Online M.A. in Sports Management

Expand Your Knowledge, Advance Your Career

MBA

Designed to broaden your knowledge, develop your skills and prepare you for opportunities in athletic administration, the online Master of Arts in Sports Management at Bushnell University complements your work experience and empowers you to succeed in a variety of sports industry sectors.

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Financial Aid

Credits 36 | Cost/Credit $675 | Completion 12 or 24 Months | Format Online | Starts Every August

Contact

Christina Meyers
Admission Counselor

541-684-7280
cmeyers@bushnell.edu

Peter Diffenderfer, Ph.D.
Program Faculty

541-349-7441
pdiffenderfer@bushnell.edu

Why Earn Your Online Sports Management Degree Through Bushnell?

The online sports management degree program provides you with a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory and hands-on experience, preparing you to excel in your career in the sports industry. The program offers ample opportunities for networking and mentorship, helping you develop valuable industry connections and real-world experience.

Discover more about what makes our program unique:

  • Flexible schedules: Our 100 percent online format and no required log-in times allow you to continue working part- or full-time as you earn your master’s in sports management.
  • 12 or 24 months to completion: Classes take place over eight weeks and can be completed in 12 or 24 months. 
  • Welcome to diverse backgrounds: Don’t have an undergraduate degree in sports management? That’s okay — we invite you to apply, regardless of the area in which you earned your bachelor’s degree.
  • Apply what you’ve learned: The customizable capstone experience helps you demonstrate proficiency and enhance your résumé through a research-based project or practicum at one of Bushnell’s many partner sites.

Affordable sports management degree: Ranked as one of the Top 2 lowest average annual cost universities in Oregon, you receive a top-notch education at an affordable price.

Curriculum 

The curriculum of the master’s in sports management online program aims to equip students with the ability to:

  • Acquire skills and knowledge necessary to perform in a variety of sport roles
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of sport management
  • Receive preparation for diverse employment opportunities
  • Utilize ethics when making decisions concerning professional and personal behaviors
  • Utilize research for problem-solving
  • Apply practical skills needed in the sports management arena including strategy, budgeting, personnel, legal and planning
  • Demonstrate understanding of the profession through case studies, internships or other practical applications

Sports Management Courses

The Master of Arts in Sports Management requires 36 credits, 12 courses total.

Core Courses

  • Business Ethics
  • Coaching Fundamentals
  • Current Topics in Sports Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Operations and Service Management
  • Sports and Society
  • Sports Budgeting & Fundraising
  • Sports Law
  • Research or Practicum Capstone

Elective Courses

  • Organizational Behavior
  • Leadership Strategies
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Managerial Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Strategy and Managerial Decision Making

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

Review the academic calendar to learn more about important dates, such as new student orientation or add/drop deadlines.

Hear From Our Students

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"I have always been passionate about working in sports, so once the Master's in Sports Management program was introduced, I knew I wanted to select that route for my masters degree. Fortunately, I had an extra year of eligibility for volleyball, which allowed me the opportunity to continue my path in higher education here at Bushnell. I can say that the one-year, online format has made working, playing a sport, and completing classwork very manageable. The professors have all done a wonderful job crafting curriculums that are up to date and relevant with today's trends in sports management. I would highly recommend this master's program to someone who is looking to find a career in sports."
-Peyton Ritchie '24

Online Sports Management Program Admissions

A complete application to the online master’s in sports management program includes:

  • Free application for admission
  • Official transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university (3.0 cumulative grade-point average) and transcripts for any subsequent academic work
  • A Statement of Purpose (500 words) showing skills in written communication and addressing how this sports management online program relates to your personal and professional goals
  • Up-to-date resume

 Additional Admissions Considerations

Bushnell University evaluates applicants holistically, reviewing academic progress as well as work and personal experience in the admissions process. 

Students who do not meet grade-point average requirements may apply for conditional admission to the program. To do so, they should provide a one-page description of their previous academic history results with an explanation of how they intend to be successful at the graduate level.

Have questions about the admissions process? Reach out to our Admissions Counselor.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Considering how to fund your graduate education is an important part of your decision-making process. At Bushnell, we aim not only to make your college education more affordable but to connect you with transparent, accessible financial aid options.

Explore your funding options, including federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and more, and review tuition at a glance.

We encourage military veterans to learn more about Bushnell’s veteran benefits and services, including the tuition assistance program.

Cost of Attendance

Per Semester:

Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $150

Sports Management Careers

Individuals with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sports Management can pursue various careers in the sports industry. Equipped with robust business acumen and skills in leadership and management, communication, strategic planning, and marketing and promotion, our alumni build successful careers as:

  • Athletic Directors
  • Event Coordinators
  • Facility Managers
  • Fitness and Wellness Managers
  • Player Agents or Representatives
  • Sports Analytics Professionals
  • Sports Journalists
  • Sports Managers and Administrators
  • Sports Marketing Managers

Gear Up for Success in Bushnell’s M.A. in Sports Management Program

In our online Master of Arts in Sports Management degree program, you gain a comprehensive understanding of management principles, honing both your strategic and practical skills. Whether your goal is to navigate the business side of sports, drive marketing initiatives or lead sports organizations, our program equips you with the tools needed to excel.

Take the next step — apply today!

Have Questions?

Reach out with questions — our admissions team and faculty are glad to help you at any step of your grad school journey.

Christina Meyers
Admission Counselor

541-684-7280
cmeyers@bushnell.edu

Peter Diffenderfer, Ph.D.
Program Faculty

541-349-7441
pdiffenderfer@bushnell.edu 

Meet the Faculty

Peter Diffenderfer, Ph.D.
Program Faculty

“Bushnell’s affordable and efficient 12-month Master of Arts in Sports Management Program is ideally suited for individuals who seek to be equipped with knowledge and skills to either begin or enhance their career in an expanding field that they are passionate about.

Whether it’s coaching, managerial, or administrative opportunities – at the youth, high school, collegiate, or professional level – the program will offer cutting-edge information and experiences to expand students’ abilities and opportunities.”