In this article, we profile the 30 best online master's in sport administration degree programs from private colleges and universities in 2018.
Private colleges often bring smaller class sizes, rigor, and quality to on-campus programs. Students seeking this type of education can benefit from several online options now available from the nation's top private institutions. This is an overview of the best online master's in sport administration programs from private colleges.
Ranking the Best Master's in Sport Administration Online
We looked at a total of 74 private colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and U.S. News and World Report that offered online master's in sport administration, sport management, sport leadership, or closely related programs. We confirmed that the schools on the list were accredited and listed the top 30 according to affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online master's in sport administration degree programs from private colleges in 2018.
#30 – Adelphi University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Garden City, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $38,958
Adelphi University offers one of the top online master's in sport administration and management programs on our list. This private college offers accreditation and small class sizes for both online and on-campus programs. Students may also specialize their degree toward unique areas of sport management like sport marketing or collegiate athletic administration. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include analysis of sport branding strategies, introduction to sport management, public relations in sport, research in sport management, and sport promotion and sales management. Adelphi is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
#29 – University of Miami
Online Master of Education – Sport Administration
Coral Gables, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $35,216
University of Miami is a private institution that offers a master's in sport administration online degree program through the College of Education. This 20-month program requires 30 credits to graduate and does not require the GRE for admission. The program is delivered 100% online with classes taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include essential leadership skills in sport, ethical decision making in sport, globalization in sport, legal aspects of sports, organization and administration in sport programs, and sport sponsorship. University of Miami is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 46th best national university and 59th best value school in the country. Also, the graduate education programs, including sport administration, are ranked #167 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – Drexel University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,024
Drexel University's online master's in sport management program is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide spectrum of sport industry organizations, such as collegiate athletics, corporate sport marketing, health and fitness industries, and professional sports. While classes are delivered online, a weeklong summer residency in Philadelphia is required. Online courses include business statistics, leadership and professional development, leadership in sport management, measuring and maximizing financial performance, sports industry management, and sports law. Admission requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA and two years of prior work experience. Drexel is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, several of the online graduate programs have earned top 50 recognition.
#27 – Northeastern University
Online Master's in Sports Leadership
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,258
One of the best online sport administration programs on our list is the master's in sports leadership degree from Northeastern University. This completely online degree program provides a foundation for careers in management, marketing, and communications within sport-related organizations and occupations. Admission requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts, professional resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. When enrolled full-time, students may earn their degree in one year. Part-time options are also available. Some of the courses include event management, fiscal practices in sport, leadership and organization in sport, sports law, and sports media relations. Northeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best national institution and 67th best value school.
#26 – Southern Nazarene University
Online Master's in Sports Management and Administration
Bethany, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,440
Southern Nazarene University's online master's in sport administration is a 36-credit hour program designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree and interest in sport management, leadership, or administration. A total of 12 courses are required for the program, which may be taken entirely online. These courses include ethics in sport management, human resources management and administration, management of organizational behavior, media production for sport managers, social issues in sport, sport governance and compliance, and sport law. Admission requires official transcripts with a satisfactory undergraduate GPA and three letters of recommendation from professional contacts. The private institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#25 – Fairleigh Dickinson University
Online Master's in Sports Administration
Teaneck, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,434
Fairleigh Dickinson University's master's in sport administration online degree program focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of the various aspects related to sports leadership and administration. This 36-credit hour program may be completed entirely online with classes taught by experienced full-time and adjunct faculty. Class sizes are kept small and have an average of 12 students and no more than 25 students. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's and satisfactory GPA, but does not require the GRE or GMAT. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional university in the North and best value institution.
#24 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online master's in sport management degree program designed with the working student in mind. Flexible courses are delivered online and taught by university professors with experience both in and out of the classroom. Students may take two courses per ten-week term and earn their degree in just 15 months. Admission does not require the GRE or GMAT, and decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Some of the classes offered in the program include finance and economics of sport, internationalization of sport business, management of sport organizations, research methods in sport management, sport and society, and sport marketing and media. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 86th best regional university in the North, the 83rd best value college, and the #1 most innovative institution.
