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Sports Management

Online Master of Science in Sports Management (MS)

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About This Master's Degree in Sports Management

American Military University’s (AMU) online masters in sports management program is designed to advance your knowledge of business and administrative skills directly related to the sports industry.

This MS degree in sports management can offer valuable knowledge in areas such as sports marketing, event management, sports business, sports communication, and sports law. Our program is designed to introduce students to the intricacies of this competitive industry through applicable educational opportunities.

AMU’s master’s in sports management program includes a concentration option in Interscholastic Athletic Administration with an opportunity to pursue Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA®).

Coursework for this online master’s in sports management is rooted in management, sports history, sports marketing, and other topics that inform your business understanding of the sports world. Our master’s in sports management also offers courses relevant to the sports industry, such as:

  • Sports law
  • Sports promotion and public relations
  • Sports finance
  • Sports event management

AMU’s sports management master’s online program is designed to help you apply management and leadership theory, build management skills, develop an ethical framework, obtain practical communication skills, analyze organizational information, and problem solve functional areas in sports business organizations. Coursework has been developed to support current and aspiring industry professionals, such as athletic directors responsible for the management and coaching of athletic programs, teams, or individual athletes.

The sport management degree program at the American Public University System has received specialized accreditation through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The sport management program in the following degrees is accredited by COSMA: 

Read COSMA Retention and Completer Data.

Note: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications. 

NIAAA® is a registered trademark of The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

What You Will Do

  1. Apply management theory and managerial leadership concepts to contemporary sports industry practices 
  2. Analyze and apply relevant business, legal, and ethical issues such as models of ethical analysis, codes of professional ethics, and situational analysis to the sports industry and enterprise
  3. Integrate economic decision making and advanced finance theory and concepts to sports and sports-related enterprises as it relates to sports in contemporary society
  4. Implement concepts and theories of marketing to sports-related enterprises to include internal and external sources of marketing information, marketing theory, industry segmentation, marketing mix, sport sponsorship, licensing, venue and event marketing, and image enhancement
  5. Examine ethical and legal concepts in a sport context relative to governance, gender equity, and managerial leadership and decision making within an athletic department or organization

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
COSMA Accredited
Number of Credits
30
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$425 | $250*
$382.50**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Explores the strengths, weaknesses, and multiple roles of a successful coach in contemporary sports, including an analysis of the leadership style. Focuses on the contrasting responsibilities of a coach and assistant coaches and the levels of coaching relevant to these roles, as well as current ethical, management, and controversial issues in the field.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and discuss the complexities and issues of academic sports administration from a collegiate or interscholastic context.
  • Assess the strengths, qualities and weaknesses of a successful coach, including an analysis of the leadership style and multiple roles required of coaches in contemporary sports.
  • Select, predict, and evaluate current ethical, management, and controversial issues in coaching today.
  • Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of a coach and assistant coaches and discuss the levels of coaching relevant to these roles.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2720

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Students in this course will learn what it takes to be a successful leader in the coaching profession. Leadership involves one or more people influencing others in effort to achieve a common goal; coaching leadership focuses on the playing arena. Students will learn strategies to effectively communicate with their players, fellow coaches, parents, administrators and other constituents who impact their program. Coaches need to be able to think on their feet, make decisions under stressful situations, while always keeping the needs of their players and team foremost in their mind. Motivation, management and creative problem solving are critical to successful coaching leadership. Students will compare and contrast how some of the most successful coaches in the business have created their formulas for success; looking at common themes of successful coaches while also learning the importance of incorporating one’s own personality into the process. Students will create a coaching manual that can become their personal coaching bible starting with their coaching philosophy and culminating with their goals and strategies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2721

|
Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine coaching strategies. Methods, practices, and approaches that apply across a number of sports disciplines will be discussed. Students will study several issues related to coaching preparation. Students will research, strategize, and reflect on past, present, and future coaching strategies. Course topics will address coaching philosophy, technique, time management, character, teaching, nutrition, and physical training. Methods for learning will include critical thinking, decision making, and analytical skills necessary to form an effective coach.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2773

|
This course focuses on current coaching theories, methods, practices, and outcomes. Students will consider the origin, development, and arguments surrounding the character of American sport. Topics include a study of coaching principles, practical coaching situations, great coaches and their methods, decision making in coaching, coaching ethics, and other contemporary issues in 21st century collegiate and high school coaching. Students are also exposed to the importance of computers and the Internet to today’s coaches.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session

