Online Degrees in Sports Management

Campus or online education--specifically with a sports management focus--is essential, even for entry-level positions, because sports management is a highly competitive field. Although non-degree training programs and two-year associate degrees may be sufficient for entry-level positions, most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in sports management and, depending on the career objective, a concentration such as marketing or finance.

Other related degree programs include an undergraduate degree in accounting or public relations, for example, and a master's degree in sports management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in sports management. Doctoral degrees in sports management are rare and prepare candidates for teaching or administrative careers in sports management degree programs.

Because sports management is a competitive field, students with internships or other experience may have an edge on the job market. Some schools have ties to a sports team, which can also be advantageous when it's time to look for a job. Sports management degrees are conveniently available online, which allows students to interact and network with a wider variety of faculty and students across the nation and around the world. Many programs use sports or sports management professionals as guest faculty and online programs provide a means to take advantage of these opportunities.

People who enter sports management usually enjoy sports and have other skills specific to their chosen sports management career path. For example, sports agents are good negotiators willing to advocate for their clients, while public relations professionals have excellent analytic and communications skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2010 mean annual wages for the middle 50 percent of agents/managers of artists, performers and athletes ranged from $39,770 to $113,580, although agents at the professional level can earn substantially more. Salaries for sports management careers in spectator sports include:

• Chief executives: $201,640
• Financial managers: $114,520
• Marketing managers: $108,850
• Coaches/scouts: $60,610

Two popular careers associated with sports management are coaching and scouting, with 2010 mean annual wages across all industries of $35,950. Most coaches are employed at elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities. Employment of coaches and scouts is expected to grow 25 percent between 2008 and 2018, with other careers in sports management also expected to experience faster than average growth.

Jobs at the professional sports level are limited and competition for these coveted positions is fierce, but many sports management professionals aspire to that dream. Education, hard work, experience and a little luck can make it happen.

• Professional statistics: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were 184,280 coaches/scouts employed in 2010. Furthermore, total employment in spectator sports in 2010 was 131,180
• Growth: Sports management careers are expected to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018