#23 – Coker College
Online Master's in College Athletic Administration
Hartsville, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,030
Coker College is a private institution that offers an affordable master's in sport administration online degree for those interested in college athletics. This highly specialized sport administration program provides a solid foundation in areas of sports that impact the collegiate level. Courses are delivered online and include current issues in intercollegiate athletics, fundraising in intercollegiate athletics, intercollegiate athletic facilities, marketing of intercollegiate athletics, NCAA compliance, and sports information and communication in intercollegiate athletic programs. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.85 from an accredited college or university, a complete application, and three signed letters of recommendation. Coker is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 8th best regional college in the South.
#22 – Franklin Pierce University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Rindge, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,175
One of the most affordable online master's in sport management programs found at a private college is the online MBA in sports management at Franklin Pierce University. The program is open to students with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.8 or better and who show competency in accounting, computers, and statistics. Online studies may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis over the course of four academic terms. Some of the online courses offered include change management in sports organizations, economics for managers, facilities management, financial management, legal and ethical issues in organizations, and strategic management. Franklin Pierce is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best regional universities in the North.
#21 – United States Sports Academy
Online Master of Sports Science
Daphne, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,965
The United States Sports Academy offers online sport administration programs, including the Master of Sports Science (M.S.S.). This 33 semester hour degree program allows students to enroll and begin their studies anytime. Thesis and non-thesis completion options are also available. Courses include adaptive athletics and sports, advanced assessment in sports medicine, issues in nutrition and health, NCAA compliance, psychological aspects of health and fitness programming, scientific principles of resistance, and treatment procedures in sports medicine. The school is a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education and has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#20 – Gonzaga University
Online Master's in Sport and Athletic Administration
Spokane, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,881
Gonzaga University offers an accredited online master's in sport administration degree program that takes two years to complete. The program requires no campus visits, and classes are delivered entirely online. Some of the courses offered include administration in sport and athletics, ethical and legal aspects in sport, research methods and statistics in sport and athletics, sport and athletics finance, sport and athletics promotion, and sport media and communication. Program admission requires an earned bachelor's from a regionally accredited institution. If your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher, official MAT or GRE scores may be waived. Gonzaga is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 4th best regional university in the West.
#19 – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Belton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,390
One of the top online sport administration graduate programs on our list is offered by University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The fully online program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in high school or college athletics. Due to the flexible scheduling options, students may continue to work full time while enrolled in this program. A total of 36 credits, six of which may be transferred, are required to satisfy degree requirements. Online classes include assessment and evaluations, management and leadership in sport, research methods, sport law, sport marketing, and the school and its instructional program. The private university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 54th best regional university in the West and the 27th best value school in the country.
#18 – Canisius College
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Buffalo, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,034
Canisius College offers an accredited online master's in sport administration program designed with the working student in mind. The program is fast-paced and adheres to the needs of intercollegiate athletics, amateur and professional sports, and sports marketing. Some of the courses taken throughout the program include intercollegiate athletics, leadership in sport, professional sports, risk management and contract negotiation, sport finance and business, and strategic sport marketing. Admission requirements include an official bachelor's from an accredited institution and two letters of recommendation. Canisius is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd best regional university in the North and the 9th best value school.
#17 – Fresno Pacific University
Online Master's in Sport Administration
Fresno, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,980
Fresno Pacific University's online sport administration programs include the master's level degree, which can be completed entirely online. The program is ideal for aspiring athletic directors or individuals interested in meeting the needs of the fast-paced sports and athletics industry. Admission requires no GMAT or GRE but does have GPA stipulations. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better may pursue admission. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include sport administration professional development, sport leadership and administration, sport marketing, sport revenue and finance, and sport sales and sponsorship. Fresno Pacific is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 41st best regional university in the West and also the 41st best value school in the nation.
