The 5 Best Bachelor's in Sports Management Online

A ranking of the best online bachelor's in sports management. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated November 1, 2023 · 3 Min Read

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Online Sports Management Degrees


An online sports management degree is ideal for those individuals interested in studying both sports and business via a distance learning program. These degrees provide students with the knowledge and credentials they need to enter the field of sports management as coaches, athletic directors, or other administrative positions in the sports industry. In this ranking, we explore the top 5 schools offering online bachelor's degree in sports management programs.

If you are seeking more generalized information in regards to distance learning visit our ranking of online colleges.

Featured Online Sports Management Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Sports Management Degree Online?

Students with a passion for sports may enjoy earning a degree in sports management. Graduates can pursue leadership positions or work in sports marketing. Many sports management programs help students develop communication, time management, and leadership skills. 

An online degree in sports management provides students with a flexible learning format. Distance learners can complete courses in synchronous or asynchronous formats.

What Can You Do with a Sports Management Degree?

People with a bachelor's in sports management degree can pursue various careers, such as coaching and scouting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), coaches and scouts earn a median annual salary of $36,330. These professionals need a bachelor's degree. 

Students who want to pursue leadership roles can work as athletic directors or sports facility managers. Sports management degree-holders can also become sports marketers. Earning a master's degree after graduation can enhance students' career options. For example, people with a master's can become athletic trainers.

Ranking The Top Sports Management Schools

true#1 – Ashford University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management

San Diego, California

Website

Points: 8

Ashford University’s online sports management degree online option culminates in a BA in Sports and Recreation Management. This program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate busy and working students. Students take one course at a time, and each course lasts five weeks. It is also flexible regarding content. Students can choose from five different specializations, including Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and Information Systems. This online bachelor’s degree in sports management program is ideal for students who want both an accommodating schedule and the opportunity for further specialization.

Tuition: Please check the Ashford University tuition and financial aid page for up-to-date figures

true#2 – Florida International University

Online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management

Miami, Florida

Website

Points: 7

Florida International University’s sports management degree online offering is a completely online BS in Sport and Recreation Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy. This program is unique in that it is more specialized than many other programs of its kind. Recreational Therapy is more focused on the healthcare side of athletics, specifically the use of recreational activities in rehabilitation. While this online sports management degree program is obviously not ideal for someone looking for a broader education, it’s great for someone looking for a high level of specialization in this subfield.

Tuition: $6,556

true#3 – Wilmington University

Online Bachelor of Science in Sports Management

New Castle, Delaware

Website

Points: 7

Wilmington University’s sports management degree online offering is a BS in Sports Management that is available both in a traditional classroom format and online. Students can either choose to complete the general sports management program and customize it with electives, or they can opt to take the concentration in Nonprofit Management if they plan to work as part of a nonprofit organization. Either track gives online sports management degree students the education they need to work in a variety of settings, including collegiate sports and professional sports organizations.

Tuition: $10,430

true#4 – United States Sports Academy

Online Bachelor of Sports Science

Daphne, Alabama

Website

Points: 7

The United States Sports Academy offers a unique online bachelor’s degree in sports management program with several concentrations. This offering is like most other sports management programs. It’s designed to be broad enough to apply to a wide variety of settings. However, students looking for more specialization can choose to take the Sports Security emphasis. This unique sports management degree online program gives students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in both established and developing career options.

Tuition: $13,320

true#5 – University of Florida

Online Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Points: 6

The online bachelor’s degree in sports management program offered by the University of Florida is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the sports industry. The program is broad, but students have some opportunities to choose courses specific to their individual career goals. Topics studied include Sports Facility Design, Sport and Society, and Sports Psychology. Students also have the opportunity to complete an internship. This online sports management degree requires 120 credits and is typically completed in eight semesters.

Tuition: $3,876

Featured Online Sports Management Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

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Questions About Earning a Sports Management Degree

What is a bachelor's degree in sports management?

A bachelor's degree in sports management prepares students to enter the sports industry. Courses help students develop critical thinking and leadership skills.

What can I do with a bachelor's in sports management?

Learners who earn a degree in sports management can work as athletic directors or coaches. They can also work in sports marketing.

Is sport management a BA or BS?

Students can earn either a BA or BS in sports management. BA programs focus more on business administration and leadership. A BS may focus more on statistics and economics related to sports.

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