Pursue an Online PhD in Sports Management

Are you interested in advancing your career in the thrilling world of sports management? Learn how to set yourself on this upward path by investing in a PhD in sports management online. Don’t worry if you have questions or concerns, as we understand this and have prepared this guide to cover these areas to equip you well through the what and how to help you navigate career opportunities. In addition, you’ll get a detailed view of key programs, requirements, and financial aid. 

Your takeaways from this article will guide you and help you excel in this half-trillion-dollar industry that offers a range of specializations, such as business, health sciences, or academia. So, with a PhD in sports management online, you’re ready for success.

Over the past two decades, the sports industry has grown into a $435 billion industry — and shows no signs of slowing down. This brings a wealth of opportunities for sports enthusiasts and not just athletes. A growing industry means a growing need for more coordinators, business managers, coaches and scouts, analysts and more. With a doctorate in sports management online, you can distinguish yourself and get a jumpstart.

What was once more of a niche academic field is now one that’s growing in popularity in higher education. There are now more than 260 master’s programs and around 35 doctoral programs in sports management, so you have a variety of options when pursuing a PhD in sports management online.

Sports management is a broad career field that covers every aspect of managing sports teams, athletes, sporting events, and facilities. It is essential to collegiate and professional sports, as teams tend to operate as businesses. Earning a PhD gives you a level of expertise and specialization to pursue influential positions. 

As you begin your search, you likely have a lot of questions about each program: What courses and specializations are offered? What research areas can you pursue? What financial aid is available?

We’ve gathered answers to some of the most pressing questions and highlighted three top programs that stand out for quality, affordability, and flexibility. Let’s get started!

Program Profiles: Online PhDs in Sports Management

Online PhD programs fill a large void in the sports management field, providing a flexible program that meets the needs of working professionals in the sports industry. In addition to preparing aspiring university faculty, these programs help aspiring executives and leaders in the sports industry advance their knowledge and understanding of sports management.

We’ve helped identify some of the best-in-class programs for sports management doctorates to help you narrow down your search. Prioritizing factors like accreditation, low tuition costs, student resources, and specialization options, three schools stand out against the rest. 

To find more information about various sports management programs, you can check out the North American Society for Sport Management  (NASSM).

Doctoral Program Admissions for Sports Management

Review the admission requirements for the doctoral program you’re interested in. Before applying to a doctoral program, it can be helpful to contact faculty members in the department to learn more about the curriculum, research areas, etc. Some schools suggest that your research areas match up with one of the current faculty.

Specific requirements will vary from school to school. However, there are some admissions requirements that are common. We’ve listed them below:

• A personal statement detailing your reasons for pursuing the degree, background, research interest and professional experience
• A professional or academic writing sample
• A résumé/CV
• GRE scores
• Recommendation letters
• Master’s degree
• Transcripts

This list isn’t exhaustive, however, so be sure to check the program website to get more detailed information.

Online PhDs in Sports Management Provide an Edge

Whether you’re wanting to increase your earning potential or equip yourself for highly specialized work in the field, an online PhD in sports management provides an excellent and flexible opportunity to advance your career. 

Here’s why opting for an online doctoral program in sports management can provide you with a competitive edge:

• Online programs offer lower tuition fees and eliminate the need for commuting or relocating, saving you money on transportation and accommodation expenses.
• The ability to continue working while studying mitigates income loss, making advanced education more accessible and cost-effective
• Earning an online PhD in sports management demonstrates your academic and industry expertise, positioning you for leadership roles and higher salaries in the sports field

According to the Census Bureau , 14% of adults in the U.S. had completed advanced education, such as a master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate, in 2022. So, earning your PhD in sports management online would help you stand out in the industry.

Below, we’ll explore three of the largest advantages that come with an online PhD in sports management. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it offers a helpful comparison to get started. 

In this article for Troy University, professor Win Koo, the program coordinator for the sports management program, explains how a PhD can impact your career in sports.

“If you want to build a career in sport management, you’ll have to make sure that your business and analytical skills are as ‘match fit’ as your athletes on the field,” he said. 

“There are four major areas in sport management as an academic discipline,” Koo said. “There’s sports marketing, sport finance, organizational behavior, and legal issues. Then, there are other areas like sports communication and sports information —and nowadays, sports analytics is becoming a huge area in sports management.”

Top three benefits of an online PhD in sports management

Note that this list isn’t exhaustive but offers a helpful comparison.

