The decision to pursue a degree in sports management does not mean you must waste time in your program. An accelerated sports management program is a solution to help cut back on the time you need to complete your bachelor’s degree. The primary advantage of an accelerated program is the time required for the degree. As a general rule, you can complete your degree at a faster pace when compared to traditional studies. The exact rate of acceleration through the program varies based on the school and the options you select for your major. You can expect to cut back on the time required for your studies by several months or even a year in some situations.
It is also a good choice for individuals who work best in a fast-paced environment. If you have a learning style that works well with self-motivation and self-discipline, then an accelerated program may be a good choice to help with your personal goals and your skills. It gives you an advantage when it comes to reaching your long-term career goals.
Methodology: Ranking the Top Accelerated Sports Management Programs
Working adults who want to get a sports management bachelor’s in a hurry can look to Great Business Schools’ ranking of the best accelerated programs. GBS features only reputable, accredited programs, ranked according to real factors including cost, graduate salary, and reputation, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management that is considered among the best accelerated sports management program degrees in the Sunshine State. Students graduate from UF’s undergraduate accelerated sports management program to find rewarding careers as a sports finance analyst, fitness director, athletic director, or sports scout for a professional sports team, to name a few. Additionally, students enrolled in UF’s degree must complete a 12 semester credit internship to meet program requirements.
The University of Florida was established as a space-grant, land-grant, and sea-grant university that was established in1853. The university’s campus a senior campus of the State University System of Florida. More than 56,000 students attend classes at UF.
Highlight US News recognizes the University of Florida among its top ten public institutions of higher education.
Degree Sports Management, BS
2. Florida International University
Florida International University offers a BS in Recreation and Sports Management that is available entirely online. FIU’s accelerated sports management program requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits to meet program requirements. Coursework for FIU’s best accelerated sport management programs includes recreation in America, recreation and sports law, principles of parks and recreation, and program development for recreational sports, plus advanced field experiences in a related professional position. The degree has one required prerequisite course entitle Human Growth & Development in Developmental Psychology.
Florida International University was founded as a state-funded, space-grant institution of higher education in 1965. FIU operates eleven schools/colleges that provide nearly 200 academic degree options for the nearly 59,000 students attending FIU.
Highlight Student-athletes at Florida International University have won five national championships.
Degree Recreation and Sports Management, BS
3. Post University
Post University’s Baldrige School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sports management that is recognized as the best accelerated sports management program in Connecticut. Post University’s undergraduate management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students enrolled in Post University’s baccalaureate degree program take classes in business policy, sports economics, sports law, foundations of sports management and facility management, plus a sports management internship to meet program requirements. Degree candidates can opt for a sports psychology concentration or a sports communication concentration.
Post University was established as a business school in 1890 as a for-profit school. Post University operates several Connecticut campuses in Waterbury, Wallingford, Danbury, and Meriden. More than 7,200 students are enrolled in Post University.
Highlight The Drubner Center is home to the athletic facilities of Post University.
Degree Sports Management, BS
4. American Public University
American Public University offers a BS in Sports Management that allows up to 90 eligible credits to be transferred upon application. APU’s accelerated sports management program requires the completion of 120 semester credits in classes that include ethics in sports, sports governance, ticket sales management, sports marketing, and applied concepts in sports finance, among others. American Public University’s undergraduate sports management degree program offers monthly start dates year-round. Students conclude APU’s degree with a senior seminar in sports management.
The American Public University System was founded in 1991. APUS is comprised of the American Public University and the American Military University, two for-profits schools. The university serves more than 46,100 students, of which more than half have military backgrounds.
Highlight More than 15,000 students attend APU using their earned GI Bill.
Degree Sports Management, BS
5. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida offers a BS in Sports Management that has received accreditation from the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation. UNF’s accelerated sports management program offers study abroad opportunities as well as an honors program. Mandated internships are available at UNF Athletics, Airstream Ventures, the Albany Tennis Association, the Philadelphia Eagles, the University of Michigan Athletics, and the LPGA, to name a few.
The University of North Florida was founded in 1965. The university’s campus on the south side of the city of Jacksonville covers more than 1,200 acres and serves more than 16,800 students. The school is comprised of five colleges/schools that offer more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Highlight The majority of students enrolled in UNF are non-residential students who either commute or study online.
Degree Sports Management, BS
6. University of Minnesota Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston offers an online or an on-campus BS in Sports Management that is accredited by the ACBSP. UMN Crookston’s accelerated sports management program requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits, of which 59 credits must be from the sports management curriculum. Classes for these degrees include sports law, facility management, sports psychology, recreation management, plus a capstone project and sports management advanced field placement.
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Crookston was founded in 1966. The university’s rural campus is home to more than 1,700 students on land donated by the Great Northern Railway. The University of Minnesota Crookston is a member of the New Century Learning Consortium.
Highlight The University of Minnesota Crookston is a member school of the University of Minnesota System.
Degree Sports and Recreation’s Management, BS
7. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a BA or BS in Sports Management. It is recognized as one of the best online sports management programs. Each of Bellevue University’s accelerated sports management program requires the completion of 127 semester credits. Classes include in classes like sports marketing, sports ethics, business communication, legal aspects of sports, event management, and sports finance, plus an internship in sports management, to name a few. The only difference between the two degrees is that the BS degree requires the completion of an applied statistics as well.
