25 Best Sports Management Bachelor’s for 2020

best sports management colleges

With athletics standing as one of the biggest businesses in America, a career in sports management looks like a perennial favorite. If a person considers a sports management degree, he or she may wonder if it’s worth it as well as what are the benefits of possessing this educational background. If someone chooses to earn a bachelor’s in sports management, he or she may choose from several different career options. A person can also decide to advance his or her education and take on roles that still entail sports but are in different career paths. 

With a sports administration degree, particularly a bachelor’s, a person has the option of becoming an athletic coach, athlete development specialist, or an athletic director. It could be the start of a person opening his or her own gym or fitness center. A person may also choose to earn a teaching certificate and teach athletics in a private or public school. 

Methodology: Ranking the Best Sports Management Degrees in America

To rank the best sports management bachelor’s degree programs in the US, Great Business Schools editors researched accredited, reputable colleges and universities known for student satisfaction and success. From the initial pool, editors ranked programs by their tuition rate, student reviews, and potential salary, according to data from IPEDS, Niche, and College Scorecard. 

1. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers a BS in Sport Management that prepares graduates for careers as a program director, an athletic director, youth coordinator, facilities manager, or event planner, to name a few. NC State’s best sports management degrees partners with more than 40 sports-related organizations like the locale football team, the Carolina Panthers. 

North Carolina State University is a sea-grant, space-grant, and land-grant institution of higher education that was established in 1887. The NC general assembly established NC State with academic degrees in engineering, life sciences, and textiles, to name a few. The school’s campus covers more than 2,000 urban acres and serves more than 35,200 students. 

Highlight North Carolina State University is one of the anchor schools in the state’s research triangle with Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.
Degree Sports Management, BS

2. Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University’s Dicke College of Business offers a BA in Sports Management program that has received accreditation from the AACSB International. ONU’s best sports management degrees requires a sports management internship that includes 450 hours (3 months) of experiential learning. Previous sports internships have been with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Dallas Cowboys. Graduates find rewarding careers with NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, and Wake Forest University, among others.

Ohio Northern University (ONU) was founded in 1871 as a school for training teachers. ONU maintains a long-term affiliation with the UMC – the United Methodist Church. The university’s rural campus is home to more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 

Highlight Students and faculty were politically active in the 1960s with the birth of the civil rights movement.
Degree Sports Management, BA

3. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University offers a BS in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sports Management that is recognized among the best sports management degrees in the Lone Star State. Students graduate from LETU’s undergraduate sports management program to find rewarding careers as athletic club directors, sports broadcasters, event coordinators, sports safety administrators, and athletic administration for colleges or professional sports teams. Coursework for LeTourneau University’s sports management degree includes 120 total semester credits in classes like human resource management, statistics, management principles, and the mandated internship.

LeTourneau University was established as a technical school in 1946. LETU follows an interdenominational approach to higher education. The university operates several academic centers and facilities in Texas – Longview, Houston, and Dallas. 

Highlight LeTourneau University was originally developed to educate WWII veterans returning to civilian life.  
Degree Kinesiology: Sports Management, BS

4. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology’s Bisk College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (BSBA) program with an emphasis in sport management. Florida Tech’s best sports management degrees are located in Florida’s tech corridor and near Orlando, which offers amazing internship opportunities for students enrolled in Florida Tech’s undergraduate sports management program. In addition to a business core curriculum, students must complete a 150-hour practicum to meet program requirements. Previous graduates are employed by the YMCA, the Boston Red Sox, and Merrill Lynch, among others.

The Florida Institute of Technology is a space-grant institution of higher learning that was founded in 1958 as an engineering school. Florida Tech is organized into four colleges/schools, with half the student population (of 6,400+) enrolled in the engineering school. 

Highlight Florida Tech’s campus is located near the Kennedy Space Center and Florida’s Space Coast.
Degree Business Administration: Sports Management, B.S.

5. Ohio University

Ohio University offers a Bachelor’s in Sports Management (BSM), which is one of the longest-running sports management programs in the country. Ohio University’s best sports management degrees have received accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) and the AACSB. The university offers many sports management-related activities within the  AECOM Sports Administration Center. Students enrolled in Ohio University’s undergraduate sports management program participate in programs abroad and the San Diego Sports Consulting Project with the professional sports team, the San Diego Padres.

Ohio University is a space-grant university founded in 1804. The school operates several campuses with a total student enrollment that exceeds 33,000 students. 

