Online Sports Management Degree
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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For sports enthusiasts, sports management is a fascinating field. It is an excellent fit for those interested in sports leadership, sports analytics, sport tourism, collegiate athletics, and the management and administration of professional sports teams. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the entertainment and sports industries are predicted to add more than 160,600 jobs between 2020 and 2030. A bachelor’s degree in sports management online from a good sports management institution can provide students with the abilities they need to succeed in this high-energy sector. This guide looks into a variety of topics related to an online sports management degree, including curriculum, concentrations, job prospects, degree types, best universities, and more.
Best Online Sports
Management Degree
Choosing a decent college is never an easy task. It is even more difficult to find the best one. When doing so, one must consider the institution’s reputation and infrastructure, the quality and experience of the teaching staff, the availability of student support services, sporting facilities, and accreditation status, among other things. Find Finest Degrees (FBD) teams have compiled a list of the best schools for a bachelor’s in sports management online in the United States to spare students the time and effort of researching the best programs and colleges for sports management: *
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Florida-Online | 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $3,876 | 75% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from the Online Sports
Management Degree Programs
By providing an interdisciplinary focus with courses in both sport administration and business, online sports management curricula prepare students for a number of rewarding professional opportunities. This 120-credit program focuses on the industry’s application of business fundamentals, through which prospective students will be prepared to lead and manage well in the sports industry.
Unlike on-campus programs, students enrolled in the sports management bachelors online can complete projects and attend lectures from the comfort of their own homes and on their own time. While the core courses establish the foundation of sports management principles, elective requirements provide knowledge and skills in other related areas of the subject. Students are usually also required to participate in a professional internship or practicum towards or at the end of their programs, which is a fantastic opportunity to create real-world relationships in the area, improve one’s practical abilities, and increase one’s future options. Many universities also allow students to design their own course of study to construct a unique academic plan. Here are some of the typical courses one can expect in a sports management online bachelor’s program:
Diversity in Sports
This course will teach students about diversity and how it applies to sports in general, as well as gender, ethnicity, and different cultures. The course will assist students in comprehending the challenges that sports leaders have in better comprehending diversity and, in turn, ensure the creation of a “level-playing field”.
The Economics of Sports
The world of sports, particularly professional sports, is on one of the highest rungs of the financial ladder. Sport has established itself as one of the most important sources of entertainment in the twenty-first century, from Friday night high school football games to the Olympics. This course provides students with a thorough awareness of the dynamic role of economics in sports to act as an administrator in this field. Students will explore and investigate the principles and models of micro and intermediate economics as they pertain to the sport business.
Sport Finance
In this course, students will establish a framework that includes an in-depth understanding of the numerous tools, strategies, ratios, calculations, and other material connected to finance, as well as the complicated financial concerns that are present in the sports workplace. They will learn about creating budgets, fiscal discipline, and how to handle sports-related finance in general.
Sports Law – The Essentials
This course examines rules, government action, and ethically relevant scenarios to introduce legal issues and professional consequences in the field of sports management. Through this course, students gain a complete understanding of legal issues that affect league officials’ interactions with athletes, their professional behavior, and the regulations in place to safeguard their rights and hold them accountable for their actions.
Some of the other core courses in an online sports management bachelor’s degree are:
- Sociology of Sport
- Sports Information and Media
- Sport Liability and Risk Management
- Sport Psychology
- Inclusive Recreation
- Senior Seminar in Sport Management
- Legal Aspects of Sports
- Sport Fundraising
- Foundations of Sports Management
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Policy and Governance in Sport
- Sport Administration
- Sponsorship and Fundraising in Sport
- Leadership and Management of Sport Organizations
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Leadership Development
- Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation
- History and Contemporary Aspects of Sport
- Event Management
- Management of Sport Organizations
- Facility Design and Management
- Leadership and Professional Development in Recreation & Sport Management
- Sports Sociology and Psychology
- Sport Marketing
- Sport Event Management
- Administration of Sport Organizations
- Sport Communications
- Sport Facility Design and Management
- Sport Communication and Promotion
- Sports Economics
Some of the Electives/Minors in the sports management online degree are:
- Introduction to e-Sports
- Sport Multimedia Journalism
- The Digital Sport Industry: Fantasy Sports, Video Gaming, & eSports
- e-Sports Promotion
- Introduction to Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management
- International Sport Management and Governance
- Human Factors in e-Sports
- Intercollegiate Athletics
- Sports in U.S. History
- Broadcast Sports Journalism
- Adaptive Recreational Sport
- Sport Analytics
- Event Management Advanced Applications
- Program Planning and Development
- Sports Reporting
- Recreational Team Sports
- Entrepreneurship in Recreation
- Sport Psychology
Read our complete Guide to Bachelor Programs for deeper insights into undergraduate degrees.
Degree Types for Online Sports
Management Degree Programs
Depending on the school one chooses, a bachelor’s degree in sports management online may be offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sports Management, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sports Management, or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an emphasis in Sports Management. The type of bachelor’s degree one gets will influence the upper-level coursework they take during their studies, but not the roles they can pursue or the sports management knowledge they acquire.
Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management
A Bachelor of Arts or BA in sports management online entails more courses from the liberal arts and humanities domains. This type of degree is more theoretical and ideal for those wanting to move into a Master of Arts program.
Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
A Bachelor of Science or BS in sports management online entails more courses from the mathematics and science domains. This degree is more technical and ideal for those who want to move into a Master of Science program or join the workforce immediately after graduating.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management
A Bachelor of Business Administration or BBA with a concentration in sports management is essentially a business studies degree that orients around sports management. Students can expect more business courses in this degree, which is suitable for those who want to move into a Master of Business Administration program or join the workforce or start a business in sports immediately after graduating.
Areas of Specialisation for Online
Sports Management Degree Programs
Concentrations and specialization are an excellent way to gain deeper insights into a specific area within sports management, allowing students to have a competitive edge and take up niche careers. Here are a few specializations within the vast field of sports management for students to consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Marketing & Revenue Generation | In this specialization, students learn the most up-to-date strategies for marketing, branding, client retention, and sales to achieve success in sales and marketing, the sector that offers the most career opportunities in the sports industry. Students get a grasp of how sports marketing works by learning about the various tools and techniques that professionals have at their disposal. | Sports Marketing Managers, Sports Sales Manager, Facilities Managers, Athletic Managers, Sports Agents, Stadium Business Managers |
| Athletic Administration | This specialization helps students build their own path to intercollegiate athletics or professional sports administration by taking elective courses in sport management and other related subjects. Students will understand how managers use administration and organizational dynamics to control and balance them. They examine various methods for monitoring and improving operations, as well as how to administer sports organizations in a positive and inventive manner. | Athletic Administrators, Sports Agents, Facilities Managers, Stadium Business Managers, Sport Event Organizers, Coaches |
| Sport Development | In this specialization, students get some hands-on experience running sport programs that help communities throughout the world seize economic and social opportunities. Students learn sport policy and development, assessment and evaluation in sport, leadership in sport, and sport programming. | Sport Development Managers, Sport Public-Relations Managers, Sports Agents, Facilities Managers, Stadium Business Managers, Coaches |
| Sport Media | With this specialization, students interested in a career in sports media, marketing, communications, or administration can personalize their education, skills, and experience to best prepare themselves. This emphasis is geared toward students interested in news/information and strategic communication and is intended to prepare them for jobs in any area of the sports industry. | Sport Public-Relations Managers, Sports Media Specialists, Sports Agents, Sports Marketing Specialists |
| Sport Tech & Innovation | This specialization places students ahead of the curve by providing specific knowledge on emerging technologies such as blockchain, 5G, virtual reality, augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that have made or are making their way into the sporting world. | Sports Data Analysts, Sports Technical Specialists, Sports Program Designers |
| Sport Event Management | In this specialization, students are exposed to the growing and diverse employment opportunities in the sports and events business, which include everything from sports marketing and promotion to designing and executing creative and distinctive events, all with the goal of delivering unforgettable consumer experiences. Students learn how to identify managerial obstacles in sport event delivery and offer techniques for dealing with them. Graduates of the program know how to direct the critical variables that go into bringing mega or small-scale sporting events to life and attaining community development goals. | Sport Event Managers, Sports Media Planners, Sports Promotion Specialists, Sport Public-Relations Managers, Sports Sales Specialists |
Some of the other specializations in the field of sports management are:
Why should I get an Online Sports
Management Degree?
