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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
- Apply management theory to contemporary sports industry practices.
- Analyze the impact of legal and ethical issues in the sporting enterprise.
- Evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to assess financial challenges/opportunities in the sport industry
- Develop marketing strategies to enhance the viability of sports-related enterprises.
- Examine structural barriers to equity in the sport industry.
Degree at a Glance
$386.75** | $409.50***
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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
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2721
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2773
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 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
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4029
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4689
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 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
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4029
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4030
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 5370
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2716
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5126
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2768
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2769
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2771
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Choose 3 credit hours from this section.
Course ID: 4587
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2779
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 higher 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 sports management programs demonstrate a high level of academic rigor and quality to meet widely accepted educational standards.
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, sport finance and sport public relations to ensure those outcomes have been achieved.
What is a Master’s in Sports Management?
A master’s in sports management can broaden your skill set to impact decision-making while helping you reach new goals. Some programs refer to their degree as sports administration and essentially cover the same general material. An MS degree in sports management or sports administration 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 degree.
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 by combining hands-on learning opportunities with strong business skills. Coursework will range from topics such as business 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 sports administration.
In addition to general coursework, AMU provides a series of concentrations 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 may meet leaders in the field and connect with sport industry professionals to expand your network. Our sports management students proudly strive to be leaders in the sports profession.
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. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
AMU’s MS in Sports Management Curriculum Highlights
Coursework in AMU’s master's in sports management online program explores critical interdisciplinary sports administration 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 teams’ front-office management to collegiate athletics 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 degree in sports management and allows students to obtain further insight through real-world experience.
Our core classes are designed to expand your knowledge about relevant sport management and sports administration topics and cover the following areas:
- Sports Law, which provides an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports and sports administration
- 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 athletics. You will select from these concentration options:
NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.
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 the study of critical topics—including sports leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales and promotions—students can advance their knowledge related to leadership of professional sports, interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, or recreational organizations. The concentration allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems while developing the ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in both thinking and application as a leader.
Completing Your MS Degree in Sports Management
Students choose a final 3-credit course to complete their master’s in sports management: 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 program, such as sports marketing, finance, leadership, legal considerations, and sociology relative to sports administration and management.
- The Sports Management Practicum and Integration Project is an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of sports organizations and the industry by performing voluntary services in a specific 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 sports management degree. 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 Pairs with an MS Degree in Sports Management
American Military University’s sports management degree is an option for active-duty military servicemembers preparing to transition to civilian life. Our online program is also appropriate for veterans, military spouses, and military family members who want to advance their understanding of the sports administration and management. Those who enroll can build upon their existing sports knowledge 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 servicemembers discover that aptitudes learned in the military can be relevant to their master’s in sports management.
The benefits of completing this master’s program online vary. Learning online:
- Encourages students to become more technically proficient with digital learning platforms and 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, sports administration 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
Benefits specifically for military servicemembers include:
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).
(Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.)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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 schools offer programs like 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. Other schools may offer a program in sports administration, a term often used interchangeably with sports management. Essentially, both sports administration and sports management cover the same subject matter. Both sports management and sports administration programs may offer concentrations, allowing a student to specialize in an industry niche.
There are numerous undergraduate degrees that can offer a logical pathway to a master’s in sports management. Students with a bachelor’s degree in business, management, exercise science, sports communication, sports administration, 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.
Earning a master’s in sports management can help students reach a higher 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 sports administration.
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.
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 will help fulfill their personal and professional goals. Many find it rewarding to be taught by informed and experienced faculty members who thoroughly understand the complexities of sports organizations and sports administration. 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.
As you research options related to a master’s in sports management, you may want to explore other programs that could be a suitable match for your professional and academic interests.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Learn about the global business environment from distinguished faculty. Learn how to incorporate analytical tools into business decision-making and explore diverse managerial approaches and marketing strategies within organizations.
Health Information Management (MS)
Evaluate change management strategies within organizational leadership in health IT systems while examining data to assess evidence-based protocols. This program is designed to provide tools on how to better manage health systems and the people connected to them.
Explore advanced leadership concepts and practices needed for effective business initiatives. Evaluate management issues, taking into consideration technology, structure, ethical, human, and environmental factors. Create and refine a strategic business plan.
Sports and Health Sciences (MS)
Optimize physical performance through fitness plans and exercise. Assess movement and harness the power of qualitative and quantitative research related to pertinent topics in sports and health sciences.
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].
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Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
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.
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.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for 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.