Highlight OU holds claim to the fact that that this institution of higher learning was the first created by an act of congress and the oldest university in the state.
Degree Sports Management, BSM

6. Barry University

Barry University’s Andreas School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sport Management and Business Administration that is considered among the best sports management degrees in the Sunshine State. Coursework for Barry University’s baccalaureate degree in sports management includes business law, event management, ethics in sports, sport and recreation management, leisure planning, sports management law, fundraising, plus a 9-credit sports management internship to meet program requirements. Barry’s sports management degree requires the completion of 120 semester credits. Barry University offers students study abroad opportunities as well.

Barry University was established in 1940. Barry University’s urban campus in Miami Shores covers more than 100 acres and serves nearly 9,000 students. 

Highlight The Adrian Dominican Sisters of the Catholic Church, established this institution of higher education, which is considered among the largest of Catholic schools in the southeastern US.
Degree Sport Management and Business Administration, BS 

7. Saint John Fisher College

Saint John Fisher College offers a BS in Sports Management (SM) program that requires degree candidates to complete a 12-credit advanced placement internship for an entire semester. Saint John Fisher College’s best sports management degrees include coursework in classes that include – the psychology of sport, sports leadership, sports & society, behavior of sports organizations, sports promotion, sports industry seminar, sports finance, ethics in sports leadership, plus a capstone and internship to meet program requirements.

Saint John Fisher College was founded in 1948 as a men’s institution of higher learning and named to honor a revered Roman Catholic Saint. The college’s suburban campus serves more than 3,600 students on its 150+ acre property. 

Highlight All of the business and management programs offered by Saint John Fisher College are accredited by AACSB International.
Degree Sports Management, BS

8. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University offers a BS in Education with a concentration in Sports Management that is considered among the best sports management degrees midwest of the United States. BGSU’s baccalaureate sports management major includes a mandated sports management internship for 15 semester units. Students graduate from Bowling Green State University’s education/sports management program to find rewarding work in sports business, sports journalism, and sports marketing, to name a few options.

Bowling Green State University was founded as a teacher’s training school in 1910 and is a member campus of the University System of Ohio. The university’s main residential campus is about 15 minutes south of Toledo’s downtown and serves 20,000 of the university’s nearly 23,000 students. 

Highlight Bowling Green State University was recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in the state of Ohio.
Degree Education: Sports Management, BS 

9. Manchester University

Manchester University’s Gilbert College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Sport Management that offers degree candidates mandated internships both domestically and abroad. Manchester University’s undergraduate business program in sports management also requires students enrolled in the program to operate a business for a semester and donate the earnings to a charity of their choice. Students enrolled in Manchester’s sports management degree work with athletic programs on an intramural basis, at the NCAA level and even professional sports teams.

Manchester University was founded in 1860 as a seminary. The church of the Brethren remains affiliated with Manchester University. Manchester University operates two campuses in Indiana – Fort Wayne and North Manchester. The university’s small-town campus serves more than 1,700 students. 

Highlight Manchester University created the first program for peace students and conflict resolution in the country.
Degree Sport Management, BBA

10. Northern State University

Northern State University offers a BS in Sports Marketing and Administration that requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits to meet program requirements. Coursework for NSU’s the best sports management degrees include sports finance, sports marketing and administration, sports marketing, law and ethics, sport psychology, plus an advanced field placement practicum, to name a few. Previous internships completed by NSU students included working with Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, NSU Athletic programs, and the double AA baseball team the Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers organization).

Northern State University was founded in 1901 as a teachers’ training and industrial education school. The university’s Aberdeen location is home to more than 3,500 students studying for more than 60 degree and certificate programs. 

Highlight NSU was founded where the eastern and southern branches of the main railroads met in South Dakota.
Degree Sports Marketing and Administration, BS

11. Metropolitan State University of Denver

The Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Human Performance and Sport offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sports Management program that is considered one of the best sports management degrees in Colorado and beyond. Metropolitan State University of Denver’sbaccalaureate program in sports management has received accreditation from COSMA.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s campus is within walking distance of the Colorado Rockies and Mile High Stadium, the home of the Denver Broncos. Coursework for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s program includes the following classes – sports promotion, sport in society, sports venue management, event planning, technology in sports, plus an internship in sports management of 9 semester credits. The Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD) was established as an urban-grant and space grant university in 1965. MSUD’s urban campus is home to more than 20,100 students. 

Highlight MSUD shares a campus in downtown Denver proper with the Denver Community College and the University of Colorado in Denver.
Degree Sports Management, BA

12. Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University offers a BS in Sports Management that is recognized and accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. The Rock’s \ best sports management degrees require degree candidates to complete a 480-hour advanced field experience worth twelve semester credits. Previous internships for the Rock’s students included the Seattle Seahawks, the Charlotte Bobcats, the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Penguins, to name just a few.

