5 Affordable Sports Management Degree Programs - Sports Management Degree Guide

Sports management degrees teach students how to maintain professional integrity, prioritize the well-being of athletes and remain proficient in professional practices. These degree programs may offer students classes in organizational management, which covers topics like planning, organizing and leading, as well as public relations, which covers media, promotions and news releases. These degree programs will most likely offer classes in sports related law, marketing, psychology, sociology and administration. Here are five affordable degrees for future sports managers.

Temple University

Temple University offers a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management. This degree costs around $30,000 and the program is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This program is noted for focusing on experiential opportunities and internship requirements. This means that students must complete two separate internships of 180 hours and 600 hours. This degree requires students to complete 250 hours of experience related to the sports industry. This program is popular because Philadelphia is home to four major teams, which includes the NBA’s 76ers and the NFL’s Eagles.

University of Texas

University of Texas’ College of Education offers a Sport Management degree for only around $26,000. This university is located in Austin, Texas, so there is an active university sports scene. Many teams participate in Division I of the NCAA in the Big 12 conference. This degree prepares students for management and administrative careers in sports industry settings like business, academia and entertainment. Students take classes in sport program structure, budgeting, revenue, organization and event promotion. There is a degree requirement of a one semester-long internship with an approved sports or entertainment organization.

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina has produced some of the most successful athletes and coaches in professional sports. Their Department of Exercise and Sport Science offers a Sport Administration degree for only $23,000. This degree program prepares graduates for careers in highly competitive sports organizations through the support of their 50 plus affiliated internship programs. This internship requires 10 to 20 hours of work per week. This degree includes classes in sales, economics, sociology, finance, communication, licensing and community relations.

University of Miami

The University of Miami’s UOnline program offers an online Master of Science in Sport Administration. This program introduces students to the business of sports through a global perspective. This degree program prepares students for professional jobs in sport law, marketing, collegiate athletics, program administration and sport media communications. Students can complete this 30-credit degree in less than two years. Because of its unique location, many students find employment in recreation and entertainment organizations.

Texas A&M University

This university also offers an online Master of Science in Sport Management degree that prepares students for careers in finance, athletics, marketing and personnel management. Students go on to find work in fitness clubs, athletic departments and professional sport organizations. This degree includes electives, research topics, field experiences and sport management courses. Students take classes in things like revenue generation, organizational diversity, leadership techniques and sport human resources.

Readers should note that the primary accrediting body for sports management degrees is the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Other related accrediting bodies include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.

Related Resources: