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Sport Management Ph.D

Program info, about the ph.d. in sport management program.

Over the past two decades, the sports industry has grown into a $435 billion industry, and a strong curriculum and faculty with professional expertise will prepare you to be a part of the exciting and expanding world of sport management. Whether you are a current professional looking to advance in higher education or someone interested in achieving leadership positions within the ever-growing sport industry, Troy University’s Ph.D. in Sport Management program holds the keys to a successful future.

Broaden Your Opportunities

• Demonstrate knowledge from core and specialized areas of study.
• Conduct pertinent and relevant research related to sport industry.
• Interpret and evaluate research studies in sport management.
• Apply sport management knowledge to the solution of complex issues with demonstration of sensitivity to crucial, controversial sport issues.
• Analyze and apply sport management principles, approaches and rationales to contemporary sport management cases.
• Organize and plan programs of service designed to meet local, state, regional, national and international needs.
• Prepare research within the field of sport management for presentation and/or publication.

Program Flexibility and Faculty Excellence

Sport management ph.d. curriculum.

• Seminar in Sport Marketing
• Seminar in Legal Aspects of Sport
• Seminar in Sport Finance
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Seminar in Sport Management Pedagogy

Sport Management Ph.D Program Locations

TROY's Sport Management Ph.D. is offered as a blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face courses. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

Why Choose TROY For Your Sport Management Ph.D.?

Sport Management is a growing academic discipline in the United States as well as globally.  The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sport Management at Troy University is a terminal degree focusing on student comprehension and interpretation of contemporary, theoretical and applied studies within the field of Sport Management. The mission of the program is to prepare the graduate for a broad range of sport management-related positions to include, but not limited to higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics, and professional sport industry.  The doctoral program in Sport Management is the is one of the few Ph.D. programs that is offered primarily online in the United States. The program concentrates on developing students to generate the research, critical thinking, and teaching skills necessary for them to be successful in the sport industry and higher education. The coursework in the Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management that is intended to build upon each student’s interests. Through areas of specialized coursework and doctoral seminars taught by graduate sport management faculty members, the program offers flexibility for students to analyze a wide variety of opportunities and interests within the discipline of sport management (i.e., organizational management, finance, legal aspects, and marketing of sports). The Ph.D. in Sport Management program at Troy University serves two primary populations: the sport practitioner and the future sport management educator. Thus, the graduate will be prepared to apply research to the sport industry, contribute to the advancement and dissemination of scholarly research, and/or educate future sport managers. As such, the Sport Management Ph.D. program at Troy University is designed to address the challenge by industry and educational institutions to train high quality academicians with a sport management background. Students will be offered the chance to develop and produce original theoretical-specific knowledge that is germane to the sport industry and academy. Such research-oriented endeavors will permit the doctoral students to be in the middle of new advances in sport management.

Careers in Sport Management

TROY's Sport Management program prepares graduates for a broad range of sport management-related positions including higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics and professional sport industry.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Win (Gi-Yong) Koo

Frequently asked questions.

Official scores from nationally standardized aptitude examinations, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT), General Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are not required for admissions consideration; however, official scores may be submitted at the time of application by those students who feel the results of their examinations will enhance their admissions application. 

• Troy University Graduate School Application Form
• One official transcript per each institution of higher education ever attended
• References should be able to address the applicant’s readiness to enroll in a doctoral program. It is recommended that such individuals be previous undergraduate or graduate professors, advisors or others who can substantiate the applicant’s academic preparation for admittance to a doctoral program.
• Details of your rationale for pursuing a Ph.D. in Sport Management.
• Details regarding your career and research interests.
• Identify 1-2 TROY Sport Management doctoral faculty members that you are interested in working with. A list of doctoral directive faculty members and their curriculum vitae indicating their research areas may be viewed at the HSTM website .
• The goal of the writing sample is to measure the applicant’s ability to write clearly and succinctly in an academic fashion. The writing sample may include a thesis completed by the student, a significant research or case study class project, preferably written at the graduate level. It is expected that the applicant be either the first or second author if the submission was a group project. The paper must be double spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins on all sides. Since the American Psychological Association (APA) style is followed in all written assignments in the Ph.D. program, it is recommended that the sample also be written in APA format. However, other writing styles, including but not limited to Chicago, Modern Language Association (MLA), Turbian, AMA Manual or other accepted research writing styles, will be considered. Note: The writing sample could also include an accepted or published research that the applicant was either the sole or co-author of a research project. The applicant must submit a pdf of the paper or a link as proof of publication.

Applications to the Ph.D. program may be submitted twice per academic year, once in fall and once is spring. The applicant must submit an application to the Troy University Graduate School. After all required documentation has been submitted, the applicant’s entire application packet will be reviewed for admission into the Doctoral Program. No pre-requisites will be required for admission other than the applicant must have attained a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. In order to be given full consideration, all requested materials must be received by the deadlines listed below:

Application Deadlines: Fall Admission for U.S. citizens: June 1 Fall Admission for non U.S. citizens: April 1 Spring Admission for U.S. citizens: October 1 Spring Admission for non U.S. citizens: September 1

Consistent with other terminal degree programs at TROY, the Sport Management doctoral student will have a maximum time for degree completion of eight years, inclusive of completing dissertation requirements. However, it is important to note that a full-time student (i.e., taking 6 credits per term) may be able to complete coursework in two (2) years. Additionally, dissertation may require 1-2 years to fully complete.

As a result, students can finish the program in as little as three (3 years). To do so, the students must communicate with their major advisor on a regular basis.

Helpful Links

What Can a Ph.D. in Sport Management Do for Your Career?

As a sixth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Dr. Win Koo achieved the status of master of martial arts in his native South Korea before becoming a grandmaster in the United States. However, it’s Dr. Koo’s academic talent rather than his martial arts skills that he calls on when he comes out fighting as the program coordinator on Troy University’s Ph.D. in Sport Management program.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO TROY?

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Sports Management Degrees

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Sports Management Salary

More answers from sports management professionals, sports management salary snapshot.

Median Salary $109,760

Hourly Rate $52.77

Salary Range $42,480 – $208,000

Job Growth (proj.) 13% Per Year

Sports Management Salary Overview

What is the average salary in sports management.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unlike many fields the average salary for people working in sports management varies widely depending on the specific occupation. However, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for all management occupations, including sports management, was $109,760. The bottom 10% of sports management professionals earned less than $42,480 per year, while the top 10% earned more than $208,000 per year.

In addition to your level of education, experience and talent, how much someone in sports management earns is dependent on where they live. Some cities and states pay more due to market conditions and demand for labor.

To the right is a map of the mean annual salary of sports management professionals with the highest paying states in dark blue (source: BLS.gov May 2021). In particular, Washington, California, Minnesota, Tennessee, New York, Connecticut and Florida have higher median wages for sports management professionals, particularly sports agents.

Salary of Common Sports Management Careers?

The following are common careers in sports management, with the average salary for each sports management career. The actual salary a person earns, of course, depends on not just on your choice of career, but also your degree level, experience, geographic location, job performance, and employer type, among others:

• Athletic Director Average Salary: $97,000
• Event Manager Average Salary: $54,000
• Sponsorship Manager Average Salary: $63,000
• Sports Agent Average Salary: $72,000
• Sports Marketing Manager Average Salary: $76,000
• Facilities Manager Average Salary: $60,000
• Ticket Sales Manager Average Salary: $48,000
• Athletic Trainer Average Salary: $49,000
• Equipment Manager Average Salary: $44,000
• Sports Information Director Average Salary: $53,000
• Sports Broadcaster Average Salary: $62,000
• Sports Journalist Average Salary: $42,000
• Sports Psychologist Average Salary: $78,000
• Sports Medicine Physician Average Salary: $209,000
• Fitness and Wellness Director Average Salary: $54,000
• Recreation Director Average Salary: $62,000
• Sports Event Coordinator Average Salary: $46,000
• Sports Program Director Average Salary: $60,000
• Sports Nutritionist Average Salary: $53,000
• Sports Physical Therapist Average Salary: $85,000

How Degree Level Impacts Salary in Sports Management

In general, a higher level of degree in sports management leads to a higher salary, but the actual salary someone earns depends a great deal on a variety of other factors as well including; the specific job, industry, location, job performance and experience. Just to provide a general idea, however, here is a rough estimate of the average salary increase for each degree level in sports management (BLS 2020):

• Associates degree in sports management: $30,000 – $50,000 per year
• Bachelor’s degree in sports management: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
• Master’s degree in sports management: $70,000 – $100,000 per year
• PhD in sports management: $100,000 – $150,000+ per year

Because the actual salaries earned within sports management vary so significantly based on your specific field or career, here are four examples of sports management careers and the potential impact of degree level on salary:

• Event Coordinator:
• Associates degree: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
• Bachelors degree: $40,000 – $50,000 per year
• Masters degree: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
• PhD: $70,000 – $100,000+ per year
• Sports Marketing Manager:
• Associates degree: $40,000 – $50,000 per year
• Bachelors degree: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
• Masters degree: $70,000 – $100,000 per year
• PhD: $100,000 – $150,000+ per year
• Athletic Director:
• Associates degree: N/A
• Bachelors degree: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
• Masters degree: $80,000 – $120,000 per year
• PhD: $120,000 – $200,000+ per year
• Sports Psychologist:
• Bachelors degree: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Masters degree: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
• PhD: $90,000 – $150,000+ per year

Once again, people considering a career in sports management should note that these salary ranges are not definitive, can vary depending on the specific employer, location, and years of experience.

What Our Experts Say About Sports Managment Programs

I’ve seen anything as low as $35,000, and I’ve seen anything as high as $100,000 for entry level jobs. But your cost of living is gonna be much higher if you accept a job with the NBA or NFL in Manhattan than if you are coming to live in Utah and work for the Jazz. Cost of living can swing 45% higher.’

Generally speaking with a Sports Management Degree, if you are looking to go into the management operations side, typical salaries at the entry level will be between $45,000 to $80,000 dollars. And I think you can look forward to some point in your career as you move up and maybe you are in a leadership and management position or at an executive level position to be several hundred thousand dollars, maybe between $200,000 and $400,000.

If you are someone that has incredible data analytics skills, you can expect a starting salary in the $60,000 to $75,000 range easily. But if you want to get into event management or sales, or working on the sponsorship side, they may start at the lower end at around $50,000. But a lot of those sales positions offer you the opportunity to earn commission. You are incentivized for hard work, for creativity, and for really doing a good job.

Explore More

Learn about sports management careers. Descriptions of the most common careers, degree requirements for each career, how to land your first job or internship and more.

Search our database of online sports management degree programs, request information about tuition, transfer credits and admissions from schools that interest you.

Get answers to questions about sports management like: What are the most common degrees? How fast can you get an accelerated bachelors degree?, and Do you need a masters or bachelors?

Learn about sports management salary and wages. What sports management jobs earn the most? How much more will you earn with an associates, bachelors or masters in sports management degree?

PhD in Sport Management

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Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in sport management are interested in the convergence of sport and business.

From uncovering the unique characteristics of sport monopolies to understanding brand management as it relates to fan behavior, students find their research niche at Isenberg as they become leading academics and scholars the field.

Message from the Coordinator

The sport industry has rapidly developed into a thriving business, with impacts across society, driving demand for sport business-trained professionals, and pioneering academic research. There are exceptional opportunities for aspiring academics with a passion for sport.

Isenberg has been ahead of this curve, crafting a doctoral program—one of only a handful in the country—that prepares students to meet this demand. By merging the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management, a leader in the field for 40 years, with Isenberg, we can simultaneously provide students with PhD-level training in sport and business management.

We’re proud that our distinguished program also offers:

• Renowned faculty  with diverse research interests who regularly publish scholarly work in top-tier sport journals
• A  supportive and collaborative environment  that extends beyond the classroom
• Low student-to-faculty ratio , providing individual attention to doctoral students
• Customization  that encourages doctoral students to pursue their research interests
• Strong ties to sport industry leaders  who can be utilized for research

Our graduates enjoy marketability as both published researchers and seasoned educators. We welcome applicants who are dedicated learners and inquisitive thinkers interested in making real contributions to this exciting and still emerging field.

Elizabeth B. Delia PhD Coordinator & Associate Professor

About the Program

Isenberg’s PhD in sport management is a full-time, residential program that prepares students for careers in academia. Students receive broad training in research methods and learn to apply advanced business understanding to sport subject matter. With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized instruction from faculty. Valuable teaching opportunities prime students to become educators at leading institutions.

Students generally complete a PhD in Sport Management within 4-5 years. Students must pass both a qualifying and comprehensive examination, and complete three years of teaching at Isenberg. During the final years students research, write, and defend a dissertation.

Students must take 48 credits of coursework, which includes classes in theory and research methods, research electives, and minor classes.

Examples of courses:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Organizational Theory & Behavior
• Sport Finance
• Sport Economics
• Sport Leadership
• Sport Sociology

Isenberg has a strong focus on research. Faculty members work alongside doctoral students on a variety of projects, publishing research in top tier sport management journals. Recent projects include: 

• The intersection of fandom and health
• Experiences of fandom in women's sport 
• Sexism in sport organizations 
• How sport fans experience emotional support from each other 
• Identity covering of marginalized individuals in the workplace
• The role of nostalgia in sport fandom 
• Motives and points of attachment for esport consumers 

Sport Management Doctoral Candidates

McCormack Department of Sport Management

Testimonials from recent graduates.

What Can I Do With a PhD in Sports Management?

Sports fans may not expect to find a doctor managing their favorite team, but in a competitive industry, a Doctorate in Sports Management is becoming a more popular option for ambitious future managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. A doctorate in sports management student will learn about the business requirements of running a sports team. You don’t need to be an athlete to pursue this course of study, although many former athletes will that that path – after all, they already know the player side of the industry. To go into management, a doctorate in sports management is a natural progression.

Getting the Doctorate in Sports Management

Students must first obtain at least a bachelor’s degree, though it is not necessary that this be in sports management. Those who choose not to earn a sports-related bachelor’s may have to take certain courses as a prerequisite to entering the doctoral program, such as kinesiology (the science behind human movements), economics, and various aspects of management. In addition, you will need to take courses on law as it applies to business and sports; business courses in organizational behavior will feature prominently, as will finance and human resources. (In fact, a Doctor of Business Administration [DBA] with a concentration in sports business can also be a good entry point.) Psychology is important for understanding those employed in elite athletics, and it will also be important to know about medicine and health.

The most important part of the doctorate in sports management program is developing the analytical reasoning and research skills needed for a career as a business executive, researchers, or academic. To receive your doctorate in sports management, the last step is usually a traditional dissertation (for a more academic PhD) or a capstone research project (which is usually more practical and related to your current or future career); no-dissertation doctorate programs are pretty common in this field. Students can also choose to obtain a sports management certification from a professional organization, or a more specialized graduate certificate in sports management to enhance their skill set and to qualify them for more career options.

Career Opportunities with a Doctorate in Sports Management

Sports management jobs abound for people with a sports management PhD, and this can include becoming a teacher or a professor in post-secondary education. The average salary for this profession is $64,837 per year, with the low and high ends being $46,634 and $79,838, respectively. Higher wages are paid to those in senior positions with greater than eight years’ experience, and a background in education will be necessary to pursue this career path.

Other sports management jobs can be found working as a sports manager for either an amateur or a professional team. Sports management salary figures are between $24,000 and $490,000 per year, with a median annual wage of $48,980. Duties can include helping professional athletes deal with the pressure they are under in competitive sports, or they can specialize in managing events and sports facilities. Rather than managing a team, graduates may manage individual athletes. The top ten percent of sports agents earn $194,810, making it one of the best sports management salary opportunities. Job growth in this area is expected to climb by 7% through the year 2026, and it will be necessary to cultivate connections to be effective in this position.

A doctorate in sports management also qualifies you to become a  sports marketing director  and earn between $72,000 and $164,000, with a median salary of $116,012. The job description for this position includes coordinating marketing efforts to garner higher ticket sales at events and crafting press kits and communicating with newspapers to facilitate news stories. They can also help design promotional materials, and ideal candidates will have exceptional organizational, oral, and written skills and will be able to work in a high-energy environment with a diverse group of people.

Embrace the convenience of online learning and shape your own path to success.

Explore schools offering programs and courses tailored to your interests, and start your learning journey today.

Top 20 PhD in Sports Management Degrees Online 2024

Find your perfect school.

Key Takeaways:

• Our #1 ranking school for an online sports management PhD is Indiana State University , followed by the University of Texas .
• Online PhD programs in sports management are designed for flexibility , catering to professionals aiming to enhance leadership skills in sports-related fields.
• Employment in sports management roles is expected to grow , making advanced degrees valuable for career advancement in this field.

In this article, we profile the top 20 online PhD in sports management degree programs.

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of management occupations to grow eight percent through 2026. Promoters and marketing managers should see a 10 percent growth rate. Both projections are favorable and faster than the average for all other occupations. With growth comes competition. To help job applicants qualify for agent roles and promotion manager positions, accredited colleges and universities offer online PhD in sports management programs.

Featured Programs

Top 20 online phd sports management programs methodology.

We looked at 48 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We reviewed schools with one PhD in sports management or closely related program that was available as a hybrid, partially online, or fully online degree. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying certain criteria, such as accreditation and school or program rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. Not all programs received a ranking, though 20 were included in our list. We then ranked the programs according to raw affordability.

Note: This ranking/article was originally published in March 2019 and was last updated in July 2022. The 2020 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has not been re-ordered.

Below is our list of the top 20 online PhD in sports management programs.

#20 – University of Medical Sciences Arizona

Online phd in rehabilitation sciences, avondale, arizona.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $57,200

An online PhD in sports management, or rehabilitation sciences as offered at the University of Medical Sciences Arizona, requires a master’s from a regionally accredited institution. The program is taught fully online and focuses on the study of the effects of disability, functional limitations, and impairments on human performance. The program consists of 72 credits of courses and research components. Some of the required courses include functional assessments and outcome measurements, health and wellness theory and practice, information systems in healthcare, outcome measurements and analysis, and research methods in rehabilitation. As a new institution, the University of Medical Sciences Arizona is seeking accreditation at this time. However, the school is approved to operate in the state of Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

#19 – Drexel University

Online phd in health and rehabilitation sciences, philadelphia, pennsylvania.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $36,234

Drexel University offers an alternative to the PhD in sports management online program. Drexel’s PhD in health and rehabilitation sciences is designed specifically for physical therapists and other professionals to be leaders as educators and researchers. Convenient part-time study options and flexible on-site residencies are offered. Courses prepare students with a deeper knowledge of therapy and rehabilitation while providing research opportunities. Both online and onsite courses make this program hybrid in nature. Drexel is an accredited private institution. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #102 in best national universities. Several of the online graduate programs have received top 50 rankings.

#18 – A. T. Still University of Health Sciences

Online doctor of athletic training, kirksville, missouri.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $41,676

One of the top online PhD in sports management or closely related degree programs on our list is the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) at A. T. Still University of Health Sciences. This program offers the convenience of online courses with workplace applications. Students take courses from university professors while working toward their athletic training degree. Courses include evidence-based practice, health information technology, patient-oriented outcomes, quality improvement, and patient safety. A. T. Still is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and many of its graduate programs have received accreditation by outside accrediting agencies.

#17 – Northcentral University

Online phd in sport and athletic management, san diego, california.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $18,207

The PhD in sports management online degree program at Northcentral University combines science-based academics, research methods, and practical application. The program is designed for individuals who want to lead in the sport and athletic management industry. The program consists of 60 credits and 20 courses. The estimated time to complete the degree is 45 months. Courses are delivered online and have weekly start dates. There are no group assignments and no scheduled lecture hours, making the program ideal for working individuals. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Northcentral among the top national universities. Also, several graduate programs have received top 200 rankings.

#16 – United States Sports Academy

Online edd in sports management, daphne, alabama.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $19,440

United States Sports Academy offers online sports management doctoral programs. The EdD in sports management offers online courses that can be taken anytime and anywhere. Several areas of emphasis are available, including sports medicine, sports theory, sports health and fitness, and sports Olympism. A doctoral dissertation is completed as part of the degree requirements. Admission to the program requires official transcripts, a qualifying essay in narrative form, and three recommendation forms so that letters may be provided on the applicant’s behalf. The United States Sports Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award doctoral degrees.

#15 – Temple University

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $18,278

For individuals looking at sports performance PhD programs online, Temple University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training degree. The DAT is open to currently certified athletic trainers who already hold a master’s degree. This 36-credit-hour program offers exclusively online courses that utilize both synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods. Courses include evidence-based decision-making in athletic training, ethical and cultural considerations in athletic training, and research appraisal and clinical applications. GRE scores are required for admission. U.S. News and World Report rank Temple #100 in best national universities and #93 in best value schools. Also, several online graduate programs rank among the top 100.

#14 – California University of Pennsylvania

Online doctorate in health science and exercise leadership, california, pennsylvania.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $12,919

California University of Pennsylvania offers a type of PhD in sports management online degree program that focuses on health science and exercise leadership. The program is considered a 100% online post-professional degree that addresses the impact of an aging population and the societal shift to promote health and wellness. The program is designed to complete courses in two years. An optional third year is comprised of the dissertation. Students do not have to complete a dissertation. Also, the only on-campus requirement of the program is to present your portfolio and defend the dissertation research if applicable. U.S. News and World Report ranks California University of Pennsylvania #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.

#13 – Moravian University

Bethlehem, pennsylvania.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,964

Closely related online sports management doctoral programs such as the online DAT program at Moravian University prepare certified athletic trainers to advance their careers and take on new leadership and entrepreneurial roles within the profession. The DAT or Doctor of Athletic Training program at Moravian offers three admission periods each year. The doctoral program can be completed in six semesters over two years when maintaining full-time enrollment status. Classes include entrepreneurship in sports medicine, healthcare policy, leadership in athletic training, and special populations in athletic training. You do not need a master’s degree for admission, though applicants with a bachelor’s degree must submit official GRE scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks Moravian College #155 in best national liberal arts colleges.

#12 – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Online phd in health sciences, provo, utah.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,416

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers sports performance PhD programs online with specialty tracks in healthcare leadership and administration and other areas. While the program is not fully online, limited-residency options are available. Students enroll on a full-time basis and earn their degree through a combination of online and face-to-face instruction. The program consists of 70 credits with coursework in areas like healthcare delivery science, organizational change, and strategic change management. Admission requires an earned master’s or professional practice degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.4 or better. A preferred minimum of one year in clinical practice is important for the admission process.

#11 – University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Online edd in athletic training, san marcos, california.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $26,247

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers various types of online sports management doctoral programs. The EdD can be earned with a specialization in athletic training. This program is designed for athletic trainers who are currently working in higher education. The specialization includes contemporary practices and relevant topics in cultural competency and evidence-based injury treatment. Some of the required courses include foundational theory in education, introduction to interprofessional scholarly studies, motivation theory in education, and research methods. A dissertation is also required. Admission requires official transcripts, two recommendations from professional colleagues, writing assessment, and, if applicable, a copy of a professional license.

#10 – Grand Canyon University

Online phd in psychology of human performance, phoenix, arizona.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $11,538

One of the top sports performance PhD programs online is Grand Canyon University’s human performance doctoral degree. Students earn a PhD in general psychology with an emphasis in human performance. Foundations of the program include performance enhancement, performance psychology, and psychomotor performance. The program consists of 60 credits and includes courses such as applied psychology of leadership, behaviorism, ethical issues in psychology, performance enhancement, psychomotor performance, and theories of inquiry. Each class runs eight weeks in length. Up to nine doctoral credits may be transferred. U.S. News and World Report ranks Grand Canyon #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, several graduate programs have earned top rankings.

#9 – East Tennessee State University

Online edd in global sport leadership, johnson city, tennessee.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,736

East Tennessee State University’s online sports management doctoral programs include the online EdD in global sport leadership. The program is designed to prepare students for academic and professional career paths. Admission to the doctoral program requires official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions, a personal essay, and at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in sport or related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program offers courses like interpreting and applying analytics in sport, leading internal and external sport, and strategic planning and thinking for global sport leaders. There is no traditional dissertation requirement. U.S. News and World Report ranks East Tennessee State #230-#301 in best national universities.

#8 – Middle Tennessee State University

Online phd in human performance, murfreesboro, tennessee.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,818

Middle Tennessee State University offers sports performance PhD programs online, including the PhD in human performance. The program is designed to train doctoral-level students to become effective leaders in education, public service, and areas of research. While the program is traditional, some classes may be delivered online. Specializations offered include exercise science, health, leisure studies, and physical education. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university with an acceptable GPA of 3.00 or better. Also, completion of the GRE and demonstrated research skills are also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Middle Tennessee State #230-#301 in best national universities.

#7 – Ball State University

Online phd in human bioenergetics, muncie, indiana.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,144

Ball State University’s PhD in sports management online programs include the PhD in human bioenergetics. Offered through the School of Kinesiology, this 90-credit PhD program is research intensive and should only be pursued by students with a drive and commitment toward the science of exercise physiology. Courses include applied physiology, exercise physiology, molecular biology with laboratory, principles of biochemistry, and seminar in exercise science. While working toward the PhD, students earn an MS in human performance, which consists of 30 credits. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ball State #171 in best national universities and #91 in top public schools.

#6 – University of Houston

Online phd in kinesiology – sport and fitness administration, houston, texas.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,727

University of Houston’s online PhD in sports management focuses on kinesiology and sport and fitness administration. Students earn a PhD in kinesiology and take additional classes in an emphasis area like sport and fitness administration. The program is designed for future faculty researchers, future industry leaders, and educators at all levels. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and satisfactory GRE scores; also needed are a letter of research interests, writing sample, and personal interview with a potential faculty advisor. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Houston #171 in best national universities and #91 in top public schools. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs have earned top 100 rankings.

#5 – Concordia University

Online phd in leadership – health and human performance, river forest, illinois.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,378

One of the top sports performance PhD programs online is offered by Concordia University. The interdisciplinary degree leads to a PhD in leadership and emphasis in health and human performance. Classes are taken entirely online and run eight weeks in length. All classes have a cap of 15 students to ensure a close peer and professor interaction. Courses include advanced exercise and sports nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention, and program design in physical activity and health. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a master’s in health science, exercise science, or closely related discipline. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Also, GRE scores and two letters of recommendation must be submitted. Concordia ranks #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #44 in best value schools.

#4 – Troy University

Online phd in sport management, troy, alabama.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,550

Troy University’s online PhD in sports management is one of the first sport management doctoral programs available online. Flexible courses can be taken online or in class. Students may choose a combination of both options to create the academic experience that fits their needs. Courses include application of sport management principles, evaluation of research studies in sport management, and survival in the contemporary sport industry. Admission requirements include satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a statement of intent. Several application deadlines are offered throughout the year. Troy University is ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Troy #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South.

#3 – University of North Carolina

Online edd in kinesiology, greensboro, north carolina.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,265

Some of the top sports performance PhD programs online are found at University of North Carolina Greensboro. The school offers an interdisciplinary EdD in kinesiology specifically designed for practicing professionals with a minimum of three years’ work experience. The program may be completed in four years by taking online courses and attending three campus visits. Courses include analysis of teaching and learning, curriculum development in kinesiology, program design in kinesiology and related professions, and research topics in kinesiology. Official transcripts and GRE scores are required for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNC Greensboro #201 in best national universities and #109 in top public schools.

#2 – Indiana State University

Online doctorate in athletic training, terre haute, indiana.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,056

Indiana State University’s online sports management doctoral programs include the first and only CAATE-accredited DAT program in the nation. This 57-credit program offers a combination of online learning and intensive hands-on application. Courses include administration of health care, evidence based integrative care, outcome assessment in health care, research design and data analysis in health and human performance, and research methods in applied medicine and rehabilitation. Admission requires at least a baccalaureate degree from a four-year accredited university, cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a combined GRE score of 295 or greater. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana State #230-#301 in best national universities.

#1 – The University of Texas

Online phd in kinesiology, el paso, texas.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,166

The University of Texas offers kinesiology programs that are ideal for individuals interested in online PhD in sports management degrees. The program offers the completion of a master’s in kinesiology while pursuing a doctoral degree. A combination of classroom and online courses provides flexibility and convenience. Students may select among three concentrations, including clinical exercise physiology, human fitness and performance, and physical education. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. UT is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #230-#301 in the best national universities. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs have received top 150 rankings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with an online phd in sports management.

By earning an online PhD in sports management, you may be qualified for top-level leadership roles in the sporting industry. With a PhD in sports management, students find work in colleges and universities, professional and amateur sports teams, and offices of sports agencies or athletic organizations.

Examples of careers for individuals with an online PhD in sports management:

Athletic directors: Athletic directors work in schools, colleges, universities, or after-school programs and coordinate athletic activities. They typically oversee staff, create and report budget allocations, and uphold standards of the organization. They may participate in recruitment of athletes or ensure compliance with institution and government regulations.

Sports agents: Key responsibilities of sports agents include serving the athlete or organization they represent. They act as advisors, mentors, and even confidantes for the clients they support. They often negotiate contracts, help promote their athlete or organization, and work out the terms of their client’s career.

Sports management professors: Most postsecondary instructors and professors work in public and private colleges and universities. Time is spent on the job teaching classes, conducting research, and performing administrative duties. To become a professor at the four-year college level, a PhD is required.

How much money will I make with an online PhD in sports management?

PayScale, a global compensation research organization that collects and analyzes salary data, reports the average salary for an individual with a PhD in sports management is $60,000. However, there are many factors that impact this figure.

Job title is a factor that impacts earnings. Agents, marketers, and sports promoters can make six-figure and seven-figure wages, but competition for these jobs is high. Professors and postsecondary teachers of sports management and athletic administration earn approximately $76,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Athletic directors earn an average of $59,778 per year, as reported by PayScale.

Annual earnings also vary with geographic location. Large cities pay more than smaller, rural towns. However, cost of living also affects earnings. It is more expensive to live in urban locations, and to offset the cost of living, employers pay more. However, this is not always the case.

Another factor that impacts earnings is experience. The more experience an individual has, the more money they will make in the sports management industry. For example, PayScale reports an athletic director with entry-level experience of less than five years earns approximately $50,000, while an athletic director with 10 to 20 years of experience earns $67,000.

What is the career outlook for an individual with an online PhD in sports management?

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow ten percent through 2026. Strong demand and increasing popularity of sports will likely contribute to job growth for sports occupations. Employment of agents, managers, and overall management occupations is also expected to increase.

With a favorable job outlook, competition will also increase. This means that acquiring adequate education will help set you above your competition. Earning a PhD means you are an expert in the field. Employers value doctoral degrees. By earning an online PhD in sports management, you will offer a potential employer assurance that they are hiring an expert.

Also, jobs such as scouts, sports agents, and visible business roles in the sporting industry are highly competitive. Competition is fierce for leadership roles in professional sports team organizations. Education and experience are valued, so earning an online PhD in sports management improves job prospects.

Postsecondary teachers, or professors of sports management, are required to hold a PhD in sports management or closely related discipline. BLS reports a favorable job outlook for postsecondary instructors. In fact, a 15 percent growth rate is anticipated through the year 2026.

How long does it take to earn an online PhD in sports management?

Completion time varies by program. However, most online PhD in sports management programs take 36-48 months to complete. On rare occasions, the length of time may be shortened.

There are several factors that impact the length of time it takes to complete an online PhD in sports management. Enrollment, whether full-time or part-time, is the greatest factor. Full-time programs take less time to complete but require more study and research than part-time programs. Part-time programs offer flexibility and require fewer courses be taken at one time. In fact, most part-time programs only require that one class be taken at a time. If you want to earn your PhD in less than four years, full-time enrollment is a must.

Research-intensive programs often take longer to complete due to thesis or dissertation requirements. If you do not plan to go into academia and prefer a less research-intensive program, look for non-thesis programs. By completing a non-thesis degree, you may shave off months, even years, spent in school. It is critical to do much of your research upfront as you decide which program best fits your needs.

What are the admission requirements for an online PhD in sports management program?

The admission requirements for online PHD in sports management programs vary. Some requirements are more stringent at top-ranked institutions. However, most programs require an earned bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university. In some cases, nationally accredited bachelor’s degrees are accepted.

Admission committees look for individuals with academic promise. If the PhD program is research heavy, applicants should showcase a clear picture of their research experience. Also, be able to provide a research focus in the required statement of purpose.

GRE or GMAT scores are not always required, though top programs will ask for graduate exams taken within the last five years. In rare cases, GRE or GMAT scores may be waived if an applicant offers a stellar undergraduate performance. In these cases, applicants must have at least a 3.5 or 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Additional admission requirements vary. However, most of the online PhD in sports management programs on our list ask for letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a statement of purpose or goals. Research, publication, and work experience may also be required. Also, some admission boards require a face-to-face interview or Skype interview prior to acceptance.

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This concludes our list of the top 20 online PhD in sports management programs.

How much money can you make with a sports management degree?

Should you pick your degree based on future salary?

After graduation, sports management graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $ 67,406 , while the bottom 20% make close r to $ 27,897 . The median grad salary is $ 43,364 .

Sports Management graduate salaries over time

The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in sports management is $ 28,098 , and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $ 43,366 .

This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:

Wage ($USD)

Years of work experience.

Pro tip Still unsure if a degree in sports management is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career

Discover what you’ll learn—and what you can do after you graduate.

Sports Management

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Sports Management

$79,311 (usd)/yr, $38.13 (usd) /hr, $2,800 (usd) /yr.

The average sports management gross salary in United States is $79,311 or an equivalent hourly rate of $38. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $2,800. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in United States. An entry level sports management (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $56,802. On the other end, a senior level sports management (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $97,870.

Data powered by ERI's Salary Expert Database .

This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform .

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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$89,087 (USD)

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Sports Management will increase 12 % over 5 years.

This chart displays the highest level of education for: Sports Management , the majority at 60% with bachelors.

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Sports Management Salary

Prospective students interested in a sports-related degree often wonder about sports management degree salaries .  Sports management is a field that covers the business functions of sports and recreation.  There are a variety of roles available within the field of sports management related to:

• planning and organizing events

The salaries for graduates with sports management degrees can be very lucrative. How lucrative largely depends on the role. 

Earning a degree in sports management is a great way to launch your career.  A sports management degree provides future professionals with a solid foundation in the business aspects of the sports industry. These programs focus on various business areas including:

Students also learn how these disciplines play a part in sports and physical activity.

There are many top schools that offer sports management degree programs.  Some of the most popular are the University of Texas and George Mason University. The University of Texas offers a sports management bachelor’s degree that requires students to choose a minor or specialization to complete their degree.  Specializations that work well with sports management include:

• communication

George Mason University offers a bachelor’s degree in sports management through their School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.  The program’s curriculum is guided by the standards established by the North American Society for Sport Management.

Related Resource: Sports Management Jobs

Details About Sports Management Salaries

How much do sport managers make ?  While the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically mention sports management in their job profile, they do include information about entertainment and sports occupations as overall.  They report the median annual wage for this job category is $49,470/year which is higher than average.  They project overall employment figures to grow by 13% through 2031, which is much faster than average. 

Sports management degree salary ranges vary based on a variety of factors, including location, education, and experience. Location is a major factor because many different aspects come into play, such as the demand in the sports industry and cost of living. For example, sports management positions earn an average of $58,000 in New York, New York and around $37,000 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The average salary of sports management professionals differs according to education.  Payscale reports that the average base salary for an individual with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management is $55,000/year.  Indeed reports that the earnings increase from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s by about 20%.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with an advanced degree have the highest wages and the lowest unemployment rates.  

Answering the question, “ How much do sports managers make ?” largely depends on their experience in the field.  A manager with a sports management degree can expect to earn more as they gain experience in the field.  Payscale reports that late career professionals and those with at least 20 years of experience make significantly more than those just starting out. 

Salary Expectations

Since sports management is a diverse field, there are many different job opportunities with different salary expectations.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides some insights on what the median annual wages are for some of the top jobs in the industry.   These top jobs include:

• Athletic Trainer
• Facilities Manager

The median annual wage for an athletic trainer in 2021 was $48,420/year.  Trainers who work in educational services or in fitness and recreational sports centers can expect to be paid more, while those working in hospitals or therapy offices may make slightly less.  The highest 10% of athletic trainers earns more than $76,000 while the lowest 10% earn less than $37,000.

Some sports management professionals go on to work as coaches.  The median annual wage for coaches in May 2021 was $38,970/year.  Coaches who work in colleges and universities make considerably more while those in elementary or secondary schools make less.  The highest 10% earn over $80,000 while the lowest paid 10% earned under $22,000.

Facilities managers coordinate the operations of a sporting facility.  The BLS reports the median annual wage for these professionals is $97,930/year.  The highest paid facilities managers work in a corporate setting.  Those working for a college or university are paid an annual mean wage of over $100,000/year.   

How much does a sports manager make working at the top tier of the profession?  The sports management jobs that pay the most are those at the professional level, for example professional sports manager salaries can be over $200,000 per year, while sports agents can make millions per year depending on commission.

Other sports management jobs that are in demand include sports manager, sports marketer, and sports agent.

Related Resource:  What are the Different Types of Sports Medicine Jobs?

How to Maximize Your Sports Management Salary

There are a variety of ways for graduates of sports management degrees to maximize their earnings. One crucial way is gaining significant experience in the field, and then applying to upper-level positions. Pursuing advanced education at the graduate degree level may also help sports management professionals boost their salaries.

Another way to market themselves both inside and out of their organizations to gain more leverage in internal negotiations and open up more opportunities at other employers. Also, starting at the low-end with a professional sports team and working their way up could potentially result in a sport professional earning an extremely lucrative Sports Management salary .

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What Public Relations Jobs in Sports are Available?

Job Profile: Sports Agent

Sports Marketing: Salary and Responsibilities

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