Slippery Rock University was established in 1889. The Rock is a member institution of the PASSHE. Slippery Rock University began as a teacher’s normal school until the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the school. The university’s rural campus serves nearly 9,000 students and covers more than 600 acres. 

Highlight:The Mascot for Slippery Rock University is Rocky the Lion.

Degree Sports Management, BS

13. Ashland University

Ashland University’s College of Business and Economics offers two of the best sports management degrees in Ohio and the midwestern US. Ashland University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration with a specialized sequence in Sports Management. Ashland University’s undergraduate degree in sports management requires the completion of 121 semester credits.  Classes include sports marketing, leadership theory, business communication, operations management, plus several field experiences to meet the program’s practicum requirements. Previous internships include the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, and the athletic department of Ohio State University.

Ashland University was founded and is managed by the Brethren Church. The university’s campus in Ashland covers more than 125 suburban acres and serves more than 5,600 students. Ashland University is comprised of four colleges/schools in the areas of arts/sciences, education, business, and health sciences. 

Highlight Ashland University also manages the Ashland Theological Seminary.
Degree Sport Management B.A./B.S.

14. Kutztown University

Kutztown University’s Department of Sport Management and Leadership Studies offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in sports management (SM) that is recognized among the best sports management degrees in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Students graduate from Kutztown University and enter the workforce in facility management, sports tourism, product marketing, or event management, among others. Kutztown University’s undergraduate sports management program offers two specializations – Coaching and Athletic Administration track and the Fitness Industry track. The NCACE – the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) accredits Kutztown University’s sports management programs.

Kutztown University was established as a teacher’s training college in 1866. Kutztown University’s rural campus covers more than 300 acres and serves more than 7,100 graduate and undergraduate students. 

Highlight Kutztown University is a member institution of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Degree Sports Management, BS

15. Lee University

Lee University’s School of Business offers one of the best sports management degrees with its Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management in Tennessee and the southern US. Coursework included in Lee University’s undergraduate sports management program includes physical education administration, the psychology of human performance, managing facilities, sports law, plus several sports management field experiences and practicums. Additional coursework is required in the areas of communication, business, law, and general education. The capstone project requires the integration of both sports management and faith/practice.

Lee University was established as a private bible training school in 1918. As a Christian University affiliated with the Church of God that is privately operated, Lee University serves more than 5,200 students on its suburban campus over more than 100 acres in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Highlight Lee University is well known for its quality vocal programs.
Degree Sports Management, BS

16. Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster Bible College offers a BS in Sports Management and Biblical Studies that is considered among the best sports management degrees from a Christian centered institution of higher education. Lancaster Bible College’s undergraduate sports management program has received accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Previous internship experiences for degree candidates included working at Cal Ripken’s Baseball Clinic, or Spooky Nook – the biggest recreational complex that is fully indoors. Degree requirements include 128 program credits. Students enrolled in LBC’s sports management program are fully responsible for managing a yearly 5K charitable run.

Lancaster Bible College (LBC) was founded in 1933 as a bible school. The college also operates a seminary and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The college manages several academic facilities in Maryland, Philadelphia, and Florida. 

Highlight The Carnegie Foundation for Advancement in Teaching was awarded to Lancaster Bible College.
Degree Sports Management, BS

17. Salem State University

Salem State University offers a BS in Sport and Movement Science with a sports management concentration that is recognized among the best sports management degrees in the northeastern United States. Coursework for Salem State University’s undergraduate sport management program includes exercise science, conditioning techniques, nutrition and performance, kinesiology, preventing athletic injuries, plus two field practicum experiences to meet program requirements. The total credits required to graduate from SSU’s sports management degree is 120 semester credits. Salem State University also offers an undergraduate sports management degree for those who are eligible for an honors track.

Salem State University was founded as a normal college for teachers in 1854. The university’s campus in Salem Massachusetts serves more than 7,500 students and covers more than 100 suburban acres, split over six campuses in the same general area. 

Highlight The famous educator, Horace Mann, participated in the founding of Salem State University.
Degree Sport and Movement Science, Sport Management Concentration, BS

18. North Greenville University

North Greenville University offers a BS in Sports Management program that allows degree candidates to select from three academic tracks – the business, track, the coaching track, or the ministry track. North Greenville University’s best sports management degrees have received accreditation from COSMA. Coursework for students enrolled in North Greenville University includes sports ethics, sports promotions, and advertising, event management, sports law, risk and liability, and sports leadership, to name a few. Students find rewarding careers as an athletic director, collegiate coach, event planner, sports ministry, recreational department administrator, or youth coordinator, among others.

North Greenville University was founded as a privately-owned high school in 1891. NGU maintains an affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention. North Greenville University’s rural campus in Tigerville serves more than 2,400 students, studying for bachelor’s, master’s, and academic doctoral degrees. 

Highlight North Greenville University began offering graduate degrees in 2006.
Degree Sports Management, BS

19. Arcadia University

Arcadia University’s School of Global Business offers two of the best sports management degrees with its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs in Sport Management. Students enrolled at Arcadia University’s baccalaureate degree program in sports management has received accreditation from the AACSB International and the ACBSP. Core sports management coursework includes event management, leadership in sports, sports law and ethics, international management in sports, sports economics, plus a two-credit practicum and a sports management internship. Students can opt for a concentration in economics, finance, management, or marketing.

Arcadia University was established as Beaver College in 1853 as a female seminary. The university’s 75+ acre campus serves more than 4,00 graduate and undergraduate students. Arcadia University offers international and study abroad programs. 

Highlight The Arcadia campus is home to the national landmark known as the Grey Towers Castle.  
Degree Sport Management B.A./B.S.

20. Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan University offers a BA in Sports Management that is considered among the best sports management degrees in Kansas and the central United States. Kansas Wesleyan University’s undergraduate sports management program requires students to complete courses in human resource management, philosophy, and coaching, preventing athletic injuries, facility planning, sports law, business ethics, concepts of wellness, plus an internship in a related position. Students enrolled in KWU’s degree also participate in the management of the KWU’s 23 varsity sports programs.

Kansas Wesleyan University was founded in 1886. As a  Christian institution of higher learning that operates privately, Kansas Wesleyan University maintains an affiliated with the UMC – the United Methodist Church. The university’s urban campus in Salina is home to more than 600 students. 

Highlight Kansas Wesleyan University is a member school of the Independent College Association in Kansas.
Degree Sports Management, BA

21. Endicott College

Endicott College’s School of Sport Science and Fitness Studies offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sports Management program that is accredited by the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation. Endicott College’s best sports management degrees include classes like sports venue and management, sports law, sports enterprise, promotional management, sports, and the media, plus an internship and a senior thesis capstone project. Endicott College’s recent students completed internships with the Boston Celtics, the New England Patriots, Harvard University, and Burns Entertainment. Recent graduates found rewarding careers with the New York Knicks, the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Management, and the Boston Celtics.

Endicott College was established as a junior college in 1939 for women. The college’s campus in Beverly Massachusetts includes two beaches and serves more than 5,500 students over a 200+ suburban acre property. 

Highlight Endicott College is named to honor John Endicott, the colony of Massachusetts Bay’s initial governor.
Degree Sports Management, BS

22. Eastern Nazarene College

Eastern Nazarene College offers a BS in Sports Management program that is recognized among the best sports management degrees in the northeastern portion of the US. Eastern Nazarene College’s baccalaureate degree in sports management offers internship opportunities with the YMA, the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, and the Boston Bruins, among others. Eastern Nazarene College’s delve into sports management skills like critical thinking and ethical problem-solving. ENC is accredited by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the NECHE.

Eastern Nazarene College was founded as a private institution of higher learning in 1900 in Upstate New York in Saratoga Springs. As a Christian institution of higher learning, Eastern Nazarene College operates a main campus in Quincy and several academic centers throughout Massachusetts. 

Highlight ENC’s residential campus was once Boston Mayor’s summer home.
Degree Sports Management, BS

23. University of Dubuque

The University of Dubuque offers a BS in Sports Marketing and Management that is recognized as one of the best sports management degrees in the state of Iowa. Coursework for UD’s undergraduate program in sports marketing and management include 59-semester credits dedicated to the major that includes sport finance, sports marketing, sports governance, human nutrition, sports ethics, plus a senior seminar in sports management and marketing and an internship. Students graduate from UD’s sports management program and enter the workforce in media relations, promotions, sports compliance, and sports marketing, to name a few. 

The University of Dubuque was founded in 1852 as a church and remains affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA. The university’s urban campus in Dubuque serves more than 2,100 students. The University of Dubuque is organized into four colleges/schools – business, liberal arts, theology, and professional programs. 

Highlight Tony Danza, the famous actor, and author Eckhard Gerdes are alumni of the University of Dubuque.  
Degree Sports Marketing and Management, BS

24. Bluffton University

Bluffton University’s Department of Health, Fitness, and Sports Science offers a bachelor’s degree in Health, fitness, and sport science that offers students four concentrations from which to select – exercise science, sports management, sport, and recreational leadership and strength & conditioning. Classes for Bluffton University’s best sports management degrees include kinesiology, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, sports medicine, leadership, anatomy and physiology obesity research, plus a sports management internship. Students graduate and enter the workforce as athletic directors, youth program coordinators, event planners and facilities managers, among others.

