Overview
Sports have always been an important part of many cultures around the world, and there is a growing demand for individuals with experience in sports management. There are many degree options available if you want to pursue a career in sports management.
A Bachelor’s degree program, for example, will provide you with a thorough understanding of sports management through the study of both business and sports-related topics. Some foundational topics you’ll study include sports law, business law, sports marketing, accounting, economics, psychology, public speaking, communications, sports analytics, negotiation, advertising, facility management, and financial planning. With this diploma, you can work as a sports agent, public relations specialist, sports data analyst, or facilities manager.
On the other hand, a Master’s degree will prepare you for high-level corporate roles and provide you with a thorough grasp of both business and sports through the study of subjects like marketing, ethics, leadership, and conflict resolution. This degree is a great option if you want to work as a marketing manager or athletics director.
Finally, a Ph.D. in sports management focuses on research and data analysis in sports and includes more business and practical themes. This degree can be used to work at the highest levels of management and administration, including as a sports league director, university professor, sports research analyst, and more.
These sports management programs give students the chance to get business knowledge about the sports industry, producing graduates who are not only informed about sports but also have management and operational skills. In Indiana, persons who complete degree programs in sports management have a better likelihood of advancing their careers so read on.
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Featured Sports Management and Admin Programs
- GRE/GMAT Waived
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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?
Curriculum and Example Courses
Core courses on business concepts like marketing, communications, and finance are offered in the majority of sport management programs. The main courses you might anticipate taking in a sport management program are listed below.
Sports Tourism: Traveling to see or participate in a sporting event is known as sports tourism. The principles of organizing and directing sporting activities that interest sports tourists are covered in a sports tourism course. Events planning and development, venue selection, marketing, legal issues, and the history of the sector are all covered in sports tourism courses. Students will also evaluate how sports affect societal growth and the economy.
Business Communications: Students can hone their business communication abilities by taking business communications courses. One-on-one meetings, speaking confidently under pressure, and writing appealing business documents are all skills that students pick up. Business communications courses also teach students how to manage correspondence effectively and produce strong graphic presentations.
Degree Timelines
A four-year undergraduate program in sport management is common. The average Master’s program lasts two years. Candidates for doctoral degrees should spend at least three to four years for their study.
Depending on the degree path you choose, it will determine how long it will take you to finish your sports management degree.
Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing
Sports marketing is the use of sports or athletes to promote a brand, a team, or an individual athlete. It may entail selecting athletes to serve as spokespersons in certain instances, while in other instances, strategic alliances are developed through product placement or sponsorships. However, sports management entails overseeing an athlete’s or a team’s professional career personally. The management of an athlete’s career involves a wide range of activities, such as contract and endorsement negotiations.
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
Before enrolling in a bachelor’s program, you must have a high school diploma. Most programs require a high school GPA and a request for your SAT or ACT scores is also possible. And then, in order to get a Master’s, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Applicants must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 and excellent GRE scores to be considered for many highly selective schools. You may also be required to submit a recommendation letter and an essay. Finally, to advance your career and obtain a Ph.D., you must first obtain a Master’s degree from an accredited university. A Master’s degree in sports management or a closely related field, such as business administration or finance, will be required for most doctoral programs. A high GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay will almost certainly be required.
| School Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Muncie | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Butler University | Indianapolis | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Media | Click Here |
| Huntington University | Huntington | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | Fort Wayne | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelors with Sport Management Concentration | Click Here |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute | Indiana | Bachelor | Online Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University | Bloomington | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Marketing & Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University Kokomo | Kokomo | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport and Recreation Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Manchester University | North Manchester | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelors in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Taylor University | Upland | Indiana | Bachelor | B.A. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Trine University | Angola | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Business Administraion with emphasis in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Evansville | Evansville | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science, Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Valparaiso University | Valparaiso | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Ball State University | Muncie | Indiana | Master's | M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute | Indiana | Master's | Online Master of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute | Indiana | Master's | Master of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University | Bloomington | Indiana | Master's | M. S. in Kinesiology - Emphasis in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University | Bloomington | Indiana | Doctorate | Ph.D. in Human Performance – Sport Management | Click Here |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | Master's | MS and BS/MS in Sports Analytics | Click Here |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | Master's | M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Indiana | Master's | Master of Science, Sport Management | Click Here |
| Valparaiso University | Valparaiso | Indiana | Master's | M.S. in Sports Administration Dual Law (JD)Program | Click Here |
| Western New England University | Valparaiso | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Sport Management | Click Here |
| Western New England University | Valparaiso | Indiana | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Sport Marketing and Management Major
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, with foundation courses in both sport and business. Students apply knowledge directly to the field through a required practicum or internship experience after completing core coursework in sports law, marketing, communication, business, management, psychology, and finance. Marketing, media relations, event planning/management, public relations, computers, and business organizational structures are among the topics covered. Students with a GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) may be eligible for direct admission; otherwise, other aspects of the application, such as academic coursework performance, application essay quality, and additional activities and achievements, will be reviewed.
