Overview
Individuals with a genuine interest in sports should pursue a degree in sport management. You’ll be prepared for a rewarding career in sports without having to be an athlete, and you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to manage a variety of components and challenges in the industry.
Students can choose from a variety of degree options. You may be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in sports management where you’ll take undergraduate courses that cover topics such as finance, communication, sports law, sports history, sport marketing, sport event management, sport facility management, and ethical and legal issues in sport.
A master’s degree is also available where the majority of classes include topics in leadership, management, teamwork, contract negotiation, sports psychology, and sports statistics and analytics.
These sports management degrees will open numerous career paths. Athletic trainers, player or coach agents, team marketers, ticket sales specialists, and even sports event planners are frequent job paths for graduates of sports management programs. With a master’s or doctoral degree, you’ll be ready to take on higher-level roles and assume leadership. This can include positions such as athletic director or marketing manager, which generally come with competitive pay and perks.
With growth projected in the sports industry, now is the perfect time to pursue a sports management degree in Tennessee so read on.
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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?
The average length of a Sports Management study program is:
- Bachelor’s degrees: 4 years
- Master’s degrees: between 1-2 years
Curriculum and Example Courses
Sports management is an interdisciplinary field that provides students with a thorough and in-depth understanding of the business by having them take a variety of courses, such as:
Ethics in Sport Management: Sports principles, dilemmas, and conflicts will be discussed, as well as coaching practices, funding practices, management issues, and social (cultural) roles.
Sport Marketing: This fundamental course introduces students to the depth and breadth of marketing principles and practices as they apply to the sport industry. It is a study of basic marketing science as it applies to all realms of the sport industry.
Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing
Sports management and sports marketing differ significantly in that the former focuses on daily internal operations while the latter prioritizes work with the public.
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
The most usual admission criteria for degrees in sports management are listed below. Although it’s important to remember that each university will have its own requirements which you may find on the school’s website.
Bachelor in Sports Management
- Transcripts of grades
- Highschool diploma
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of motivation or personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Masters in Sports Management
- Minimum GPA (established by each university individually)
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports, Business, or other related subjects
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
| School Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont University | Nashville | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor of Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Carson–Newman University | Jefferson City | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelors in Youth Athletics & Recreation Management | Click Here |
| Christian Brothers University | Memphis | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration - Sport Management | Click Here |
| Cumberland University | Williamsburg | Tennessee | Bachelor | Online B.S. Major in Sport Management | Click Here |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Lipscomb University | Nashville | Tennessee | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | Tennessee | Bachelor | B.S. in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies | Click Here |
| Southern Adventist University | Collegedale | Tennessee | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Studies | Click Here |
| Union University | Jackson | Tennessee | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport and Leisure Management | Click Here |
| University of Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport and Leisure Management | Click Here |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Tennessee, Chattanooga | Knoxville | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport and Leisure Services Administration Concentration | Click Here |
| University of Tennessee, Martin | Martin | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Health & Human Performance - concentration in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Belmont University | Nashville | Tennessee | Master | Master of Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Cumberland University | Lebanon | Tennessee | Master | Online M.A. Major in Sport Management | Click Here |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | Tennessee | Doctorate | Ed.D. in Global Sport Leadership | Click Here |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | Tennessee | Master | MS in Leisure in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | Tennessee | Doctorate | PhD in Human Performance - Leisure & Sport Management | Click Here |
| Tennessee State University | Nashville | Tennessee | Master | M.A of Ed. in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Tennessee Tech University | Nashville | Tennessee | Master | Online M.A. in Exercise Studies with a concentration in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Union University | Jackson | Tennessee | Master | M.A. in Education with empahsis in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| University of Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | Master | Online M.S. in Sport Commerce | Click Here |
| University of Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | Master | M.S. in Sport Commerce | Click Here |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville | Tennessee | Doctorate | Doctorate in Kinesiology and Sport Studies with a specialization in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville | Tennessee | Master | Master’s in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science Exercise Science | Click Here |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville | Tennessee | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science Sport Management | Click Here |
University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management, Sport Management Major
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This program helps students to have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in sport management. The curriculum allows students to pursue a degree that combines coursework and professional experience. Prospective students must self-report their unofficial high school transcripts, grades, and standardized test scores to the University of Tennessee.
Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Management, Sport Management Concentration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
This sport management concentration allows students to have a high-quality academic experience while also gaining professional experience as they prepare for careers in the sports industry. Admission requires a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a 3.00 GPA during the senior year of undergraduate study from a regionally accredited university or college.
