Overview
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sports management, you have a variety of degree choices. A Bachelor’s degree can get you started in the industry right away, or you can continue your studies and get a Ph.D. A Bachelor’s degree program will provide you with a thorough understanding of sports management through the study of both business and sports-related topics. Sports law, business law, sports marketing, accounting, economics, psychology, public speaking, communications, sports analytics, negotiation, advertising, facility management, and financial planning are some of the fundamental subjects you’ll study.
With this degree, you may become a coach, sports agent, sports marketing manager, public relations expert, sports data analyst, or facilities manager. A Master’s degree, on the other hand, will equip you to take on high-level corporate positions and get an extensive understanding of both business and sports through the study of topics such as marketing, ethics, leadership, and conflict resolution. This degree is a great choice if you’re interested in working as a marketing manager or athletics director.
Finally, a Master’s or Ph.D. in sports management covers more business and practical topics, with most programs focusing on research and data analysis in sports. You can use this degree to become a sports league director, a university professor, a sports research analyst, or other top management and administrative positions. No matter what degree you choose, your choice of school matters so first take a look at these accredited sports management degree programs in Alabama.
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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.
What Will I Learn in A Sports Management Program or Sports Administration Program?
Curriculum and Example Courses
School-specific sports management courses differ, although the majority of programs concentrate on the business side of the industry. The majority of Bachelor’s degree programs in sports management require general education, core, and elective courses. Many students undergo an internship in sports management. Below, we detail some common courses students may take in a sports management program.
Facility and Event Management: Students learn the principles of organizing events and overseeing facilities for sporting groups. Making a marketing plan, branding and licensing, promotion and sales, and sponsorship and endorsement are all topics covered in the course.
Sport Marketing: This course introduces students to the field of sports marketing and looks at topics including naming rights, licensing, and sports sponsorships.
Degree Timelines
Although accelerated and part-time alternatives are also available, it normally takes four years for full-time students to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in sports management. Study time might also be affected by schools with shorter course terms or summer and winter sessions. A Master’s degree on the other hand usually lasts 24 months or nearly two years, and a Ph.D. usually lasts three to five years.
How long it takes you to complete your sports management degree will depend on the degree path you decide to take.
Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing
While Sport Marketing may concentrate on long-term marketing campaigns or the planning and execution of a major sporting event, Sport Management focuses on the day-to-day operations of sports and recreation.
Furthermore, whereas Sport Marketing provides more opportunities to work with brand-name clients, sporting goods companies, and other advertisers, Sport Management frequently focuses on personnel management, which includes athletes, coaches, and staff.
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
Before enrolling in a Bachelor’s program, you must have a high school diploma. Most programs will require that you have a high school GPA. You may also be asked to provide SAT or ACT scores. If you are looking to get a Master’s, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Many programs are extremely competitive and 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.
Lastly, in order to advance your career and acquire a Ph.D., you must first obtain a Master’s degree from an accredited university. Most doctoral programs will require a Master’s degree in sports management or a closely related field such as business administration or finance. You’ll most likely need a high GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
| School Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Hill College | Mobile | Alabama | Bachelor | Online Bachelors Sports Management | Click Here |
| Alabama A&M University | Huntsville | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Exercise Science | Click Here |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Physical Education (P-12) | Click Here |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Sport Management | Click Here |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Exercise Science | Click Here |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Physical Education | Click Here |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Sport Studies: Sport Management | Click Here |
| Samford University | Birmingham | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Business, Sports Marketing Concentration option | Click Here |
| Samford University | Birmingham | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| The University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville | Alabama | Bachelors | B.S. in Sport & Fitness Management | Click Here |
| Troy University | Troy | Alabama | Bachelors | Online B.S. in Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management | Click Here |
| United States Sports Academy | Daphne | Alabama | Bachelors | Online Bachelor's in Sports Science | Click Here |
| United States Sports Academy | Daphne | Alabama | Bachelors | B.S.S. Sports Management | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Applied Exercise Physiology | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Clinical Exercise Physiology | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Fitness Management | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Health Promotion | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Recreation Management | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Bachelors | Bachelors in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of South Alabama | MOBILE | Alabama | Bachelors | Online BS in Leisure Studies with Concentration in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Troy University | Troy | Alabama | Masters | Online Master’s in Sport and Fitness Management | Click Here |
| Troy University | Troy | Alabama | Doctorate | Online Ph.D. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Troy University | Troy | Alabama | Masters | Master of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Troy University | Troy | Alabama | Doctorate | Ph.D. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| United States Sports Academy | Daphne | Alabama | Doctorate | Online Doctor of Education in Sports Management | Click Here |
| United States Sports Academy | Daphne | Alabama | Masters | Online Master's in Sports Science | Click Here |
| United States Sports Academy | Daphne | Alabama | Masters | Master of Sports Science in Sports Management | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Masters | Master of Science in Sport and Recreation Management | Click Here |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | Alabama | Masters | Masters in Health and Human Performance | Click Here |
| University of South Alabama | MOBILE | Alabama | Masters | Online M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of South Alabama | MOBILE | Alabama | Masters | Master of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
Troy University
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The program provides students with a comprehensive educational experience that prepares them for entry-level positions in sport management, leisure services, and/or tourism and hospitality. Sport management students will take courses in sport finance, sport business, sport communications, sport law, facility management, and recreation programming as part of the 120-credit program, as well as a practicum experience to gain confidence in assuming leadership.
Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
The educational experience provided by the program helps in the development of students’ analytical and critical thinking abilities, as well as their oral and written communication skills. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 on a four-point scale or a 3.0 GPA on the last 30 semester hours.
Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 60 Credit Hours
This is a terminal degree that focuses on student comprehension and interpretation of current, theoretical, and applied studies in Sport Management. The program’s mission is to prepare graduates for a variety of sport management-related positions, including but not limited to higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics, and the professional sport industry. There are no prerequisites for admission, except that the applicant must hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Accreditation
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Recreation Studies
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credits Hours
The curriculum emphasizes service learning and practical experiences as an important part of the learning process that is designed to assist the students’ understanding of relevant theories and concepts introduced in the classroom. Courses in sport and recreation law, marketing, management, finance, event and facility planning and other sport related content are covered. Students with high school GPA’s of 3.4 or higher will be admitted automatically, while those with GPA’s below 3.4 will go through an admissions screening procedure.
Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 30 Credits Hours
This program equips participants with the skills and confidence needed to oversee community and youth sport initiatives, high school or collegiate athletic programs, professional and international sports teams, governing body divisions, state and city sport commissions, or operations at sporting venues. To apply, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from an authorized university and either a 2.5 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 GPA on your last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework.
Accreditation
University of North Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This program aims to produce knowledgeable, innovative, and valuable practitioners. Successful students in the Sport Management Concentration are able to identify and navigate the legal landscape of the sports industry, sell and market sports products, and potentially work in a variety of sport management fields, such as coaching, website administration, communications administration, marketing, or management. Admission is possible for those with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
Master of Science in Sport and Recreation Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours
Students in this Master’s degree will gain knowledge in quantitative and qualitative research methods with an emphasis on professional sports, as well as finance and accounting, marketing, public relations, risk management, planning for sporting venues, and organizational behavior. Acceptance for the program requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally approved university and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
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.
Samford University
Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 128 Credit Hours
Intercollegiate athletic administration, professional sports, facility and event operations, marketing and public relations, law, interscholastic athletic administration, sport business, and related fields are among the areas in which this program prepares students for leadership positions in the sport industry. Every course is grounded in leadership qualities such as timeliness, problem solving, professional speaking, and intentionality. To declare the major, prospective students must be admitted to Samford University and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Master of Business Administration with a Sports Business Concentration
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 40-49 Credit Hours
While paying close attention to industry trends, the concentration offers a rigorous curriculum in areas such as sponsorship, licensing, international sports marketing, fan engagement, advertising, media rights, social media, and sports analytics. To be considered for admission to the M.B.A. program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university. A GMAT/GRE score is not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, but an entrance exam is required for applicants with a GPA less than 3.0.
Accreditations
United States Sports Academy
Bachelor of Sports Science Sports Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The Sports Management curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the management fundamentals associated with the sports industry. Furthermore, it prepares students to be competent managers in sports organizations by providing a broad understanding of the industry’s various forms and unique characteristics through a combination of core, required, elective, and experiential educational components. A minimum high school GPA of 2.0 is required for admission.
Master of Sports Science in Sports Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 33 Credit Hours
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills required of any manager to be successful in a sporting environment. Students will be prepared for management and leadership positions in sports organizations at the local, collegiate, and professional levels with specialized education at the graduate level. Applicants for this degree must be graduates of a four-year, regionally accredited undergraduate institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate work.
Doctor of Education in Sports Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 60 Credit Hours
The doctoral degree is designed to prepare students to perform with a high degree of proficiency in the sports industry, including sports education. There are four areas of specialization: Human Resource Management in Sports, Leadership in Sports, Sports Marketing, and Sports Governance and Combatting Corruption. There are four emphasis areas: Sports Coaching, Sports Exercise Science, Sports Theory, and, for those already licensed or certified in the area, Sports Medicine. For full-standing admission to the doctoral program, an applicant must hold (or be a candidate for) a Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Accreditation
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Alabama
A sports management degree can lead to a variety of exciting careers in the sports industry and beyond. Athletic directors or administrators, sports marketing managers, and sports lawyers are all potential jobs. Some graduates of sports management programs concentrate on the fitness aspects of sports and go on to work in the health and wellness industries.
Universities, K-12 schools, sports centers, and parks and recreation departments are major employers of sports management professionals, which is ideal given that Alabama is well known for having a booming sports industry, particularly football, and the state serves as the location for several professional teams, including the Huntsville Havoc, Mobile Bay Hurricanes, Rocket City United, Birmingham Barons, and Alabama Hammers.
Additionally, with increasing interest in the sport industry at all levels and for all ages, the BLS projects faster-than-average growth for careers in the sports and entertainment industry, which translates to 60,600 new jobs from 2019 to 2029.
So whether you are interested in designing new sport products, negotiating sponsorship deals, implementing sport marketing plans, working with burgeoning sports players, or opening career opportunities in athletic administration at universities, earning a degree in sports management is the perfect way to reach your goals in this high-profile business.
