Sports Management & Administration Degree Programs in Washington D.C.

Overview of Sports Management & Admin. Programs

Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to get a high-quality education, especially if you are looking for accredited sports management degree programs in the District of Columbia. There are a number of sports management degree programs available, each with a distinct educational requirement and specialization. Here are some of them:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree – A four-year undergraduate program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the sports industry, including marketing, finance, and event management. With this degree, you could work as a sports agent, public relations specialist, sports data analyst, or facilities manager.
  2. Master’s Degree – A graduate degree that allows students to specialize in a particular area of sports management, such as sports marketing, sports law, or sports analytics. This degree may lead to higher-paying positions such as marketing manager or athletic director.
  3. Doctoral Degree – A research-oriented program that prepares students for academic careers in sport management. Doctoral degree holders commonly work as professors, researchers, urban planners, and economists.
  4. Certificate Programs – These are short-term programs where students learn the basics of the sports industry.

Washington, D.C. has a number of universities and colleges that provide sports management programs designed to help you advance your future sports management career. Continue reading to learn more about them.

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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

The curriculum of a sport management program will vary depending on the specific university and degree level, but the following are some examples of prospective courses:

Sports Analytics: This course focuses on the application of statistical and data analysis methods to gain insight into athletic performance, team strategy, and other aspects of the sports industry. Students will learn how to use data to evaluate performance and make informed decisions, as well as how to use data visualization tools to communicate results to stakeholders. Some of the topics that may be covered include regression analysis, data mining, and predictive modeling.

Sports Marketing: The fundamentals and strategies of marketing sports organizations, events, and merchandise are covered in this course. The marketing mix is studied in the context of the sports industry, which includes product, price, place, and promotion. Students will learn about brand management, consumer behavior, market research, and market segmentation as they apply to sports marketing. The program will cover sponsorship and endorsement agreements in addition to contract negotiations and sponsor relationship management.

Financial Management in Sports: This course focuses on the financial aspects of sports organization and event management. Students will learn how to create and manage budgets, interpret financial statements, and assess the financial consequences of decisions. The course will cover topics such as revenue generation, budgeting, financial planning, and risk management, with a focus on the sports industry’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Degree Timelines

Different sport management programs have different timelines depending on the degree level and program structure. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: This degree program typically lasts four years and requires 120 credits. Some programs’ accelerated or part-time options may affect the duration.
  • Master’s Degree: A master’s degree program in sports management typically lasts between two and two and a half years, depending on the program structure and whether students are enrolled full- or part-time.
  • Doctorate Degree: Depending on the program’s design, the quantity of needed research, and the student’s progress, it usually takes 4-6 years to complete a Ph.D. program in sports management.

In general, students should consider their lifestyle, preferred methods of learning, and desired careers when choosing a program and its length. Also, students should research the specific prerequisites and requirements for each degree to ensure they can finish them in the agreed period.

Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing

In the sports industry, sports marketing and management are two distinct but related professions. The term “sports management” refers to the process of planning, organizing, and running sporting events and organizations. This includes things like facility administration, special event planning, financial management, and athlete management. Sports management experts frequently have a background in business or management and use their skills to address the unique challenges that the sports industry faces. Sports marketing, on the other hand, is concerned with drawing attention to sports organizations, events, and merchandise. This category includes public relations, sponsorship, social media, and advertising. Sports marketing experts frequently have a background in marketing or communications and use those skills to address issues unique to the sports industry.

What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?

The following are some common general requirements:

  • Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs are frequently required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Then, in order to enroll in a master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
  • Many sports management programs require a minimum GPA, which typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Some programs may require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission, or their GRE scores for graduate admission.
School NameCityStateProgram LevelProgram NameProgram URL
Gonzaga UniversitySpokaneWashingtonBachelorOnline B.Ed. In Sport ManagementClick Here
Washington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonBachelorB.A. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Gonzaga UniversitySpokaneWashingtonMasterOnline M.A. in Sport & Athletic AdministrationClick Here
Washington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonMasterM.A. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Central Washington UniversityEllensburgWashingtonBachelorBS in Sport ManagementClick Here

American University

Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 30 Credits Hours

This program teaches the skills that employers seek when hiring. The four-phase curriculum model combines professionally aligned advanced training and workplace skill-building with the degree’s standard coursework. Students receive advanced training in areas such as communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, innovation, and emerging technologies. Strategic Management of Sports Organizations, Sports Analytics and Social Engagement, and Client Communications and Professional Consulting are among the courses available. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission to the program. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, a resume/CV, official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and letters of recommendation.

Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics and Management
Delivery Method: Online
Credits Required: 12 Credit Hours

In this certificate program, students will learn skills that will enable them to examine the impact of social networking and messaging on the sports industry, assess emerging trends in sports and the effects of ever-changing technologies on sports and society, make strategic and ethical decisions that improve relationships with sports agencies, clients, and the community, and develop leadership and communication skills that can be used to establish intercultural and agency relationships. This 12-credit program includes four courses: Data-Driven Decision Making, Strategic Management of Sports Organizations, Sports Analytics and Social Engagement, and Evaluation: Quantitative Methods. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent, a resume/CV, official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and letters of recommendation.

Accreditation

Georgetown University

Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours

This program immerses students in the multifaceted world of sports through a combination of focused study and hands-on practice. You’ll be exposed to the most recent industry tools and best practices, as well as modern digital and entrepreneurial skills that will give you a competitive advantage. This academically rigorous program prepares students for leadership and management opportunities in the sports industry’s various sectors. Students can tailor their studies and sharpen their expertise in one of three focus areas: Sports Communications, Sports Business & Sales, and Athletics & Administration. Applicants must submit a resume/CV, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate institutions.

Accreditation

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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.

George Washington University

Master of Science in Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online
Credits Required: 36 Credit Hours

Students in the program are prepared for executive careers in event and facility management, sports marketing, athlete representation, sports analytics, sports media, and the sporting goods industry, as well as working with professional teams and leagues and collegiate athletics. Sport Marketing, Sport Law: Contracts and Negotiations, Sport and Event Facility Management, and Sport Media and Communications are all required courses. The degree can also be combined with a bachelor’s degree as part of GWSB’s new 4+1 Program, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. It’s also offered as an eight week, online short course. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required, as is strong academic performance and a demonstrated professional interest in sport management.

Graduate Certificate in Sport Management
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 12 Credit Hours

Students who complete this certificate program will have a solid understanding of sports marketing, media, law, and facility management. Sport Marketing, Sport Law: Contracts and Negotiations, Sport and Event Facility Management, and Sport Media and Communications are all required courses. After one full semester of completed coursework, all current students in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) enrolled in a graduate degree program within the GW School of Business (GWSB) are eligible to be considered for admission to a graduate certificate program.

Accreditation

Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is home to many professional sports teams, including the Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and DC United (MLS). With a strong sports presence in the city, there are numerous employment opportunities in sports management.

Take a look at these job examples in the field of sports management:

  • Sports Marketing Manager: A sports marketing manager is in charge of developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote a sports team or organization.
  • Athletic Director: An athletic director is in charge of overseeing a school or university’s sports programs.
  • Sports Facility Manager: A sports facility manager is in charge of managing and maintaining sporting facilities such as stadiums or arenas.

Sports Degrees in Other States

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