Best Online PhD programs in Sports Management

A career in sports management can be extremely rewarding. Not only are there many opportunities for upward mobility, but the average salary for positions in this field is also quite high. To make it even better, online PhD programs in sports management are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a flexible and convenient way to earn a terminal degree.

What are the Subjects Covered in Sports Management PhD?

Most phd sports management online programs will cover subjects such as ethics, governance, finance, marketing, and event planning among many more. Standard admission requirements include a masters or bachelor’s degree in a related field and GRE scores.

How is the Job Market for PhD Sports Management Graduates?

The job market for graduates of online PhD programs in sports management is expected to maintain high growth over the next decade as more universities embrace online learning. Career prospects are excellent, as there are many different positions that graduates can work in, such as athletic director, marketing manager, or event coordinator. The average salary for these positions is about $85,000 per year.

Here now are the best online PhD programs in sports management;

1. United States Sports Academy

The online PhD program in sports management at United States Sports Academy provides an in-depth look at the business side of sports. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including sports marketing, event management, and facility operations. The program is designed for working professionals, and courses are taught by experienced industry experts.

Students in the online PhD program can tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. The program is flexible and convenient, and students can complete their coursework at their own pace. Whether you’re already working in the sports industry or you’re looking to make a career change, the program can help you reach your goals.

Program Name: Doctor of Education in Sports Management

Key Areas: Olympic Games, Ethics in Sport, Governance to Combat Corruption in Sports, Coaching Theories, and Labor Relations in Sports among others.

Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

2. Northcentral University

Northcentral University’s online PhD program in sports management is designed for those who want to pursue a career in sports administration or coaching. The program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful leader in the industry.

The curriculum includes courses on finance, marketing, and law, as well as on the psychology of sports. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and research projects. This makes it possible for graduates to find employment in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, professional sports organizations, and government agencies.

Program Name: PhD in Sports Management

Key Areas: Science-based Academics, Research Methods, and real-life studies with practical linkage to the financial, legal, political and marketing aspects of the sports management field.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

3. University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina’s online PhD in Sports Management is designed to prepare students for careers such as researchers and leaders in the sports industry. The program is a collaborative effort among faculty from the departments of Athletic Training, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Physiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy.

The core program was founded in 2000 and is located on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE scores. The acceptance rate for the program is around 83%. The graduation rate for the program is also very good.

Program Name: Ph.D. in Human Movement Science

Key Areas: Behavioral Studies (motor learning, motor development, and psychological factors), Biomechanics, Physiology, and Neuromuscular Control.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

4. Concordia University

Concordia University offers a PhD program in Sports leadership that is specially designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in sports management or related fields. The program offers a unique blend of coursework in leadership, health, and human performance. Students in the program will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead organizations within the sports industry.

Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and submit a personal statement. The program is offered entirely online, and students can expect to complete the program in 4-5 years.

Program Name:  PhD in Sports Leadership

Key Areas: Sports Administration, Sports Marketing, Advanced Sports Economics & Finance, Essentials of Law in Sports, Sports Analytics

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

5. Temple University

The online PhD in Sports Management at Temple University is a unique program that combines coursework in business and management with an understanding of the athletic training profession. The main program was founded in 2006 and is located on the main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Admission to the program is highly competitive, with an expected GPA of 3.5 or higher and more than 75th percentile on the GMAT or GRE. However, those who are admitted can expect to receive a top-quality education that will prepare them for careers in sports administration.

The program covers subjects including sports financial management, marketing, and law. Students will also gain a deep understanding of the principles of athletic training. The graduation rate is high, with nearly 90% of students completing the program within four years. Graduates from the program are well-prepared to enter into leadership roles in the sports industry.

Program Name: PhD program in Sports management

Key Areas: Sports Financial Management, Marketing, Law

Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

6. Indiana State University

The online PhD in sports management at Indiana State University is a unique program that combines coursework in business, psychology, and kinesiology with practical experience in the field. The program was founded in 2006 and is located at the ISU campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. Admission to the program is extremely competitive, registering moderate admission rates.

The graduation rate for this program is high, with over 80% of students completing the program within four to five years.  The Doctorate in Athletic Training is designed for those who wish to pursue careers as athletic trainers or other sports professionals working with athletes in positions like physical therapists or strength and conditioning coaches.

Please note that students from countries other than the U.S. and Canada are not eligible for the program except for U.S. military personnel and state department employees

Program Name: Doctorate in Athletic Training

Key Areas: Sports Financial Management, Marketing, Law, Coaching, Event Management, Sports Administration

Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), Higher Learning Commission

7. Ball State University

The PhD in Sports Management online program at Ball State University is designed to prepare students for careers in sports administration, management, marketing, and other related fields.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, they must submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The course covers subjects including sports finance, law, sociology, psychology, and physiology. The online program was founded in 2020 and is currently offered on a part-time basis. The campus location is Muncie, Indiana. The acceptance and graduation rates are both at 50%. The PhD in Human Bioenergetics is popular, thanks to its unique approach to the sports management field.

Program Name:  PhD in Human Bioenergetics

Key Areas: Applied Physiology, Principles of Biochemistry, Exercise Physiology, Seminar in Exercise Science, Molecular Biology With Laboratory

Accreditation:  Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

8. University of Houston

The University of Houston offers a PhD in Kinesiology – Sport and Fitness Administration program. This is a research-based program that focuses on preparing students for careers in academia or research. The program offers online and on-campus coursework, and students are required to complete a minimum of 54 credit hours.

The program is offered from the University’s main campus in Houston, Texas, and the acceptance rate is about 50%. The graduation rate is about 80%, making it a successful program.

Program Name:  Ph.D. in Kinesiology (with a special emphasis in Sports and Fitness Administration)

Key Areas: Professional Sports, Event Management, Fitness, Recreational Management, and Collegiate Athletic Administration.

Accreditation:  Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Conclusion

In today’s world, getting an online PhD in Sports Management is becoming popular. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is that it is now more convenient than ever before. You can study in the best university from the comfort of your home, and you can also complete your PhD in a shorter period of time.

Additionally, online PhD programs can be very affordable, meaning you will earn high level education without having to spend a lot of money. Whether you want to get a PhD in Sports Management to further your career or to simply learn more about sports management, an online PhD program is the best way to go.