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Master’s in Sport Management Online Graduate Program in Sports Administration

Corey Dantzler, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2023, wearing a grey vest and blue T-shirt, with 3 kids and several bookshelves in the background.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a master’s degree in sport management?

Have you always wanted to work in the sports industry but didn't know where to start?  With a master's degree in sport management, you’ll learn how to break into this competitive field while gaining the business and leadership skills needed to turn your love of sports into your dream career. 

Southern New Hampshire University’s online Master of Science (MS) in Sport Management degree combines hands-on learning opportunities with strong business administration curriculum in finance, management and media studies as you connect with accomplished sports industry professionals across the country.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Management and leadership theory
  • Global sports management analysis
  • Practical communication skills
  • Research methods
  • Sports marketing techniques
  • Finance and economics of sport
Corey Dantzler, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2023, in his home office working on his laptop with a Southern New Hampshire University sticker on the front.

Courses & Curriculum Online sport management classes that help you reach your goals

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) master's in sport management curriculum helps bridge the gap between theory and application in the real world, so you can leave with practical tools for use in the workplace.

The coursework provides the necessary interdisciplinary business skills to compete in today’s job market. Classes focus on sport marketing and media, sport finance, business foundations and sport law.  The program also provides ample opportunities to hone your written and oral communication skills, refine your organizational skills and enhance your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Degree Courses

Online sport management courses

This 36-credit-hour program includes courses on a variety of sport management topics along with 12 credits of electives, so you can customize your degree to suit your needs. A business foundations course is built into the program for students who come in with little to no business experience. If you have a business background, you may be able to waive the course.

Courses may include:

Course ID: SPT 501
This course examines the methods and techniques used in research in sport management and the sport industry. Including the basic aspects of reading, evaluating, and writing research; this course will explore the concepts developed in relevant literature as they apply to sport management. Topics include problem selection, literature review, instrumentation, methodology, statistical issues, and types of research in physical activity.
Course ID: SPT 510
Students investigate the interrelationships between sport, culture and society in an attempt to better understand the role and function of sport in contemporary society. Students receive a broad overview of selected socio-cultural factors that influence participation in sports. Major ethical issues of sport in society will be explored.
Course ID: SPT 565
The Internationalization of Sport Business course will help to prepare the sport business manager for the exciting world of global sports. The course is designed to thoroughly introduce the graduate student to the many facets of conducting sport business in the international marketplace. By using real life international sport business examples, students will garner a deeper understanding of the various complexities associated with conducting sport business in an international context. Some of the key areas include culture, international marketing, financial/political/economic risk, ethical dimensions, role of media, technology/products, professional sport leagues and governance.
Course ID: SPT 600
This course focuses on the application of management concepts and theories to sports organizations and the sports industry. It includes issues of organizational design, public policy, labor relations, collective bargaining, ethical issues in sport and the globalization of the sports industry.
Course ID: SPT 608
This course examines the concepts and processes used in marketing and communications of a sport organization, at the college, professional or community level. Students will utilize the case study approach to analyze current marketing problems and techniques to develop an effective sport marketing and communications plan; with special emphasis placed on the unique aspect of sport products, markets, consumers, and media relations.
Course ID: SPT 620
This course will provide students with an understanding of financial and economic theories and principles utilized in the sport industry. Topics will include the preparation of financial plans, strategic budgeting, capital and operating budgets, sources of revenue, economic theories, supply and demand concepts in the sport industry; economic impact, and other financial and economic theories pertinent to sport industry professionals.
Course ID: SPT 700
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Sport Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Sport Management curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.

NECHE Logo ACBSP Global Business Acreditation Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook

The skills you gain in this degree program can lead to a rewarding career in sports finance, coaching, facilities management or even event planning. With the solid business foundation this degree provides, you'll also be prepared for jobs in advertising, promotions and marketing.

Occupations

There is more to the world of sports than being on the field. The MS in Sport Management program creates a pathway at any stage of your career to enter a role you're passionate about. According to the BLS, people with a master’s degree in sport management qualify for jobs in industries such as:1

Manage the financials, guest services, staffing and facilities of a venue to keep it running smoothly.

Serve as a recreation manager or the director of camps, sports clinics or other recreation programs.

Promote a team or organization or sell products, services, tickets and experiences.

Manage a high school, college or professional-level athletics program or a fitness/training center.

6%

Projected growth of job openings for advertising, promotions and marketing managers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$156,580

Median annual salary for advertising, promotions and marketing managers in 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Greg Gosselin '11.
Greg Gosselin '11.
All the coursework I had at Southern New Hampshire University has helped me in my job now, whether it was a marketing class or a sports law class.
Greg Gosselin '11

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the MS in Sport Management program

While competing in sports is elite and not for everyone, there are endless ways to enjoy a long, rewarding career in professional sports. If you’re interested in sports, business or community engagement, a master’s in sport management can take you just about anywhere you want to go.

With a master’s in sport management, you can combine your critical thinking, analytical expertise and savvy communication skills for such roles as:

  • Athletic director: Make decisions for the overall direction of an athletic program at a university, professional franchise, school or community center.
  • Ticket sales manager: Manage the box office at a sporting venue.
  • Corporate sponsorship sales director: Develop and manage relationships to raise funds in support of an organization.
  • Sports marketing director: Coordinate marketing for a sports organization, including promotional materials, social media and brand development.
  • Event director: Manage large events, including staffing, purchasing, promotion and scheduling.
  • Guest relations manager: Serve as the point of contact for guests, working to ensure a safe and positive visit to a sporting event or arena.

If you’re looking for a rewarding way to combine your interest in business with your passion for athletics, earning a master’s degree in sport management could be just what you’re looking for.

"The Master of Science in Sport Management was absolutely worth it," said Marcus Eagle '18. "I was having a hard time taking that next step in my career, and obtaining my master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University definitely opened a lot of doors. In less than 6 months, I was offered a much better opportunity with a great company that I am still with today."

With an emphasis on practical application, Eagle felt engaged from day 1. Plus, even as an online student, he always felt supported.

"I never felt isolated. The teachers were always very quick to respond and set up many groups or class projects that helped you interact with other students," he said.

Sport management involves skills grounded in marketing. The outlook for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is good, with a projected growth of 6% through 2032.1 If you're looking to break into this growing field, a master's in sport management could help position you for success in the future.

Just as there is a constant demand for athletics, there is also a need for innovative thinkers. New ideas and mindsets on how to best bring people together through athletics will continually be in demand.

Sports, in general, are a key part of our national and global culture. They serve as a form of entertainment, but more than that, as a source of pride and community. Our strong cultural connection to sport is what contributes to its ongoing longevity as an exciting career field with so many opportunities.

"If you’re looking to take that next step in your career or just want to further your educational background, I would highly recommend taking the Southern New Hampshire University way," Eagle said.

While it takes 2 years on average to earn a master’s in sport management degree, this program can be completed in as few as 15 months.

The beauty of this online program is that you can go at your own pace. With 24/7 access to your courses, you can easily schedule your studies around work and other commitments.

You can take up to 2 courses per 10-week term. And thanks to the internship, you can graduate with great experience and professional connections already under your belt.

With a master’s degree in sport management, you can gain marketable skills in all areas of sport, including management, marketing and economics. You'll develop critical skills, like communication and analytical thinking, beginning with a foundation in business principles and ending with a hands-on internship.

And, you’ll do it all online, which can help strengthen your written communication skills. Thanks to the diverse and comprehensive curriculum, you can leave this program ready to tackle all kinds of exciting challenges with professional, collegiate, local athletics and recreational organizations.

A few of the jobs you may qualify for with a sport management degree include:

  • Facility manager: You may be involved in the design and construction of a sports facility, its overall management and operations, or both.
  • Communications director: Be responsible for internal and external communications including interviews, press releases and social media.
  • Sport financial manager: Prepare financial plans, strategic plans and budgets, and devise new sources of revenue.
  • Marketing manager: Promote a team or a franchise and leverage social media and other strategies to make connections between fans and the organization.

First, get the right degree. Solid credentials – and the education that goes with them – can make you stand out in any job market.

Second, take full advantage of the hands-on experience you'll earn with internship experience. With Southern New Hampshire University offering an undergraduate online sport management degree, this MS program and an online MBA in sport management, you have options. These programs can provide the hands-on professional experience needed to help make connections that could get noticed by the right hiring manager.

It was an internship with the Boston Bruins that helped Andrew Murphy '20 score 2 job offers. His internship (as well as the resulting recommendation from his manager) helped Murphy stand out to employers. It also prepared him to discuss the many experiences he gained throughout his time with the Bruins.

In addition, Murphy said he was able to acquire skills in leadership, organization, adaptability and problem-solving – and reaffirm his desire to work in the sports industry.

And third, don't forget the importance of networking. Southern New Hampshire University can help. You’ll be able to learn at your pace, while networking with faculty who are currently working in the field. Most importantly, you’ll have the support of 1 of the biggest alumni networks in the country to back you up.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.