People with sports management degrees have access to a range of benefits, such as the ability to work with a broad group of individuals who have a passion for sports and the possibility of becoming a vital part of a sports organization. The field also offers amazing experiences, often not limited to a single geographic area because sports are popular everywhere. Students enrolled in sports management bachelors programs take courses in business elements of sports, sports information, and intercollegiate and professional sports. They also study sports finance, marketing, ethics, legislation, and facility management. The Guide to Bachelor Programs sheds light on all aspects of a bachelor’s program.
Is an online sports management degree any good? Bachelor’s degree programs in sports management equip students for entry-level positions in the industry and assist graduates in getting their foot in the door. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the entertainment and sports industries are predicted to add more than 160,600 jobs between 2020 and 2030, making it a viable option for students to consider.
So, how hard is a degree in sports management? People who have a sporty disposition or are simply interested in sports and, to a certain extent, business and management, will find a sports management degree exciting and satisfying. This degree is a perfect fit and is relatively easy to pursue, requiring generic courses, sport courses, and hands-on training that suit active personalities.
As for the skills one would have acquired from this program, graduates of sports management would have the ability to:
evaluate the social, psychological, and international underpinnings of sport using critical thinking skills;
organize and produce efficient marketing and communication materials for a sport;
consider the effects that the law will have on the sporting business;
create and analyze data-driven decisions using technology;
demonstrate knowledge of the management and leadership aspects of various sports;
utilize the fundamentals of money management, accounting, and economics when working in the sporting sector;
investigate, assess, and analyze the influence of diversity, gender equity, and ethical decision-making in sport;
examine the impact of domestic and global economic ideas and theories on the sports business; and
think critically and utilize quantitative analysis to creatively solve problems in sports management and the industry.
Free Courses for Online Sports Management
Degree Students
Although no free bachelors in sports management online degree programs are available, several universities do offer free individual courses in the area. These courses are usually found on online learning websites and are a great way to prepare for exams, gain new ideas, and expand one’s knowledge. Here are some free sports management courses online to look into:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Various Topics Related to Sports Management | The United States Sports Academy (USSA) offers free sample courses to help people enhance their sports knowledge and skills while also providing entertainment and enrichment. A free sample course does not require participants to be Academy students. It is worth mentioning that USSA’s free courses do not grant academic or continuing education credit because participation does not need enrollment in the Academy. | The United States Sports Academy (USSA) |
| Various Topics Related to Sports Management | Class Central offers a variety of sports topics to choose from. Over 230 free sports courses, many of which are at the beginner and intermediate levels, are offered by some of the world’s best colleges, including the University of California, Irvine, Duke University, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and others. Sports and Society, Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Prediction Models using Sports Data, and other topics are covered. | Class Central |
| Various Topics Related to Sports Management | edX is home to a handful of sports management or related courses, including Sport Business Foundations, Sales in Sport Business, Sport Analytics: Data-Driven Decision Making, Sustainability & Major Sport Events, etc. | edX |
How to get into the Online Sports
Management Degree Programs?
Enrolling in an online sports management program is pretty straightforward. To begin with, applicants are required to have completed high school or have a Graduate Educational Development (GED) certificate. Having a good track record in athletics or sports may be an advantage when being considered for admission into a program. Apart from these basic requirements, some of the other bachelors in sports management requirements are:
- Admission or Application Form with its prescribed fee.
- Official Academic Transcripts.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or more.
- American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Test Scores
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (varies by school)
- Records of sporting achievements (required by some schools)
- Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)
Note: Admission requirements vary by school and program. It is always recommended that students check with the admissions office at the school of their choice for exact requirements
How long does it take to complete the Online
Sports Management Degree?
So, how long is a bachelor’s degree in sports management? A typically 120-credit program, an online bachelor’s degree in sports management normally requires 4 years to complete. This time frame can vary depending on whether the student takes synchronous or asynchronous classes, the program’s structure, core courses, electives, concentrations, and other factors. Part-time students will take longer to earn their degrees than full-time students but can study at their own pace and cater to their other personal needs at the same time. It is also worth noting that any program that requires students to undertake an internship or field training will take longer to finish. The average time to earn a sports management bachelors degree online is as follows:
Time to complete full-time bachelor’s degree in sports management online program: about 4 Years.
Time to complete part-time bachelor’s degree in sports management program online: between 4 and 6 years.
Accelerated Online Sports Management
Degree Programs
In exceptional situations, some universities offer fast-paced bachelor’s degree programs that allow students to finish sooner than they would with a standard program. Accelerated or fast-track programs enable students to take up more classes and hence graduate in a shorter timeframe or take up graduate-level courses in their programs to complete their master’s degree faster. Typically, accelerated bachelor’s in sports management programs online will combine a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a 4 year + 1 year timeframe, against the usually required 4 years + 2 years timeframe. With that said, one must remember that the duration of an accelerated program can be influenced by the program’s structure, curriculum, and specialization. Here are a couple of examples of accelerated sports management degree online:
Here are a few examples of accelerated online bachelor’s in finance:
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
The online accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs offered by Southern New Hampshire University can help students expedite their education by allowing them to take graduate-level courses while still pursuing their bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate tuition rate. These graduate-level courses can be applied toward their master’s degree at SNHU once they have completed their bachelor’s program.
Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University’s BS to MS Accelerated Pathway program allows high-achieving students to take core graduate curriculum during their senior year of undergraduate studies, allowing them to earn their graduate degrees faster. Accepted students can earn both their bachelor’s degree and the MS in Sport and Entertainment Management in five years instead of the usual 6 years.
Accreditation For Online Sports Management
Degree Programs
The chosen college or program must be accredited by competent accrediting agencies for one’s degree to be accepted by employers and other colleges (when pursuing future studies or transferring colleges). Accreditation is a mark of excellence that indicates that a school or program has met and continues to meet educational and administrative requirements. Accreditation also allows students to freely transfer credits and qualify for federal financial aid. In the United States, there are six regional accrediting agencies, all of which are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or both:
- New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Community and Junior Colleges Accrediting Commission (WSCUC)
Students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in sports management can check their college’s accreditation status on the official USDE or CHEA websites. Alternatively, recognized bodies such as the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) accredit sports management programs (programmatic accreditation).
Discover why accreditation is a critical component of college education in the Guide to College Accreditation.
How to Pay for Online Sports Management
Degree Programs?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree has been steadily rising. Although online students have an advantage over traditional college students by not having to consider transport, accommodation, and other expenses, tuition is something they must pay for. To help pay tuition fees and meet some of their educational costs, students can investigate a variety of funding options. The What is Financial Aid? guide provides ample and useful information to help them make informed decisions before or while applying for college. Meanwhile, here is a quick look at some options for obtaining financial aid when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management online:
A scholarship is the most common source of college funding. Individuals, groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, and educational institutions may offer scholarships, which are “free money” that does not have to be repaid. To be considered for a scholarship, students must have a strong academic record or demonstrate talent in other areas such as sports, music, or art.
Grants are similar to scholarships in that they are “free money” that does not have to be repaid. Grants can be used to cover not only tuition but also additional educational costs such as books, transportation, and library fees. Unlike scholarships, which are normally awarded based on merit, grants are frequently awarded based on financial necessity.
Student Loans
Taking out a student loan from a bank or the federal government is another approach to pay for one’s college education. Interest is usually charged on loans and must be paid simultaneously with the principal amount, either in one single sum or in equal installments. Students should read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to learn how to qualify for loan forgiveness and maybe avoid having to repay their loans on their own.
The Free Application For Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a federal financial aid application that all prospective and current college students must complete to determine their aid eligibility and obtain the best financial aid package possible. To learn more, consult the FAFSA Student Aid Guide.
Find out everything there is to know about college funding in the How to Pay for College guide.
Scholarships for Online Sports Management
Degree Programs
With bachelor’s degrees being considerably expensive, scholarships are an excellent option for those seeking external sources of funding to defray some of their educational expenses. Here are a few of them that are tailored for bachelor in sports management online students:
| Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award/Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University CPASS Scholarships | West Virginia University College of Physical Activity & Sport Sciences (CPASS) offers several scholarships to the next generation’s innovators and leaders of physical activity and sport sciences. Applicants must be admitted students in the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and are encouraged to upload an activities summary along with their resume. | Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2024 | Varies |
| Stevenson University eSports Scholarship | Stevenson University offers an eSports scholarship for new, incoming students who participate on their eSports team. Awards are renewable for 4 years of attendance. Students from different majors and backgrounds interested in playing a certain game competitively or those interested in building a community around video game competition may apply. | May 31, 2024 | $2,000 per year |
| Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Scholarships | The NC State University Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Scholarships are awarded to those enrolled in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management as full-time undergraduate students in one of the following majors: Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management or Sport Management, including concentrations in Recreation and Park Management, Tourism and Event Management, or PGA Golf Management. | February 15, 2024 | $500 to $5,000 per year |
| Make a Dent Endowed Sports Management Scholarship | The Make a Dent Endowed Sports Management Scholarship from the Columbia College, Chicago, was created to honor a deserving, designated sports management student who has excelled academically and/or athletically while also demonstrating financial need. Incoming or continuing, full-time sports management students may apply for this scholarship. | Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2024 | Varies (usually about $5,000) |
FAQs Related to the Online Sports Management
Degree Programs
What is sports management?
In a nutshell, sports management is a field that focuses on the commercial aspects of sports. Many people in the sports sector have earned a sports management degree, which involves the responsibility for the planning, organizing, managing, and budgeting a department or organization related to sports or physical activities. Finance, marketing, leadership, facility management, and event management are all responsibilities of sports management professionals. Municipal recreation, private groups, social organizations, government athletic activities, amateur sport, college-level athletics, and professional sports are examples of where sports management is used.
How to get a Bachelor’s in Sports Management?
How much is a sports management degree?
How long is a bachelor’s in sports management online degree?
Can I become a high school coach with a sports management degree?
What is the difference between sports Management, sports leadership, and sports administration?
Can current athletes succeed in both the classroom and on the field in this program?
Is a sports management degree worth it?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Sports Management Degrees
Professionals from a variety of disciplines are drawn to sport management degrees because they want to work in professional, college, or recreational sports. Employees in sports organizations must have many of the same financial, operational, and marketing skills as those in any other business. A prospective sports manager, on the other hand, should have a solid understanding of challenges specific to the business. Furthermore, a sports manager with a specific concentration in the field obtained through a sport management degree may be more marketable. Everything from major league franchises to minor league teams requires individuals who can do a wide range of tasks, including coordinating events, counseling, working in finance and marketing, etc., to name a few.
- Sports Contract Analyst
- Sport Development Managers
- Sports Sales Specialist
- Sport Event Organizer or Manager
- Sports Media Planner
- Sports Program Designer
- Athlete Development Specialist
- Sports Agent
- Athletic Administrator
- Sport Marketer
- Sports Technical Specialist
- Stadium Business Manager
- Game Day or Event Coordinator
- Sports Marketing Specialist
- Sport Lawyer
- Fitness Manager
- Sports Data Analyst
- Sports Promotion Specialist
- Sports Media Specialist
- Sport Public-Relations Manager
- Sport Operations Manager
- Sport Facilities Managers
- Sport Sales Coordinator
- Athletic or Sports Coach
The sports industry is ever-growing and looks very promising, with ample jobs available across the United States and overseas. The worldwide sports market reached almost $488.5 billion in 2018, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% since 2014, and is predicted to reach roughly $614.1 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 5.9%. Listed below are a few careers and the median annual salaries they command. Note that the salaries depend on qualifications, certifications, experience, and geographic location. Nevertheless, these should be a good indicator of what sports management bachelor holders can expect.
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Managers (Sport) | Facilities managers organize, lead, and coordinate tasks that make a company run smoothly. The responsibilities of these managers vary, but they are often responsible for maintaining sports facilities and supervising office activities such as recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. Facility managers are also responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of machinery, sporting equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems. | Leadership skills, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented | 9% (as fast as average) | $99,290 |
| Athletic Trainers | Athletic trainers plan athletic programs compliant with state and federal regulations. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to professional athletes, recognize and evaluate injuries, provide first aid or emergency care, and develop and implement rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. | Compassion, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills | 23% (much faster than average) | $48,420 |
| Coaches | Athletes, whether amateur or professional, are taught the skills they need to succeed in their sport by coaches. Coaches hold practice and training sessions to help athletes improve their form, skills, and endurance. They are responsible for promoting the significance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and teamwork in addition to honing athletes’ specific skills. | Resourcefulness, interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills | 26% (much faster than average) | $38,970 |
| Marketing Managers (Sport) | Marketing managers plan, design, and implement programs to generate interest in products or services. They develop promotional campaigns such as contests, advertising campaigns, pricing strategies for products or services, and negotiate advertising contracts. In the context of sport, marketing managers are responsible for promoting an athlete, team, or sporting goods. | Organizational skills, creativity, analytical skills, decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills | 10% (as fast as average) | $133,380 |
| Public Relations Specialists (Sport) | Public relations specialists build and maintain a favorable public image for the sports persons, teams, or organizations they represent. They create social media campaigns to influence public opinion of their clients, raise awareness of their work and objectives, and write press releases. Public relations professionals also assist sportspersons and customers in effectively communicating with the public and responding to media requests for information. | Writing skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, speaking skills | 11% (faster than average) | $62,800 |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Sports Management Degree Students
Certifications always add value to one’s education and make them competent to take up specific jobs in the industry. In sports management, certification and licensure requirements widely vary on the job, sector, and geographic location. For example, coaches in public high schools may be required to be certified or finish required education courses. Coaches who are also teachers must pass a background check as part of their state licensing requirements, which vary by state. Certification programs for sport management graduates may be made available by organizations dedicated to specific sports, such as golf, football, or tennis. Students should check with the national governing organization of the sport for exact information about certifications for that particular sport.