Bluffton University was established by the Mennonite (Anabaptist) Church USA in 1899, at first as a junior college. The school’s rural campus in Bluffton serves more than 1,000 students vying for more than 75 academic degrees offered by the university’s college/schools. 

Highlight Bluffton University is situated about halfway between Dayton and Toledo, OH.
Degree Health, Fitness and Sport Science

25. Lasell College

Lasell College offers a BS in Sports Management that is among the best sports management degrees and accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Degree candidates find rewarding internships with the Florida Panthers, the Boston Breakers, the New York Mets, the Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots, to name a few. Classes include cross-cultural management, psychological perspectives, sport and society, sports leadership, legal aspects of sports, organizational behavior, plus an internship. Students enrolled in Lasell College’s baccalaureate sports management program have an option to complete the master’s level degree in only five years.

Lasell College was established in 1851 as a female seminary and named in honor of the educator who helped established Lasell College. The school’s campus in Newton is an MBTA ride to downtown Boston and serves more than 2,000 students. 

Highlight US News recognizes Lasell College as one of the great schools at an affordable price.
Degree Sports Management, BS

Why Should I Get a Sports Management Degree?

Once an individual has a sports management degree, he or she may choose to become a fitness manager or a sports agent. Sometimes, roles in marketing and financial analyst within sports become available as well. Some individuals who earn a bachelor’s in sports management decide to become a contract negotiator or a contractor administrator. Jobs become available in sales and event coordinating as well.

If a person chooses to earn a sports administration degree at a bachelor’s degree level, he or she may then choose to earn a law degree. This combination of degrees allows a person to become a sports lawyer. 

Keep in mind that many individuals who earn sports management degrees become public figures when they take on roles in popular sports teams on a college and national league level. 

Is Sports Management a Good Major?

Besides all of the career options available, a person may still wonder if a sports management major is a good major. When a person is questioning if a sports management major is beneficial to him or her, he or she may also want to know if a sports administration major can good earning potential. This is completely dependent upon the role a person takes on, but for the most part, a person can earn a lucrative salary. 

When a person compares the pros and cons of sports management degrees, an individual should consider that an athletic coach earns an average of $44,205 per year, as noted by PayScale. However, a person may earn a much higher salary in certain areas. If a person chooses a sports management major, he or she may earn a teaching certificate and educate students about physical education. PayScale notes that the average salary for this position is $44,879.

An event coordinator who is a sports administration major makes an average of $42,012. If these salaries aren’t appealing, a person may earn much more as a gym owner. Someone who takes on the role of an athletic director may earn around $60,429.

A person who is comparing the pros and cons of a sports management degree should also consider that a sports agent can make over $100,000 per year or even in the millions. Attorneys also make over $100,000.

How Do I Choose a Sports Management Program?

When a person is choosing the best colleges for sports management, a person should conduct a search for the best colleges for sports management in his or her area. If a person is flexible with the location, an individual may search beyond his or her current area. 

After a person conducts a search for the best colleges for sports management, he or she will receive a list of schools, including the top 10 sports management programs. A person may even want to consider performing a search for the top 10 sports management programs. 

Once a person has a list of potential schools, he or she should view each website and compare the schools based on the curriculum of the programs for each one of the sports management degree colleges. Additionally, when looking at the sports management degree colleges, a person should also take a look at the student to teach ratio, tuition, and the number of students who tend to complete their degree program from that school. When a person evaluates and compares the top 10 sports management colleges, a person should also take into consideration how the school ranks on sites that rank colleges and universities.

Another way to choose between the top 10 sports management colleges is to look at reviews from previous students. A person may look at the views by performing a search for each one of the sports management degree colleges and seeing what students have to say. When a person chooses between the best sports management colleges and universities, he or she may also want to look at the other programs that they offer and see how they fare in the eyes of students. 

Additionally, a person who is looking for the best sports management colleges and universities should look at how the sports teams perform. If the school isn’t performing well, a person may not want to be associated with that particular school. 

A person who compares the top 10 sports management colleges to determine which one is right for them should also look at the cost of the school. A person who is comparing sports management degree schools should talk to alumni if they know any. It’s also important for a person who is looking into sports management degree schools to ask for recommendations from employers if a person is currently working in a position in sports that doesn’t require a degree. 

To compare sports management degree programs, a person may want to schedule a tour before making a decision. This is an ideal time to discuss what housing options and extracurricular activities are available through the school when a person selects one of the sports management degree programs. 

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief