Overview
Given Kentucky’s love of sports, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous possibilities for earning a sports management degree there. Only a few people have the talent and aptitude to succeed at the professional level, and those who do need the help of sports management professionals to excel in their sport. Therefore, degree programs that provide students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field would be advantageous for someone who enjoys a sport but is unable to participate at the professional level.
The sports industry has a rising demand for qualified managers and administrators to plan, organize, or direct sport programs towards success. Graduates of sports management programs will be prepared to enter a wide range of in-demand and lucrative career paths, from coaching to marketing. So whether your dream job is promoting sporting events, managing sporting facilities, or representing athletes, sports management education will be an invaluable tool. Check out these accredited sports management degree programs in Kentucky.
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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?
Full-time students typically take four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in sports management, though accelerated and part-time options are available. Some schools offer shorter course terms, as well as summer and winter sessions, which can impact study times. Transfer credits, prior learning assessments, and internships are all factors that can influence the overall length of the program.
Overall, the educational path you choose determines how long it takes to complete your sports management degree.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program-required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4yrs |
Curriculum and Example Courses
While most sports management bachelor’s degree programs include foundational business courses, many sports management course requirements are industry-specific.
Introduction to Sports Management is an example of a sports management course that provides an overview of the sports industry. Public relations, sports management marketing, finances/accounting, and legal and ethical issues are common topics covered in courses.
Sport Law is another course in a sports management program that can teach students about negotiation techniques, sport marketing contracts, the financial significance of media rights, labor law and antitrust issues, and intellectual property issues.
Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Administration
Graduate sports management programs focus on the business aspects of sports organizations such as marketing, public relations, finance, and facilities management. Sports administration programs place an emphasis on talent development and management. Think about team captains, coaches, and agents. Making roster moves, signing new talent, and representing athletes are all topics that could be discussed.
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
A sports management program’s admissions process is very similar to that of most other programs. High school transcripts, college entrance exam scores, college application essays, and letters of recommendation are typical requirements. Prospective students should carefully review the school’s grade and test score requirements; for example, some colleges require applicants to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
A bachelor’s degree or higher is required for students applying for a graduate degree in sport management. Master’s students must submit official transcripts, a resume, and test scores with their application. GMAT or GRE scores are also required by some schools. Most programs also require recommendation letters.
| School Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Kentucky | Master's | Online MA in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Kentucky | Bachelor | Online Bachelors in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Kentucky | Bachelor | Bachelors in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro | Kentucky | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Fitness & Sports Management | Click Here |
| Morehead State University | Morehead | Kentucky | Bachelor | Online Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| University of Louisville | Campbellsville | Kentucky | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science, Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Western Kentucky University | Bengaluru | Kentucky | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Western Kentucky University | Bengaluru | Kentucky | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Kentucky | Online Master of Arts in Sport Management | Click Here | |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond | Kentucky | Masters | Master's in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Midway College | Midway | Kentucky | Masters | MBA in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Morehead State University | Morehead | Kentucky | Masters | Online MA in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | Masters | Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (Sport Administration Specialty) | Click Here |
| University of Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | Masters | Master of Science, Sport Administration | Click Here |
| University of Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | Doctorate | Ph.D. in Educational Leadership | Click Here |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | Kentucky | Masters | Online M.S. in Recreation & Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | Kentucky | Masters | M.S. in Recreation & Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond | Kentucky | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond | Kentucky | Bachelor | ONLINE B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
University of Louisville
B.S. in Sport Administration
The undergraduate program which is available in both traditional classroom settings and entirely online is intended to prepare students for careers in sports. It consists of 39 credit hours of required courses (including nine hours of career development and internship), nine hours of electives (from which students can choose from a wide range of options), and six hours of HSS department courses. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in Business Administration, Communications, Community Health, Economics, Equine Business, Exercise Science, Finance, Management, or Coaching. The program requires 123-credit hours and an overall GPA of 2.25.
