The Atlanta Braves are the only MLB team in the state, but that is not the extent of baseball in Georgia. Georgia Tech has a prestigious baseball program and is usually in contention for the Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Tournament Championship. On top of that, there are a number of minor league teams that call Georgia home.

Teams:
MLB: Atlanta Braves

South Atlantic League: Augusta GreenJackets, Rome Braves

International League: Gwinnett Stripers

Basketball

Of course there are the Hawks, but college basketball is also big in Georgia. The University of Georgia Bulldogs are no stranger to the March Madness Tournament making their last appearance in 2015. Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets most recently made an appearance in 2021, after having won the ACC championship.

Teams:

NBA: Atlanta Hawks

WNBA: Atlanta Dream

NBA G League: College Park Skyhawks

Football

The Falcons have seen fairly recent success in winning the NFC and appearing in the Super Bowl in 2017. However, college football may be more popular than the NFL in Georgia. The Peach Bowl is held annually in Atlanta. There is also growing popularity in the smaller leagues like the National Arena League and the Independent Women’s Football League.

Teams:

NFL: Atlanta Falcons

Independent Women’s Football League: Atlanta Explosion

National Arena League: Columbus Lions

Hockey

For a time, Atlanta had an NHL team, the Thrashers, before moving to Winnipeg.  However, there are semi-pro teams throughout the state.

Teams:

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators

Southern Professional Hockey League: Macon Mayhem

Federal Prospects Hockey League: Columbus River Dragons

Lacrosse

According to FieldLevel, there are 2,925 Men’s Lacrosse teams, and 1,239 lacrosse teams throughout the state of Georgia.  Major League Lacrosse has a team in Atlanta, and THe National Lacrosse League has a team in Duluth. The sport is no doubt on the rise in Georgia (as well as the rest of the U.S.).

Teams:

Major League Lacrosse: Atlanta Blaze

National Lacrosse League: Georgia Swarm

NASCAR

Dawsonville is considered to be the birthplace and the sport is hugely popular.  The Atlanta Motor speedway holds well over 100,000 fans and hosts two NASCAR events each year. These events are the largest sporting events held in the state.

Tracks: 

NASCAR: Atlanta Motor Speedway

Soccer

Soccer in Georgia is extremely popular. The community is very active with resources for coaches, parents, athletes, officials, and others involved in growing the sports. The MLS has a team in Atlanta, and we would not be surprised to see more leagues and teams popping up with more job opportunities to go along with it!

Teams:

Major League Soccer: Atlanta United 

USL League One: South Georgia Tormenta FC

FAQ

What is the difference between sport management and sports administration?

Don’t worry if you’re confused about this! There’s a lot of overlap and in some cases, the terms are used almost interchangeably. The difference between sport management and sports administration is that sport management focuses on the business aspects of sport, such as marketing, sales, finance, and law. Sports administration deals with the organizational structure of a particular sporting organization or event in terms of its governance mechanisms and policy making. Sport managers are responsible for managing teams or governing bodies to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently while sports administrators focus on providing direction to programs through operations management, setting objectives, formulating strategies, and managing resources.

What sports is Georgia known for?

Georgia is well known for its love of sports, both professional and amateur. Popular sports in the state include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis. Football is perhaps the most popular sport in Georgia, with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons being one of the most successful teams in the league. Basketball is also a very popular sport in Georgia, with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks having a long and successful history. Baseball is also very popular in Georgia, with the MLB’s Atlanta Braves being one of the most successful teams in baseball. Soccer is another sport that has seen an increase in popularity over recent years, and the MLS’ Atlanta United FC has become one of the premier soccer teams in America since their formation in 2014.

Is Georgia a good place to get a sport management degree?

Georgia is an excellent place to pursue a degree in sport management. Not only are there are there many universities and colleges offering top-tier programs, but the state is also home to several high-profile professional sports teams, such as the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, United FC, and Dream. This provides students with plenty of opportunities to learn from industry professionals.