Overview
You can become eligible for a wide range of behind-the-scenes positions in the exciting field of athletics with a degree in sports management. Many people in this dynamic field have academic backgrounds, including many coaches, trainers, facility managers, sports marketing and business specialists, and player agents. If you want to work in sports management, you have several degree options. Let’s start with the most common degrees: Bachelor’s and Master’s.
Bachelor’s degrees are the most prevalent in the field. You will gain a thorough understanding of sports management by studying both business and sports-related topics. The specific classes you take will vary depending on your school, but most bachelor-level sports management programs include some core classes. Sports law, business law, sports marketing, accounting, economics, psychology, public speaking, communications, sports analytics, negotiation, advertising, facility management, and financial planning are a few examples.
A Master’s degree, on the other hand, will provide you with advanced business and sports knowledge through the study of topics such as marketing, ethics, leadership, and conflict resolution. Sports law, statistics, analytics, leadership, management, teamwork, facility operations, contract negotiations, and sports psychology are all covered in most programs.
This article provides comprehensive information on the various sports management degree programs available at Oklahoma’s accredited colleges and universities.
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Featured Sports Management and Admin Programs
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Georgetown University Online
Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management
Become a leader in the sports industry and earn your master’s in sports management online or on campus with Georgetown University, one of the world’s leading academic research institutions.
- 100% Online
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American University Online
Master of Science in Sports Analytics Management
American University’s online MS in Sports Analytics and Management will equip you to become a strategic sports manager with the skills needed to measure the impact that emerging technologies are having on sports organizations and society.
- AACSB Accredited
- Nationally Recognized
- Top-Ranked Program
Ohio University
Master of Sports Administration (OMSA)
Recognized for excellence by the prestigious Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, graduate ready to pursue college athletics, professional sports, and sports media.
- Bachelors & Masters Programs
- 100% Online & Affordable
- In-Demand Tracks
Campbellsville University
Online Sport Management Degrees
Make a name for yourself in a field that you are passionate about with a sport management degree from Campbellsville University Online.
What Will I Learn in A Sports Management Program or Sports Administration Program?
Degree Timelines
A Bachelor’s degree in sports management typically takes four years to complete for full-time students, though accelerated and part-time options are available. Some schools offer shorter course terms or summer and winter sessions, which can affect study times. Transfer credits, prior learning assessments, and internships are all factors that can affect the overall program length. Meanwhile, most Master’s degree programs in sports management last two years.
Curriculum and Example Courses
Undergraduate courses will cover concepts from fields such as:
- Finance
- Communication
- Sports law
- Sports history
- Sport marketing
- Event management
- Facility management
These classes will help you gain a better overall understanding of the sports industry’s business and legal aspects.
Masters in sports management programs are more intensive and build on general knowledge gained at the undergraduate level, allowing you to specialize and become an expert in the field of your choice.
Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing
Sports management is all about putting together a winning team. This includes everything from selecting the best coaches and personnel to devising game-winning strategies. Sports managers must also be able to effectively communicate with their team and motivate them to perform to their full potential. Meanwhile, sports marketing entails creating advertisements and convincing people to purchase tickets. Sports marketers must not only understand their target audience but also how to reach them effectively. They must also be able to develop campaigns that will pique fans’ interest in their product.
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
The admission requirements differ depending on the degree. You need a high school diploma to enroll in a Bachelor’s program. Most programs require that you had a respectable GPA in high school. You may also be asked to provide SAT or ACT scores. Then, in order to obtain a Master’s degree, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution. Many programs will look for GPAs of at least 3.0 as well as strong GRE scores. You may also be required to submit an essay and letters of recommendation. Finally, if you want to pursue a doctorate, you’ll need a Master’s degree from an accredited university, a high GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
| School Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Central University | Ada | Oklahoma | Master's | Master of Education in Sports Administration | Click Here |
| East Central University | Ada | Oklahoma | Bachelor | Online Bachelors in Kinesiology | Click Here |
| The University of Oklahoma | Norman | Oklahoma | Bachelor | BBA in Sports Business | Click Here |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond | Oklahoma | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Fitness Management | Click Here |
| Bacone College | Muskogee | Oklahoma | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | Bachelor | BBA in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater | Oklahoma | Bachelor | Bachelor in Management - concentration in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Oral Roberts University | Tulsa | Oklahoma | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Rogers State University | Claremore | Oklahoma | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Southern Nazarene University | Bethany | Oklahoma | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Southern Nazarene University | Bethany | Oklahoma | Master | Online Master of Arts in Sport Management and Administration | Click Here |
| Southern Nazarene University | Bethany | Oklahoma | Master | Master of Arts in Sport Management and Administration | Click Here |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Weatherford | Oklahoma | Master | Online Masters of Education in Sport Management | Click Here |
Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Sports Management Major
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This sports management program is one of the few in the nation to be situated within a business management department, giving it a competitive edge. Students have the chance to learn about the distinctive characteristics of sports organizations while also developing critical business management skills in the classroom. Students are eligible for guaranteed admission if they meet ONE of the following criteria: 1) 3.0 GPA or better unweighted cumulative AND top 33.3% rank in high school graduating class; 2) 3.0 GPA or better in 15-unit core AND 21 ACT/1060 SAT or better; or 3) 24 ACT/1160 SAT or better.