M.S. in Sport Administration
The graduate program seeks to prepare students for leadership roles in the diverse and ever-changing sport industry. The SPAD master’s program includes 36 credit hours of required courses (including three hours of internship) and nine hours of electives (from which students can choose from a wide range of options), allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Sport Management and Leadership, Strategic Sport Marketing, Sport Analytics, Sport Communication, Sport Policy, and Sport Finance and Economics are all required courses. International Sport, Athletics in Higher Education, NIL in College Athletics, and Managing Diverse and Inclusive Sport Organizations are some examples of elective courses. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to complete the program which is available in both traditional classroom format and entirely online.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development
Sport Management is a growing academic discipline, and this PhD is intended for those who want to teach Sport Management at a college or university level. Because the program’s discipline is very hands-on, candidates with previous work experience in the sport industry as well as a clear research focus are preferred. A full-time doctoral student typically needs two (2) years to complete all coursework and become eligible to take Comprehensive Exams. A dissertation typically requires an additional 1-2 years of research and writing. Students usually complete the program in three (3) years.
Accreditation
Western Kentucky University
B.S. in Sport Management
This program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the sports industry. Students will complete the WKU required colonnade courses, as well as some prerequisites for admission to the degree program. Furthermore, students will take an additional 63 hours of major courses and then use the remaining hours to either 1) take other electives of interest to the student or 2) select a minor that best prepares them for entry level positions in the sport industry. Athletic coaching, facility and event management, broadcasting, business administration, finance, and marketing are examples of complementary minors.
Recreation and Sport Administration, Master of Science
This 33-credit hour program is designed to train professionals in Recreation and Sport Administration for a variety of jobs. General; Athletic Administration and Coaching; Facility and Event Management; Sport Media and Branding; and Intercollegiate Athletic Administration are the six concentrations available in the program.
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.
Campbellsville University
B.S. in Sport Management
This program, which is available on-campus or entirely online, prepares students for a variety of administrative positions in the sports, business, tourism, and recreation industries. Graduates of this bachelor’s degree program will have an academic credential that allows them to continue their education with a master’s program or to enter the field immediately in positions such as athletic director, coach, sport facility manager, sports marketing manager, and more.
M.A. in Sport Management
The online master’s degree in sport management teaches students the fundamental business dynamics of the sports and entertainment industries, such as marketing, finance, facility development, ethics, and sports law. Furthermore, the program’s faculty provide industry insight based on their real-world experiences. This program consists of 30 credit hours. Students must select one of two concentrations: sports administration or sports marketing. Each course is worth 9 credit hours. The two-year program is made up of eight-week courses that can be finished in as little as one year.
Accreditations
Morehead State University
B.A. in Sport Management
This 120-credit hour sport management program’s mission is to provide high-quality educational experiences that develop students’ sport management, marketing, communication, and financial skills. These abilities are fostered in an environment that encourages sound decision-making based on social, psychological, and international foundations, recognized management principles, and the ethical and legal implications of such decisions.
M.A. in Sport Management
The 36-credit hour program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the expertise and research skills required to make independent professional contributions in sport management. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university is required.
Accreditation
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Kentucky
While there are no major league professional sports teams in Kentucky, college athletics are well-known and highly competitive. Furthermore, Louisville is home to a slew of major indoor and outdoor recreational and professional sporting events, including the Kentucky Derby, Ironman Triathlon, Kentucky Derby Festival, NCAA Championship Events, and Breeders Cup. Sports management majors could work for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, or Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Those who enjoy car racing may be interested in working at the Kentucky Speedway, which hosts the prestigious NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Among the exciting careers you can look forward to are:
- Athletic director
- Sports marketing manager
- Sport facility manager
- Sporting event manager
- Coach
- Scout
The demand for sports managers is expected to rise as a result of the growing interest in college and professional sports, as well as the ongoing public focus on physical activity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of coaches and scouts is expected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the national average. If you’re still on the fence about pursuing a career in sports management, this is your cue.
