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Sports Management

Online Master of Science in Sports Management (MS)

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About the MS Degree in Sports Management

The sports management master’s degree at American Public University advances your knowledge of business administration and leadership as it relates to the sports industry. This master's in sports management is designed to help you cultivate strong business skills for professional, interscholastic, and amateur sports settings.

American Public University's sports management master’s program offers topical courses that provide strong business foundations while simultaneously exploring the world of sports. Coursework includes sports law; sports finance; sports marketing, promotion, public relations; and sports event management.

Seasoned sports industry practitioners help advance your knowledge to support individual athletes, teams, or entire athletic programs. This sports management degree provides a robust business framework to help build managerial expertise, problem-solving strategies, analytical abilities, and vital communication skills. Additionally, this degree program helps prepare students to broaden critical thinking within the context of the sports industry. 

This sport management program holds specialty accreditation through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). 

Read COSMA Retention and Completer Data.

What You Will Do

  1. Apply management theory to contemporary sports industry practices. 
  2. Analyze the impact of legal and ethical issues in the sporting enterprise. 
  3. Evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to assess financial challenges/opportunities in the sport industry 
  4. Develop marketing strategies to enhance the viability of sports-related enterprises. 
  5. Examine structural barriers to equity in the sport industry.

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
COSMA Accredited
Number of Credits
30
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

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

Objectives:

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

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

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2720

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Students in this course will learn what it takes to be a successful leader in the coaching profession. Leadership involves one or more people influencing others in effort to achieve a common goal; coaching leadership focuses on the playing arena. Students will learn strategies to effectively communicate with their players, fellow coaches, parents, administrators and other constituents who impact their program. Coaches need to be able to think on their feet, make decisions under stressful situations, while always keeping the needs of their players and team foremost in their mind. Motivation, management and creative problem solving are critical to successful coaching leadership. Students will compare and contrast how some of the most successful coaches in the business have created their formulas for success; looking at common themes of successful coaches while also learning the importance of incorporating one’s own personality into the process. Students will create a coaching manual that can become their personal coaching bible starting with their coaching philosophy and culminating with their goals and strategies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2721

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Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine coaching strategies. Methods, practices, and approaches that apply across a number of sports disciplines will be discussed. Students will study several issues related to coaching preparation. Students will research, strategize, and reflect on past, present, and future coaching strategies. Course topics will address coaching philosophy, technique, time management, character, teaching, nutrition, and physical training. Methods for learning will include critical thinking, decision making, and analytical skills necessary to form an effective coach.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2773

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This course focuses on current coaching theories, methods, practices, and outcomes. Students will consider the origin, development, and arguments surrounding the character of American sport. Topics include a study of coaching principles, practical coaching situations, great coaches and their methods, decision making in coaching, coaching ethics, and other contemporary issues in 21st century collegiate and high school coaching. Students are also exposed to the importance of computers and the Internet to today’s coaches.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course is a study of one of the most complex professions in secondary education – high school athletic administration. The topics include leadership and management roles in sports/athletic administration, high school sports finance and budgeting, student-athlete issues, association regulations and guidelines, and other issues focused on the array of sports disciplines, coaches, and programs at the high school level.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4029

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This course examines contemporary and productive management principles and concepts used throughout the sports industry and various sport organizations. Through this course, students will learn skills related to creative problem solving and strategic planning, while developing the skills to lead, organize, and delegate in managerial and leadership positions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course examines legal issues and considerations facing interscholastic athletic administrators. Major issues explored in this course include managing risk and liability within an interscholastic athletic department and complying with Title IX and gender equity policies. In addition, this course will focus on development of an effective risk management program designed for interscholastic athletics. (Prerequisite: SPMT603)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course focuses on the entrepreneurial opportunities in the sports industry, to include sports management, sports franchise, sports agency, and small sports business management professions and programs. The course focuses heavily on the business plan, financial, and planning issues associated with entrepreneurial and small business ventures. Students will develop their own entrepreneurial sports plan as an independent research project for this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4029

