Love sports and recreation and want to apply your talents and skills in a field you’re passionate about? You can with a degree in sports administration.
The sporting industry is ranked as the ninth largest industry on the planet, with revenue in the trillions of dollars. From professional teams to college and high school programs to community athletic programs, sporting events and programs require the hard work of talented professionals to ensure everyone has the support and structure they need.
Sports administrators and facilities managers are in high demand, with strong job growth projected for the future. But what’s truly great about a degree in sports administration is how it can open many additional career opportunities in areas like marketing, management and finance.
If you think you might enjoy a career in sports, here’s everything you need to know about what you can do with a sports administration master’s degree and the types of jobs available to you.
What is an MS in Sports Administration?
A Master of Science in Sports Administration is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the fast-paced and competitive business side of sports. Whether your goal is to work in professional leagues, college athletics or sports media, a sports administration master’s program offers you a balance of business fundamentals with specialized knowledge of the sports industry.
What You’ll Learn in a Sports Administration Program
A sports administration master’s program will equip you with a strong foundation in key business disciplines that are tailored to the unique context of sports organizations. You’ll gain insight into:
- Modern business communication and how to engage effectively with athletes, media, fans, sponsors and executives.
- Sports marketing principles and how to build campaigns that drive fan engagement, loyalty and revenue.
- Financing sports, including budgeting, investment and sponsorship strategy.
- Ethical and legal issues in the industry, including contract law, compliance and athlete representation.
- Facility and event management, from game-day logistics to capital improvement planning.
Depending on the program, you’ll also develop advanced skills in:
- Revenue generation, including sports sales strategy, corporate partnerships and media rights negotiations.
- Data analysis and forecasting, which involves learning how to use data to solve real-world problems and make informed business decisions.
- Cross-functional leadership skills that prepare you to lead teams, collaborate across departments and manage stakeholders with different priorities.
- Audience-specific communication strategies, so you can tailor your message to diverse groups, from coaches and athletes to fans, board members and the press.
To help you align your degree with your career goals, you can often specialize in one of several focus areas:
- Marketing: Develop advertising and social media campaigns that attract fans, sponsors and media attention.
- Program Management: Take the lead role in overseeing athletic programs, tournaments or league operations.
- Facility Management: Be on the ground and in the field managing an organization’s stadium, arena or training facilities.
- Finance: Handle budgets, player contracts or investment strategies for sports organizations.
Marshall University’s Master of Science in Sports Administration program is offered through the Department of Marketing, Management Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship and prepares students for business careers in the world of sports entertainment.
Its core curriculum and program structure is built from several courses in the Sport Tourism Hospitality Management (STHM) catalog, including courses in:
- Sports Analytics — This course helps students develop analytical techniques for sports teams, focusing on player performance prediction and business modeling, covering critical thinking, statistical analysis, predictive analytics, optimization and simulation skills.
- Legal Concerns in Sport Administration — This course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge to apply the legal doctrines that will enhance their ability as sport leaders to make prudent management and operational decisions.
- Current Issues in Sport Administration — Students get an in-depth look at current issues affecting all areas of the Sport Administration field.
- Sport Administration Research Methods — This course introduces students to key research methods in Sport Administration, with a focus on both quantitative and qualitative approaches and their practical applications in the field.
- Sport Finance/Economics — Students learn financial and economic principles relevant to the sport industry. The course also provides a comprehensive coverage of current economic and financial issues confronting the sport industry.
- Marketing Management of Sport Industry — Students engage with advanced-level marketing concepts within the sports industry.
“We have a great history of our graduates excelling in the field nationally and globally. Students at Marshall have the opportunity to work with an FBS Athletics program in all areas, with graduate assistant opportunities, paid and volunteer internships.” — David Steele, Instructor
Admissions Requirements for an MS in Sports Administration
Most Master of Science in Sports Administration programs are designed to be accessible to students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Relevant fields of study include business, communications, health sciences and or sport-related fields. Here’s what you can generally expect for admission requirements:
Educational Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Common undergraduate majors include sports business, general business, marketing, communications and kinesiology.
- Many programs will also accept applicants with unrelated degrees if they demonstrate strong interest or relevant experience in sports.
Application Materials
A completed application form
Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
Resume or CV highlighting academic background, work experience and involvement in sports or leadership roles
Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your interest in the program, career goals and relevant experience
Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Standardized Exams
- Some programs may require the submission of GRE or GMAT scores. Others will waive these requirements for applicants with strong academic records or relevant work experience. Marshall University does not require GRE or GMAT scores.
- TOEFL or IELTS exams may be required for international students whose first language is not English
Other Considerations
Work or internship experience in sports, fitness, coaching or event management can strengthen your application, even if it’s at the volunteer level.
Marshall’s MS in Sports Administration program requires either:
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate coursework.
- Or, an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate university work and, in addition to the resume, two letters of recommendation.
- Applicants may also be asked to submit additional documents such as a statement of purpose or test scores if needed before an admission decision is made.
Careers in Sports Administration
There are many different jobs you can do with a sports administration degree, in many different areas. For example, there are alumni of Marshall’s program working in major sports organizations such as the NCAA, PGA, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, National Sports Association and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Many of our alumni also enjoy successful and fulfilling careers in community and university recreation, high school sports, youth sports programs and other local and regional programs. Your career in sports administration will depend on your interests and skills and can take you anywhere from working in the heart of an academic program to handling things behind the scenes or even doing marketing in front of a camera.
“Marshall gave me the structure I use as a leader today. The relationships I built there are still some of the strongest in my life. I could still pick up the phone right now and call two dozen people, and we’d be on the phone for an hour… My wife feels the same way, her lifelong friendships aren’t people she grew up with, they’re people she went to Marshall with.” — Landon Owen, ‘06 Marshall Graduate and Vice President of Consumer Sales for Bristol Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Here are some of the most popular careers in sports administration, complete with average salary estimates.*
- Athletic Director
Oversees athletic programs at schools, colleges or universities; manages staff, budgets, compliance and team performance.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Leadership and decision-making
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Knowledge of NCAA and/or regulatory compliance
General salary range: $67,000 to $120,000
- Accounts Manager / Corporate Partnerships Manager
Builds and manages sponsor relationships with brands and businesses to support sports teams or events.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Strong sales and negotiation skills
- Client relationship management
- Marketing or sports business experience
- Courses or certifications in business, marketing or related fields
General salary: $58,000 to $198,000
- General Manager
Leads the strategic and operational management of a professional or semi-pro sports team; oversees rosters, contracts and business operations.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Deep understanding of team operations and league rules
- Leadership and talent evaluation
- Strong financial acumen
- Experience in sports management or coaching
General salary: $71,000 to $118,000
- Public / Media Relations Director
Manages the public image of a team or organization, handles press releases, crisis comms and media engagement.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Excellent writing and speaking skills
- Media relations and crisis management
- Degree in communications, PR or journalism
- Sports media experience preferred
General salary: $113,000 to $205,000
- Facility Manager
Manages sports venues, ensuring maintenance, safety and smooth operations during events.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Facilities operations knowledge
- Budget and vendor management
- Understanding of safety and compliance standards
- Experience in large venue or event management
General salary: $99,000 to $165,000
- Director of Operations
Oversees logistics and daily operations for a sports organization, including scheduling, travel and team needs.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Project and team management
- Detail-oriented and efficient
- Knowledge of sports scheduling and logistics
- Bachelor’s degree and operations experience
General salary: $60,000 to $185,000
- Event Coordinator
Plans and executes sporting events, from logistics and marketing to ticketing and on-site management.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Communication and vendor coordination
- Courses in event management or related fields
- Internships or entry-level experience with sports/event roles
General salary: $44,000 to $68,000
- Advertising and Marketing Director
Leads campaigns to promote a team, league or event to drive fan engagement and ticket sales.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Digital and traditional marketing expertise
- Brand strategy and creative direction
- Experience in sports marketing
- Courses or a degree in marketing, communications or business
- General salary: $100,000 to $179,000
- Finance Director
Manages the financial strategy, budgeting and compliance for a sports organization.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Financial planning and analysis
- CPA or finance/accounting background
- Experience in sports business is a plus
- Strong leadership and reporting skills
General salary: $90,000 to $167,000
- Student Athletic Academic Advisor
Supports student-athletes in balancing academics, athletics and personal development.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Advising or counseling skills
- Knowledge of NCAA eligibility and compliance
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Courses or a degree in education, counseling or sports management
General salary: $45,000 to $70,000
- Fundraising Manager
Secures donations and sponsorships to support athletic programs or facility improvements.
Required Skills & Experience:
-
- Fundraising and donor relations
- Grant writing and campaign management
- Public speaking and storytelling
- Experience in nonprofit or sports fundraising
General salary: $80,000 to $148,000
*All salaries sourced from Glassdoor in July 2025.
Master’s Degree vs. Certification or Alternative Pathways
Master’s in Sports Administration
- General duration: 12–24 months (depending on full-time or part-time options)
- Estimated cost: $15,000–$50,000+ (depending on institution and program of study)
- Skills and knowledge gained:
- Advanced understanding of sports business operations, marketing, facility management, data analysis, leadership and legal/ethical issues
- Benefits:
- Well-rounded, accredited degree with strong employer recognition
- Access to alumni networks, internships and career support services
- Required for some leadership roles in college athletics and professional sports
- Example job opportunities: Athletic Director, General Manager, Director of Operations, Sports Marketing Manager, Facility Director
Professional Certifications
- General duration: A few weeks to several months
- Estimated cost: $200–$3,000 depending on provider and program depth
- Skills and knowledge gained:
- Focused knowledge in one specific area, such as event management, digital marketing, NIL (name, image, likeness) compliance or player development
- Benefits:
- Affordable and flexible
- Helpful for skill-building or career switching
- Can quickly enhance a resume
- Example job opportunities: Entry- to mid-level roles in marketing, analytics or operations
Bootcamps
- General Duration: 1–6 months depending on format
- Estimated cost: $500–$10,000
- Skills and knowledge gained:
- Practical, career-focused training in areas such as sports analytics, event production or sponsorship sales
- Hands-on experience and portfolio-building
- May include career coaching or networking
- Benefits:
- Fast-track entry into specialized areas
- Helpful for upskilling or pivoting career
- Often tied to real-world scenarios and employer needs
- Example job opportunities: Entry-level roles in data analytics, sports tech, digital marketing or sales
On-the-Job Experience
- General Duration: Ongoing, with potential to grow over time
- Cost: No cost, since you’re getting paid as you learn
- Skills and knowledge gained:
- Real-world knowledge of how sports organizations operate
- Great for developing soft skills, networks and industry familiarity
- Limited exposure to broader business functions unless you are promoted
- Benefits:
- Immediate income and hands-on learning
- Builds a strong foundation for future advancement
- Can inform whether you want to pursue further education or specialization
- Example job opportunities: Start with internships and entry-level coordinator roles and assistant positions in operations, marketing, events or communications
| Master’s Degree | Certification | Bootcamp | Work Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Duration | 1-2 years | Weeks-months | 1-6 months | Ongoing |
| Cost Range | $$$-$$$$ | $-$$ | $$-$$$ | $ (earn while you learn) |
| Depth of Learning | Broad & strategic | Narrow & specific | Practical & focused | Highly practical |
| Career Impact | High for leadership | Medium | Medium | High (with time) |
| Best For | Advancing to leadership roles | Upskilling or specializing | Entering a new niche fast | Gaining foundational experience |
Benefits of Earning Your Sports Administration Degree Online
Earning your master’s degree can be a challenging time commitment, which is why online programs are designed to offer a more convenient combination of flexibility, affordability and specialized learning. In addition to gaining a broad understanding of sports business across key disciplines like marketing, finance and operations, online learning allows the flexibility to study on your schedule.