Courses Overview: Online Doctorates in Sports Management

Every online doctorate in sports management will take a different approach to the discipline, including the curriculum and research plan. However, some common components, like statistics and organizational theory, are foundational courses in the field. As you start your research, have a good idea of your research areas and seek out a curriculum that best matches them.

Popular Classes

Your course structure also will vary greatly depending on your online courses, for example if they are synchronous or not, and if you are pursuing a degree part time or full time. However, this section will give you a good general understanding that you can use to begin your search. 

Here are a few common courses you could expect in an online PhD in Sports Management.

Do I Need to Complete a Dissertation or Capstone Project?

To receive your doctorate degree, you will typically be expected to complete a traditional dissertation or a capstone project to demonstrate your knowledge. For the online Phd program at Troy University, for example, you’ll be required to complete 18 term hours minimum toward your dissertation. The specific requirements will depend on your chosen program and specialization area.

Some programs, such as the Doctorate of Education in Sports Leadership at East Tennessee State University, opt for a capstone project instead. This gives you the opportunity to display learning gained throughout the program in one seamless project experience.

Specializations and Concentrations

While your coursework will vary from program to program, there are some concentrations you’ll likely be able to find. At Troy University, you can take specific seminars on topics like sports marketing, legal aspects of sports, sports finance, and organizational behavior and leadership.

Online Sports Management PhD Program Costs

Understanding the cost of any degree program is a crucial aspect of your decision. Before you enroll in a PhD program, you should have a good understanding of your expected financial commitments. A degree will open the door to new opportunities and higher earning potential, but you can find ways to reduce your overall financial burden.

The key to success is having a plan. Research the types of financial assistance you’re eligible for, whether through school scholarships or local organizations, fellowships, work-study, or employer tuition assistance. To learn more about your financial aid options, check out our guide for doctoral students here.

Examples of Online Program Tuition

To help you visualize the cost of an online PhD program, we’ve shared a few programs below with their cost and credit information as an example. Remember that tuition costs can vary widely based on several factors, including your residency status and how many credits you take. Be sure to check the most current information directly from the universities.

Most Commonly Asked Questions

What is the difference between a PhD, EdD or DBA in sports management?

A PhD in sports management will typically focus on research and scholarship, focusing on advancing theoretical knowledge in the field. A key distinction is that a PhD is an academic terminal degree while an EdD and DBA degrees are professional degrees. 

An EdD (Doctor of Education) is professionally focused and emphasizes the practical application of research to solve real-world problems in sports management. Meanwhile, a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) in Sports Management emphasizes business principles and practices applied specifically to the sports industry.

How long can a PhD in sports management online take?

Depending on how you structure your courses, you can complete your PhD in sports management online in three to five years on average. 

Are online sports management PhD programs accredited?

Yes, you’ll want to look for an accredited program when choosing the right school for you. Online sports management PhD programs can be accredited by or regionally accredited through organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Competitive Salaries for Sports Management Graduates

You can use your PhD in sports management in a variety of roles – from marketing to agenting, accounting and more. When researching your various career options, take notes of the areas where your skills and interests are strongest. You’ll also want to consider the financial opportunities that come with the job. 

Some common titles for doctorate graduates include administration, athletic coaching, sports marketing, sports analytics, and sports consulting. These roles are sought after by professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments, sports agencies, marketing firms, and consulting companies. 

Given the high demand for skilled professionals and potential for lucrative salaries, career opportunities for PhD holders typically offer greater responsibility, higher pay, and increased potential for career advancement than if you held a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Here’s a more in-depth look at some potential careers for you to consider:

• Sports Team Manager/Director: Oversees the operations and administration of a sports team, including budgeting, scheduling, and personnel management.
• Athletic Director: Leads and manages athletic programs and departments at all levels, from K-12 to university.
• Sports Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote sports events, teams, or athletes, driving ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and merchandise revenue.
• Sports Analytics Specialist: Uses data analysis techniques to evaluate player performance, fan engagement, and business operations, providing insights to improve decision-making in sports organizations.
• Sports Consultant: Provides expert advice and guidance to sports organizations on various aspects such as strategic planning, revenue generation, facility management, and organizational development.

Career Outlook for Sports & Athletic Management Field

The employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 7% through 2029—faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that you have an array of job opportunities in the sports management field. Here’s a look at some common career paths that you can consider, as well as their median annual pay and job growth rate.