Accreditation
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Business Administration, Sports Business Major
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The program combines courses taught by faculty with extensive experience, hands-on projects, and internship opportunities with various sports organizations. It includes a core course in Sports Management, three elective courses from a list of approved electives such as Licensing and Intellectual Property in Sports, Sports Logistics, Sports Marketing Management, Economics of Sports, and Sports Management Practicum. Students must complete two additional courses, one of which is a management skills elective and the other from a broader list of free electives such as Facilities Management, Sport Psychology, and Ethical Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. Students must also complete an internship for credit. Academic achievement is the most important factor in admission decisions. The academic review is based on three criteria: grade point average (GPA) in core academic courses, course selection rigor, and scores on the ACT and/or SAT.
Accreditation
Southern Nazarene University
Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This sport management program combines a foundation in kinesiology with business and communication principles. Through a variety of activities, it offers the chance to learn about the sports industry and get ready for a career in it. Topics covered include marketing, legal, facilities management, organizational leadership, and event planning, administration and more. Admission requirements include official ACT or SAT test results, sealed high school transcripts, and transcripts from any college attended.
Master of Arts in Sports Management & Administration
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
The educational experiences provided by the program would be beneficial to those working in coaching, teaching, athletic administration, event promotion and management, and business managers for professional and league sport organizations. This program will equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective leaders in a variety of sport-related organizational settings. To be admitted, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, if your GPA is less than 3.0, you must submit three letters of recommendation and a one-page essay.
Accreditation
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Sports Management and Admin Programs
- GRE/GMAT Waived
- Flexible Learning Format
- Designed For Career Leadership
Georgetown University Online
Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management
Become a leader in the sports industry and earn your master’s in sports management online or on campus with Georgetown University, one of the world’s leading academic research institutions.
- 100% Online
- Application Fee Waived
- High-Growth Area
American University Online
Master of Science in Sports Analytics Management
American University’s online MS in Sports Analytics and Management will equip you to become a strategic sports manager with the skills needed to measure the impact that emerging technologies are having on sports organizations and society.
- AACSB Accredited
- Nationally Recognized
- Top-Ranked Program
Ohio University
Master of Sports Administration (OMSA)
Recognized for excellence by the prestigious Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, graduate ready to pursue college athletics, professional sports, and sports media.
- Bachelors & Masters Programs
- 100% Online & Affordable
- In-Demand Tracks
Campbellsville University
Online Sport Management Degrees
Make a name for yourself in a field that you are passionate about with a sport management degree from Campbellsville University Online.
Oral Roberts University
Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This is a residential program that will prepare students to become sports managers by providing a broad understanding of the field as well as specific management skills. You will graduate with knowledge of finance, sports personnel management, sports law, sports marketing, sports facility management, and sports event management. The current admissions requirements are as follows: 2.6 GPA; 20 ACT; 1030 SAT; and 66 CLT.
Master of Science in Sports & Leisure Administration
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours
This program prepares students to face the business, coaching, and experiential challenges that come with launching a career in sports, fitness, or recreation. You will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives required to lead the sports and leisure industry. Sports Marketing and Public Relations, Sports Analytics, Sports and Leisure Law, Facility Operations, and Sports Internship are among the courses you will take. Official transcripts from all universities attended are required for admission.
Accreditation
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This degree in sports management will provide students with a foundation in sports business and the concepts related to athletic administration. Graduates look for work in a variety of sports-related fields. To be admitted, you must be a graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED and meet one of the following performance requirements: 1) Minimum ACT Score – 20 2) SAT – 1030 3) Upper 50% of class & 2.7 GPA 4) 2.7 GPA in 15-unit core curriculum
Master of Education in Education, Sports Management Concentration
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 32 Credit Hours
SWOSU’s national award-winning sports management graduate program is entirely online, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as one calendar year. Advanced Sports Management, Advanced Finance of Sports, Advanced Leadership in Sports, Advanced Strategic Planning in Sports, and Advanced Ethics in Sports Management are just a few of the courses available. Admission requires a Bachelor’s degree, a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), official college transcript(s), and recommendation/reference letter(s).
Accreditation
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Oklahoma
As Oklahoma is home to professional teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, college teams and community organizations, you’ll find loads of ways to gain the skills and exposure you need in order to succeed in your sports management career. Also, keep in mind that the field of sport management is extremely broad, with a wide range of jobs available for new graduates. You could work as a coach, sports agent, sports marketing manager, public relations specialist, sports data analyst, or facilities manager for sports teams, leagues, athletic departments, and facilities. Then you can get a Master’s and gain a head start if you want to work as a marketing manager or athletics director.
