Updated: Aug 9, 2023, 10:09am
Sports management is a dynamic field boasting exciting career opportunities for individuals eager to combine a passion for sports with strong business acumen and management abilities. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management, distance learning can be a game-changer, as online degrees offer flexibility and convenience without compromising the quality of your education.
Earning an online sports management degree can lead to a broad variety of careers. From marketing to public relations, data analytics, operations management and event planning, you can leverage your degree to pursue a niche within the sports industry that aligns with your interests and career goals.
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- Best Options for Theology Degrees Online
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- Should You Enroll in an Online Sports Management Degree?
- Accreditation for Online Sports Management Programs
- How To Find the Right Online Sports Management Degree for You
- Cost of Earning an Online Sports Management Degree Online
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Sports Management Degree
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Should You Enroll in an Online Sports Management Degree?
Enrolling in an online sports management program can yield comparable benefits to a traditional in-person degree program. Notably, online learning formats present a time- and cost-effective option that offers scheduling flexibility and relieves students of additional expenses associated with housing and transportation.
Many online sports management programs prioritize a comprehensive educational experience focused on business and sports industry fundamentals. Programs commonly integrate internships, fieldwork and networking opportunities into their curricula. Students can enhance their professional prospects by gaining practical, hands-on experience and building industry connections.
Accreditation for Online Sports Management Programs
Accreditation processes for online universities and degree programs are as rigorous as those for traditional, in-person institutions and programs. Two levels of accreditation exist: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional Accreditation
It’s critical to verify that your prospective college or university holds institutional accreditation. This indicates a high standard of education and ensures your degree will be recognized by other institutions and employers. Attending an institutionally accredited school is required to qualify for federal financial aid or to transfer credits to other accredited colleges and universities.
You can check on a school’s accreditation status using the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s (CHEA’s) directory.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation is the only program-specific accreditor for sports management degree programs. Though programmatic accreditation is not required for the sports management field, approval by COSMA indicates that a program provides high-quality education meeting industry standards.
Some sports management programs exist within business departments and may hold programmatic accreditation from a business-specific accreditor. Programmatic accreditors for business departments and programs include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
How To Find the Right Online Sports Management Degree for You
There are several factors to consider before enrolling in an online degree program. It’s important to research each college to ensure its course offerings, learning formats, resources and support services align with your interests and needs. Below are just a few considerations to keep in mind as you research online sports management degree programs.
Consider Your Future Goals
When searching for the right online college or university, first identify your future goals to ensure your prospective colleges offer online programs and resources that align with your plans and interests. Explore the major and concentration offerings at each school to help you make an informed decision and drive your academic and professional success.
Know Your Financing Options
Each school charges a different tuition rate and offers unique financial aid resources, often including scholarships and payment plans.
Degree costs and financing options can vary considerably, so it’s important to understand the cost implications of each school you’re interested in enrolling in and their available resources. You can also speak with a counselor at prospective colleges to determine an option appropriate to your circumstances.
Cost of Earning an Online Sports Management Degree Online
Attending college online can often be a cost-effective way to obtain your degree since distance learning eliminates many expenses associated with housing and transportation. While tuition rates at online colleges are usually comparable to or lower than their on-campus counterparts, many public schools extend in-state tuition rates to distance learners regardless of where they live, saving students money on out-of-state tuition rates.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities cost $9,375 per year on average. Out-of-state tuition and fees cost $27,091, compared to $32,825 at private schools.
The average cost of tuition for the schools on our list is $470 per credit, or about $14,100 per year for a 120-credit degree. This aligns the cost of an online sports management degree with the average cost of an undergraduate degree in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Sports Management Degree
What is the highest degree for sports management?
A doctorate in the highest degree you can earn in sports management. At the doctoral level, you can pursue a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.) in sports management. Generally, a Ph.D. in sports management focuses on more practical and business-related topics, while an Ed.D. dives into theory and research.
How do you make money with a sports management degree?
A sports management degree can lead to various career paths across diverse sectors. Graduates might work for professional sports teams and organizations, sports facilities, event management companies and sports marketing agencies.
Is sports management a competitive major?
Sports management can be a competitive major. This broad field attracts passionate professionals and can lead to opportunities across various sectors, resulting in a competitive job market. Students may face competition when applying for internships during their studies and in the job market after graduation.