Analyzes the complexities of sports administration from an interscholastic context. Evaluates the role of stakeholders in the sports industry, such as associations, the community, and administration, as well as various administration styles and a comprehensive sports event management plan that includes promotions, leadership, human resources, and financial aspects.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and discuss the complexities and issues of academic sports administration from an interscholastic context.
  • Assess and develop your leadership and management styles as a sports administrator.
  • Assess and discuss the role of stakeholders in the sports industry including associations, the community, and discuss all related regulations and guidelines.
  • Develop, design, and assess a comprehensive sports event management plan to include functional plans, training plans, legal, financial, accounting, public relationships, human resources, promotions and leadership.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2718

|
This course is a study of one of the most complex professions in secondary education – high school athletic administration. The topics include leadership and management roles in sports/athletic administration, high school sports finance and budgeting, student-athlete issues, association regulations and guidelines, and other issues focused on the array of sports disciplines, coaches, and programs at the high school level.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4029

|
This course examines contemporary and productive management principles and concepts used throughout the sports industry and various sport organizations. Through this course, students will learn skills related to creative problem solving and strategic planning, while developing the skills to lead, organize, and delegate in managerial and leadership positions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4689

|
This course examines legal issues and considerations facing interscholastic athletic administrators. Major issues explored in this course include managing risk and liability within an interscholastic athletic department and complying with Title IX and gender equity policies. In addition, this course will focus on development of an effective risk management program designed for interscholastic athletics. (Prerequisite: SPMT603)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Examines the rapidly-growing and global sports business industry with an emphasis on leadership. Designed to develop the skills and effectiveness of future leaders interested in managing individuals, teams, and sport organizations. This specialization in sports business leadership studies critical topics within the industry including courses specifically focused on sports leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales and promotions Designed for those interested in professional, interscholastic or recreational leadership positions.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Identify leadership styles and strengths and take steps to improve personal leadership capacity.
  • Implement practices necessary to build highly effective teams.
  • Apply theory to real-world problems.
  • Develop the capacity to understand and analyze sport organization realities from multiple perspectives.
  • Examine the leadership, management, scheduling, and financial issues associated with running a successful athletics program.
  • Develop the ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in thinking and application.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2772

|
This course focuses on the entrepreneurial opportunities in the sports industry, to include sports management, sports franchise, sports agency, and small sports business management professions and programs. The course focuses heavily on the business plan, financial, and planning issues associated with entrepreneurial and small business ventures. Students will develop their own entrepreneurial sports plan as an independent research project for this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4029

|
This course examines contemporary and productive management principles and concepts used throughout the sports industry and various sport organizations. Through this course, students will learn skills related to creative problem solving and strategic planning, while developing the skills to lead, organize, and delegate in managerial and leadership positions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4030

|
This course focuses on the fundamentals roles of developing, activating, and managing sport sponsorship through sales and promotion. Through shared practical examples, this course will view how to generate ticket sales through sport promotion and how to utilize e-commerce as a promotional tool in sports.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5370

|
This course studies the sports industry across all of its disciplines, functions, economics, leaders, and organizations. It is a macro view of sports as a major component of the modern corporate, social, economic, and recreation world. The industry is studied in detail in many different aspects as it exists in society. The history, contemporary situation, and future outlook of the sports industry are addressed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2716

|
Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine the theoretical, historical, social, and cultural aspects of sport. For the historical aspect, they will explore sociological issues over the ages from ancient times through to modern times. Students will discuss how sport and human life intermix in relation to cultural aspects. In addition, several issues of the social context will be identified and discussed with an emphasis on the philosophical, physical, religious, and other contemporary topics in sport.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5126

|
This course is an introduction to sports-related legal issues and concepts. Its focus is on providing an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports, sports management, and the sports industry. Students will conduct research, read, and write on issues associated with the sports legal industry. Topics include but are not limited to discrimination, legislation, regulation and rights, competition, contract, labor, tort and trademark law, and administrative, antitrust and constitutional law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2768

|
This course focuses on the marketing, promotions, public relations, and communications involved in the multi-billion dollar sports industry. The course provides research, case analysis, and other opportunities to learn of the effective principles, theories, practices, and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2769

|
The main thrust of this course is the application of principles and practices of financial management, as it applies to organizations in the sport industry. This course seeks to develop the financial skills necessary to gain an understanding of an array of financial concepts that impact sport managers. Students will examine financial strategies related to sport entities and organizations and will be introduced to current economic and financial issues that impact the sport industry. Included in the course are the basics of accounting, budgets and budgeting systems, performance measures creation, and financial statement evaluation for the purpose of cost analysis and planning. Other topics include budget development, funding, capital projects, economic impact, and supply and demand in the sport industry.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2771