|
This course examines contemporary and productive management principles and concepts used throughout the sports industry and various sport organizations. Through this course, students will learn skills related to creative problem solving and strategic planning, while developing the skills to lead, organize, and delegate in managerial and leadership positions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course focuses on the fundamentals roles of developing, activating, and managing sport sponsorship through sales and promotion. Through shared practical examples, this course will view how to generate ticket sales through sport promotion and how to utilize e-commerce as a promotional tool in sports.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course studies the sports industry across all of its disciplines, functions, economics, leaders, and organizations. It is a macro view of sports as a major component of the modern corporate, social, economic, and recreation world. The industry is studied in detail in many different aspects as it exists in society. The history, contemporary situation, and future outlook of the sports industry are addressed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine the theoretical, historical, social, and cultural aspects of sport. For the historical aspect, they will explore sociological issues over the ages from ancient times through to modern times. Students will discuss how sport and human life intermix in relation to cultural aspects. In addition, several issues of the social context will be identified and discussed with an emphasis on the philosophical, physical, religious, and other contemporary topics in sport.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course is an introduction to sports-related legal issues and concepts. Its focus is on providing an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports, sports management, and the sports industry. Students will conduct research, read, and write on issues associated with the sports legal industry. Topics include but are not limited to discrimination, legislation, regulation and rights, competition, contract, labor, tort and trademark law, and administrative, antitrust and constitutional law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course focuses on the marketing, promotions, public relations, and communications involved in the multi-billion dollar sports industry. The course provides research, case analysis, and other opportunities to learn of the effective principles, theories, practices, and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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The main thrust of this course is the application of principles and practices of financial management, as it applies to organizations in the sport industry. This course seeks to develop the financial skills necessary to gain an understanding of an array of financial concepts that impact sport managers. Students will examine financial strategies related to sport entities and organizations and will be introduced to current economic and financial issues that impact the sport industry. Included in the course are the basics of accounting, budgets and budgeting systems, performance measures creation, and financial statement evaluation for the purpose of cost analysis and planning. Other topics include budget development, funding, capital projects, economic impact, and supply and demand in the sport industry.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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

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This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for designing and managing sport and recreation facilities and organizing sport events. Included in the course are topics related to planning for events and tournaments, scheduling of facilities and events, and overall management of events. Students will examine several different types of sporting events from local tournaments to the Olympics. The course will also delineate the factors involved in the planning, design and management of events while examining the social, economic and environmental impacts of sporting events on the host community. Throughout the course students are encouraged to attend and/or volunteer at sporting events to put the course knowledge in to practice.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4587

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This course requires students to complete a culminating research project based from theories, research methods and analytical skills, and substantive knowledge obtained through their master's curriculum in sports management. Research options involve concepts and applications covered throughout the student's learning experience in the master's curriculum; including marketing, finance, leadership, sociology, legal considerations, and sociology relative to sports management and the sports industry. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
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 experiential or practical component of the course aims to apply learning in an aspect of interest related to the degree and concentration in Sports Management. The Masters of Science in Sports Management requires students to complete a cumulative hourly requirement of volunteering their services in a specific industry work environment. It is understood to be a supervised practicum which requires approval by APUS before entering into the relationship with the organization. The selection of an organization or site for the practicum must relate to the content of the student’s course work and/or concentration. Students will be involved with the experiential learning process through volunteering and completing an Integration process which describes concepts and skills developed through the experience. This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
Accreditation for APU's Sports Management Master's Program

 

American Public University is part of American Public University System. 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: 

COSMA is a specialized accrediting body devoted to recognizing outstanding sports management programs. COSMA promotes excellence in sport education, encourages innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, and cultivates ethical practices in sport management. COSMA accreditation is given exclusively to high-quality programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. 

COSMA acts as a third party to review a program’s learning outcomes in all relevant topics, including sports administration, sport event management, and sports marketing to ensure those outcomes have been achieved. A student can be confident that a sport management program that has earned COSMA accreditation offers both rigor and quality. 

 

Can This Master’s in Sports Management be Earned Online?

This sports management degree can be earned online. American Public University offers high-quality online classes to students around the world. When choosing between traditional face-to-face education delivery versus virtual classes, some graduate students choose an online program for a variety of reasons.

  • The online classroom includes students from locations near and far. As a learner, this can offer new perspectives of the global sports market during class discussions and pave the way for new peer and professional connections. Students may connect with professionals like athletic directors, owners of fitness centers, or sports marketing managers—each bringing their unique views to the learning process.
  • Digital learning encourages students to be more proficient with software and applications, especially technology that enables students to work in teams. 
  • While some may find the requirements of sports management degrees, like the University’s sport management MS to be challenging, the required self-discipline can help students cultivate greater responsibility. 
  • Caretakers of children or parents often find the flexible schedule of an online program allows an individual to manage their learning and balance other obligations. 
  • Commuting costs and room and board costs typically associated with learning on a physical campus are offset. 
  • Many people feel more focused when they can study from the comfort of home. They don’t feel rushed or pressured like they might be in a physical classroom. 
sports management

Why Should I Pursue a Master’s in Sports Management?

This sports management degree can help enhance the business and financial management acumen often needed for sports leadership responsibilities.

A sports management master’s program can appeal to a variety of students, particularly those seeking to integrate an interest in sports with business. Those with backgrounds in roles like athletic director or coaching and those with experience in areas such as recreation management, sports administration, and other related fields may find a master’s in sports management takes their knowledge to the next level. 

Additionally, traditional business undergrad degrees like finance, marketing, business administration and management, or business communications, may provide a solid foundation applicable to sports management.  

Professors with sports industry experience guide your education and you are able to connect with other graduate students with a shared interest in sports management. American Public University’s program may be an opportunity to create an expanded professional network of like-minded students and potential future colleagues. 

The MS in Sports Management Master’s Curriculum Overview

American Public University’s sports management master’s program consists of core coursework, a final program requirement, as well as concentration coursework. The sports management concentrations are: 

Students will be expected to analyze the varying responsibilities of coaching within the sports industry. Coursework covers topics such as coaching leadership, coaching strategy, and coaching theory. 