“Online classes allow students to earn their degree from anywhere in the world while balancing professional and personal commitments.” — Lei Ouyang, Assistant Professor
Not only are online programs ideal if you’re working full-time or looking to make a career pivot, but you’ll also benefit from potential cost savings. Marshall University’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration is one of the most affordable programs in the country, making it a smart investment to learn proven sports business strategies, industry trends and best practices.
- Flexible scheduling – Learn at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.
- Cost-effective – Benefit from savings on housing and transportation when compared to on-campus programs.
- Accessible from anywhere – Complete coursework without the need to commute or relocate.
- Industry-relevant learning – Apply real-world knowledge and best practices directly that will help you qualify for career leadership roles.
“You can study on your own schedule, save on commuting and housing, and complete the program from anywhere while keeping your career moving forward.” — Jungsu Ryu, Associate Professor
Is an MS in Sports Administration Worth It?
If your dream is to work in a higher-level leadership sports administration position — with the responsibilities and salary that comes with it — then earning a master’s degree isn’t just worth it, it can be necessary.
Is an MS in Sports Administration worth it for you? That requires that you consider your own situation and how you can benefit from the degree. Keep the following considerations in mind:
-
Your Career Goals
Start by identifying what you want to achieve in the sports industry.
-
- Are you aiming for a leadership role with a professional team, college athletic department or sports media company?
- Do you want to create impact through community-based or nonprofit athletic programs?
An MS in Sports Administration is ideal for those looking to transition into management, operations or strategic roles in the sports world. If the program supports the direction you want your career to take, then it can be worth it.
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Financial Commitments
Graduate school is an investment, so weigh the cost against your potential return:
-
- MS graduates often earn higher salaries and qualify for more advanced roles.
- Carefully review tuition costs, fees and whether the school offers scholarships, assistantships or employer reimbursement programs.
- Don’t forget to factor in living expenses if you’re attending on campus.
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Program Format
MS in Sports Administration programs are available in several formats:
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- In-person: Great for building in-person relationships, accessing on-campus resources and joining student organizations
- Online: Offers flexibility if you’re working, traveling or balancing other responsibilities
- Hybrid: Combines the benefits of both, often with weekend or evening classes
Consider your schedule, preferred learning style and whether you plan to work while studying.
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Program Structure and Specializations
Not all programs are built the same. Look for one that offers courses or concentrations that align with your interests, such as:
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- Sports marketing and promotions
- Facility and event management
- Sports finance and analytics
- Athlete development or compliance
Choosing the right focus area can make your degree more relevant and more valuable for the jobs you want.
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Networking and Career Support
Strong career services can make a big difference. Look into:
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- Job placement rates
- Alumni success stories
- Internship opportunities
- Mentorship or networking events with industry professionals
Programs with strong ties to college athletic departments, professional teams and sports media companies can help you break into competitive roles.
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Time Commitment
Think realistically about how much time you can dedicate to graduate school.
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- Full-time programs typically take 12–24 months.
- Part-time programs may extend to 3–4 years but allow you to keep working.
- Some schools offer accelerated options if you want to graduate faster.
- Make sure the time commitment works with your personal and professional life.
“Affordable, flexible with many opportunities to gain practical work experience, networking and the potential of completing requirements in a 1 year period.” — David Steele, Instructor
Taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to you in a master’s program can ensure you’re advancing toward your dream career in the sports industry. Whether you’re interested in overseeing facilities, helping to balance the books or promoting your team’s season, there are plenty of opportunities in the sporting industry for passionate and skilled professionals with a sports administration master’s degree.
“Our program is taught by faculty members who are both scholars and practitioners in the sport industry. We have small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and a curriculum that integrates current industry trends.” — Lei Ouyang, Assistant Professor