#16 – University of the Southwest
Online MBA in Sports Management
Hobbs, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,376
University of the Southwest offers a type of master's in sport administration online degree program for individuals interested in both business and sports management. The self-designed MBA is a 36-credit hour program designed to be completed in just 12 months. Students add a specialty to the MBA to further tailor their degree toward areas of interest or career goals. The sports management specialization includes courses in law and liability in sport and recreational services, management in sport and recreational organizations, organizational design and strategy, programming for sport and recreational service organizations, and social psychology of sport and recreation. The institution is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#15 – New England College
Online MBA in Sport and Recreation Management
Henniker, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,735
One of the top online master's in sport management degree programs on our list is the online MBA in sport and recreation management from New England College. The program is designed for both full-time and part-time professionals, and the degree may be completed within just 20 months. Online courses include current issues in sports and recreation, economics for leaders, legal issues in sports, management and practice in sports and recreation, managerial accounting, organizational leadership and change, strategic marketing, and strategic planning and policy. Admission to the program requires submission of official transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. The school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#14 – Tiffin University
Online MBA in Sports Management
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
Tiffin University offers online sport administration programs, including the MBA in sports management. The program is regionally accredited and offers flexible start dates to accommodate busy and working professionals. This program is ideal for those interested in keeping their day job while earning an online MBA in sports management. Both part-time and full-time options are available, and students generally complete the degree within 1.5 to 2.5 years. Students may set their own pace by taking one or more classes at a time. Tiffin requires applicants hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and will accept transfer credits. The school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 93rd best regional university in the Midwest.
#13 – Campbellsville University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,204
Campbellsville University's online sport administration graduate programs include the online master's in sport management. This graduate level program is ideal for working professionals seeking a flexible education designed to meet the needs of students holding daytime jobs. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include current issues and trends in sports and PA, ethics in sport, event management and promotions, facility development and management, leadership development, managerial finance, marketing management, sport administration, sport and the law, and sport psychology. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better or satisfactory GRE scores for those with a GPA that falls below 3.0. The institution ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 106th best regional university in the South.
#12 – Shorter University
Online MBA in Sport Management
Rome, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,200
Shorter University's online master's in sport management program is an online MBA with a concentration in sport management. This 12-month program is designed to be completed entirely online and is ideal for working professionals with an interest in the business side of sports. Admission to the program requires an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. Candidates with an insufficient undergraduate GPA must meet GMAT requirements. All courses are delivered online and include business analytics and research methods, business of sport, leadership and administration in sport, managerial economics, risk management in sport, sport marketing, and sport operations and event management. Shorter is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 33rd best regional college in the South.
#11 – Lasell College
Online Master's in Sport Management
Newton, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,960
Lasell College's online sport administration graduate programs include the master's in sport management. Admission to the program requires no GRE or GMAT but does recommend a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. All classes are delivered online and capped at 23 students to give distance-learning students the same private college experience offered to on-campus colleagues. Students may work at their own pace and complete the graduate degree in 12-24 months. Four specializations allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals or personal interests. These specializations include athletic administration, parks and recreation, sport leadership, and sport tourism and hospitality management. Lasell is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 130th best regional university in the North.
#10 – Mississippi College
Online Master's in Athletic Administration
Clinton, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,806
Mississippi College offers an accredited master's in sport administration online degree program that is designed for those seeking work in the administrative areas of athletics at the college or secondary school level. This 37-credit hour degree program offers two concentrations: Intercollegiate or interscholastic. The program also includes a four-hour practicum experience in lieu of a thesis. Classes are delivered online and include athletic administration, NCAA rules and regulation, and societal and ethical trends in athletics. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional university in the South and the 12th best value institution in the country.
#9 – Wesley College
Online Master's in Sport Leadership
Dover, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
One of the most affordable online sport administration programs on our list is offered by Wesley College and includes the master's in sport leadership. This completely online degree program has two concentration tracks in coaching and sport management, which allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. All courses are delivered online and include ethical social issues, facility management, legal aspect of sport, research design and methods, and sport leadership organization and administration. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor's from an accredited four-year institution and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Wesley College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the North.