|
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for designing and managing sport and recreation facilities and organizing sport events. Included in the course are topics related to planning for events and tournaments, scheduling of facilities and events, and overall management of events. Students will examine several different types of sporting events from local tournaments to the Olympics. The course will also delineate the factors involved in the planning, design and management of events while examining the social, economic and environmental impacts of sporting events on the host community. Throughout the course students are encouraged to attend and/or volunteer at sporting events to put the course knowledge in to practice.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4587

|
This course requires students to complete a culminating research project based from theories, research methods and analytical skills, and substantive knowledge obtained through their master's curriculum in sports management. Research options involve concepts and applications covered throughout the student's learning experience in the master's curriculum; including marketing, finance, leadership, sociology, legal considerations, and sociology relative to sports management and the sports industry. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
07/31/23 - 12/29/23 01/01/24 - 02/25/24 Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
08/28/23 - 02/02/24 02/05/24 - 03/31/24 Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
09/25/23 - 03/01/24 03/04/24 - 04/28/24 Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2779

|
The experiential or practical component of the course aims to apply learning in an aspect of interest related to the degree and concentration in Sports Management. The Masters of Science in Sports Management requires students to complete a cumulative hourly requirement of volunteering their services in a specific industry work environment. It is understood to be a supervised practicum which requires approval by APUS before entering into the relationship with the organization. The selection of an organization or site for the practicum must relate to the content of the student’s course work and/or concentration. Students will be involved with the experiential learning process through volunteering and completing an Integration process which describes concepts and skills developed through the experience. This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
Accreditation for AMU’s Master’s Degree in Sports Management

The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) is a specialized accrediting body committed to recognizing excellence in sports management as it relates to professional experience. AMU’s master’s in sports management is accredited by COSMA, the only organization offering discipline-specific accreditation in sport management.

When researching education options, it’s important to identify accredited institutions. Similarly, when exploring sport management programs, accreditation should also be considered. AMU’s COSMA accreditation status signals that our sports management programs are accurately and fairly described. This accreditation also shows employers that our program demonstrates a high level of academic rigor and quality to meet widely accepted educational standards around the world. 

As the premier sport management accrediting body, COSMA promotes excellence in sport education, encourages innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, as well as fosters ethical practices in sport management. COSMA accreditation is given exclusively to high-quality programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. As part of its evaluation process, COSMA reviews a program’s learning outcomes in all relevant topics, including sports administration, business administration, sport event management, and sport public relations to ensure those outcomes have been achieved. 

What is a Master’s in Sports Management?

An online master’s in sports management can broaden your skill set to impact decision-making while helping you reach new goals. An MS degree in sports management usually requires approximately 30-40 credit hours, which typically takes about two years of full-time study. Part-time students may take three or more years to complete their sports management degrees. 

An MS degree in sports management allows you to take your interest in the sports industry—whether it’s men’s or women’s basketball, football, baseball, or other popular forms of athletics in professional sports or at the interscholastic level—and integrate that with business administration. 

In fact, the employment of athletic coaches and scouts is projected to grow by 20 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics1, from 2021-2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

This program can appeal to a variety of students, and it may have particular appeal for active-duty military, military spouses, or veterans aiming to apply their military skill set toward a grad school course of study to integrate sports.

AMU’s MS degree in sport management is a 30-credit-hour program designed to advance your knowledge in the sports industry by combining hands-on learning opportunities with strong business skills. Coursework will range from topics such as business administration to sports marketing to sports finance. Our master’s in sports management challenges students to evaluate effective management on a worldwide scale, employing leadership and theory to the world of sports. 

In addition to general coursework, AMU provides a series of concentrations—Coaching Theory and Strategy, Interscholastic Athletic Administration, and Sports Business Leadership—within its master’s in sports management program to help students focus their studies on their area of interest.  

Through the AMU sports management community, you meet leaders in the field and connect with professional peers to expand your network. Our sports management students proudly strive to be leaders in the sports industry. 

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [Entertainment and Sports Occupations, accessed March 2023] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/coaches-and-scouts.htm. 

BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

sports management

AMU’s MS Degree in Sports Management Curriculum

Coursework in AMU’s master's in sports management online program explores critical interdisciplinary sport business skills typically needed to be competitive in today’s sport industry. Our curriculum helps bridge the divide between theory and application in the real world. 

It can provide practical tools you may apply immediately in professional endeavors—from the management of sports organizations to advanced knowledge in sports finance and sport event management. Application may be possible in a range of areas, from professional franchise front office management to collegiate athletic leadership.

Additionally, students have an opportunity to complete a practicum or experiential learning activity. This end-of-program option is a key part of our grad school degree in sports management and allows students to obtain further insight through real-world sports industry experience. 

Our core class requirements, totaling 18 semester hours, are designed to expand your knowledge about relevant sports industry topics. Some required classes include the following:

  • Sports Law, which provides an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports and sports management
  • History, Culture, and Social Context of Sport, which uses analytical techniques to scrutinize the theoretical, historical, social, and cultural aspects of sport
  • The Sports Industry, detailing a macro view of sports as a major component of the modern corporate, social, economic, and recreation world
  • Sports Marketing, Promotion, and Public Relations, which offers practices and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications
  • Sports Finance, a class that analyzes the application of principles and practices of financial management, as it applies to organizations in the sport industry
  • Sports Event Management, which provides the fundamental knowledge and skills for designing and managing sport and recreation facilities and organizing sport events

Concentrations in AMU’s Master’s Degree in Sports Management

Our MS degree in sports management concentrations can provide pertinent knowledge to address the needs of sports organizations, whether professional or amateur. You will select from these three concentration options:

This concentration as part of the master’s in sports management is designed to explore the strengths, weaknesses, and multiple roles of a coach and athletic director in contemporary sports, including an analysis of leadership styles as well as issues like communication, ethical practices, athlete development, and organizational management. Students will dissect and discuss the complexities of sports industry issues from an administrative perspective, both collegiate and interscholastic. 

This sports management master’s online concentration centers around the complex analysis of sports administration in an interscholastic context. Completion of two of the concentration’s required courses—SPMT603 High School Athletic Administration and SPMT650 Legal Issues in High School Athletic Administration—enable students to seek certification as a Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. 


NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

Through study of critical topics within the sports industry—including sports leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales and promotions—students can advance their knowledge related to professional, interscholastic, or recreational leadership. The concentration allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and professional experience while developing the ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in both thinking and application as a leader in the sports industry. 

Completing Your MS Degree in Sports Management

Students complete a final 3-credit requirement for the master’s in sports management, choosing between two courses: Sports Management Capstone or Sports Management Practicum and Integration Project. 

  • Sports Management Capstone is designed to offer students a culminating research project based on theories, research methods, and analytical skills—using substantive knowledge gained through their online master’s in sports management. Research options include concepts and applications covered in the master's curriculum, such as sports marketing, finance, leadership, legal considerations, and sociology relative to sports management and the sports industry. 
  • The Sports Management Practicum and Integration Project is an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of the world of sports by performing voluntary services in a specific industry work environment. The selected organization or site for the practicum must align with the content of the student’s coursework and/or concentration as part of the master’s in sports management. Designed to be an experiential learning opportunity, this selection enables students to demonstrate how they’ve integrated the concepts and skills developed through their learning and the experience. 

How Military Service Leads to an MS Degree in Sports Management

American Military University’s sports management degree is an option for active-duty military individuals preparing to transition to civilian life. Our online master’s in sport management program is also available for veterans and military spouses who want to advance their understanding of the sports industry. Each servicemember who enrolls can build upon their existing knowledge of the world of sports while engaging with leaders in the field and expanding their network.  

Whether it’s building a team or other skills like accountability or leadership, many veterans, military spouses, and servicepeople discover that aptitudes learned in the military can be relevant to their master’s degree in sports management.  

Military experience provides a great foundation for a servicemember’s transition, and their academic pursuits bolster their skill set to create a well-rounded candidate.
Brittany Jacobs, PhD
Department Chair of the Sports Management Program
Advantages of Earning an Online Master's in Sports Management

The benefits of earning an online master’s in sports management vary. Learning online:

  • Encourages students to become more technically proficient with digital learning platforms and team support software
  • Offers flexible scheduling for those currently in the work force or with commitments as a full-time parent or caregiver
  • Saves on commuting and room and board costs, as well as other expenses typically associated with learning in traditional physical settings
  • Provides a learning environment often featuring a diverse student cohort 
    Offers differing perspectives and experiences of faculty nationwide 

This sports management master’s online degree is designed to help you reach new goals and make new connections. If you have a passion for exercise, fitness, business, and athletics, then an MS in Sports Management can propel your learning and supply you with valuable skills. Completing the program through distance learning or online delivery can provide flexibility and convenience compared to traditional on-campus programs. 

Financing Your Degree in Sports Management

AMU offers a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Benefits specifically for military servicemembers include:

All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit for undergraduate and master’s-level courses. 
Ebooks for all undergraduate, doctoral, and Preferred Military Rate-eligible master’s-level students provided at no cost.

Potential transfer credits from military education and training may be available. Transfer credit might also be available in the form of credit recommendations for courses and occupations in various military branches. These recommendations would appear on a servicemember’s Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript or Joint Services Transcript (JST).

Note: The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to the policies outlined on the University website. Actual time to completion will be based upon transfer credit evaluation and eligibility.

Full support staff, including military education coordinators co-located at bases around the country. 

Veterans may wish to take advantage of the Top-Up program, offered through the Montgomery GI Bill® and allows GI Bill participants to use benefits to supplement fees and tuition not covered by other means of tuition assistance. More information on Top-Up can be found at AMU’s Veterans Page. 

Alternate funding methods include paying out of pocket by credit card or e-check or using Federal Student Aid (FSA).

 

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

 

FAQs: MS Degree in Sports Management

 

What is MS sports management?

An MS in sports management, or master of science in sports management, is one of several graduate-level degrees in the field. The master of science typically takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, encouraging students to examine the sports industry from a variety of operational and business perspectives. The program may factor in behavioral and human performance elements. Some students opt to pursue an MBA with a sports management concentration. These programs likely will cover relevant business areas like marketing, accounting, statistics, finance, and human resources with a sports management focus. An MS in sports management may offer concentrations, allowing a student to specialize in a sports industry niche. 

 

What majors go well with sports management?

There are numerous undergraduate degrees that can offer a logical pathway to a master’s in sports management. Students with a bachelor’s degrees in business, management, exercise science, sports communication, physical education, health sciences, sports studies, and athletic training could have a solid foundation appropriate for a master’s degree in sports management. Additionally, students who have an interest in classes such as coaching, marketing, and event management might find an MS degree in sports management is a sensible next step in learning. 

 

What can you do with a master’s in sports management?

Earning a master’s in sports management can help students reach their highest level of knowledge. For example, a degree in sports management can offer optimal techniques on how to negotiate contracts, which can inform possible professional opportunities related to contract negotiation management for athletic teams and athletic organizations. A master’s in sport management also builds knowledge and skill in fitness management, sports marketing, facilities management, and athletic administration. 

 

How can I get a master’s degree in sports management? 

You can earn a master’s in sports management by enrolling in an accredited university that offers an MS or MA degree in sports management. The time it takes to complete the degree will depend on whether you attend on a full-time or part-time basis. 

 

Is a master's in sports management worth it?

When deciding whether an online master’s in sports management is worth it, prospective students should think carefully about what they want from their advanced education and whether a degree in sports management adds to the body of knowledge they desire. Many find it rewarding to be taught by informed and experienced faculty members who thoroughly understand the complexities of the sports industry. An additional fulfilling aspect of getting a master’s in sports management is networking with like-minded peers who share a passion for sports and business. Additionally, learning through a program that holds specialty accreditation validates both the rigor and quality of the experience.

 

What are the steps to enroll in the online Master's in Sports Management?

To be admitted to our sports management master’s online degree, complete the following steps: 


  1. Submit your no-cost application for admission online.
  2. Read over and accept the Acknowledgment of Student Rights and Responsibilities. 
  3. Verify your identity by uploading a state-issued photo ID through our secure portal. For active-duty military, we ask for a copy of the Joint Services Transcript instead of the photo ID. Air Force applicants must submit an official CCAF transcript with a valid government-issued ID to [email protected]. 
  4. Mail official transcripts to Student Records:
    APUS – Attn: Student Records
    303 W. 3rd Avene
    Ranson, WV 25438

    Official transcripts may also be delivered directly from the granting institution to [email protected]. 
  5. Use your computer or laptop to tour the e-campus. 
  6. If you have prior master’s-level college coursework, military training or service, and/or professional credentials, you may be eligible for transfer credit. At this point, you can begin the formal transfer credit evaluation process, which can take 2-3 weeks once all documentation is received. (The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to the policies outlined on the University website. Actual time to completion will be based upon transfer credit evaluation and eligibility.)
  7. Decide how you will pay for tuition. (See more in the next section on “How to Pay for Your Degree in Sports Management.”) 
  8. Register for classes.
  9. Many courses make no-cost ebooks available to students, but in some cases, you may need to order books or some required course materials. You can check the syllabus of each course to determine if you need to order a textbook. (Active-duty servicemembers, as well as National Guard members, Reservists, and military spouses and military family members receive master’s-level ebooks at no cost.) •Enter your virtual classroom. Each class begins the first Monday of the month at 6 a.m. ET and students are expected to log in at least once the first week to complete the introductory forum post.

You can read more about the Admissions process here. 

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Admission Requirements

  • All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Materials Cost

Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.

Technology fee: $85 per course

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information. 

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

AMU's Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.