Doctor of Philosophy, Kinesiology and Sports Studies Major
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 72-78 Credit Hours
The research-intensive PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of kinesiology and sport studies. The study of human movement is the focus of the kinesiology concentration. The program prepares students for postdoctoral or faculty positions in higher education, as well as positions in applied sport and clinical settings, and it includes specializations in Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity Epidemiology, Sport Psychology, and Motor Behavior. The sport studies concentration, on the other hand, has areas of specialization in sociocultural studies and sport management. Students are expected to have a solid foundation in the allied, parent disciplines. The program prepares students for positions as faculty or administrators in higher education. Prior to being admitted to the program, students must have completed a Master’s degree.
Accreditation
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Leisure Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
The program’s goals are to: (a) become involved in the profession and committed to the profession’s academic, service, and social mission; (b) demonstrate an awareness of the critical role of diversity in the delivery of inclusive sport and leisure services; (c) demonstrate effective leadership within the sport and leisure profession; and (d) behave in accordance with the sport and leisure profession’s ethical standards. Admission requires a final transcript of all high school credits as well as an ACT/SAT score report.
Master of Science in Sport and Hospitality Management, Sport Commerce Concentration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 33 Credit Hours
The program objectives are as follows: (1) recognize the diverse nature of subject matter embodied within the respective program disciplines; (2) prepare students to serve in management and leadership positions in the sport or hospitality industry; (3) understand the research findings and theoretical constructs underlying the respective disciplines; and (4) understand the critical role of diversity in delivering inclusive hospitality or sport science services. Applicants must have a baccalaureate GPA of at least 2.5.
Accreditation
Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science in Leisure and Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This program includes specializations in recreation administration, outdoor recreation, and sport management. Through an applied and experiential course of study, it prepares students for their careers and helps graduates to address current and future challenges faced by leisure and sport agencies as well as the communities that they serve. For guaranteed admission, applicants must have completed the recommended college preparatory courses and must present one of the following: 1) 3.0 GPA 2) Minimum composite ACT score of 22 or minimum SAT total score of 1100 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing & Math) 3) Minimum 2.7 GPA plus ACT score of 19 OR SAT score of 990 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing & Math).
Master of Science in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
This program prepares students to lead leisure and sport organizations, to support the growth of the leisure and sport industries, and to conduct research that advances the body of knowledge in these disciplines. Students can specialize in either Recreation and Leisure Services or Sport Industry. Students pursuing a master’s degree must complete either a thesis or a professional project/internship. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, at least 18 hours at the bachelor’s or master’s level in courses related to the chosen concentration, an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work completed, and acceptable GRE scores (GRE).
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.
East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management (Sport Management Concentration)
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 120 Credit Hours
This program offers instruction and hands-on experience in the areas of planning, organization, and leadership as they apply to the field of sport management. Students are prepared to work in a profession that is consumer-driven and constituent-based. Academic preparation and required clinical experiences prepare students for careers in collegiate and professional athletic administration, motorsport operations, facility operations, sport marketing, and a variety of other sport-related occupations. You must have a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 17 (or equivalent SAT score) to be admitted.
Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: Online, On-Campus
Credits Required: 33-36 Credit Hours
The curriculum covers all levels of sport, including youth, high school, collegiate, professional, amateur, competitive, non-competitive, recreational, private, and nonprofit/profit organizations. It studies the three primary areas of the sport industry—performance, production, and promotion. This degree offers the flexibility and convenience of online coursework while preparing students for careers in athletic administration, sport management, motorsport management, and additional graduate study. The following qualifications are required for admission to the program: 1) An undergraduate degree in physical education, sport management, or a closely related field 2) a 2.7 cumulative undergraduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Accreditation
Belmont University
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 128 Credit Hours
By immersing students in real-world experiences, the Sport Administration program prepares them to become practitioners in this unique field. Through internship and capstone experiences, the program provides hands-on engagement. Official high school transcript and score reports from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) are required for admission.
Master of Sport Administration
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours
This program provides one of the country’s most unique and practical graduate school experiences. Using Nashville as their sport “laboratory”, students are immersed in opportunities to develop their competencies and propel their sports careers to new heights. Students are involved in all aspects of the sport industry, including professional and intercollegiate athletics, as well as non-profit and community sports. Applicants must submit official transcripts from previous colleges, a resume, and two professional recommendations.
Accreditation
Cumberland University
Master of Arts in Sports Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours
This program’s mission is to prepare students for advanced careers in the sports industry. To be admitted in good standing to any Cumberland University graduate program, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Accreditation
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Nashville Predators are the state’s three major professional sports franchises. This is in addition to its 14 minor league teams. This is good news for sports management graduates since getting that first job and making the right connections for a future sports career frequently starts with professional experience gained through college internships. And sport management programs at Tennessee’s public and private universities expose students to fundamental business principles taught within the context of the sport and recreation industry. Graduates of these programs go on to become leaders in professional sport marketing, college sport program administration, and high school athletic departments.
Other possible career paths include:
- Athletics director
- Promotions manager
- Facilities director
- League or conference commissioner
- Sponsorship sales manager
- Sport lawyer