#8 – Belhaven University
Online Master of Sports Administration
Jackson, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,080
Belhaven University's online sport administration graduate programs include the master's in sports administration. This completely online degree is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enter the world of leadership within the sports management industry. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include advanced organizational leadership, current issues and trends in sports administration, leading high performance teams, sports finance and budgeting, and strategic leadership. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or better. Belhaven is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 78th best regional university in the South.
#7 – Saint Leo University
Online MBA in Sports Business
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,630
Saint Leo University's online sport administration graduate programs include the online MBA in sports business–a program designed with the working student in mind. Accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), the program is recognized by SportBusiness International and ranked among the top online sports management programs nationwide. The same university professors who instruct on campus lead the online courses. These courses include facility planning and management, financial aspects of sport, legal issues, risk management, sales and marketing, and strategic management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Leo University as the 61st best regional university in the South and the 23rd best value school.
#6 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
Missouri Baptist University offers an accredited online master's in sport management degree that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are taught by Missouri Baptist instructors who lead from a Christian perspective. These courses can be completed entirely online and include advanced sport marketing, leadership and management in sport, research methods, sport and social media, sport law, and sport psychology. For those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in sport management, thesis proposal and research requirements are part of the program. Missouri Baptist is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
#5 – Liberty University
Online Master's in Sport Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,430
Liberty University offers affordable online master's in sport administration programs like the master's in sport management. This COSMA-accredited program can be completed 100% online and consists of 36 credits. Several specialization options are also available so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest. Some of the degree specializations include coaching and athletic administration, outdoor adventure sport, sport administration, and tourism. Some of the required courses include management and leadership in sport organizations, sport development and sales, and sport event and facility management. Liberty is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university, but at this time the ranking remains unpublished.
#4 – Wilmington University
Online Master's in Sports Management
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,240
One of the most affordable online master's in sport administration degree programs on our list is offered by Wilmington University. Students earn a master's in management with a sports management concentration designed to equip students for careers as leaders in the world of sports. The program is IACBE-accredited and designed to permit students to work at their own pace. Courses are delivered online and taught by Wilmington professors. These courses include business strategy in sports management, leadership development and change management, organization theory and design, sports economics and finance, sports law governance and compliance, sports service and event marketing, and strategy in sports management. Wilmington is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution.
#3 – Concordia University
Online Master's in Coaching and Athletics Administration
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,150
Concordia University's online sport administration graduate programs include the MCAA degree, which is both affordable and accredited. The master's in coaching and athletics administration program is designed for working professionals looking to serve in the sports industry as leaders and administrators. Classes are delivered online and include ethics and sport, legal aspects of sport, principles of coaching and leadership, and research methods and analysis. Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis, and transfer credit may be accepted. Concordia is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 41st best regional university in the West and the 36th best value school.
#2 – Grace College and Theological Seminary
Online Master's in Athletic Administration
Winona Lake, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,872
Grace College's online master's in sport administration program requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution. The program is ideal for working students and designed to equip individuals for leadership roles in athletic administration. Classes are delivered online and include athletic decision-making, athletic finance and marketing management, athletic organization and administration, foundations of athletic administration, practical application, and risk management and ethical issues. U.S. News and World Report ranks Grace College as the 87th best regional university in the Midwest. The school has also partnered with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).
#1 – American Public University
Online Master's in Sports Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
The American Public University offers the most affordable online master's in sport administration program on our list. This 36-credit online program is designed for working students and those with busy daytime schedules who seek a flexible online degree. Curriculum follows industry trends to help ensure students receive relevant information applicable to today's sports marketplace. These courses include critical thinking in the sports and health industries, leadership and management in sport, sports finance, sports law, sports marketing and promotion, and the sports industry. There are also three concentrations offered, giving students the opportunity to tailor their degree. These concentrations include coaching theory and strategy, general sports management, and sports administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the South.
BMD Staff
October 2017