Students analyze the complexities of sports administration in an interscholastic context. This concentration examines leadership, promotion, financial matters, management skills, and human resources. Students with a concentration in Interscholastic Athletic Administration have an opportunity to complete the academic requirements needed to pursue Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA®).  Courses cover topics that include administration of athletics in high school, sport management and leadership, and legal issues in high school athletic administration. 

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

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

This concentration is designed to help develop the skills needed for effective leadership with teams, individuals, and sports organizations. Concentration courses cover topics such as sports entrepreneurship, sport management and leadership, and sport sales and promotion. 

To complete your Master of Science in Sports Management, you will choose either the Sports Management Capstone or Sports Practicum and Integration Project. The capstone is a research-based project while the practicum is a hands-on internship in the sports industry. 

sports

The Sports Management vs. Sports Administration Master’s Degree

This field features many programs with similar names, including sports administration master’s and sports management master’s. Online and on-campus programs are typically available for these programs.  

Programs have evolved over the years from sports administration degree programs to the more common and contemporary sports management degrees. 

A master’s in athletic administration is another example of a sports management program that might include instruction focusing on interscholastic athletics and athlete development. 

Essentially, these programs bear terms often used interchangeably with similar coursework emphasizing management skills as they relate to the sports industry. 

A sports administration degree and degree in sports management may have earned specialized accreditation, which should be considered when deciding on any undergraduate or graduate program.

How to Finance Your MS Degree in Sports Management

American Public University is committed to making your degree in sports management as financially achievable as possible. We have financial aid advisors ready to assist you in discussing options to finance your education. 

Some types of financial aid opportunities at American Public University include: 

Federal aid can come in a variety of forms, including FSA grants and loans. To qualify, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). 

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.

Some employers will reimburse your out-of-pocket payments upon course completion and/or proof of tuition payment. Each employee benefit plan is specific to the employer, so check with your human resources department for details regarding tuition assistance and benefits. If you are a member of a professional association, you may have education benefits available through that association as well. 

Many private organizations have provided scholarships to our University’s students. American Public University does not directly offer merit-based scholarships, but other organizations do such as the Walmart Foundation, Shawnee Tribe, AmeriCorps, and the Coast Guard Foundation, among others. Scholarships are typically considered “gift” funds that do not require repayment. 

You may also seek grants or private loans. Please note that most grants do not need to be repaid, but loans do require repayment.

There are a number of veteran benefit options through the GI Bill®,  Top-Up, Veteran Readiness and Employment Services Benefits, as well as Survivors and Dependent Benefits. Veterans are also eligible for a University-sponsored Veteran Grant, which results in savings on tuition.

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

American Public University accepts military tuition assistance and offers its Preferred Military Rate to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families. 

In addition, military education and non-academic training may be eligible for transfer credits. We will review a Joint Services Transcript (JST) and credits earned through CCAF, DSST, METC, and ACE-evaluated training for possible transfer credit to save time and money in completing your degree.  Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information. 

If you’re paying out-of-pocket, please know that we accept credit cards and e-check payments. We also offer an 8-week or 16-week automatic debit plan, or ADP schedule, allowing you to break up tuition payments in segments and charge payments to your credit card on a pre-determined schedule. 

Frequently Asked Questions

An MS degree in sports management is a graduate program which can offer students in-depth knowledge about the business of the sports industry through a wide range of classes that cover topics such as sports ethics, sports marketing, the history of sport, sport law, and sport finance. As you research options, you may discover programs like an MBA or master of business administration with a sports management concentration, sports administration master’s, or a master’s in athletic administration. 

Online and on-campus programs are typically available for each of these. The MBA will likely offer a curriculum that includes finance, accounting, and human resources through the lens of sports management. While these programs may have different names, they all focus on the same goal: to integrate business knowledge and acumen with a sports industry focus. An MS in Sports Management may also offer concentration options in order to provide highly focused learning opportunities to fulfill personal or professional goals. 

A sports manager may be required to travel with a team, sports organization, or individual athlete. Much depends on whether the sports manager or sports agent is personally handling the day of operations or marketing of the business. A sports manager or event manager might be required to travel wherever the team or athlete goes, especially if he or she acts as a spokesperson. Some sports managers delegate those roles that would involve travel to others, too, so depending on the situation, a sports manager can be a very on-the-go role or work primarily behind a desk. 

Students interested in networking with professionals with shared personal and professional goals related to sports management may find value in pursuing a master’s in sports management. An online program can be of particular value since it is able to attract students from diverse locations and sport organizations. This may expose graduate students to new experiences and perspectives to enrich their learning. An online program also enables students to develop communication skills for a digital world.

To earn a master’s degree in sports management at American Public University, 30 credit hours must be completed, which can typically take two years of full-time study. Students enrolled in this graduate program part-time can expect to complete the program in three or more years. Completion time is also dependent on transfer credit earned and number of courses taken per session.

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Admission Requirements

  • All APU 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 APU 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 APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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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.

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