Bellevue University was founded as a private institution of higher education in 1966 for working learners looking to return to school. Bellevue University operates an additional academic center just west of Omaha. Bellevue’s suburban campus is home to more than 10,000 students.
Highlight The management programs offered by Bellevue University have been accredited by the IACBE.
Degree Sport Management B.A./B.S.
8. Dixie State University
Dixie State University offers a BS in Recreation and Sport Management that offers degree candidates three academic tracks from which to select – Industry Management, Corporate Recreation & Wellness, or Sports Management. DSU’s accelerated sports management program aligns with industry standards requiring an advanced field internship with a minimum of 400 hours required. Students graduate and enter the workforce in organizations like youth clinics, amateur or professional sports, intramural sports, nonprofits, and intercollegiate athletics, to name a few.
Dixie State University was founded in 1911. Dixie State University is a member school of the Utah System of Higher Ed, although the LDS Church were the original founders. The school’s campus in St. George covers more than 100 urban acres and serves more than 11,000 students.
Highlight Dixie State University operates a hurricane academic facility in Hurricane, Utah.
Degree Recreation and Sport Management, BS
9. Troy University
Troy University offers a BS in Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management (HSTM) with an academic track in Sports management that is available online and on-campus in Troy, Alabama. Troy University’s accelerated sports management program requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits to meet program requirements. Classes include revenue generation in HSTM, sports marketing, legal aspects of sport management, sports finance, governing agencies, plus a six-credit advanced placement internship.
Troy University was established as a public institution of higher learning in 1887 as a teacher’s normal school. The university is a member campus of the Alabama State University System. The school’s college-town campus is home to more than 1,900 students studying on the university’s 800+ acre property.
Highlight The son of the late governor, George Wallace Jr., once held an administrative position at Troy University.
Degree Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, BS
10. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor’s in Sports Management that is available 100% online. EKU’s accelerated sports management program requires the completion of 120 semester credits, of which 90 semester credits may be transferred if the credits meet eligibility requirements. Classes for EKU’s undergraduate sports management degree program include sports finance, sports management, business ethics, sports communication, psychology of coaching, sports policy, legal issues in sports, plus a six-credit sports management advanced internship. Graduates of EKU’s degree program enter the workforce as sports marketers, guest relation managers, event coordinators, and athletic administrators, to name a few.
Eastern Kentucky University was established in 1874. EKU maintains several academic satellite facilities in Manchester, Hazard, and Lancaster, in addition to the main campus in Richmond. More than 15,600 students attend classes at EKU’s campuses or online.
Highlight US News and World Report recognizes Eastern Kentucky University among the top 30 southern regional institutions of higher education.
Degree Bachelor’s in Sports Management
What if I Don’t Need a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is not necessary for every sports management career, particularly if you are looking at entry-level positions. While you may not need a bachelor’s degree, an employer may expect that you have some training in your field. Online sports management courses may be a good choice to help with your career goals by offering you an opportunity to improve your education without a large investment of your time.
You can also look at a sports management certificate to help with your career goals. An online sports management certificate allows you to obtain specialized skills and training, but it does not require you to complete an entire degree. It may also help you reduce costs when comparing your training to a degree program. Keep in mind that sports management courses online free may not offer the same quality of education as programs that are available through certificate programs. You should evaluate each program carefully to ensure that it fits your situation and goals.
Look for a certificate course in sports management that is recognized by a respected third party. You can also focus on programs that are available through accredited schools to ensure that it fits your long-term goals. The certification may help you focus on a specialized area of sports management, or give you the fundamental skills you need to provide the appropriate services your employer requires when you get started in your career.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management?
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management may offer a variety of opportunities for your career. When you are looking up what are some careers in sports management, you want to start with evaluating the basic options and then looking into more unexpected opportunities.
Sports administration jobs may emphasize positions related to the business side of the sports industry. For example, you may find that sports management degree jobs allow you to work as a financial analyst, a facilities manager, or a marketing coordinator.
Sports management degree careers may also emphasize more unexpected opportunities, such as working under a sports lawyer or working on evaluating situations for potential fraud as a fraud manager. The undergraduate degree allows you to start working in your career; however, if you plan to work as a lawyer or engage in more advanced roles, you may need to obtain a higher level of education.
How Do I Get a Job in Sports Management?
Getting a job in sports management is similar to working in any other industry. The sports administration job description allows you to determine if you are qualified for a position. If you are not qualified due to a lack of experience, then you will want to focus on entry-level positions or consider an internship.
Sports administration internships are a common method of getting started in your career. An internship allows you to build up your connections and network with individuals who are already working in the industry. In some situations, you may have internship opportunities through your college or university. You may also consider an internship after you complete an undergraduate degree as a stepping-stone to start in a permanent position.
After you finish your degree and complete an internship, you may consider applying for positions through different job boards or through your network. You can also consider joining professional organizations that allow you to find out about positions that are available in your field. Keep in mind that you may need to consider moving for your work or evaluating positions available in different locations when you are starting in your career. The positions available in any specific area may vary over time, so you want to keep an eye out for opportunities in unexpected places.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief