best phd sports management

Top 10 Ph.D Programs in Sport Management

Earning a Ph.D in Sports Management is a great way to stand out in this competitive field. Jobs for sport management professionals with their Ph.D exist in facility management, sports marketing, sports law, or education. Earning a sports management Ph.D is a natural progression for students who already have a career in athletics and business and are looking for professional advancement. Sports minded professionals will find advanced education and training in sport management very rewarding.

Methodology

To identify the top 10 best sports management Ph.D programs, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs in an online format. We also consulted NASSM, the North American Society for Sport Management, which keeps a list of universities offering Ph.D Sport Management programs in the U.S. We compared student to faculty ratios, average graduate tuition rates, graduation rates, and accreditations using College Navigator. While graduation rates are provided only for first time undergraduate students, we felt this was still important to consider for our list an indicator of the level of support students receive while earning their degree. To be considered for our list, schools must hold regional accreditation, feature hands on training and internship or field experiences, and have a curriculum taught by doctorate level faculty. Where there are ties, we favored the school with the lower graduate tuition rate. From our list, we created a rating system as seen below to select our top 10 doctorate programs in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 2 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $10,000 per year= 2 Points
• More than $10,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Less than 50 percent = 1 Points
• Greater than 50 percent = 2 Point

Below are 10 schools that offer the best sports management PhD degree programs. Students learn advanced skills and benefit from professional training in sport management.

Related Resource: Can I Earn a Specialized Sports Marketing Degree?

Ranking the Top 10 PhD Programs in Sports Management

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#10 – University of Northern Colorado-Greeley, Colorado

Ph.d. in sport and exercise science: sport administration.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,867/year in-state and $19,620/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 52 percent Points: 4 As one of the first Ph.D. programs in sport management in the country, the University of Northern Colorado has trained some of the top industry experts. UNCO values independent research and encourages students to work with a faculty advisor to pursue individual research interests. Courses cover areas like consumer behavior, marketing, research, public relations, facility management, and finance. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students in this top sports management PhD program will be prepared to work in academia or research, or be successful as a top level sport administrator.

#9 – University of Connecticut-Storrs, Connecticut

Ph.d. in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $16,300/year in-state and $38,212/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 84 percent Points: 4 The top sport management Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut is a concentration within the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy Program (LLEP). Students experience a mix of classroom, research and field experiences lead by expert level faculty with experience in the sport industry. Courses cover Organizational Theory in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, and Research in Sport Management. Students can gain additional experience and training by applying for a limited number of assistantships within the department or in the Division of Athletics.

#8 – University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts

Phd in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,014/year in-state and $29,529/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 4 At the intersection of sport and business lies the top Doctorate in Sport Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This full-time, four-year residential program prepares students for a successful career in academia. Areas of study include sport marketing, sport law, sport finance, sport sociology, and sport economics. Students complete 48 credits of coursework, pass a qualifying and comprehensive exam, and teach for three years at Isenberg. During the last years in the program, students will research and complete a dissertation.

#7 – The Ohio State University-Columbus, Ohio

Phd in kinesiology, sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Net Price: $11,560/year in-state and $35,144/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 86 percent Points: 4 The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University features a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a focus in sport management. This customized program includes one-on-one mentoring from faculty, contributing to the field through individual research, and engaging in unique professional development opportunities. Coursework covers areas like sports marketing, sport organization theory, business of college sport, and research methods.

#6 – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan

Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $23,890/year in-state and $48,204/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 93 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan features a Doctorate in Sport Management designed for educators, researchers, and sport management professionals. Students in this top sport management doctorate program contribute original research to the field through a dissertation project. To help offset the cost of tuition, UM offers financial assistance in the form of assistantships (both research and teaching) and fellowship opportunities. Sports management degree coursework covers areas like financial management for the sport industry, managing a professional sport franchise, and strategic management.

#5 – Florida State University-Tallahassee, Florida

Phd sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 83 percent Points: 5 The College of Education at Florida State University offers a top Ph.D. in Sport Management focused on four theme areas which include Legal and Policy Issues in Sport, Management in Sport, Sport Marketing, and Sport Media and Culture Studies. Students complete a seminar series, being immersed in current trends and research in each of the theme areas of the program. The curriculum includes extensive training in research, preparing students to become an active researcher. Students also gain valuable instructional experience by shadowing a faculty member to learn to teach undergraduate sport management courses.

#4 – Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sport management ph.d..

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,132/year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 68 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University features an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Sport Management which allows students to tailor the program to meet their professional interests. Students complete core courses, independent studies, and elective courses that cover a wide variety of sport management related concepts and issues. Faculty serve as mentors to help students reach their full potential in both research and academia.

#3 – Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana

Sport management doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,501/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 79 percent Points: 5 The Doctorate in Sports Management program at Indiana University was designed to meet the demand for an increase in professors and researchers in the field. Students have the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest within sport management through elective coursework and seminars. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Future students should have a solid background and interest in research.

#2 – University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Arkansas

Doctor of philosophy program in health, sport and exercise science, with a concentration in recreation and sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $7,752/year in-state and $21,032/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 66 percent Points: 5 Students with a passion for both recreation and sport management should explore the top Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas. The program features a concentration in Recreation and Sport Management that prepares students for careers in education, management, and research. This top sport management doctoral program is rich with experiential learning. Students complete independent research projects, internship experiences, conduct presentations, and publish their work in professional journals. To complete their degree, students must pass both oral and written examinations, a thesis, and a dissertation.

#1 – Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas

Ph.d. in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,677/year in-state and $18,700/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 5 Texas A&M University offers our top choice for a Ph.D. in Sport Management. The Department of Health and Kinesiology has offered a leading sport management Ph.D. program for over 30 years. The curriculum follows four primary areas including scholarship of sport management, scholarship of theoretical specializations, methods of inquiry, and teaching and career preparation. Faculty are industry experts with experience working in marketing, finance, diversity, sport development, legal issues in sport, and leadership. Opportunities for professional development are available through the Center for Sport Management Research and Education and the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport.

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Best online doctorate in sports management 2022: Top picks

Sports management focuses on sport and recreation from a business perspective. Students study public perceptions of sport, sport culture, and how to optimize earnings and communications both on and off the field.

Earning a doctorate in sports management provides learners with the skills to rise to the top of the sports management field. Sports management professionals work in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, professional sport organizations, and at health, fitness, and recreation facilities. With sports and recreation an important part of our daily lives, sports management professionals thrive as coaches , personal managers and agents , and educators. 

To find out about the top sports management doctoral degrees in 2022, check out the information below.  

Top 2 online schools for doctorates in sports management: Quick facts

The best online doctorate in sports management degrees.

ZDNet's ranking methodology uses a proprietary formula to assess college degree programs. Data-driven and curated by industry professionals, ZDNet's independent and comprehensive evaluation offers insight into the curricula, cost, and reputability of the best online sports management doctorates. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard .

1. Concordia University Chicago

River forest, illinois.

About the program: CUC, an institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, offers an interdisciplinary online Ph.D. in sports leadership in conjunction with Sport Management Worldwide. 

• Acceptance rate: 78.5%
• Graduation rate: 49%
• Avg. annual net price: $16,512
• Years to completion: Three (accelerated format) 
• GRE/GMAT: N/A
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Enrollment periods per year: Three
• Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

2. Troy University

Troy, alabama.

About the program: Troy's online Ph.D. in sport management emphasizes contemporary, theoretical and applied studies of sports management for sport practitioners and sports management educators alike.

• Acceptance rate: 88%
• Graduation rate: 33%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,285
• Years to completion: Three to eight
• GRE/GMAT: Currently waived
• Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
• Enrollment periods per year: Two

What to expect in an online doctorate in sports management degree program

An online doctorate in sports management begins with coursework in fundamentals of the discipline alongside research methods classes. Students learn about the sports industry in seminars, lectures, and through independent assignments. 

Through the first years of a doctoral program, learners identify an area of interest to focus on throughout their studies. After a series of comprehensive exams, Students undertake an advanced research project that culminates in the presentation and defense of a dissertation. 

Earning an online doctorate requires dedication and determination. Doctoral students work closely with faculty throughout the program, an essential component to successful completion of a sports management degree.

Doctorate in sports management courses

Specific coursework in sports management doctorates differs by program, but some similarities exist across curricula. Classes in sport administration, issues in contemporary sport, and legal aspects of sport accompany research methods and statistics classes.

Sports administration 

Sports administration coursework explores theoretical concepts and principles in sport while training students to apply them to practical situations. Learners use case studies, discussion forums, and interactive assignments to build understanding of effective and efficient sport administration practices.

Contemporary sport

Contemporary sport classes teach students about the historical foundations of sport in society, politics, and economics in anticipation of assessing the role sport plays in today's world. Topics include community and youth sport, interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, diversity in sport, and sociological aspects of sports management.

Applied statistics in sports management

An applied statistics in sports management course introduces learners to the many statistical models used to assess sport-related data. Students build analytical skills as they collect, interpret, and apply data to questions, challenges, and issues related to the sport industry.

Qualitative research in sports management

Qualitative research in sports management coursework trains students to employ research methodologies based on non-statistical frameworks. Topics include research questions, ethics in research, building questionnaires, and research sampling.

Sports management degree levels

Sports management degree levels meet the needs of students at different stages of their academic and professional careers. A certificate in sports management serves as an introduction into the discipline. Associate and bachelor's degrees provide foundational information for individuals who seek to enter the sports management profession, while graduate programs allow for advancement within the field of sports management. 

Certificate in sports management

• Length: One year or less
• Cost: $1,000-$3,000
• Post-grad careers: Interscholastic athletic coach, public relations associate, sport marketing assistant

At the undergraduate level, a certificate in sports management introduces students to the fundamentals of sport marketing, law, ethics, and finance. Graduate certificates in sports management emphasize marketing and sponsorships, sport event management, and sport sociology to build upon existing business and sport knowledge.

With an undergraduate certificate, learners can enter the sports management field, while a graduate certificate gives business professionals an opportunity to move into the area of sports management. A graduate certificate builds understanding of the ever-changing sport business landscape to enhance leadership skills for practicing sports managers. 

Associate in sports management

• Length: Two years
• Cost: $6,000-$22,000
• Post-grad careers: Sporting event planner, stadium operations assistant, sport sales specialist

A sports management associate degree includes two years of coursework in marketing, accounting, and business essentials as they relate to the sport industry. Learners learn about sports organizations at amateur and professional levels, sporting goods companies, and sport administration in educational settings in anticipation of an entry-level role in sports management.

Some associate degrees in sports management may include an internship or practical learning requirement. An associate in sports management also prepares students to continue onto a graduate degree in the discipline. 

Bachelor's in sports management

• Length: Four years
• Cost: $12,000-$120,000
• Post-grad careers: Sport marketer, sport facility manager, sport public relations associate

Through four years of general education and major coursework, a bachelor's in sports management program builds comprehensive understanding of the sport industry. Coursework in sport and society, sport facility and event management, and sport marketing accompanies classes in sport law, philosophy of sport, and sport law. 

Learners often complete one or more practical requirements as part of a sports management bachelor's degree. Additional capstone courses allow students to synthesize degree content through a group project, portfolio assignment, or comparable culminating assignment. 

Master's in sports management

• Cost: $14,000-$80,000
• Post-grad careers: Athletic director, senior sport marketer, sport organization operations manager

A sports management master's degree builds advanced understanding of marketing, organizational behavior, and business operations as they relate to the spirit industry. Many master's degrees in sports management include specializations in topics such as athletic administration and coaching, sport law, and international sport. 

Master's degrees in sports management integrate research coursework to build analytical skills, often in anticipation of a thesis or comprehensive project requirement. Additional requirements may include one or more internships or practicums. 

Doctorate in sports management

• Length: Three to five years
• Cost: $25,000-$120,000
• Post-grad careers: University professor, sport marketing director, sport organization operations manager 

A doctorate in sports management may be a Ph.D., a doctor of business administration with a concentration in sports management, or a doctor of education in athletic administration specialization. Most sports management doctorates are Ph.D. programs and emphasize research in the business of sport.

Students in a doctoral program in sports management complete research methods coursework alongside classes on topics such as sport ethics, sport leadership, and sport in society. Comprehensive exams precede an advanced research project that results in a dissertation. Depending on the type of doctorate, learners may also complete an internship or practical requirement.

In conclusion

A sports management degree unites sport and business, ideal for individuals interested in both. With a doctorate in sports management, students possess the advanced analytical and critical thinking skills needed to study and understand the business of sports. 

The information on this page can help you determine if earning a doctorate in sports management degree is right for you.

Business and Management

10 Best Ph.D.s in Sports Management in 2021

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Discover a program that is right for you.

Sports lovers can examine athletics from an academic perspective with an advanced degree in the field.  grad school hub  has ranked the 10 best ph.d.s' in sports management..

Passionate sports fans often remember obscure facts, figures, and data from past games. Some may even spend time analyzing patterns in trends relating to their favorite team or sport. With one of  Grad School Hub 's 10 Best Ph.D.s' in Sports Management, individuals can take their athletic analysis to an advanced level.

Sports Management programs often fall under the umbrella of kinesiology, though their scope expands far beyond the study of body movement. The following programs explore areas of the sports world including history, law, ethics, finance, and marketing.

Doctoral degree programs are typically research-intensive, so candidates can expect to spend a considerable amount of time examining an issue or specific area of the field. Curricula are generally made up of research-intensive courses and seminars, electives in areas of individual interest, and an in-depth doctoral dissertation or research project. Some programs also offer practical experiences such as teaching assistantships.

PhDs in the field prepare students for careers in academic and research-based roles relating to Sports Management. For example, individuals who hold PhDs in Sports Management may go on to work in Sports Statistician positions. Academic sports statisticians analyze sporting data and look for trends in order to predict changes and solve problems. They also often work as university professors and researchers. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017, full-time statisticians earn a median annual salary of $84,760. The statistician field is growing at a rate of 33 percent, which is much faster than average. In the Information Age, the amount of data is increasing, and statisticians are needed to manage that data in the sports realm.

10 Best PhDs in Sports Management in 2021

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Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management. The Ph.D. program prepares individuals for opportunities in areas such as business, event management, marketing, and research in the sports realm. The curriculum is developed in four principal areas: Legal Policy Issues in Sport, Management in Sport, Sport Marketing, and Sport Media Culture Studies. The doctoral core is comprised of seminars in Advanced Law and Sport; Globalization, Development, and Sport; Political Economy of Play; and Sport Marketing. The program also integrates instructional experience, giving students opportunities to shadow faculty members in preparation for teaching undergraduate lecture courses. The degree plan includes a qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense.

Founded in 1851, the FSU campus sits on the oldest continuous higher education site in Florida. Located in Tallahassee, the public university is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. It is a space- and sea-grant university classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. In addition, FSU is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and is the birthplace of the anti-cancer drug Taxol. U.S. News World Report ranks FSU at No. 70 for the nation, No. 37 for innovation, and No. 26 among public schools.

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington offers an emphasis in Sport Management within its Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance. The program is ideal for individuals hoping to work in the academic field of sports management. Students can choose electives and seminars in a range of interest areas within the field, such as business, communication, and history. Prerequisites include Epidemiology; Introduction to Statistics in Public Health; Principles and Foundations of Public Health; and Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation. The 90-credit curriculum includes 20 to 30 credits of doctoral dissertation work.

IU was founded in 1820 as the State Seminary and is now the flagship establishment of the Indiana University system. The university is additionally the largest state institutional member by enrollment. IU is considered a "Public Ivy" university, with an educational quality that compares to the Ivy League. It is a research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Located in Bloomington, IN, the IU campus sits on a bed of Indiana Limestone and features historical limestone buildings and green space. U.S. News World Report ranks the University at No. 89 in the nation and No. 38 among public schools.

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University offers a specialization in Sport Management within its Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology. The program is built on sport management courses, independent studies, and mentorship. Through elective coursework, students can expect to explore interests such as finance, social issues, law, and organizational behavior in relation to sports management. Core courses include Administrative Problems in Kinesiology, Social Issues in Sport, and Organizational Behavior and Development in Sport. The curriculum culminates in nine credit hours of dissertation research. The program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.

LSU was founded in 1853 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning Military Academy. Today, the university's official name is Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. The public research university is the flagship campus of Louisiana State University and the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana. It is also a designated land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a number of research facilities and sponsored research project. Its main campus in Baton Rouge, LA, sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. U.S. News World Report ranks LSU at No. 140 in the nation and No. 70 among public schools.

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education in Sport and Athletic Management. The program encompasses the financial, legal, marketing, and political aspects of collegiate athletics. Its 60-credit curriculum combines science, research, and experiential learning. The course sequence includes Advising the Student-Athlete, Legal Aspects of Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics, and Sport Compliance. It culminates in the completion of a doctoral research dissertation and oral presentation. Graduates do not earn any particular education licensure or certification. The degree can be completed in an estimated 45 months or about four years.

Northcentral is a fully online Doctoral Research University headquartered in San Diego, CA. The university uses a "One-to-One Learning Model," which pairs each student with a faculty member for personal attention and feedback. The learning model makes use of interactive technologies such as video conferencing. All faculty members have doctoral degrees themselves. The university aims for high flexibility, with 24-hour access and the weekly course starts. It is a regionally accredited institution.

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University provides a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology in Sport Management. The program offers one-on-one faculty support from within the program, as well as guidance from the wider Ohio State community. The program coursework covers sports marketing, understanding sports consumers, sports organization theory, sport and society, the business of college sports, and research methods. Elective offerings include Women in Sport History, Sport and Sexuality, and American Sports History. Students must achieve a minimum of six credits of Sport Management dissertation analysis.

OSU was founded in 1870 as a land-grant university under the Morrill Act. Today, it is a public flagship land-, sea-, and space-grant university. Located in Columbus, OH, it has the third-largest university campus in the United States. The university also operates campuses in the Ohio towns of Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and Wooster. U.S. News World Report ranks OSU at No. 56 in the nation, No. 18 for innovation, and No. 17 among public schools.

College Station, TX

Texas M University offers Grad School Hub's best Sports Management Ph.D. program: its Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology. The program offers a specialization in Sport Management, which emphasizes areas including diversity, organizational strategy, and sports marketing. The curriculum includes doctoral seminars in Sport Management, Sport Marketing, and Social Issues in Sport. Students must also complete a teaching internship and directed research. Students who hold master's degrees must complete a minimum of 64 credit hours toward the degree, while those who do not must complete 96 hours. Each student must pass preliminary and final exams, as well as completing a research proposal and project. The program culminates in an original doctoral dissertation.

Established in 1871, Texas M was the first public higher education institution in Texas. It was founded as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act as the Agricultural Mechanical College of Texas. Today, it is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant university with the second largest student body in the United States. It is a state flagship university and the founding member of the Texas M University System. U.S. News World Report ranks the University at No. 66 in the nation, No. 44 for best value, No. 37 in innovation, and No. 24 among public schools.

Fayetteville, AR

The University of Arkansas offers a 96-credit Doctor of Philosophy in Health, Sport and Exercise Science. The Concentration in Recreation and Sport Management prepares individuals for sport management roles in university settings. Students can alternatively choose a concentration in Exercise Science, Kinesiology-Pedagogy, or Health Behavior Health Promotion. The university's Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation requires core coursework in Research in HHPR, Statistics in Education and Health Professions, and 18 credits of Doctoral Dissertation work. The Recreation and Sport Management Concentration are comprised of three courses: Directed Reading in Recreation and Sport, Issues in RESM, and Management in RESM. Capstone experiences include internships, seminar presentations, journal publications, and dissertation research.

U of A was established in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University. It is the flagship location of the University of Arkansas System, and the largest university in the state. The public land-grant research university has a hilltop campus in Fayetteville, AR. In 1925, architects made a plan to destroy all existing buildings and reconstruct the campus in the Collegiate Gothic style. While the plan was never completed, several buildings were constructed in the style near the center of campus. Most of these structures are part of the University of Arkansas Campus Historic District. Notably, Hillary and Bill Clinton both taught at the university's law school prior to their days in the White House. U.S. News World Report ranks U of A at No. 78 among public schools.

The University of Connecticut offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management. The program examines social justice and organizational change in sports management through research and theory. Core courses include Educational Policy and Politics, Influences on Adult Learning, and Organizational Learning. Sport Management courses include Current Research in Sports Management, Organizational Behavior in Sport, and Organizational Theory in Sport. Students can also expect to complete a series of research courses and conduct doctoral dissertation research.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a public flagship university land-, sea-, and space-grant university. UConn categorized as a research institution with the highest level of research activity and more selective admissions by the Carnegie Foundation. The university has also been identified as a Public Ivy school, which means that its a public institution with educational features analogous to that of the Ivy League. It is one of the founding institutions of New England's Knowledge Corridor, an economic and cultural alliance in the Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA region. UConn is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. U.S. News World Report ranks UC at No. 63 in the nation, No. 89 for best value, and No. 22 among public schools.

Amherst, MA

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management. The full-time, residential program studies the intersection of sport and business. Students can expect small class sizes and teaching opportunities. Individuals can personalize their plan of study by choosing electives in areas of interest such as Sport Law, Sport Sociology, and Sport Consumer Behavior. The program has a sharp focus on research and has explored subjects such as gender and race dynamics in sport, ticket price strategy, and the impact of social media on companies and athletes. The program takes four to five full-time years to complete. The first year is spent on core courses and a qualifying exam, and the second is spent on minor field courses and a comprehensive exam. The third, fourth, and fifth years are spent on teaching and the dissertation proposal and research.

UMass Amherst is a public land-grant university and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. The university is categorized in the top tier of research universities by the Carnegie Foundation. Located in Amherst, MA, the university's campus is home to the largest library system of any public institution in the northeast. With its own Combined Heat and Power plant, the campus has also been named one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation. U.S. News World Report ranks UMass at No. 70 in the nation and No. 26 among public schools.

Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management through its School of Kinesiology. Students can earn funding toward the degree through teaching and research assistantships and fellowships. Course offerings include Gender and Sport; Sport and the Consumer; Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise; and Race Relations, Cultural Images, and Sport. Students have the opportunity to complete field experiences, teaching experiences, independent studies, and internships relating to sports management. All students must pass a qualifying exam and complete a doctoral dissertation.

Founded in 1817, U of M is the oldest university in Michigan. It was founded in Detroit 20 years before the Michigan territory became a state, and has since moved to Ann Arbor. The public research university also operates campuses in Flint and Dearborn, MI. Additionally, U of M is an establishing subsidiary of the Association of American Universities and a Carnegie-classified research academy with very high research activity. U.S. News World Report ranks U of M at No. 27 for the nation, No. 12 in innovation, and No. 4 among public schools nationally.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

Students pursuing a PhD in Sport Management develop scholarly and research competence, culminating in an original doctoral dissertation contributing to the body of knowledge in sport business. The program is designed for students who intend to make their careers as scholars, teachers, researchers, and professionals in economics, marketing, philanthropy, and urban development, as they pertain to sport business.

Each doctoral student works closely with a faculty advisor from the beginning of their degree program. Under their faculty advisor’s guidance, they are expected to take relevant coursework, engage in relevant research experiences (lab rotations, independent study projects, etc.), generate research ideas, and complete a research dissertation prior to graduation. 

A principal goal of doctoral student training is achieving competence as an independent scholar. This entails not only proficiency in research but in the dissemination of knowledge. To achieve this, students learn to guide the learning of others as a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) or Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). 

Doctoral students and their faculty advisors will form a Guidance Committee, Qualifying Examination Committee, and a Dissertation Committee to provide advice and evaluate student progress at successive stages of the program. 

Sport Management PhD Curriculum

PhD students choose from a set of core courses in Kinesiology, as well as cognate courses from other units, and complete a minimum of 30 pre-candidacy credits beyond the master's level. Qualifying examinations must be passed before advancing to candidacy, after which the student completes an original doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 50 credits including pre-candidacy and candidacy work must be completed to graduate.

The courses you take will vary, depending on your educational goals. Courses taken for graduate credit will carry SM or KINESLGY program codes, and are numbered 500 and above.

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• Browse only KINESLGY courses in the Course Catalog
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Sport Management Graduate Faculty

Our Sport Management graduate faculty are leaders in their fields, and have a variety of interests and specialties. View the SM graduate faculty list .

Forms & Bulletins

Bulletins contain important information about graduate study at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. They provide key information about academic program requirements, rules, and regulations of our School. Please also consult U-M’s Rackham School of Graduate Studies website at rackham.umich.edu for more expansive and detailed information.

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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

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.?

The Ph.D. in Sport Management at TROY is designed to enhance your critical thinking, analytical, statistical and research-based skills required for survival in the contemporary sport industry. Students will acquire these skills through engagement in an integrated academic learning and research-oriented environment with highly regarded faculty that includes the man often referred to as the “Father of Modern Sport Management,” Professor Packianathan Chelladurai. Collectively, TROY’s sport management faculty has published 14 textbooks, 78 textbook chapters, 362 peer-reviewed manuscripts and given 646 national and international peer-reviewed presentations. Highly regarded within the field of sport, TROY’s Sport Management faculty members have served on 158 doctoral dissertation committees and serve as Editor or Associate Editor of eight peer-reviewed journals in the sport management field and as members of more than 20 Editorial Boards. So, if you are looking to advance in the field of sport management, start that journey with us today. 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 only Ph. D. program 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.

• Troy University Graduate School Application Form
• One official transcript per each institution of higher education ever attended
• Each individual must 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: February 1 Fall Admission for non U.S. citizens: December 1 Spring Admission for U.S. citizens: September 1 Spring Admission for non U.S. citizens: July 1

From a research review, collectively, the current Sport Management faculty at Troy University have published 15 textbooks, more than 80 textbook chapters, over 360 peer-reviewed manuscripts and given more than 650 national and international peer-reviewed presentations. Currently, TROY Sport Management faculty members serve as Editor or Associate Editor of 8 peer-reviewed journals in the sport management field and over 20 Editorial Boards. Finally, TROY Sport Management faculty members have served on nearly 160 doctoral dissertation committees.

In regards to service and reputation of doctoral directive faculty, two of the present faculty members have previously served as the President of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), considered the flagship organization in academic sport management. Additionally, another faculty member has served as the President of the Sport and Recreation Law Association, the foremost organization for the study of legal aspects of sport in the sport management academy. Finally, and importantly, a faculty member has served on the Board of Commissioners for the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) which is the only accrediting body of academic sport management programs in the world.

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?

Best PhDs In Sports Management

CC Staff Writer

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated January 11, 2023

CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Are you an aspiring academic with a passion for research and sports? Jumpstart your career with one of the best PhDs in sports management.

The rapidly developing sports industry has grown into a booming $200 billion business. As a result, there’s a high demand for sports business-trained professionals and innovative academic research. For aspiring academics with a passion for sports, opportunities abound.

Earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management can launch your career as a professor or sports management executive. You’ll expand your skills and knowledge, develop your critical thinking skills, and gain hands-on research experience.

To simplify this process, we’ve put together a list of the ten best PhD in Sports Management programs in the nation. Earning a degree from any one of these programs will prepare you to be an efficient, effective leader in the emerging field of sports management.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

What kind of PhD in Sports Management should you get?

Depending on your career goals, you may want to choose a PhD in Sports Management that allows you to declare a specialization. Either way, you should have an idea of what type of research you’d like to pursue. Most programs expect you to have an area of interest that drives your research and shapes the elective courses you take. These may include marketing, legal issues, social issues, finance, and so on.

Although the majority of PhD programs are on campus, it’s possible to find programs online too. Online programs offer the advantage of flexibility, allowing you to learn any time from anywhere. Another option, unless your goal is to become a professor, is to earn your master’s degree. If you’re interested in earning a master’s in Sports Management, check out our list of the Best Online Master’s in Sports Management .

How much money do people make with a PhD in Sports Management?

As with any degree, the salary you earn will depend on what career you choose to pursue. Here are potential careers and their median salaries, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics :

• Sports Agent $64,940
• Postsecondary Teacher: $76,000
• Marketing Director: $129,380

For each of these jobs, you can earn a much higher salary with years of experience and a track record of success. Some college professors, for instance, earn over $130,000 a year. In addition, each of the careers listed above are growing much faster than average, just like the sports industry itself.

What can you do with a PhD in Sports Management?

With a PhD in Sports Management you can become a professor, manage a team, manage individual athletes, or become a marketing director for an amateur or professional team.

For many of these sports management positions, a master’s degree will suffice. However, earning a PhD can potentially help you secure executive positions and may result in a better salary. If your goal is to be a college professor in the sports management field, a doctorate will be required.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Sports Management?

To earn a PhD in Sports Management, a master’s degree may or may not be required. In many programs, you will earn your master’s en route to the PhD. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. You will need to submit test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and often a personal statement or letter of interest.

The length of time it will take to complete the programs on this list varies. Expect to spend at least three years earning your doctorate. You will take courses related to sports management, research, and statistics. You will likely also take courses in a chosen area of interest. In addition, you will complete a dissertation. Other potential requirements include a comprehensive examination and a portfolio.

What are the best PhDs in Sports Management?

The ten programs listed below are the best PhDs in Sports Management. To compile this list, we’ve evaluated school reputation, accreditation, tuition costs, and return on investment. Our data comes from trusted sources, including:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. News and World Report
• Princeton Review
• Official college and university websites and course catalogs

Pursuing a doctorate degree is a substantial investment. By choosing one of the ten programs on this list, you’ll invest your time and money wisely.

Best PhDs in Sport Management

See our rankings methodology page .

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

#1 Best PhDs In Sports Management

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL
• Online + Campus

Students seeking a doctorate can enroll in the Ph.D. in sport management program at Florida State University. At the public university, degree-seekers choose from 65 doctoral programs. Many of the doctoral programs include online course options to maximize flexibility.

Candidates take doctoral classes, conduct research, and pass comprehensive examinations. Throughout the program, learners meet with faculty advisors to work on an original research project that contributes to the sports management field. Doctoral students may present their research at academic conferences and gain teaching experience. These opportunities lead to academic and research career paths.

While academically rigorous, the program also prioritizes a flexible learning environment. Candidates have a great deal of autonomy in pursuing research and professional opportunities. Career workshops and experiential learning opportunities also prepare students for careers outside of academia. To learn more about the Ph.D. in sport management, interested applicants should contact the admissions office.

#2 Best PhDs In Sports Management

Indiana University Bloomington

• Bloomington, IN

The Ph.D. in sport management program at Indiana University Bloomington prioritizes flexibility in its advanced curriculum. At the public university, degree-seekers choose from 83 doctoral programs. Many of the doctoral programs provide flexible enrollment options.

The sport management program includes doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research components. Learners demonstrate their expertise in sport management by writing a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. Doctoral students pursue independent research and present their findings at academic conferences. Graduates take on academic and research roles with a doctorate from the university.

While academically rigorous, the program also offers a flexible learning environment. Candidates strengthen their research and career training independently. The degree also offers flexibility to in-person enrollees, allowing for customization so students can prepare for careers outside of academia. Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about application deadlines and start dates.

#3 Best PhDs In Sports Management

Louisiana State University

• Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University offers a specialized, flexible route to a doctorate in its Ph.D. in kinesiology program. With 56 doctoral programs, the public university stands out for its graduate options. Many of the doctoral programs enroll students in on-campus and online classes.

Candidates take doctoral classes, conduct research, and pass comprehensive examinations. As a culminating project, learners conduct original research and defend a dissertation to demonstrate mastery in the field. The program encourages doctoral students to present their research at academic conferences. These opportunities prepare graduates for career paths in research and academia.

While academically rigorous, the program also promotes flexibility for degree-seekers. Doctoral candidates receive professional and research support. The program's experiential learning components prepare students for careers outside of academia. To learn more about the kinesiology program, reach out to the school.

#4 Best PhDs In Sports Management

Ohio State University

• Columbus, OH

Ohio State University offers a Ph.D. in kinesiology degree that builds advanced knowledge in sport management. At the public university, graduate learners enroll in 100 doctoral programs. Many of the doctoral programs enable both in-person and online study.

Candidates in the sport management program gain research experience while also taking doctoral courses. As a culminating project, learners write and defend a dissertation that contributes to the field. The program supports doctoral students as they present research at academic conferences. This preparation leads to career paths in academia and research.

During the program, degree-seekers make progress in a flexible environment. The sport management program encourages candidates to pursue career and professional opportunities. The program's interdisciplinary aspects encourage students to customize their degree and prepare for a variety of career opportunities. Contact the program for more information about the curriculum and application process.

#5 Best PhDs In Sports Management

Troy University

Students can earn their doctorate from the Ph.D. in sport management program at Troy University. Doctoral learners earn degrees in two subject areas at the public institution. Many of the doctoral programs offer flexible enrollment options, including online classes.

The sports management program incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research training. As a culminating project, learners conduct original research and defend a dissertation to demonstrate mastery in the sports management field. Many doctoral students conduct independent research, which they present at scholarly conferences. This training leads to career opportunities in academia and research.

During the program, degree-seekers select courses and research options that fit their schedule. The program provides career and professional support for doctoral candidates. The program's experiential learning components prepare students for careers outside of academia. Contact the program for more information about admission requirements and the timeline to earn a doctorate.

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Ph.D. in Sport Management at KU

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in sport management at the University of Kansas prepares individuals for faculty, instructor, and research positions at the university level. Students enrolled full-time in the Ph.D. program typically complete the degree in three years. The program also welcomes professionals in the field to enroll part-time and complete the degree on an extended timeline. Doctoral students are able to participate in active research being conducted in the Amateur Sport Research Center.

Career Outcomes in Sport Management

A Ph.D. in sport management from KU is valuable in a number of fields. Those interested in academia as a career path can see the number of recent graduates who have gone onto become tenure-track faculty members at universities across the United States. Additionally, professionals in the field continue in their full-time positions (typically in athletics) while going through the program and use the degree for career advancement and knowledge development in the ever-competitive athletics marketplace. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

• Athletic director
• General manager
• Professional sports event coordinator
• Ticket sales manager
• Policy maker/analyst
• Researcher.

*This program is a doctor of philosophy degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

Related programs

• Online master’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Assistantships
• School scholarships
• Amateur Sport Research Center
• KU Sport Management Club

Thinking about sport management?

Brag points, graduate student life view as gallery page.

Vibrant Campus Environment

In the heart of the United States, the city of Lawrence revolves around the University and its students.

Professional Development

Doctoral students will leave KU with a professional and academic network of fellow faculty and staff.

Research Opportunities

Doctoral students at KU support faculty and research staff in conducting adding new information to the body of knowledge in a variety of fields.

Graduate Student Funding

The Office of Graduate Studies at KU provides both internal and external funding resources to support doctoral students.

Sports Degrees » Sport Programs » Doctorate in Sports Degrees

Doctorate in Sports Degrees

A Doctorate, or PhD in Sports Management (or related field), can elevate your credentials and expertise in a specific area by showing completion of education at the highest level. While a PhD is a more rare degree program than an undergraduate or graduate one, there are still 50+ universities across the United States and beyond to choose from that offer a Doctorate in Sports Management, either as a stand-alone degree or as a specialization.

There are 26 different states in the U.S. that offer a PhD in a Sports Management related field. In this guide, you will find specific information on some of the top Doctor programs in Sports, both on campus and online.

Consider a sponsored online program currently accepting applications.

Click for more 100% online sports programs that are taking applications for 2024.

Sport Management as a Concentration at the Doctorate Degree Level

While a PhD in Sports Management alone is an option, like at Louisiana State University, another common setup you will see as you research programs is for Sports Management to be listed as a concentration underneath a broader PhD program umbrella.

At Ohio State University, the Doctorate degree offered is in Philosophy with a specialization in Sport Management. At Indiana University, the Doctorate degree listed is in Human Performance.

5 of the Top Online Doctorates in Sport Management Updated for 2024

#1 troy university, phd in sport management.

Troy's Ph.D. program in sport management was the first to be offered online in the country. This program focusing on enhancing your critical thinking and research-based skills required in the contemporary sport industry. Troy boasts a highly regarded faculty that includes the man referred to as the “Father of Modern Sport Management,” professor Packianathan Chelladurai. Website

#2 Concordia University

Tuition: $9,100.

Concordia is an interdisciplinary degree program designed for students who aim to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, or research roles in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, and human performance. An online degree with classes beginning every eight weeks, a tuition guarantee, and small class sizes provides maximum flexibility, even for the working professional. Website

#3 University of Houston

Phd in kinesiology.

UH focuses on four areas of kinesiology: motor behavior, exercise physiology, sport and fitness administration, and obesity studies. A unique guiding philosophy of this program is that students and advisors work closely together to develop a course of study that meets the student's professional goals. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to identify their field of study as well as potential professors with whom they share common scientific interests who will support their admission. Website

#4 East Tennessee State University

Doctor of education in global sport leadership.

ETSU's 60 credit Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership is unique for two reasons. Though attained 100% online, this program has a requirement to attend an international sport event. This program does not have a traditional dissertation. Instead is a Doctoral Capstone Project, which provides the opportunity to display learning gained throughout the entire program into one, seamless project experience. Website

#5 Northcentral University

Phd. ed. in sport and athletic management.

Northcentral's Phd. Ed. in Sport and Athletic Management includes 20 courses with lectures that do not follow a strict class schedule and no group assignments giving a much more independent learning environment. The faculty is 100% educated at the doctoral level so you can be assured you are receiving instruction and advice from faculty who have been where you are. Website

View more featured 100% online sports degree programs that are taking applications for 2024.

12 Common Courses For Sports Management Doctorate Programs

It's helpful to have a clear understanding of what you want to do with your degree after successful completion in order to select a curriculum that best suits your career goals and aspirations. With this in mind, pay close attention to some of the example course offerings within each program overview. Does one sample of courses stick out to you as more closely aligned with your vision than another?

Introduction to Sport Management

Provides an overview of the basic organizational and business structure of the sport, fitness, and leisure industries. Areas of coverage include professional, Olympic, and intercollegiate, as well as the exercise/fitness promotion business sector. This course is intended to provide a foundation for upper level courses.

Organizational Behavior in Sport

Sport finance.

An introduction to the principles of finance and how they can be apply to the sports industry. Covers such issues as financial statements, time value of money, investment valuations, risk, and budget management. This is particularly crucial to facility and team management careers.

Sport Marketing

Applying fundamental concepts in marketing management to managerial decision making in the sport industry including customer acquisition and orientation, consumer (or fan) behavior analysis, market segmentation strategies, market research methods, brand management, and the marketing mix. Final projects in this class typically involve the development of a comprehensive strategic marketing plan as part of a team to simulate the corporate environment.

Sports & Media

Studies the relationships that exist between the media and sports in America, including the role newspapers, magazines, radio, and television play as commercial enterprises in the coverage and production of sporting events. Economic and legal issues as they pertain to the administration of sports programs are also of particular interest.

Society & Sport

Complex social issues are analyzed through the lens of sport, giving way to a thought-provoking understanding of the importance and value of different cultures within their greater communities. Cultural components are explored including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic class. Sport is examined through the paradigm of different cultures within the U.S. and throughout the world.

Sport Psychology

Studies the behavioral, affective, and cognitive reactions to sport settings by athletes and fans. Also examines techniques and methods for reaching peak performance in athletes by using the context of applied, clinical, educational and experimental sport psychology.

Facility Management

Analyzes the process of designing, managing, and selecting sites for various sport facilities. Focuses on event planning and management for sport and special events and explores the beneficial economic impacts of sport facilities and events on cities and regions.

Sports Sponsorship & Promotions

Provides both a theoretical and applied understanding of the values and limits to sponsorship-linked marketing. Various areas of sponsorships exist including contract negotiations, branding, product placement, and advertising. This course takes an integrated marketing communications perspective and treats sponsorship as just one contributing factor to an overall communications strategy by a team or organization.

Sport Organization Strategy

Studying the links between the organization, its strategy and the overall environment. This class synthesizes core sports management theories and principles from core courses in the functional areas of marketing, management, sponsorship, and finance to provide a total enterprise perspective on strategy. Courses in strategy typically rely heavily on client-specific issues and case studies to achieve learning objectives.

Legal Issues in Sport

Course overview of legal aspects affecting sport, recreation, and fitness industries. Can include employment contracts, leases, waivers, tort liability for coaches, administrators, employees, and independent contractors; 14th Amendment Due Process and Equal Protection; product liability; and statutory regulation including Title IX, ADA, Anti-Trust, and IRS code.

Sports Economics & Public Policy

Course provides an introduction to the economics of sports and its incorporation of public policy. Much of modern sport is organized along commercial business lines and is subject both to the laws of economics but also the regulatory framework imposed upon it by local, state, and federal governments.

5 of the Top On-Campus Programs

#1 indiana university – doctor of human performance – sport management.

• Location – Bloomington, Indiana
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $10,500 / Out-of-State: $30,600
• Program Overview – recommended for students looking to work in the academic field of sports management. 90 credits, 20-30 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Epidemiology, Foundations of Public Health, Statistics in Public Health, electives in a variety of areas such as Business and Communication

#2 Louisiana State University – Doctor of Sport Management

• Location – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $12,500 / Out-of-State: $29,400
• Program Overview – with a strong focus on sport management courses, LSU’s program relies heavily on independent studies and mentorship. 77 credits, 9 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Administrative Problems in Kinesiology, Social Issues in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, Facilities Management

#3 University of Connecticut – Doctor of Philosophy – Sports Management

• Location – Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut
• Per Credit Tuition Cost – In-State: $525 / Out-of-State: $1,300
• Program Overview – as part of UConn’s Department of Educational Leadership, this degree focuses more on the social justice and organizational changes within the arena of sports management through research and theory. 45 credits, 15 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Educational Policies and Procedures, Qualitative Methods, Current Research in Sport Management, Organizational Learning

#4 Florida State University – Doctor of Philosophy – Sport Management

• Location – Tallahassee, Florida
• Per Credit Tuition Cost – In-State: $480 / Out-of-State: $1,100
• Program Overview – very sports-focused with deep dives in the areas of business, management, marketing and sports research. 56 credits, 24 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Globalization, Sport Marketing, Sport Media Culture Studies, Sport Marketing, Management in Sport

#5 Ohio State University – Doctor of Kinesiology – Sport Management

• Location – Columbus, Ohio
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $12,800 / Out-of-State: $37,300
• Program Overview – this degree program is comprehensive of the physical nature of sport and the body mixed with a comprehensive overview of the wider world of sport and its effect on human nature. 57 credits, 6 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Women in Sport History, Sport and Sexuality, Behavioral Methods, Advanced Physiology

Careers and Work Beyond your Doctorate

Now is a very exciting time to be educated and consequently working in sports. Sports is a global language understood and shared by so many people! Equally as wide and diverse are the many career path options available to you with completion of a post-graduate degree in the area of Sports Management. These are just a few areas to consider after successfully defending your dissertation, but the sky is the limit!

Corporate Careers

Sport organizations such as the United States Golf Association or the United States Tennis Association that oversee the growth and administration of their respective sports across the country at the elite amateur level require marketing professionals, tournament directors, sponsorship liaisons, rules officials, and sports information directors.

Professional Sports

Team management requires a lot of diverse backgrounds from facilities management to equipment experts to marketing and promotional specialists.

Collegiate Athletics

A degree in sport management can afford you opportunities either on or off university campuses. The National Collegiate Athletics Association has a centralized headquarters employing compliance directors, marketing managers, regional directors, and sport-specific and championship oversights. At the conference level, each individual conference (such as the American Athletic Conference, the Big 10, or the Southeastern Conference) has many of the same job titles as the NCAA headquarters but they operate to serve a smaller number of institutions and can therefore cater their attention to the specific needs of their member affiliates.

On-campus jobs can vary from the top down. There is typically one Vice President for Athletics with many Associate or Senior Athletics Directors under him or her who oversee different departments such as Athletic Training, Marketing and Communications, Compliance, etc. At the middle-management level sport management degrees can help you land jobs as a development officer, sports information director, compliance officer, or director of operations for one or more teams.

Coaching or Recruitment

Perhaps one of the most practical applications of an advanced degree in sport management is as a coach or recruitment specialist. There are several agencies here in the United States and also abroad that exist to help educate, promote, and secure scholarships for their perspective student-athlete clients. Coaching, of course, is the purest form of sport management! Engaging with student-athletes, developing their skills, and helping them to achieve success on and off the field of play while managing all of the behind-the-scenes administrative work like uniforms, equipment, travel, and budget are all skills that can be enhanced by a sports management degree.

PhD in Sports Management

By Derick de Souza

Updated january 12, 2024.

Derick de Souza

Education & Business Consultant

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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The sports sector has snowballed into a profitable industry with societal implications, boosting demand for sports business experts and pioneering academic research. For prospective academics with a passion for sports, numerous opportunities are available to carve rich and rewarding careers in sport. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.3%, the global sports market is predicted to increase from $354.96 billion in 2021 to $501.43 billion in 2024 . A Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. in sports management prepares students for a professor, teacher, and research job at the university level or senior roles in sports businesses. This comprehensive guide on PhD in Sports Management programs including online programs examines the various attributes of the programs, including coursework, specialization, career options and all details you will need.

Best PhD in Sports Management Programs including Online Programs

The top sports management colleges offering doctoral programs should have a strong reputation, solid infrastructure, student support services, be approved by a reputable authority, and give students adaptable curricula and programs that meet their individual needs. It can be difficult for students to find the best sports management Ph.D. programs and universities based on these and other factors. Fortunately for prospective students, Find Best Degrees (FBD) has researched to find the best possibilities, saving students time. The following is a list of the best Ph.D. in sports management programs including online programs: *

Drexel University

Northcentral university, liberty university, concordia university-chicago, california university of pennsylvania, troy university, east tennessee state university, a t still university of health sciences, indiana state university.

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page . 

What to expect from the Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs

Sport management is a rapidly expanding academic discipline in the United States and around the world. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in sports management is a terminal degree that focuses on student comprehension and interpretation of current, theoretical, and applied studies in the field of sports management. The program’s goal is to prepare students for a variety of sport management-related careers, including but not limited to amateur or professional athletics, the professional sports industry, or higher education and research.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in sports management is the only Ph.D. program in the United States that is delivered primarily through online coursework. But many colleges offer full-time low-residency in-person programs that cater to those who prefer a more hands-on learning experience. Students receive extensive training in a variety of research approaches and learn how to apply comprehensive business knowledge to many aspects of the sporting world. Typically, students who attend class full-time and participate in all required coursework take between three and five years to acquire their doctoral degrees in sports management. They spend their last years in the program conducting research, writing a dissertation, and defending it.

Although each college may have varied requirements that students need to meet in their doctoral programs, here are some general ones they can expect in a Ph.D. in sports management program:

Doctoral students have many course options. In most instances, students can customize their course plans to meet their requirements and career goals.

At some colleges, teaching experience is no longer obligatory, although it is strongly recommended for students who are not Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) but want to become professors.

In some instances, students must complete some prescribed credit hours of graduate-level coursework unless they hold an assistantship. During this time, the student must study full-time. Before comprehensive exams, residency must be met.

Comprehensive Exams

Students are eligible to take comprehensive examinations when they have completed all coursework. Most students choose to write a manuscript on a topic of their choice and defend it orally before a committee of departmental, school, and/or university faculty members.

Dissertation

After passing the comprehensive exam, the Ph.D. applicant will work with their advisor to establish a topic that will advance the discipline. Examples include a scale to quantify organizational identity in sport personnel, sexism in sports organizations, an ethnography of a college football team’s culture, and interviews with college athletics executives about the importance of sport in their university.

Field Experience

Doctoral students are encouraged to participate in independent study research courses to combine and relate classroom theory with field activities. They can engage with communities through research and collate data from sports organizations and universities for this purpose.

The curriculum of the Ph.D. in sports management online focuses on educating students on how to conduct research, think critically, and be successful in the education sector and the sports industry. The Ph.D. program’s coursework takes an interdisciplinary approach to sports management designed to cater to each student’s specific interests. The program allows students to explore a wide range of opportunities and interests within the subject of sports management through areas of specialized coursework and doctorate seminars offered by well-trained and experienced sports management faculty members in finance, marketing, law, and organizational management of sports.

Students are required to complete between 45 and 65 credits of coursework (depending on the college and program), which may include classes in the student’s chosen minor, seminars on research theory and methodology, and research electives. Some of the courses prospective students can expect in a Ph.D. in sports management are:

• Sport Economics
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Marketing
• Sport Leadership
• Sport Organizational Theory & Behavior
• Sport Finance
• Sport Sociology
• Current Research in Sport Management

Areas of Specialization for Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs

Specializations enhance the value of a Ph.D. by giving additional knowledge and skills in a specific subject area. A specialization can increase one’s employability and work opportunities in niche areas of the sports industry. Many Ph.D. sports management programs allow students to choose unique specializations and credentials that support emerging trends and meet the market need. Students can easily customize their education to their interests and future goals. Here are a few concentration areas for Ph.D. in sports management students to consider:

Why should I do an Online PhD in Sports Management?

Sports management is a rapidly expanding academic discipline in the United States and around the world. The Ph.D. in sports management online is a terminal degree that focuses on student comprehension and interpretation of current, theoretical, and applied studies in the field of sports management. The program is designed to help students develop the critical thinking, analytical, statistical, and research-based skills they will need to succeed in today’s sports industry. Students will gain these skills by participating in an integrated academic learning and research environment with well-known instructors.

The Ph.D. in Sport Management program is designed for two types of people: current and future sports managers, as well as future sports management educators. As a result, graduates will be able to apply research to the sports industry, contribute to the promotion and dissemination of scholarly research, and/or teach future sport managers. They will be able to solve the many challenges in training high-quality academicians with a sports management background within the industry and at educational institutions. Graduates will have the opportunity to create innovative theory-specific knowledge relevant to the sports industry and academia. As a result of such research-oriented initiatives, doctoral students will be able to be at the forefront of new developments in sports management.

A Ph.D. in sports management would ease the chances of individuals advancing to a higher executive position in their careers. The sports industry is ready to witness unprecedented growth primarily due to companies reorganizing their operations and recovering from the impact of COVID-19. The global sports market is expected to reach $707.84 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 9%, offering incredible potential to sports management Ph.D. holders.

As for the skills a Ph.D. in sports management will provide, graduates would have acquired a host of them, including the ability to:

• use rigorous research procedures and methods to critically analyze major problems in sport;
• prepare research for the presentation and/or publication of subjects within sports management;
• recognize the importance of supporting learning environments and processes in higher education and sports organizations;
• guide practice and policy, and develop theoretical models based on strong empirical research;
• aim for social justice and organizational transformation when conducting research and working with institutions of higher education as well as sports organizations;
• apply knowledge in sports management to the resolution of complicated problems, demonstrating sensitivity to important and contentious sports issues;
• interpret and assess sport management research studies;
• show expertise in both core and specialized sports management study areas;
• analyze and apply the principles of sports management, methodologies, and rationales to real-world scenarios; and
• conduct relevant and timely research in the sports business.

Free Ph.D. in Sports Management Courses

Students pursuing an online Ph.D. in sports management can enroll in free courses offered by several reputable colleges across the world. While most free courses do not provide a qualification that is helpful in the job market, they are beneficial for Ph.D. students who want to extend their horizons, learn more about sports management, and seek some insights and help for their research. Here are a few websites that provide free courses and material:

How to get admitted into Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs?

To get into an online Ph.D. in sports management program, applicants are required to hold a master’s degree from a school that is regionally accredited or a university located outside the United States that has essentially matching criteria for a bachelor’s and master’s degree. They must also typically have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Here are some of the common admission requirements for a Ph.D. in sports management program:

Online Application & Application Fee

Completing an online application and paying the prescribed application fee.

Academic Transcripts

An official copy of academic transcripts from each college/university attended.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores

An official copy of GRE scores no older than 5 years.

Graduate Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

The latest résumé or CV that provides personal information and work experience.

Personal Statement or Statement of purpose

A statement outlining how the program relates to the applicant’s career goals.

Letters of Recommendation

At least 2 letters of recommendation from those who can provide a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s abilities at the graduate level.

Proof of English proficiency

A document proving proficiency in English (for non-native English speakers).

Ph.D. in Sports Management no GRE Programs

Most Ph.D. in sports management programs require the GRE or GMAT scores to be submitted during enrollment into the program. This is especially the case when the applicant does not have a master’s degree or adequate work experience. In some instances, colleges may waive the GRE/GMAT requirement if the applicant has an excellent Grade Point Average GPA or has considerable work experience in sports management. Here is an example of a no GRE Ph.D.:

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) – although not a sports management degree, CUC offers an entirely online 3-year Ph.D. in sports leadership that does not require a GRE score for admission.

How long does it take to complete Ph.D. in Sports Management Degrees

How long is a Ph.D. in sports management? The sports management doctoral student will have a maximum of 8 years to complete their degrees, including fulfilling dissertation requirements, which is in line with other terminal degree programs at most universities. In most instances, a full-time student may be able to finish coursework in about 1.5 to 2 years, and completing a dissertation can take up to 2 years. As a result, students may be able to complete their Ph.D. in sports management in as little as 3 years. However, to do so, students must maintain regular contact with their major advisor.

Here is a quick overview of the timeline:

• Minimum full-time Ph.D. in sports management online: about 3 years.
• Maximum Ph.D. in sports management online: up to 8 years.

Accelerated Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs

Accelerated Ph.D. programs in sports management are offered only by select universities in the United States. The accelerated pace of the curriculum in these programs will equip students to progress in their profession sooner, which may help them enhance their earning potential. FastTrack and accelerated doctoral degrees allow students to complete their Ph.D. in sports management in as little as three years, although some would require an additional year for their doctoral dissertation. Here are a few examples of accelerated Ph.D. in sports management:

The University of Kansas (KU)

offers a Ph.D. in Sport Management that can be completed in 3 years.

The United States Sports Academy (USSA)

offers FastTrack doctoral degrees that can be completed in 3 years.

Concordia University Chicago (CUC)

although not a sports management degree, CUC offers an entirely online 3-year Ph.D. in sports leadership.

Accreditation for Doctorate/Ph.D. in Sports Management Online Programs

One of the most important elements to evaluate for prospective Ph.D. students is the school’s accreditation. Accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education ( USDE ), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ( CHEA ), or both, grant accreditation to educational institutions in the United States through a procedure that involves a thorough review of the school’s educational programs and student services.

Because a school’s accreditation determines whether students can transfer credits between institutions and whether they are eligible for federal financial aid, students should check to see if the institution offering the program has received national or regional accreditation from accrediting bodies like:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges ( NEASC )
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education( MSCES )
• Higher Learning Commission ( HLC )
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC )
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities ( NWCCU )
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission ( WSCUC )

Although some colleges also offer accredited online sports management degree programs accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation ( COSMA ) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ( ACBSP ), Ph.D. programs may not necessarily be covered by them. A college’s accreditation status can be checked on the official USDE or CHEA websites.

Discover why accreditation is a critical component of college education in the Guide to College Accreditation .

How to Pay for Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs

In most cases, institutions charge different tuition rates for residents of the same state vs. residents of other states. Students must also pay for their housing (if they are from another state), transportation, meals, books, stationery, and other expenses in addition to these different tuition fees. The most significant benefit for online students is that they do not have to worry about whether they are in-state or out-of-state, and they do not have to factor in the other listed educational costs. Despite this, with Ph.D. program fees in the tens of thousands of dollars, students are frequently left wondering – How to Pay for College ? Here are some of the financial aid options available to them to help them pay for college:

Scholarships

Scholarships are often merit-based, meaning that the student’s academic record is the most essential factor in determining whether or not they are awarded. Financial requirements and achievements, in addition to academics, are sometimes considered as well. Individuals, community groups, for-profit corporations, non-profit organizations, and even colleges may award scholarships.

Grants, like scholarships, are available from a variety of sources, but instead of being generally merit-based, they are primarily financial need-based, with the applicant’s financial status and background taking precedence. Tuition and other educational expenses might be paid with grant money.

Fellowships

Ph.D. Fellowships (also known as Predoctoral Fellowships) provide financial aid to doctoral students who are in the process of completing their doctorate degrees. Ph.D. fellowships usually require students to complete a future assignment or use the funds for a certain purpose in exchange for the money they receive. There are several awards for outstanding success, but there are also fellowships to keep or attract the most highly regarded pupils. Fellowships are offered by a variety of organizations and individuals, including private businesses, universities, and even government agencies.

Assistantships

In exchange for a stipend or a fee reduction, many colleges enable students to assist lecturers in particular classroom activities or academic work. Graduate Assistants are part-time students who work part-time. Those who partake in teaching roles are Graduate Teaching Assistants, and those assisting research activities are Graduate Research Assistants.

Students can work part-time in non-academic jobs for their educational institution in exchange for perks such as free or reduced tuition, housing, or other expenditures. Work-study positions are available in several venues, including residence halls, fitness centers, libraries, and research labs, as well as off-campus sites. Although work-study may not be a possibility for online students, individuals enrolled in on-campus programs may want to consider it.

Student Loans

Taking out a student loan is another option for paying for a Ph.D. It is important to note that student loans come with interest, which, while lower than most other types of debt, contributes to the entire cost of school. Students must repay the loan, plus interest, in one payment or equalized installments over a set period. Read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to learn how to qualify for loan forgiveness and perhaps avoid having to repay a loan from one’s pocket.

The Free Application For Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a federal financial aid application that all prospective and current college students must complete to determine their aid eligibility and obtain the best financial aid package possible. To learn more, consult the FAFSA Student Aid Guide.

Learn about ways of funding college in the What is Financial Aid? guide.

Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs without Masters

Many students would prefer to jump into a Ph.D. program directly after their bachelor’s degree. Some universities allow entry into a Ph.D. in sports management without the applicant finishing a master’s degree. However, conditions and eligibility criteria will vary by college. Here are two options students have to complete their studies sooner:

Students might choose to enroll in a combined Ph.D. program. An integrated Ph.D. program (sometimes known as an integrated master’s degree) is a four-year program. It is divided into two parts: a one-year master’s degree and a three-year Ph.D. program. If one wants to get a Ph.D. without a master’s degree but is having difficulties achieving the requirements, this could be a good option.

Students can upgrade their current master’s degree. Upgrading a master’s dissertation to a Ph.D. dissertation is a very regular practice, especially in science-related academic fields. This may be a possible option for those who identified a potential research area during their master’s degree and believe it warrants a PhD-level commitment.

FAQs about Ph.D. in Sports Management Programs

Is a sports management ph.d. online.

Yes! A Ph.D. in sports management can be earned entirely online. For someone who works full-time and wants to earn this degree to change occupations or advance in their current ones, earning a Ph.D. online is a sensible option. Students at many online universities have the option of scheduling classes at times that are most convenient for them. In addition, online sports management Ph.D. students generally have the flexibility to tailor their programs to their individual needs and attend classes from anywhere in the world.

What background do I need to do a Ph.D. in sports management?

In most universities, students from a wide range of educational backgrounds are allowed to enter a Ph.D. in sports management program. There are usually no benchmarks for what constitutes a successful Ph.D. candidate. While many applicants may have a sports management undergraduate or graduate degree, it is not required for application to the Ph.D. program. However, the applicant must demonstrate a clear research focus in sports management that corresponds to a doctorate-directed faculty member’s research plan.

How long is a Ph.D. in sports management?

Full-time Ph.D. students can earn their doctoral degrees in as little as 3 years, although the average time most students require is about 4 to 5 years. The maximum time to complete the degree permitted by most universities is 8 years. With that said, students should note that the exact duration of the program will depend on the college, coursework, teaching and/or research requirements, and dissertation.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. in sports management and Ed.D. in sports management?

The Ph.D. in sports management is for individuals who wish to do research and primarily qualifies them for research and teaching employment in the higher education sector or outside academia. Students learn to identify research gaps, contextually analyze relevant material to propose new hypotheses, and conduct new original research. The Ed.D. in sports management is for people who want to put their knowledge into practice. Ed.D. students are equipped for a variety of leadership positions in educational institutions, government agencies, and for-profit and non-profit sports organizations.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in Sports Management?

The sports management Ph.D. program is tailored to fulfill the demands of recent master’s degree holders and working professionals who desire to be industry leaders. This advanced degree in sports management will considerably enhance one’s skills and give one the technical knowledge needed to flourish in the competitive world of sports. Ph.D. sports management holders can work in senior and responsible roles in settings such as community relations, sports education, sports business, sports media and communications, etc.

How much is a sports management Ph.D.?

It is difficult to estimate the actual cost of a Ph.D. in sports management program because each college sets its own tuition fees based on several criteria. However, as an indicator, the cost of these programs can range from $4,500 to $25,000 or more per year, depending on whether they are completed online or on-campus (in-state and out-of-state tuition differ), the type of degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.), courses involved, the institution’s reputation, and other important factors.

Can I do a sports management Ph.D. without a master’s degree?

Yes, pursuing a Ph.D. in sports management is possible without first earning a master’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree is a must. However, in such cases, it is not uncommon for schools to ask applicants to provide GRE or GMAT scores and/or have over 5 years of work experience in sports management.

Is a sports management degree worth it?

With the global sports market expected to reach $707.84 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 9% , and considering the costs involved in earning a Ph.D., a sports management doctorate seems worth it financially. With this terminal degree, individuals are primed for senior roles in academia and business and often earn high salaries as they gain more experience in the field. Nevertheless, it is prudent to weigh the outcomes of this degree with one’s personal and professional objectives to answer this question better.

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Ph.D. in Sports Management Degree

The sports and leisure business as a whole is covered under the umbrella term “sports management.” Professionals in the field might pursue careers in sales, marketing, finance, facilities management, legal compliance, promotion, and business development. They may also work for equipment makers, sports marketing firms, professional sports clubs, sports leagues, or universities (in education or research). In terms of interests, hobbies, and aspirations, the field of sport management encompasses a broad spectrum. As a sports management Ph.D. holder, professionals are eligible for one of the following jobs in a senior position:

• Corporate Partnerships Manager
• Sports Researcher
• Sports Policy Maker/Analyst
• Sports Information Director
• Sport Lawyer
• Sports Marketing Director
• Director of Fundraising and Development
• Stadium Business Manager
• Game Day Operations Director
• Sports Management Professor
• Athletic or Sports Director
• Sports Agent
• Director of Ticket Operations
• Director of Operations
• Professional Sports Event Manager
• Contract Analyst

The sports industry is fast growing and appears to have a great deal of promise; there are a variety of job opportunities available both in the United States and elsewhere in the world. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 % since 2014, the global sports market reached almost $488.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach roughly $614.1 billion by 2024 , with a CAGR of 5.9%.

Here is a breakdown of some promising sport management occupations with some statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) and Payscale (salaries for Ph.D. holders will generally be higher than the quoted figures):

Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in Sports Management Students

Certifications always add value to a person’s education and qualify them for certain positions in their field. The requirements for certification and licensure in sports management vary widely based on the type of job, industry, and location. Postsecondary teachers, for example, may be required to be certified or complete mandatory education courses. Coaches who are also teachers must pass a background check as part of their state licensing requirements, which vary by state. Certification programs for sport management graduates may be offered by organizations dedicated to certain sports, such as golf, football, or tennis. For the most up-to-date information on certification pertaining to the sport, students can contact the sport’s national governing organization.

Here are some certifications for marketing PhD holders to explore:

Sport Specific Training Certification

The American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA) designed and developed the Online Sport Specific Training Certification for fitness professionals who desire to expand their knowledge by studying sport-specific elements on their own and then completing an online sport-specific training certification. When applying for this certification, candidates must select the appropriate fitness and sports instructor training certification. ASFA’s sport-specific training certification was developed mainly for fitness practitioners by fitness industry professionals.

National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certification Program

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certification Program is a free professional service for athletic administrators based on the ideas of ongoing education, professional growth, and program development in the field of interscholastic sports administration. It recognizes and promotes the Leadership Training Institute’s professional development opportunities. NIAAA professional certification requires completing a comprehensive self-improvement plan that will improve the athletic administrator’s ability to better serve the school, community, and profession. Certifications include:

• Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA)
• Registered Middle School Athletic Administrator (RMSAA)
• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA)
• Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)
• Registered International Athletic Administrator (RIAA)
• Certified International Athletic Administrator (CIAA)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Basketball Certification

Participation in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Basketball Certification procedure is permitted only for Division I student-athletes and/or Division I coaches, who can attend and observe potential student-athletes participating in the activity through League Certification and/or Event Certification.

Certified Sports Nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN)

The Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) program, offered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition, is designed for health, fitness, and medical professionals who work with athletes or active people and want to learn more about the adaptive response to exercise and the role of nutrition in acute and chronic exercise responses.

Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP)

The Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) program was designed by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) to improve the sports safety and security business by recognizing competence in a variety of specialized areas. This certification for sports safety and security professionals will teach them the fundamentals of public safety and how to apply those skills in the particular environments that entertainment venues and events provide.

Additional Resources for Ph.D. in in Sports Management Students

Students and graduates of a Ph.D. in sports management can join several professional organizations that can assist them in furthering their careers and providing support. While still pursuing their doctoral degrees, being a member of one of these organizations might increase one’s chances of gaining unique insights into the subject as well as opportunities to network. Attending conferences, meetings, and seminars, networking with others, and sharing opinions and ideas in forums can also benefit students and working professionals in sports management. The following are some of the resources available:

College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)

The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) was founded in 1957 as a national organization of information professionals and sports communicators. It now has over 3,100 members involved in collegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. CoSIDA provides professional development training, promotes advocacy, stimulates career advancement, and assists members in pursuing leadership roles in the sports industry.

National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is the oldest and largest association of collegiate athletics administrators, founded in 1965. Throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it has more than 22,000 individual members and close to 2,200 institution members. Athletics directors, conference commissioners, and other individuals serve as members of this organization. NACDA provides educational opportunities, a vast network of peers, and an information-sharing mechanism with others in the field. It also conducts events, has a job center, and publishes the Athletics Administration journal.

North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)

The North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) is an organization that provides active support to individuals employed in sports, recreation, and leisure activities. NASSM promotes research and professional development and encourages academic writing in sports management. The Journal of Sport Management is published by NASSM, which provides insights into both academic and practical aspects of sports management.

Sport Marketing Association (SMA)

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) was founded in 1893 as a non-profit organization to advance engineering and engineering technology education. ASEE has a vibrant engineering community, a fellows academy, engineering courses, publications and media, and much more.

National Association of Sports Agents and Athlete Representatives (NASAAR)

The National Association of Sports Agents and Athlete Representatives (NASAAR) aims to provide information to the public and the industry, as well as monitor legislative and regulatory activity affecting sports agents and athletes at the state and federal levels. It also provides data on sport-related enforcement actions, judicial proceedings, and other regulatory matters.

Author Bio:

Disclaimer:.

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our  proprietary methodology . They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our  Terms of Service . Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.

Top 20 PhD in Sports Management Degrees Online 2024

Find your perfect school.

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.

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.

Featured Programs

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.

PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

Students in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy are passionate about investigating a variety of managerial, business, and societal topics in the context of sport. The program is a full-time on-campus program which focuses on research and prepares students for a career as a professor at leading colleges and universities across the globe.

The program typically takes four years to complete and students focus on developing their research skills over the entirety of their stay in the program. During the first two years, students take coursework in research methodology, statistics, sport management, and their research specialization area. The degree program structure allows students the ability to design a unique curriculum that fits their specific area of research interest. At the end of the second year, students are required to complete a written and oral comprehensive exam. In the final two years of the program, students focus on writing a dissertation. Students complete a written and oral defense of the dissertation to finalize the program.

Students in the program work directly with a faculty member to develop their research skills in a specific area of interest.

Areas of Research Specialization:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Sociology
• Sport Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Sport Economics
• Sport Finance
• Sport Analytics
• Sport Leadership

It is recommended that prospective students contact individual University of Georgia Sport Management and Policy faculty members via email to assess whether admissions availability exists with a given faculty member.

Faculty in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy program maintain a strong focus on research. Ph.D. students are expected to work with their faculty mentor to develop research projects which are publishable in top peer-reviewed sport management journals or in high quality parent-discipline journals in the specific area of research interest.

Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the sport management emphasis:

• Dr. Thomas Baker Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. Rose Chepyator-Thomson Director, Cultural Studies in Physical Activity Lab
• Dr. Clay Collins Assistant Professor
• Dr. Becca Leopkey Associate Professor
• Dr. Steven Salaga Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. James Zhang Director, International Center for Sport Management

How to Apply

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy is highly competitive. Preferred applicants will have achieved an exemplary level of success in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Preferred applicants are highly-motivated and are high-achievers with strong university GPAs and standardized test scores. Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants, along with a statement of purpose, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Prospective students must apply through the University of Georgia Graduate School who handles all admissions paperwork. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist

The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:

• Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
• If applying to a MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
• A CV or resume
• Contact information for three references
• Scores can be sent to UGA’s Graduate School as a designated score recipient using code 5813.

Deadline To Apply

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Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

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Because we have graduate students from around the world who apply to our program, you will be a part of a diverse group of learners and thinkers whose ideas and perspectives will enhance your own experience.

Doctoral students also have opportunities to attend and present at national conferences, and to join national-level student organizations. Our department organizes networking sessions, top-level speakers and opportunities for scholarly exchange throughout the academic year.

You will take courses in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the country’s largest on-campus recreational facility.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Sports Management [Doctorate Degree Guide]

If you have experience in management or in sports and athletics organizations, getting an online PhD in Sports Management can enable you to hone your knowledge and skills in this dynamic management niche.

At the PhD level, you can acquire skills for tracking research and innovation in your area of specialization.

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You can also engage other professionals as you explore leadership methods related to managing complex sports organizations in a competitive and global business environment.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Sports Management Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

A.T. Still University

A.T Still University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training program. Students may add 2 of the following 4 tracks to the degree: Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, Leadership and Education, or Sport Neurology and Concussions. To graduate, 69 credit hours must be completed. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a recommendation to be eligible.

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California University of Pennsylvania

The California University of Pennsylvania offers an online program for a Doctorate of Health Science and Exercise Leadership. Students must complete 48 credit hours and a dissertation to graduate. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and submit official transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation to be eligible for the program.

The California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers a Ph.D. in Sports Leadership. The online program requires students to complete 67 credit hours, including a dissertation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit a resume, letter of application, official transcripts, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management. Students may choose to add one of 11 different concentration options to their degree. To graduate, students must complete 75 credit hours. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University offers a Doctorate in Global Sport Leadership. Students must complete 60 credit hours and a capstone project to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and need to submit a personal essay, 3 letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Performance Psychology through Qualitative Research. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate. All classes are 8 weeks long and offered online. Applicants must apply online with official admission forms and transcripts.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Athletic Training. Students must complete 57 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program. An online application must be submitted with a resume, a cover letter, and official transcripts. Applicants must also complete an interview.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate. Each class is 8 weeks long and offered online. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Moravian University

Moravian University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. Students are able to complete all classes online. To graduate, students must complete two week-long residencies and 60 credit hours. Applicants must have an AT State License, be currently practicing, and have 5 years of full-time experience.

Moravian University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

National University

National University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Sports and Athletic Management. The program requires the completion of 20 courses for a total of 60 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 45 months.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences. Students may choose to add a variety of different concentrations to their degree.

Options include Athletic Training, Health Promotion and Wellness, Integrated Health Sciences, Healthcare Professions Education, Healthcare Leadership and Administration, and more. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.4 or higher and a year of clinical practice.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Saint Thomas University

Saint Thomas University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Sports Administration. Students must complete 90 credit hours and a doctoral research project to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Official transcripts must be submitted with the application.

St. Thomas University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Temple University

Temple University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. Students must complete 36 credit hours and a capstone project within 2 years to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit an online application with 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a resume. Applicants must also complete an interview. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. To graduate, students must complete 67 credit hours and a final dissertation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit official transcripts, GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University offers a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. To graduate, students must complete 96 credit hours, including a mentorship and a minor in a field of interest. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The United States Sports Academy

The United States Sports Academy offers a Doctor of Education in Sports Management. The program can typically be completed in 4 years, with one year dedicated to a doctoral dissertation. Applicants must submit an online application with official transcripts, GRE, MAT, or GMAT scores, 3 references, and a qualifying essay.

The United States Sports Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Troy University

Troy University offers a Ph.D. in Sports Management. Students must complete a dissertation and maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit official university transcripts, 3 letters of reference, a statement of intent, an academic writing sample, and MAT, GMAT, LSAT, or GRE scores.

Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. The program requires 66 credit hours to graduate and typically takes 2 years to complete. Those interested in the program must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, certification from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training, and state licensure.

The University of Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The University of North Carolina—Greensboro offers a Doctor of Education in Kinesiology. The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires students to complete a dissertation and 42 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement, GRE test scores, a resume, and 3 letters of recommendation.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of St. Augustine

The University of St. Augustine offers a Doctor of Education with a specialization in Athletic Training. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours. An accelerated program is offered for students willing to finish a dissertation. Applicants must submit an online application with official transcripts, 2 references, and a writing assessment.

The University of St. Augustine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Online PhD in Sports Management Programs

Today there are many online programs at accredited schools that offer the chance to earn a PhD, EdD, or DBA in the field of sports management. This kind of management degree could have unique advantages for some professionals.

For starters, you could learn many valuable management and leadership skills and concepts. Doctoral training in sports management is also specifically designed for leadership roles in the sports sector. A terminal degree could help give you a competitive edge as well as increased earning potential.

A sports management PhD program can be quite versatile, offering opportunities to specialize in various subfields, such as:

• Human resources management
• Global organizational leadership
• Marketing and public relations
• Sports physiology

Many programs emphasize courses to help you advance your management skills, but there are also programs with concentrations related to coaching, sports physiology, and sports medicine.

Online Sports Management PhD Degree Specializations and Concentrations

Here’s a look at just some of the PhD-level sports management areas of specialization that guide research topics, course designs, and career pathways:

• Global Sports Leadership . This concentration is designed to help you develop executive leadership skills and learn about operational challenges and principles for global sports management. This concentration can help you understand international sports governing bodies, international regulatory frameworks, and concepts in global financial management.
• Human Resource Management . Sports organizations are human capital intensive and often engage a range of wage and salaried workers for diverse functions. This means there’s a need for skilled human resource managers to manage HR policy, labor relations and contract negotiations, and personnel training and supervision.
• Sports Marketing . Marketing for a sports organization, team, or franchise requires specialized marketing, advertising, and public relations knowledge and skills. A marketing concentration can help you learn about marketing metrics and campaign testing, branding concepts, audience profiling, and content and social media marketing strategies.
• Sports Performance . This concentration focuses on topics in both science and management. It prepares doctoral candidates for advanced research or senior management roles in the sports performance and athletic training sectors.
• Sport Physiology . Whether you want to manage coaching and training operations or research, teach, or consult in the sports physiology field, this concentration involves advanced topics in biometry and biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise science, and related sports medicine topics.

The field of sports management may seem specialized already, but even a sports management PhD track has room for more specialization based on your experience, aptitudes, and career goals.

Types of Sports Management Doctoral Programs

While a PhD degree program will typically be designed to emphasize advanced academic research, other doctoral degrees may have more components focused on practical leadership and business applications.

One thing these various doctoral degrees have in common is that they are all terminal degrees, so they all confer a similar level of academic status to graduates.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD program generally emphasizes the highest levels of research and academic investigation and knowledge. It also typically requires a dissertation. Many professionals seeking opportunities in academia, research, or academic publishing opt for a PhD track.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

An EdD track is more likely to offer components related to organizational psychology, sports psychology, and sports performance. It will generally emphasize more practical leadership and organizational development skills.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you’re seeking the most business-oriented curriculum designs, you may want to check out sports management DBA programs.

A DBA track tends to emphasize managerial skills, business analytics, and finance and marketing specializations. It is also more likely to offer a practical capstone project in lieu of a dissertation requirement.

Sports and Athletic Management Careers & Salaries

Most sports management doctoral programs online offer training that can be applied to jobs and careers in multiple industry sectors.

These industries include sports business management, athletic administration, coaching education, sports medicine consulting, sports marketing, sports physiology, and even sports psychology research or services. 

­­According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , many careers where you might apply advanced training in sports management, operations, and medicine are projected for above-average job growth over the next ten years.

Sports management careers can span business, academia, and health science opportunities. Some PhD in Sport Management programs emphasize management, business, and organizational leadership skills. Others may provide more courses in health-related aspects of sports management, such as sports physiology, biomechanics, and sports medicine.

Picking a sports management doctoral program with a concentration and coursework that align with your ideal career direction is a strategic first step.

Sports Management PhD Curriculum & Courses

Courses and curriculum pathways will vary by program, but here’s a sample of the kinds of courses you might see as you compare online sports management PhD programs:

• Organizational Leadership : You’ll learn about competencies and leadership methods for complex business structures and organizational systems.
• Sports Financial Management : You’ll learn about critical accounting topics and regulations related to sports finance, budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, capital investments, and profit sharing.
• Facilities and Logistics Analysis : This course covers methods and best practices for the management of administrative challenges related to large facility use, lease, and ownership.
• Organizational Psychology for Sports Management : You’ll learn about best practices for managing and leading large organizations, with a focus on organizational growth, development, team building, and organizational restructuring and reform challenges.
• Sports Medicine and Physiology : You’ll learn about advanced concepts in the fields of sports medicine, sports physiology, and exercise science as they relate to coaching, improving athletic performance, and managing a successful sports organization.
• Global Sports Marketing : You’ll learn strategies for leading large marketing operations and media campaigns, and you’ll learn concepts related to audience research and profiling as well as global marketing and advertising.
• Global Sports Management : This course is a study of advanced topics in the effective management of finances, media, communications, and human resources in the context of global operations and international regulatory frameworks.
• Human Resources Leadership : You’ll study topics in contractual law, labor relations, the development of HR policy, and effective HR training and development methods and structures.
• Sports Psychology : You’ll learn about methods, objectives, and practices in the sports psychology field. You’ll also explore how sports organizations and athletic training specialists apply sports psychology concepts to support athletes and teams.
• Research Design and Methods : This course covers fundamental research design concepts and principles that can help you complete valid research and effectively gather and evaluate research sources in your areas of professional or academic specialization.

Doctoral programs in sports management offer unique course designs that you won’t find in a traditional science or business degree program.

How to Choose an Online Sports Management Doctoral Degree Program

When comparing online sports management doctoral programs, here are some factors to look for that can help you find the best program for your goals and interests:

• Areas of specialization . The emphases of sports management degree programs will vary from school to school. Comparing program designs and available specializations can help you find a program that’s best aligned with your own professional interests and career objectives.
• Learning options . In addition to traditional classes, some programs offer other learning formats, such as research seminars, research methodology courses, and symposiums. Even some online programs may offer or require labs or supervised field study. Some doctoral programs have dissertation requirements, while others offer the option of a capstone project instead.
• Career support and guidance . As you compare programs, you may want to see what rate of success graduates have when it comes to getting jobs in the sports sector. You can also look for PhD programs that offer more robust internship channels or other job recruitment support.

Other program considerations include tuition rates and admissions requirements. Knowing which factors are most important to you can help you discern the online sports management PhD programs that are best aligned with your learning preferences and professional goals.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for applying to a doctoral program in sports management will vary depending on the school, program, and specialization you’re pursuing.  Here are some common admissions requirements, though, for a PhD program:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Masters degree
• Satisfactory college GPA
• Relevant professional experience
• Letters of recommendation

Some online programs offer less stringent admissions requirements. You may even find some programs that allow you to apply without a masters or with a lower GPA. So, it can help to see what’s out there and to learn more about different schools’ specific requirements.

Online Doctoral Programs in Sports Management Accreditation

While it’s helpful to compare schools and programs when choosing which schools to apply to, it’s beneficial to stick with regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation typically offers the best assurances for getting rigorous academic preparation in your doctoral degree program.

Accreditation can also impact your ability to transfer course credits to another program. Earning your degree at an accredited institution can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid and for satisfying professional licensing requirements.

Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Covering the upfront costs for an advanced degree can be challenging, so many professionals apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help them cover any financial gaps.

Common forms of financial aid include federal and state grants, employer-based tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and student loans. O ffers and terms for financial aid packages can vary, so it’s beneficial to review all offers carefully.

Thinking you’re going to apply for financial aid? Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could be a beneficial first step.

Is There a PhD in Sports Management?

Yes, you can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Management. A masters in sports management, sports physiology, business administration, or a related field could be a solid foundation for doctoral studies in sports management.

Getting a PhD is a way to research advanced topics, learn and apply research methods in your area of specialization, or deepen your leadership and management competencies and skills. Some professionals pursue doctoral study in order to open more doors to consulting jobs, senior executive roles, or academic teaching and research positions.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree in Sports Management?

A doctoral program in sports management can help you develop advanced and specialized knowledge in your area of concentration and research.

Most professionals seeking a doctorate in sports management already have experience in the field and want to qualify for more challenging leadership or consulting roles. What you can do with a doctorate in sports management depends on many factors, including your specialty area and work experience.

Sports management experts can pursue opportunities in a range of leadership and executive roles, including human resources management, athletic training and athletic administration, and sports marketing. The field of sports management can also include positions like administrative services and facilities manager, public relations or marketing manager, management analyst, and human resources manager.

A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and academia. For instance, most postsecondary teachers hold a PhD in their respective fields.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Sports Management Online?

Getting a PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. With dissertation requirements and other individual study interests in play, though, time to completion can vary by school, program, and individual.

If you choose a program that offers a more accelerated sports management degree doctoral track with no dissertation requirement, you might be able to finish in 3 years if you attend full-time.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Sports Administration vs. Sports Management?

Sports administration careers typically focus more on analyzing and directing operational systems and managing employees and facilities.

Careers with a sports management degree might involve skills related to organizational development or expansion, entrepreneurial leadership, and senior consulting, marketing, and labor relations roles.

Programs in administration and management can have many overlapping curriculum components. It’s helpful to evaluate course offerings in order to choose a program that’s aligned with your professional goals.

Is a Doctorate in Sports Management Worth It?

Yes, a doctorate in sports management is worth it for many students. Knowledge is power, as they say, and a doctoral education can indeed be a powerful driver of change and success in competitive business environments.

The business environment of sports management involves organizational, financial, marketing, and regulatory challenges. The advanced training of a sports management doctoral program can give you necessary insights and leadership skill sets for this competitive field.

Professionals with a PhD might move into consulting roles, senior roles in management, or roles in research or academia. Sports management programs also teach skills related to marketing, financial management, and HR management—fields that are forecast for exceptional job growth, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics.

Getting Your PhD in Sports Management Online

Getting a PhD can help boost your professional growth in the sports management arena. A terminal degree in this growing field can offer advanced knowledge and training related to best practices and cutting-edge insights.

There are a number of sports management PhD programs available at fully accredited schools, including programs with flexible and convenient online learning options.

If this kind of career move sounds intriguing, why not get started today?

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School of Kinesiology

PhD in Kinesiology

Sport management.

The Sport Management PhD concentration at the Louisiana State University is offered by the School of Kinesiology as a degree program which focuses on developing a variety of academic skills to help students become successful in academic and/or scholarly endeavors. Students accepted into the PhD program will receive training toward careers in academia or professional positions of similar or related career fields. Specifically, students will be provided the opportunity to receive and demonstrate critical thinking and research skills through an interdisciplinary approach which centers on the student’s research interests and career ambitions. Building on a foundation of sport management courses, independent studies, and mentoring opportunities with the program’s faculty members, students will, through elective coursework (i.e., cognate area) explore a wide variety of management issues related to the field of sport. Such interests may include areas related to Organizational Behavior and Theory, Facility Management, Law and Legal Applications, Finance and Accounting, Economics, History, and Social Issues to name a few. Finally, unique among graduate programs, LSU offers real opportunities to teach lecture courses in our undergraduate Sport Administration program to help prepare PhD students and candidates for careers in academia. Courses available for doctoral students and candidates at LSU include the basic core of most undergraduate and graduate curriculums (e.g., marketing and promotions, law and ethics, finance, introduction to sport industry, social issues, etc.). Overall, the PhD opportunity at LSU allows students the flexibility to carve their niche within the sport industry to better serve the interest of the academy and their own natural curiosity.

Accreditation

The PhD in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Management graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). The program is designed to help students become successful in academic and/or scholarly endeavors. Of the 34 sport management doctoral programs in the United States, only three have achieved accreditation at this point from COSMA .

For more information about the 2022–2023 student achievement data, operational effectiveness goals and program information profile.

Students must submit an application to the Graduate School . Students will be evaluated on these six areas regarding their application package:

• Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA);
• GRE and/or GMAT score;
• 3 Letters of Recommendation;
• Letter of Intent/Interest;
• Research Statement;

PhD applicants should contact the faculty members before applying to understand the current research interests of the faculty and to communicate their own potential area of interest.

Course Requirements

Minimum Total* 77 Credit Hours

Research and Statistics 26 Credit Hours

Cognate Area** 15 Credit Hours

**Electives and Cognate: Electives and the selection of the Cognate specialization will be chosen on the basis of agreement between the student and the student’s advisor. Courses required for the Cognate specialization will be based on agreement between the student and the student’s Cognate professor. Each of these agreements is subject to approval by the student’s PhD committee. *At least 27 credit hours at the 7000 level or above, exclusive of any type of independent study, is required.

***Students should consult with faculty advisor(s) as to the coursework plan will prepare them to meet their goals.

Graduates of Sport Management PhD Program

Dr. Marcella Otto (Original Placement: Northern Illinois University)

Dr. Adam Pfleegor (Original Placement: Mississippi State University) 

Dr. Dylan Williams (Original Placement: University of Alabama)

Dr. Patrick Tutka (Original Placement: Niagara University)

Dr. Khirey Walker (Original Placement: Ball State University)

Dr. Jeremy Foreman (Original Placement: University of Louisiana- Lafayette)

Dr. Benjamin Downs (Original Placement: Ball University)

Dr. Yoseph Mamo (Original Placement: Tennessee State University)

Dr. Seungmin Kang (Original Placement: North Dakota State University)

Current PhD Students

Tiffany Demiris (4th Year)

2014 MS; Temple University, Sport and Recreation Management

2011 BS; New Jersey Institute of Technology, Communication and Media

Interest : Tiffany is interested in Sport Facilities Development and Operations in both the collegiate and professional athletic realms. Her interests also lay in the historical aspects of the said facilities and in particular the financing of stadia. 

Nathan Baer (3rd Year)

2020 MS; Northern Illinois University, Sport Management

2018 BS; North Central University, Psychology and German

Interest : Nathan's primary research interests include sport organizational behavior and human-resource development. Additionally, he explores youth sport development as a minor area of study.

Jeff White (3rd Year)

2020 MS; Louisiana State University, Kinesiology/Sport Management

2011 BS; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Political Science

Interest : Jeff's research interest involve an emphasis on the application of HRM practices and specifically, internal marketing in relation to leadership and organizational culture, and their collective influence on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior.

Mandy Barefoot (2nd Year)

2019 MS; Louisiana State University, Kinesiology/Sport Management

2018 BS; Post University, Sport Management (minor in Marketing)

Interest : Mandy's professional focus in ticket sales leadership and general management influences her research interest in organizational behavior and culture, factors that influence employee retention, and diversity issues in sport business offices.

Olga Khokhryakova (1st Year)

2021 MS; University of Arkansas, Community Health Promotion

2014 MS; Higher School of Economics University, Moscow, History

2012 BS; Higher School of Economics University, Moscow, Journalism

Interest : Olga’s primary research interest is focused on the role of social entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of sport for development. She is particularly interested in studying entrepreneurship during the formative stages of sport for development organizations. Olga is also interested in studying organizational capacity building in underrepresented regions. 

King Saah (1st Year)

2017 MS; Temple University, Globalization and Development Communication

2012 BA; Cabrini College, Graphic Design

Interest : King’s primary research interest is focused on leadership in the field of sport for development. He is interested in the role of different leadership styles as well as leadership development. Additionally, King’s secondary research interest involves studying funding models and fundraising in sport for development. 

Sport Management Research

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School Finder

Online phd sports management.

A Ph.D. in sports management is the highest level of education you can achieve in the field. By pursuing a sports management degree, students will be prepared for the most demanding jobs in sports. That includes careers as athletic directors, coaches of major athletic teams, and more. By completing sports management programs online, students can prepare for these careers while saving money on their education.

RANKING THE TOP PHD SPORTS MANAGEMENT ONLINE PROGRAMS

This article lists the best online doctorate in sports management degrees. All sports management PhD programs are accredited, with the exception of one newer college. And each of the schools has had its non-profit status verified. We’ve ordered the online PhD programs from highest to lowest score. These rankings are based on each program’s affordability. The tuition rates below are based on the current in-state graduate tuition for one year. Individual online sports management Ph.D. programs may have additional fees.

Featured Programs

Best doctorate in sport management online: students before profits.

#1. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA GREENSBORO

Greensboro, north carolina.

The University of North Carolina Greensboro offers a fully online Doctor of Education in Kinesiology. This online PhD is designed to be completed in four years. Students can complete nearly the entire PhD in sports management program remotely. A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete this PhD program in sports. It is a four-year doctoral program with 42 hours of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation. 

Some of the courses include:

• Online Pedagogy in Kinesiology and Related Professions
• Program Evaluation and Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Activity Programs
• Program Design in Kinesiology and Related Professions
• Physical Activity and Health
• Learning and Performance of Physical Skills
• Curriculum Development in Kinesiology
• Analysis of Teaching and Learning
• Sport-Based Youth Development
• Seminar: Social Psychology and Physical Activity

There are only three required campus visits. The purpose of them is to foster community and collaboration among cohorts in the sports management program. This remote online PhD is the first of its kind in the country.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Tuition: $5,219

Score: 100.00

See Also: The Best Free Online Colleges

#2. UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

Online doctor of athletic training, moscow, idaho.

The University of Idaho has one of the best sport management doctoral programs online. It is an advanced academic doctoral degree in Athletic Training. This online Doctor of Athletic Training features a rigorous curriculum. However, it teaches students the latest skills and techniques to be effective athletic trainers. Students will study sports management online in the fall and spring semesters. Then, they will meet with their peers at the Idaho campus during the summer. This phd in sports management program is great for students who want to work in sports management or as athletic trainers. 

This is a post-professional academic degree with a clinical focus. And the University offers hundreds of clinical immersion opportunities. Some of the courses in this online PhD program include:

• Professional and Post-Professional Education in Athletic Training 
• Advances in Manual Therapy and Practice 
• Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice in Patient Care
• Action Research in Patient Care 
• Holistic Foundations of Pain in Patient Care
• Designing and Conducting Applied Research in Patient Care 
• Leadership and Mentoring in Athletic Training Clinical Practice
• Integrative Manual Therapy and Practice 
• Integrative Patient Care for the Spine and Pelvic Girdle 

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Tuition: $7,754

Score: 99.75

#3. INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Online phd in sports management, terre haute, indiana.

Indiana State University offers an Online Doctorate in Athletic Training degree. It is the country’s first (and only) CAATE accredited DAT Program. It’s a 57-credit PhD in sports management online program. But, there is some hands-on instruction. Students must be on campus for four to five days each semester. And they must enroll full-time and complete the online PhD program within 24 months.

A few of the required courses in this program include:

• Integrative Health 
• Outcome Assessment in Health Care
• Athletic Training Educator
• Administration of Health Care 
• Clinical Experience in Athletic Training 
• Manual Therapy 
• Evidence-Based Preventative Interventions 
• Underserved Populations and Emerging Settings
• Health Information Technology 
• Innovations in Collaborative Health Care
• Applied Physiology for Patient Care

This online phd program is available for Canadian students also. If you apply from outside of Indiana, you will need to relocate to the state if you want to become a residential graduate assistant.

Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Tuition: $7,776

Score: 99.50

Related: The Best Online Doctorate Programs

#4. TROY UNIVERSITY

Online doctorate in sport management, troy, alabama.

This online PhD in sports is the first of its kind in the country. It’s a hybrid program where students participate both online and in person. Students will follow a curriculum designed to provide them with the knowledge to manage a team or franchise effectively. One of the primary purposes of this program is to learn sports management principles. These principles will prepare students for some of the complex issues facing sports management leaders today.

A few courses in this program include:

• Sports Finance
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Legal Aspects of Sports
• Sports Management Pedagogy
• Research Methods I and II
• Applied Statistics in Sport Management 
• Advanced Statistics in Sport Management 

Full-time students may be able to graduate from this online PhD program within two years. However, the dissertation may require another year or two to complete. Students can expect this program to be heavily research-oriented. And there’s another perk of this program as well. Professor Packianathan Chelladurai is one of the key faculty members of this program. He is often regarded as the “Father of Modern Sport Management.”

Tuition: $8,550

Score: 99.25

#5. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

Houston, texas.

Students at the University of Houston can enroll in an Online Ph.D. in Kinesiology. This online doctorate of sports management features four areas of emphasis to choose from:

• Motor Behavior
• Exercise Physiology
• Sport and Fitness Administration
• Exercise Leadership

Students will work through a sports management curriculum designed to train them in one of these four areas. A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete the program. And it typically takes six years or less to earn the degree. Some of the core requirements are:

• Scientific Inquiry in Health Professions
• Research Design and Methods
• Programming and Proposal Writing
• Candidacy Project

Students will work with their faculty advisors to devise a sports management curriculum for their emphasis area. The Doctor of Philosophy program prepares students with deep research and cognitive skills. By pursuing this Ph.D., students will gain a thorough understanding of their chosen field. 

Tuition: $8,713

Score: 99.00

See also: The Best Online Engineering PhD Programs in the Nation

#6. EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Johnson city, tennessee.

East Tennessee State University offers an Online Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership. This online doctorate is designed to train students with the skills needed to operate a team or franchise. A total of 60 credit hours are required to complete the program. It is designed for part-time students only and takes approximately three years to complete. 

The program is online and asynchronous, so students learn on their own schedule. East Tennessee State University requires no dissertation for this online PhD program. And the only on-campus requirements are one 10-day field experience at East Tennessee State University in mid-May during years one and two. Some of the courses in the PhD in sports management program include:

• Leading internal and external Sport
• Strategic Planning and Thinking for Global Sport Leaders
• Interpersonal Relationship in Sport
• Interpreting and Applying Analytics in Sport
• Effect of Governing Bodies on Sport Leaders

Tuition: $8,784

Score: 98.75

#7. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

River forest, illinois.

Concordia University Chicago offers an online PhD in Leadership: Health & Human Performance degree. This online PhD in sports is built from the ground up. It teaches students the leadership skills needed to be an effective sports team or sports franchise manager. Some of the courses in the health and human performance specialization include:

• Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise
• Neuromuscular Responses to Exercise
• Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition
• Introduction to Grants
• Program Design in Physical Activity and Health
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

A total of 66 credit hours are needed to earn this online PhD in sports. Concordia University Chicago designed it the program for working adults. It features 100% online asynchronous classes so that you can learn at your own pace. Study anytime or anywhere.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Tuition: $9,090

Score: 98.50

#8 CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

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

Next is a 100 percent remote PhD in sports management program offered by California University of Pennsylvania. This post-professional degree addresses a shift from treating disease to promoting wellness. The California University of Pennsylvania sports management doctoral program focuses on three specific trends:

• Health Science
• Exercise Science
• Wellness and Fitness

California University of Pennsylvania’s online doctorate degree is a two-year, 48-credit program. Some of the courses you’ll take include:

• Health Promotion and Wellness for the Individual
• Community and Corporate Wellness 
• Research Methods in Exercise Science 
• Leadership in Wellness Education and Professional Practice
• Values, Ethics, and the Promotion of Health and Wellness
• Advanced Instructional Technology in Evidence-Based Practice
• Theories and Foundations of Adult Learning 
• Learning Concepts for the Adult Learner
• Curriculum and Course Design

Accreditation: Middle States Commission in Higher Education

Tuition: $9,288

Score: 98.25

#9. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Murfreesboro, tennessee.

Middle Tennessee State University offers an online Doctorate in Human Performance degree. This online doctorate is for those who want to help athletes reach their fullest potential. This PhD in sports management is offered primarily online. But, it does require students to visit the MTSU campus to complete certain aspects. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the degree program.

Some of the requirements include

• Research Practicum in Human Performance
• Professional Preparation in Human Performance 
• Teaching Practicum in Human Performance
• Advanced-Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance

The program offers specializations in health, exercise science, physical education, and leisure studies. It is typically for those with a master’s degree in sports management or one of these disciplines.

Some of the research currently underway at MTSU is life-changing. For example, in the exercise science lab, students are helping people with paralysis to walk again.

Tuition: $9,396

Score: 98.00

#10. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Online doctorate in sports management, muncie, indiana.

This online doctorate in sports management at Ball State University is offered as a Ph.D. in Bioenergetics. It is an excellent option for students pursuing research careers in exercise physiology or related fields. This is a rigorous online phd program that requires 90 credits. Thirty credits can be from a master’s degree in a related field.

Some of the coursework covers:

• Principles of Biochemistry
• Applied Physiology
• Molecular Biology With Laboratory
• Seminar in Exercise Science

This doctor of philosophy degree in sports management prepares students for careers in exercise physiology. It takes about three years from start to finish. You’ll learn how to deal with physiological and biochemical problems in exercise physiology. The program is a partnership with the school’s Department of Biology. 

Tuition: $9,482

Score: 97.75

#11. GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Phoenix, arizona.

Grand Canyon University offers a unique sports psychology program. This PhD in sports management is an excellent option for students interested in the psychology behind sports performance. This online doctorate teaches skills needed to understand and motivate athletes. Through these concepts, graduates will be able to train athletes for success more effectively. 

Some of the program’s courses include:

• The Literature Landscape: Psychology 
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
• Foundations of Research Design 
• Behaviorism 
• Foundations of Performance Psychology
• Humanistic, Transpersonal, and Existential Psychology

The online Ph.D. program requires a total of 60 credits. There are also two or three hands-on residencies during the program. These residencies allow you to work with faculty members and peers to help you network.

Tuition: $10,621

Score: 97.50

#12. THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Burlington, vermont.

The University of Vermont offers this Online PhD in Interprofessional Health Sciences degree. Students in this program can choose a concentration in rehabilitation and movement science (RMS). Through this program, students will be prepared to work with athletes. They can also choose from several areas of focus, including:

• Biomechanics
• Motor control
• Muscle physiology
• Exercise and physical activity
• Neurophysiology and neurorehabilitation
• Movement analysis
• Physiological biomarkers
• Outcome measure assessment

A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this online PhD. Most of the courses in this online degree are offered online. However, students may need to visit the University of Vermont to complete certain aspects of the program. Along with a research mentor, students can design their own sports management degree requirements within the concentration. In addition, three lab research rotations will need to take place in an approved laboratory.

Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: $12,294

Score: 97.25

See Also: The Best Online PhD Programs in Occupational Therapy

#13. UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES ARIZONA

Online phd in sport management, honolulu, hawaii.

The University of Medical Sciences Arizona is a newer college offering an online PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences. This PhD in sports management degree program focuses on the effects of disability. Students study impairments in performance and functional limitations. They will also examine interventions in physical environments. The program aims to ensure graduates increase the quality of life for people with disabilities. 

Some of the courses in this program include:

• Biostatistics 
• Outcome Measurements and Analysis 
• Research Methods in Rehabilitation 
• Information Systems in Healthcare 
• Health and Wellness Theory and Practice 
• Rehabilitation Science and Disability
• Psychosocial Impacts in Rehabilitation 
• Pathophysiology and Disability 
• Rehabilitation in Counseling 
• Pathokinesiology and Impairments 
• Concepts in Rehabilitation Sciences 
• Cognitive Disabilities in Rehabilitation 
• Functional Assessments and Outcome Measurements 
• Neurophysiology and Impairment 

This is a 72-credit program that takes four years to complete. One of those years is for a dissertation. This is an asynchronous program that is web-based and interactive. Students complete their coursework around their own schedules. Occasionally, synchronous meetings may be scheduled to foster collaboration between students and faculty.

Accreditation: UMSAz is a relatively new college that is currently seeking accreditation.

Tuition: $14,310

Score: 97.00

Related: The Best Online Kinesiology Programs

#14. ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

Online doctor of business administration in sport management, miami gardens, florida.

Saint Thomas University offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Sports Administration. This online PhD is an excellent option for training as a business leader in sports. Students will learn various sports-related business practices.

A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this PhD in sports management degree if entering with a master’s degree. The school may accept an additional 15 master’s degree or post-graduate credits, depending on the circumstances. It takes about a year and a half to finish, not including your dissertation.

Courses in this program may include:

• Sports Media and Public Relations
• Sports Marketing and Promotions
• Sports Psychology
• Sports Financial Management
• Facility and Event Management 
• Governance of Intercollegiate Athletics
• Brand Management
• Information Ethics
• Global Social Media Management 
• Global Sport Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership Theory and Practice
• Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Management 
• Athletic Management

Tuition: $14,400

Score: 96.75

You may also like: The Best PhD Business Administration Programs

#15. ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Phd in health sciences athletic training, provo, utah.

RMU offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with an Athletic Training concentration. The program is primarily online, although students will need to complete five onsite visits throughout the program. This is a four-year terminal degree that allows students to work while earning a Ph.D. 

Courses in the Athletic Training Concentration include:

• Evidence-based Advanced Therapeutic
• Preventative Measures
• Motor Control and Movement Analysis 
• Connective Tissue and Injury Repair
• Extensive Therapeutic Exercise 
• Athletic Training Seminar 

Students will choose their own dissertation topic. And they will have access to more than 150 nationally known dissertation mentors. During the didactic phase of the program, students will prepare and publish a scholarly work. Students in this online PhD will also have the opportunity to earn SFMA and FMS Certifications.

Tuition: $16,820

Score: 96.50

#16. NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY

San diego, california.

North Central University offers an online Doctorate in Sport and Athletic Management degree. This is an excellent option for students who would like to work in leadership positions in a collegiate athletic environment. Courses in this online phd focus on several topics. These include the various financial, legal, and political concepts needed for a successful career in athletics. A total of 60 credit hours are required to complete the program.

Graduates of the Northcentral University online PhD will gain a deep understanding of various aspects of college athletics, including:

• Advisement Programs

The program combines health science, real-life practical applications, and research and science-based academics. This is a highly flexible and fully online program. Additionally, there are new start dates each week. And students can schedule their coursework around their professional and personal lives. There are no weekly assignments or scheduled classes. Plus, students receive one-on-one online mentoring from their professors. 

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Tuition: $16,881

Score: 96.25

Related: Top 50 JD/MBA programs  

#17. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Philadelphia, pennsylvania.

Temple University offers an excellent Online Doctor of Athletic Training degree. This online doctorate in management degree has a stipulation, though. Currently, it is for those who are already certified athletic trainers. Still, this PhD in sports management is perfect for students who want to become experts in sports management and athletic training. And it introduces all the relevant sports management concepts. No visits to the Temple University campus are required. Some courses include:

• Research Appraisal and Clinical Application
• Clinical Grand Rounds I: Lower Extremity
• Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions
• Clinical Grand Rounds II: Upper Extremity
• Evidence-Based Decision Making in Athletic Training
• Advanced Sport Concussion
• Leadership and Cultural Considerations in Athletic Training
• Rehabilitation Methods and Techniques for Sports-Related Injuries
• Advanced Topics in Athletic Training

Although the program is entirely online, courses are partially synchronistic. There is extensive student collaboration. You will attend live online sessions with your peers. And together, you will participate in many web-based activities. The program also involves faculty mentorships. 

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Tuition: $17,388

Score: 96.00

#18. MORAVIAN COLLEGE

Bethlehem, pennsylvania.

Students at Moravian University can enroll in an Online Doctor of Athletic Training. This is a two-year, six-semester program taught by national experts. Participants will develop advanced topics in sports medicine, including:

• Clinical Imaging in Sports Medicine
• Advanced Therapeutic Modalities
• Advanced Neurologic Evaluation & Treatment
• Leadership in Athletic Training
• Psychosocial Issues in Athletic Training
• Entrepreneurship in Sports Medicine
• Performing Arts Medicine
• Epidemiology & Informatics
• Evidence-Based Interventions for Spine, Upper, and Lower Extremities

Students in this doctoral program must attend two, week-long residencies each summer. You will gain hands-on training at the school’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. This state-of-the-art facility is 40,000 square feet and features the latest in sports medicine technology.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: $17,874

Score: 95.75

#19. THE UNITED STATES SPORTS ACADEMY

Online phd sports management online, daphne, alabama.

The United States Sports Academy offers an online Doctor of Education in Sports Management degree. This online doctorate of sports management degree is designed to provide students with the training needed for many careers in health science and the sports management industry. At the United States Sports Academy, students will learn how to succeed with skills and techniques integral to being an effective sports team leader. A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete the United States Sports Academy program. The Sports Academy covers a tremendous amount of content. Here are just a few of the courses available:

• Structure and Function of the Olympic Games
• Ethics in Sports
• Combatting Corruption in Sports
• Psychology of Elite Performance
• Group Dynamics in Sports
• Advanced Coaching Theories
• Labor Relations in Sports
• Sports Marketing Research
• Financial Aspects of Sports
• Personnel Training and Development
• Facilities Planning in Sports
• Computer Analysis in Sports
• Research Statistics in Sports
• Sports Leadership Principles
• Sports-Related Concussions
• Principles of Management in Sports Medicine
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Fitness 
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning

Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools

Tuition: $19,440

Score: 95.50

#20. UNIVERSITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

St. augustine, florida.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers an Online Doctor of Education in Athletic Training. This online degree program is a specialization of the school’s EdD program. And it teaches students to work with athletes to reach their peak performance. Students enrolled in this online doctorate of sports management will develop a litany of skills–all of which will be useful for different sports management careers.

The core curriculum is research-intensive and includes courses in teaching methods. But for this specialization, students choose 12 credit hours from the following electives:

• Cultural Competency
• Psychosocial Strategies for Patient Care
• Concussion in Sports
• Advanced Topics: Ethics in Healthcare
• Evidence-Based Injury Prevention

A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program of study. Students can complete the entire program in four years and eight months. However, you can work with your advisor on a plan to accelerate the program. Along with the online coursework, there are two on-campus residencies required. There are also some optional on-campus immersions. These give students to opportunity to connect with fellow students and faculty members at the college. 

Tuition: $25,598

Score: 95.25

#21. DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Phd in health and rehabilitation sciences.

Drexel University offers a hybrid Online Ph.D. in Health Rehabilitation Sciences. Some coursework is completed independently online. However, students must attend in-person classes on two weekdays each week. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Some of the requirements of this Drexel University online PhD in sports management include:

• Foundations in Research Methods
• Intermediate Biostatistics
• Health Professional Education
• Research Practicum
• Scientific Inquiry & Writing

Each student collaborates with a faculty advisor to design an individual study plan. The plan is based on common research interests. Students are encouraged to explore the school’s 9,000-square-foot research space. They can also take advantage of extensive community, academic, and clinic research partnerships. Depending on the research plan, on-site residency is highly flexible.

Tuition: $36,234

Score: 95.00

More About Sport Management PhD Programs

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Sports Management (or any doctorate degree) is a big step. This degree is interdisciplinary and research-focused. And it can be quite academically challenging at times. Athletic training programs can even be physically demanding occasionally. Students can specialize in many areas within online phd programs. These include sports administration, sports law, sports finance, sports marketing, and more. 

Online PhD programs typically take three or four years of part-time study. And generally, they require approximately 66 credits in coursework. Some online programs do not require a final dissertation. However, you will usually finish a dissertation and complete a comprehensive exam during your time at the university. 

The residency requirements of an online PhD are typically minimal. Often, students will spend a week on campus a few times during the program. Usually, everyone meets with their instructors and cohorts in person. This allows for networking and research for the student’s dissertation. Plus, with sports management programs, getting at least some hands-on instruction is essential.

Most online PhD programs have at least some minimal residency requirements. So you’ll want to be sure you can attend before committing to a specific school. 

Careers With an Online PhD in Sport Management

A PhD in sports management can lead to a variety of careers. And virtually any aspect of sports that requires leadership and management skills is wide open for sports management PhDs.

How Much Does Someone with a PhD in Sports Management Make?

There is no universal salary scale for a doctorate in sports management. It varies based on geographic region, experience, and area of interest. However, salaries in athletic administration are generally higher than the average for similar graduates.

Sports management is a career that is snowballing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there is exceptional job growth in the entertainment and sports industry. In fact, entertainment and sports occupations are expected to grow 22 percent through 2030. 

Higher salaries are more realistic for students with an online PhD in sport management. Upper-level positions in sports management often command over $100,000 a year. So it’s safe to say that an online PhD in sports management is well worth it. It can help students pursue their dreams of making good money in a field they love. 

See Also: The Best Online Master’s in Communications and Public Relations Programs

What Will You Study in an Online PhD in Sports?

The doctoral program emphasizes research within core areas of sport management. Each PhD in sports management is different. But online PhD in sport management programs typically teach leadership skills related to:

• Health Sciences
• Sports Marketing
• Human Resources
• Sports Finances
• Human Resources 

Admission to an Online PhD in Sport Management Program

Admissions requirements to online PhD in sports management programs will vary from college to college. Sometimes, you’ll need extensive education and experience in the sports industry. Many programs require candidates first to have a master’s degree in sports management or a related field. 

Students will usually need to have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. In addition, the school will typically require official transcripts, a statement of intent, letters of reference, writing samples, and test scores.

How to Choose the Best Online PhD in Sport Management Program

Not all online PhD in sport management programs are the same. You’ve probably noticed that each of the online PhD programs on our list has a unique twist. Therefore, you’ll want to look for a PhD in sports management that most closely matches your interests and budget. For example, if you want to run an athletic training program, you’d look for a doctoral degree program with a focus on athletic administration, exercise leadership, or training for athletic directors.

Some programs focus on the business and entrepreneurial side of sports management. Others focus on the physical side. These schools teach things like rehabilitation, kinesiology, and injury prevention and treatment.

Some programs focus on the business and entrepreneurial side of sports management. Others focus on the physical side. These schools teach things like rehabilitation, kinesiology, and injury prevention and treatment. Many offer clinical practice at various sites around the country.

Many of the programs on our list allow students to tailor their own programs. Students can work with an academic advisor to design a personalized PhD in sport management program. Choose carefully and conduct plenty of research. There are enough online PhD in sport management programs out there to be picky about which doctoral degree program you attend. 

Online PhD in Sport Management Program Coursework

This degree lets you study exercise physiology and management in one doctoral program. This makes the Ph.D. in sports management ideal for those passionate about sports. The programs typically take about three years to complete. Almost all students learn about biochemical and physiological problems in the field. These programs are often collaborative with the school’s Department of Biology. For example, students might study the impact of age on the body.

We’ve already listed some coursework for online PhD in sports programs. However, this brief list will give you an idea of what most of them have in common.

Typical Courses for an online PhD in sport management program:

• Leadership Theories and Practice
• Quantitative Analysis
• Managing an Athletic Training Program
• Qualitative Research
• Organizational Change
• Performance Enhancement
• Psychomotor Performance
• Sports Economics and Finance
• Sports Analytics
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
• Event Management Principles
• Sustainability in Sports
• Nonprofit Management in Sports
• Sports Coaching and Leadership
• Sport Management Principles
• Human Resource Management
• Clinical Practice

You may also like: The Best Online Master’s in Sports Managers Degrees

Benefits of a PhD Sports Management Online Program

There are many benefits to earning your PhD in sports management online. In addition to obtaining a PhD, you’ll be well-prepared for the competitive job market in the field. Many employers are looking for qualified, experienced candidates. A PhD in sports management will set you apart from the rest. You’ll also be better positioned to land that dream job with a higher-level degree.

PhD in sports management programs are highly flexible. Most are designed for working professionals who already have home and work responsibilities. Many of the courses are asynchronous. This means you can do them online in your own time and work your studies around your existing schedule. Other PhD in sports management are more structured, requiring students to meet online simultaneously. 

Online doctoral programs in sports management have other advantages too. For example, you’ll earn the same degree as students who take the program on campus. And in most cases, on-campus and online programs have the same instructors. The in-person and sports management doctoral programs online are identical.

At some colleges, you can choose an accelerated online PhD in sports degree program. These programs let you fast-track your sports management education. That way, you can complete the courses faster than the allotted time. 

This concludes our ranking of the Top PhD Sports Management and Sports Performance PhD Programs Online.

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Top 5 Online PhD Programs in Sports Management

Find your degree.

What is Sports Management?

You could also use a degree like this to propel you into a career in research in the field of sports and recreation, which is just as multifaceted as the business side of things. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a favorable projection for jobs in this area; they are growing at nearly twice the national average.

What does it take to work in Sports Management?

Skills in communication, marketing, business strategy, and leadership are all great to have in your arsenal. Sports as a whole is a close to $80 billion industry. There is a lot of money involved in professional sports, municipal recreation, the private sector, and so on. Because of that, it is going to be a competitive industry and employers are looking for someone that they can trust. Being motivated, passionate, energetic, and committed to teamwork are personal values that can also help you get ahead.

Your Sports Management Degree

Methodology

In order to create this ranking, we researched to find all of the schools that offer distance-based online doctorate programs in sports management. We considered hybrid degrees alongside those that were fully online.

We then researched these three factors:

• Freshman Retention Rate (⅓ of final score),
• Graduation Rate (⅓ of final score), and
• Affordability (⅓ of final score)

These factors are represented as percentages and we used each as a whole number and added them together for a possible score of 300 points. Once all of the institutions were scored, we ranked them accordingly.

We collected all of the data used to score and talk about each institution from the schools’ websites whenever possible. If we weren’t able to find what we needed on the individual school site, we also used the databases of the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report , Niche.com, and CollegeData.

Cost information is represented by the residential cost of attendance as determined by CollegeData. Due to the fluid nature of tuition rates and the uniqueness of everyone’s financial situation, please keep in mind that you will likely not pay the amount described, it’s just to help give you a complete picture of the schools and the programs they offer.

OnlineCollegePlan prides itself on transparency and providing students with the most accurate and helpful information and resources . In light of that, we want to point out that no institution is ever given preferential treatment for any reason. However, some schools that may have placed in this ranking have been omitted either due to insufficient data or per their own request.

The curriculum of the program will help you to work collaboratively with a healthcare team if you’d like to approach your career from a clinical standpoint; the program will also equip you with strong leadership skills geared towards a clinical profession. You will also learn how athletic training fits into the field of public health. You will learn about evidence-based decision making and how to appraise athletic training materials to improve patient outcomes.

Tuition for this program is a flat rate that doesn’t consider your state of residency. You will pay the same thing as all other online students. It is calculated on a per-credit basis, and online students are eligible for financial aid. This program is a post-professional program that is open only to certified athletic trainers.

This program consists of 66 credits in total. Over summer, you will have to take courses such as Leadership and Mentoring in Athletic Training Clinical Practice, Advanced Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training, Research Methods in Athletic Training, and more. The program begins in the summer with a four-week stay on campus; all of the coursework in the fall and spring semesters can be completed entirely online.

The program can be completed in just six semesters of full-time study. Online classes will cover topics like Current Issues in Clinical Practice, Quantitative Methods and Statistics, Advance Action Research in Athletic Training, and more. The program does culminate in a dissertation. Clinical practice accounts for over a third of the required credits. Similar to Temple’s program, this is post-professional and open to certified trainers only.

There is only one on-campus requirement in CalU’s program, and that is to present your professional portfolio and defend your dissertation if that is relevant to your plan of study. This is a 48-credit program that places heavy emphasis on research. You will create an evidence-based professional portfolio as you progress through the program; and learn to integrate trends in health science, exercise science, and fitness to improve your clinical practice or related professional career.

Some of the classes you’ll take include Health Promotion and Wellness for the Individual; Leadership in Wellness Education and Professional Practice; Curriculum and Course Design and; Community and Corporate Wellness. You will also have the opportunity to take electives that are in the areas you want to focus on professionally. This program can be completed in just two years.

Some classes you’ll take include Interpersonal Relationship in Sport, Interpreting and Applying Analytics in Sport, Effect of Governing Bodies on Sport Leaders, and Strategic Planning and Thinking for Global Sport Leaders. You will also be able to choose a few electives. There isn’t a dissertation associated with the program, but there is a Doctoral Capstone Project instead.

In order to be eligible for the program, students must hold a master’s degree in sports or a related profession. You will also need a passport in order to attend the study abroad components. It is preferred that applicants have a minimum of three years experience working in professional, collegiate, or high school sports; however, some exceptions may be made. The cost per credit hour is $670 for students that don’t reside in Tennessee.

This online Sports Management PhD is made up of 60 credit hours and has a tuition rate of $494 per credit hour regardless of your residency. The program is broken down into four major components which are the Doctoral Core, Research and Statistics Requirements, Cognate Area Requirements, then your exam and dissertation. You are encouraged to defend your dissertation in person, but it is not required. You can use Skype or a similar program.

There are several different cognate areas to choose from. The university lists the following: Sport Organization Behavior/Theory; Sport Marketing, Sport Finance, Legal Aspects of Sport, Athletic Administration, Sport Communication, or Sport Tourism. However, students can work with an advisor to construct a cognate area that suits their interests and goals. This program is available to students that hold a master’s degree.

Is Sports Management a good career?

You can add an area of focus such as education, health science, or nutrition if you’re not extremely dedicated to working in business. There are also business-related areas of focus you can explore like finance, marketing, and more. Sports management is a great career, and it is a great degree to pursue if you’re interested in a sports-related career. The thing to keep in mind is that going to college is always going to be a big investment of your money and your time. Choosing to earn an online sports management degree can help you fit your classes into your schedule, so you don’t struggle with having enough time to juggle all of your responsibilities. You may also find that taking a sports management degree program online helps you cut down on costs; this could be tuition and fees, but also supplies, commuting, and so on.

What do you learn in Sports Management?

If you’re taking a traditional sports management program, you’re going to learn a lot about business. Some of the topics that you’re likely to cover include organizational management, public relations, public speaking, sports sociology, administration of sports/recreation management, sports marketing, and so on.

If you’re approaching sports management from another angle, such as an academic one, you’re going to learn the same principles of sports management as above, but you’ll also see courses in how to conduct sports-related research, adult learning, curriculum design, and other educational courses. You are likely to learn this type of stuff if you’re looking to enter a research career as well, along with additional skills in analyzing data and contemporary issues.

You can also approach sports management from a more clinical standpoint if you want to work on the border between the healthcare and sports field. You will learn about athletic training, exercise, nutrition, wellness, fitness, and also explore clinical research to encourage evidence-based clinical practice in your professional life. There are also careers in event planning, facility management, and sports media. Based on the concentration of your selected program, you will learn the fundamentals of sports along with extensive skills in your area of focus. Working with an academic advisor will also help you tailor what you learn to your specific interests.

What are jobs in Sports Management?

You could work as an athletic director at a school or a recreation center; a facilities manager at a stadium, a gym, or rec center; an event coordinator for a sports team, industry, or stadium; you could work in sports marketing for a company, franchise, or organization; a financial and contract analyst helping to support the financial success of a sports-related organization or negotiating contracts. You could also work in public relations, accounting, sales, and more.

You could find a different type of job in sports management if you don’t see the business aspect of it attractive. You could work as a fitness director, a wellness coordinator, an athletic trainer, or a coach at a school or rec center. You could get a job for a large corporation or work in the private sector. It’s all up to you. Working with an academic advisor is key to making sure that you can learn everything you need to pursue your ideal career.

What are the requirements in Sports Management?

Some of the core classes you’ll encounter throughout your course of study include:

• Public Speaking
• Sport Facility Design and Management
• Sports Marketing
• Legal Issues in Sports
• Physical Science
• Sport and Society
• Sports Research Methods

Choosing a specialty will not change the core curriculum of the program, but it will allow you to take more specific courses that are aligned with your career goals. Just a handful of potential specialties include athletic administration, marketing, and communications, facility management, and so on. Every student has unique goals and will have individual requirements to complete the sports management program that’s best for them. Consulting with an academic advisor is recommended to get a complete picture of what you’ll need to do.

Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

Master of science in sports management.

Columbia University is the top-ranked university in the world offering a graduate sports management program. Columbia University's Master of Science in Sports Management features a leading-edge, market-influenced curriculum along with unparalleled access to sports industry leaders and experts. For the full-time option, students take courses on Columbia's New York City campus. The program takes up to 16 months to complete, and will be offered in the fall and spring for 2021 .

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At a Glance

In this master’s program, you will….

• Acquire leading-edge, market-influenced strategies and skills in areas including digital sports media, sports analytics, business intelligence, sports entrepreneurship and innovation, global sports management, sports marketing, finance, sponsorship sales and activation, negotiations, facility and event management, sports law and ethics, and intercollegiate athletics.
• Learn from successful industry practitioners and leaders in all areas of sports business.
• Gain practical knowledge and training with sports organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, FC Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Real Madrid, and many others.
• Join an elite network of peers, industry experts, and graduates working in leadership positions across the global sports ecosystem.
• Receive continued resources after graduation, such as career coaching and networking opportunities to support your ongoing professional development.
• Expand your network through direct access to industry events, gatherings, panels, and speakers, drawing on the abundant resources of our faculty, Columbia University, and New York City.

Program Features Include…

• A dynamic, best-in-class curriculum covering all aspects of the sports business universe with leading-edge content that captures current market dynamics and anticipates future trends.
• An esteemed faculty including industry thought leaders, experts, and current practitioners associated with many of the biggest brands in sports.
• Top academic partnerships , including CSM LeadDog, Opta Sports, FC Bayern Munich, La Liga North America, Luker on Trends, Real Madrid University, and the Aspen Institute, which offer students valuable knowledge and training for what lies ahead in sports management.
• A sophisticated professional development and coaching process , which cultivates leadership skills along with writing and presentation skills tailored to success in the sports industry.
• A supportive, collaborative environment in which students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners work together to expand their knowledge base and create a lasting impact in the sports industry.

Who Should Apply?

• Young professionals who aspire to have a career in sports.
• Current sports professionals who want to enhance their skill set and advance their careers.
• Career-changing professionals who want to transition to a sports career.

Alumni Employers

Our graduates work for the largest and most important sports businesses across the globe, including professional sports teams and leagues , intercollegiate athletics , the Olympics , sports marketing agencies , and sports media companies . Graduates earn among the highest average salary three years post graduation of any sports management program in the world. You can hear more from alumni in the Featured Students, Alumni & Faculty section .    

The Columbia University Sports Management Podcast

On the Columbia University Sports Management Podcast ('The CUSP Show'), faculty members Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson host thought leaders from across the sports industry as they discuss a wide array of topics. Produced by the Columbia University Sports Management program's staff, The CUSP Show can be heard here .

Featured Students, Alumni, & Faculty

Impact story: cameron morris morris is pursuing a sports management master’s degree to get his foot in the door and jump-start his career. student student erika dy: "you cannot take enough classes here." dy enrolled in the sports management program for a deeper educational dive into the industry she was already working in. alumni how alum lyle adams merged his tech career with his passion for sports today, he is the ceo of spry, a digital platform for the ncaa and student-athletes to work through nil rights. alumni “a network of a lifetime:” javonty hunter credits sports management & hbcu fellowship with helping to kick start his career the sports management alum is now translating his degree and sports finance internships into a career in wealth management. student jackson donahue: from d1 athlete to the business side of sports jackson donahue wants to equip himself with the right level of knowledge as he starts his career. student leda strong: using sports as a vehicle for change leda strong is looking to move the needle on social justice and wants to work at the intersection of sports and social good. in the news, this former athlete is working toward a career in sports management after the pitcher’s mound, mo’ne davis makes the most of her time at columbia’s school of professional studies. faculty sports management program featured on netflix’s formula f1: drive to survive an episode of the latest season showcases columbia’s 2023 sports management conference. faculty what it’s like to work on the world’s biggest sporting events sports management’s bill squires talks about his experiences at the nfl’s super bowl and more. speak with the program.

Learn more about Sports Management at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies or contact the program admissions counselor.

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