Have you thought about returning to school to earn an online master’s in sport management, but your undergraduate GPA is less than ideal? There are many great schools who consider students with an undergraduate GPA less than a 3.0! Colleges and universities are starting to look at a variety of factors that demonstrate academic aptitude including work experience, professional recommendations, and writing samples. Earning an online master’s degree in sports management is a great way for sports minded professionals to advance their career. Qualified sport management professionals are in demand, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow by 10% through 2026.
We created this ranking of the top online master’s in sports management that accept students with a lower undergraduate GPA based on information we received from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. We looked for schools offering an online master’s degree in sports management and narrowed our list to those that that either have no specifically stated minimum GPA or have a minimum GPA of less than a 3.0 as part of their admission process. It is important to note that in lieu of a 3.0 minimum GPA, some schools require GRE or GMAT scores, letters of reference, or work experience to be fully admitted to the program. Every school is different so consult their admissions department prior to applying. We then created and applied a ranking system using average graduate tuition rate and student to faculty ratio. We awarded bonus points for sports management master’s online programs that hold COSMA accreditation.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 12:1 or less= 5 Points
- 13:1 to 17:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 17:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Student Tuition
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point
COSMA Accreditation
- Yes= 3 Points
Below are our top 15 online master’s in Sports Management that have no minimum GPA requirement or accept less than a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA for admission.
#15 – Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire
Master’s in Sports Management Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average graduate student tuition: $18,810/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 4
Southern New Hampshire University features a top online master’s in sports management for students who want to turn their passion for sports into a paid profession. This affordable and convenient online masters degree program takes just 15 months to complete. Instructors have relevant, real-world experience and work closely with students to ensure their success. Student support services are available on online students and include a dedicated team of academic and career advisors. Applicants should have at least a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
#14 – Morehead State University – Morehead, Kentucky
Master’s in Sport Management Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,260/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 4
The online master’s in sport management from Morehead State University prepares students to make independent professional contributions to the sporting industry. Students gain expertise and research skills in sport management. Online courses cover areas like financing the sport enterprise, sport marketing, sport governance, and sport relations. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA in a related undergraduate field and submit GMAT scores.
#13 – Adelphi University – Garden City, New York
Online MS in Sport Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average graduate student tuition: $40,750/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 6
The online master’s in sport management at Adelphi University is designed for ambitious students with a passion for sports. Students can choose to specialize in sport marketing or collegiate athletic administration and earn their degree in under two years. The 100% online format allows students to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities. Small classes promote engagement and give students the opportunity to interact with faculty. Applicants should have a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA to be considered for acceptance to the program.
#12 – Mississippi College -Clinton, Mississippi
Master’s degree in Athletic Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,962/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 6
The online athletic administration master’s degree program from Mississippi College features an interscholastic concentration and an intercollegiate concentration. The affordable online master’s degree program is designed for students who want to work in athletics at either the college or secondary level. This 37 credit hour online program takes two years to complete. Both concentration areas include two-six week practicum at a site approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be considered for admission.
#11 – West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia
Online Masters in Sport Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average graduate student tuition: $9,990/year in-state and $25,776/year out-of-state
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 6
West Virginia University features an affordable online master’s in sport management with tracks available in Comprehensive Sport Industry Management and Interscholastic Athletic Administration. All online students pay the same low tuition rate as in-state students. The online master’s curriculum focuses on real-world challenges facing the sport industry and includes coursework in business technology, sport management strategy, and problem solving. Students interact with a diverse cohort of peers and complete research while gaining hands-on experience. Future students should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to be considered for admission.
#10 – Grace College – Winona Lake, Indiana
Master of Science in Athletic Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,860/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 6
Grace College features a top online master’s in athletic administration in partnership with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and the Canadian Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (CIAAA). This convenient program is designed to further develop current and future athletic administrators. To be considered for admission to this affordable online master’s degree program, students need to be a member of the NIAAA or the CIAAA and have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
#9 – Indiana State University – Terre Haute, Indiana
MS in Sport Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,416/year in-state and $14,562/year out-of-state
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 6
Indiana State University features an affordable online master’s in sport administration is specially designed for working professionals in both public or private organizations. This 36 credit hour low cost online master’s degree program engages students with a hands-on curriculum that includes both a research project and an internship. Online sports management courses cover areas like sport marketing, sport finance, sport management, and assessment in sport management. To be considered for admission, students should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
#8 – Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Online Master of Sports Leadership
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $24,027/year
COSMA Accreditation: Yes
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 7
The Northeastern University College of Professional Studies features a top inexpensive online master’s in sports leadership for sport industry professionals at all skills levels. Students can attend this COSMA accredited program either full or part-time and most students can complete their online degree in less than two years. The online residency requirement is an intensive one-week summer institute that takes place in Boston. Online sports management courses cover ethical leadership, sport in society, sports law, and sports media relations. There is no formal minimal GPA requirement for admission, but students should have a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose for consideration.
#7 – Canisius College – Buffalo, New York
Online Master’s in Sport Administration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average graduate student tuition: $14,760/year
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 8
Canisius College has an affordable online master’s in sport administration for students currently in or aspiring to enter professional staff and management roles in either the public or private sectors. Specializations are available in a variety of areas including intercollegiate athletics, amateur or professional sports, sports marketing, or event and facility management. Students benefit from opportunities like internships, study abroad experiences, and professional industry events. There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission but students should submit their transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume for consideration.
#6 – Belhaven University – Jackson, Mississippi
Master of Sports Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,350/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 8
Belhaven University features an affordable online master’s in sports administration for students who aspire for leadership positions in the sport management industry. Students can complete their inexpensive online degree in just two years, following convenient eight-week terms. Graduates have found success working in roles like athletic director, media relations director, and assistant director of facilities. The flexible application process requires applicants have at least a 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA, but will consider students with less than a 2.5 on a conditional basis.
#5 – Baker University – Baldwin City, Kansas
Online MS in Sports Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Average graduate student tuition: $10,188/year
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 8
Baker University features a 33 credit hour top low cost online MS in sport management designed for future sport professionals. The program is focused on best practices and current trends in the industry. Online sport management courses cover areas like leadership and management in sport, organizational culture and dynamics, and marketing strategies. Concentrations are available in finance, health care administration, human resources, or leadership and organizational change. To be considered for admission, students should have earned their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
#4 – Wilmington University – New Castle, Delaware
MSM with a Concentration in Sports Management Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average graduate student tuition: $8,586/year
Minimum GPA requirement: No minimum
Points: 8
Wilmington University features an affordable online management master’s with a concentration in sports management accredited by the IACBE. Online sports management courses cover areas like strategy in organizations, sports law, sport service and governance, and leadership development. Students complete an 18 credit hour business management core and a 12 credits specifically related to sport management. New students are not considered degree candidates until they have completed four courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0, submit an official transcript, complete a program planning conference, and successfully completing an organization theory and design course.
#3 – Concordia University – Irvine, California
Master’s in Coaching and Athletics Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,774/year
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75
Points: 8
The master’s in coaching in athletics administration from Concordia University Irvine is offered in a completely online format, on-campus or through a hybrid of both online and on-campus courses. Students can complete the affordable online master’s degree program in just 15 months. The program is designed for students who want to inspire others and be a professional leader. Courses cover legal aspects in sport, research methods, ethics and sport, and principles of coaching and leadership. Concordia is an official partner of the NIAAA and fully accredited by WASC. To be considered for acceptance to the program, applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
#2 – Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
MS in Sport Administration Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average graduate student tuition: $9,444/year in-state and $17,436/year out-of-state
COSMA Accreditation: Yes
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.7
Points: 11
Ohio University offers an affordable online master’s in athletic administration specializing in the development of interscholastic athletic directors. Students can graduate in two years, prepared for NIAAA certification. Students can complete their degree in just two years while preparing for NIAAA certification. This COSMA accredited program includes online sports management coursework in areas like risk management in athletics, HR management in sport organizations, and sport marketing. To be considered for admission, students should have a least two years of athletic administration or coaching experience at either the middle school or high school level and a minimum undergraduate GPA of a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
#1 – Troy University – Troy, Alabama
MS in Sport & Fitness Management with a concentration in Sport Management Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,650/year in-state and $15,300/year out-of-state
COSMA Accreditation: Yes
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
Points: 11
The online master’s in sport and fitness management in a concentration in sport management from Troy University is a COSMA accredited program preparing students for leadership roles. Students learn through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and practical experience. An optional internship provides students with the chance to gain industry experience before graduation. To be considered for admission, applicants should have at least a 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
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