In addition to a bachelor’s in sports management online degree, here are a few certifications one can consider:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Basketball Certification
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Basketball Certification process provides activity operators with the opportunity to receive League Certification to allow the participation of Division I student-athletes and/or Event Certification to enable NCAA to Division I coaches to attend and observe prospective student-athletes who are participating in the activity.
Sport Specific Training Certification
The American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA) Online Sport Specific Training Certification was developed for fitness professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and would like to do so by independently studying sport-specific basics and then taking online sport-specific training certification. When pursuing this certification, candidates must select the appropriate fitness and sports instructor training certification. ASFA’s sport-specific training certification was developed by professionals working in the fitness sector specifically for those working in the fitness industry.
Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP)
The Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) program was designed by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) to promote the sports safety and security business by validating skills in a variety of specialized areas. This certification for sports safety and security professionals will provide a solid understanding of public safety measures and teach them how to apply those skills in the distinctive surroundings provided by entertainment venues and events.
Certified Sports Nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN)
The Certified Sports Nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN) is for health, fitness, and medical professionals who work with athletes or active people who want to have a basic grasp of the adaptive response to exercise and the function of nutrition in the acute and chronic responses to exercise.
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certification Program
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certification Program is a free professional service provided to athletic administrators, built on the principles of continuous education, professional development, and program creation in the field of interscholastic sports administration. It acknowledges and embraces the Leadership Training Institute’s professional development opportunities. NIAAA professional certifications signify the completion of a comprehensive self-improvement plan that will improve the athletic administrator’s ability to better serve the school, community, and profession. Certifications include:
Additional Resources for Sports Management
Degree Students
With the introduction of technology in sport and an increase in the number of individuals participating in sports, the sporting world is becoming increasingly complex. It is critical to be connected and informed about all that is new in the sports sector to avoid falling behind and to stay ahead of the competition. Joining professional organizations, networking with others, and attending sporting events, conferences, and seminars can all help improve one’s knowledge and professional skill. Here are some organizations and websites for online bachelor’s in sports management students and graduates to explore:
North American Society for Sports Management (NASSM)
The North American Society for Sports Management (NASSM) encourages academic writing, professional development, and research in sports management. Professionals in recreation, leisure, and sports, as well as students, make up this group. The Journal of Sport Management is published by NASSM, covering both academic and practical aspects of sports management. It also has a job board where academic sports management positions are listed.
Sport Marketing Association (SMA)
The Sport Marketing Association (SMA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to establishing mutually beneficial interactions between professionals, academicians, and students throughout the world through networking, scholarly activities, and employment possibilities in sport marketing.
National Association of Sports Agents and Athlete Representatives (NASAAR)
The National Association of Sports Agents and Athlete Representatives (NASAAR) aims to provide a resource for the public and industry, monitor legislative activities affecting sports agents and athletes at the state and federal levels, monitor relevant enforcement actions, legal proceedings, and other regulatory matters, and develop and manage industry standards. All these benefits and more are available to members of the organization.
CFANational Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)
With over 22,000 members and over 2,200 schools in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the National Group of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is the biggest association of collegiate athletics administrators. NACDA is a professional organization for professionals in athletics administration that provides educational opportunities, a vast network of peers, and an information-sharing mechanism with others in the field. The group hosts events, operates a job center, and publishes the Athletics Administration journal.
College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)
CoSIDA, or College Sports Information Directors of America, created in 1957, has members of all levels of professionals. It aims to assist public relations and communication professionals at all levels of collegiate athletics with professional development and continuing education. CoSIDA encourages advocacy, helps with career development, and assists members in pursuing leadership roles in the sports sector.
Author Bio:
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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