Master of Science in Kinesiology, Athletic Administration/Sport Management Major
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
Students in this program will learn how to create, facilitate, market, and organize sporting goods and services. Students will be able to choose from core courses covering topics such as sport communications, marketing and sponsorship, legal issues, governance in sport management, and financial analysis, in addition to foundational courses in athletic administration and sports management. At the time of matriculation, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university. Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation, a resume, and an official transcript.
Doctor of Philosophy, Human Performance, Emphasis: Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 90 Credit Hours
The Ph.D. program focuses on developing in doctoral students the research, critical thinking, and teaching skills required for academic success. The program’s coursework takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management, with the goal of building on each student’s interest and thorough foundation in sport. The program allows students to explore a wide range of opportunities and interests in the field of sport management through elective coursework and doctoral seminars taught by graduate sport management faculty members (i.e., business, communication, history). A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, letters of recommendation, a resume, an official transcript, and GRE scores are among the requirements for admission to this program.
Accreditations
Indiana State University
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 57-60 Credits
The program emphasizes community engagement and public service, allowing students to turn their passion for sports, leadership, and knowledge into successful careers in sports management, one of the world’s leading industries. Students can pursue employment in facility and event management, sport administration, marketing and revenue generation, sport for recreation, team management, and other areas. To be considered for admission, applicants must complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum (Core 40 for Indiana residents) and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 30 Credits
The program is designed to prepare students to provide leadership and excel in the rapidly growing field of sport management. Assessment in Sport Management, Sport Facility Design, Administrative Theory in Sport, Sport Finance, Sport Law and Risk Management, Sport Marketing, Organizational Leadership, and other courses will be offered to students. To apply, you must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or a Master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Prospective students with a 2.75-3.00 GPA will be considered based on seat availability and other credentials (years of experience in the sport industry,etc.)
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.
University of Indianapolis
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The University of Indianapolis’ sport management programs were the first in Indiana to be accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). History and Culture of Sport, Governance and Ethics in Sport, Sport Finance and Economics, Sport Public Relations, and Organizational Leadership in Sports are among the courses that students will take. To be considered for admission, an official high school transcript is required. Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not needed.
Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 33 Credit Hours
Students in this program conduct relevant research and work on real-world projects to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills. Examples include assisting in the implementation of championship events with the NCAA, Horizon League, Great Lakes Valley Conference, and/or the Indiana Sports Corporation; developing and presenting NCAA championship bid proposals, developing and presenting NBA sponsorship proposals, and developing strategic communication plans. Admission requires a bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, as well as a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework or completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for applicants with GPAs less than 3.0.
Accreditation
Valparaiso University
Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 124 Credits
This sport management program combines the disciplines of physical education, business, and communication. Students must also pursue a relevant minor — business administration. It prepares students for careers in professional sports, college athletics, amateur sports, youth sports, or corporate positions involving sports. Students with a high school diploma and official transcripts can enroll as undergraduates.
Master of Science in Sports Administration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 39 Credit Hours
The program is designed for people who want to improve their skills and pursue careers managing sports personnel and facilities. Graduates of this program can work in a variety of settings, including public recreation systems, volunteer organizations, facility and event management, community-based athletic programs, college athletic administration, and professional sports organizations. Students must be graduates of an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA (B average) in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework to be eligible for admission.
Accreditations
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Indiana
Indiana’s professional sports teams, all based in Indianapolis, provide action and excitement to sports fans throughout the state. Fans have long supported the Indianapolis Colts and Colts Cheerleaders, the Indiana Pacers and Pacemates, the Indiana Fever, the Indianapolis Indians, and the Indiana Ice. This makes it an ideal state for those interested in a career in sports management. Furthermore, take a look at these numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Coaching and scouting positions are expected to grow by 15% over the next ten years, faster than other industries, according to the BLS. The average salary for coaches and scouts in Indiana is around $35,000 per year.
Athletes are represented by agents and business managers in their dealings with prospective employers. They are in charge of contract negotiations and other business matters that most athletes cannot handle on their own. A sporting agent or business manager’s annual salary in Indiana is $81,820, while the national average is $98,750.
These are just a few of the positions available to those who complete Sports Management degrees in Indiana. In fact, a sports management degree could be extremely useful in a variety of occupations in the sporting industry.
