Sport Management

100% Online Master of Science Degree

ETSU Online

Secure Your Success

The online M.S. Sport Management degree is designed to prepare students in athletic administration, sport management, motorsport management, and advanced graduate studies while offering the flexibility and convenience of online coursework. Move ahead in many fields in the sport industry with an accredited degree. With the same faculty teaching online who teach in our classrooms, students get the quality education they want with the flexibility they need.

The coursework focuses on three main segments of the sport industry: performance, production, and promotion. Students will explore all levels of sport: youth, high school, collegiate, professional, amateur, competitive, non-competitive, recreational, private, and nonprofit/profit organizations. 

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

To learn more about the Department of Sport and Recreation Management, visit their social media: 

Instagram and X (@ETSU_ SARM)

Many Career Opportunities

A career in sport management offers individuals who are passionate about sports an opportunity to combine their passion with professional expertise. Sport management offers a wide range of career opportunities that will positively impact athletes, communities, and organizations. Whether you aspire to work for a professional sports team, manage events, or work in sports marketing, sport management offers an exciting career path. Some popular paths include:

Sport Performance

  • Collegiate athletics director
  • Racetrack marketing director
  • Private fitness facility manager
  • Campus recreation director
  • Professional promotions coordinator
  • Collegiate ticket sales manager, etc.

Sport Production

  • Sales representative for a sports equipment company
  • Manager for a sporting goods retail store
  • Events coordinator at a professional facility, etc.

Sport Promotion

  • Sport media producer
  • Financial analyst for a sport sponsorship management company
  • Legal consultant for a sport business licensing company, etc.
  • Career Outlook and Income Trends

    Alumni may work in collegiate athletics including Power 5 conferences, NCAA Headquarters, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, MLB, minor league baseball, high school athletics, multi-sport facilities, campus recreation, and more!

"I gained so much experience and it really made me stand out in the job search. I actually landed a job before graduation and I think that’s awesome. They [the faculty] prioritize getting real world experience to support and apply what you’re learning in the classroom. That really made it stand out to me, the priority of outside experiences. I’m just so thankful. It wouldn’t have been possible without them and the support that they provided me...it’s been a great experience and I wouldn’t change it for the world."
- Allyson Parks, Sport Management Graduate

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 33-36 credit hours

TN Residents eRate (Out of State, 100% online) Out of State
$646 per credit hour $805.50 per credit hour $1,487 per credit hour
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options.
- The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. 

 

Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose  Sport Management and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? 

    Program features include:

    • An all-online asynchronous class structure, making this a super flexible program for working professionals
    • Latest pedagogy, such as Esports and sport sales
    • Experiential learning and project-based classes
    • Productive and tight-knit faculty who want to see their students succeed
    • Close relationships with regional and national sport organizations
  • What are students saying?

    “I have enjoyed this program’s approach of having the material that we learn in the classroom correlate to our current areas of employment. This method of learning encourages a continuous conversation of how we can better ourselves as professionals while staying current with the issues of our field.” -Former student

    “When I think about the program, the first thing that comes to mind is the tremendous amount of support from the professors. It is wonderful to have professors that truly want to see you succeed and will do whatever they can to help you achieve your goals both in the classroom and in life.” -Current program enrollee

  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).

  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? 

    It does not. More information about students enrolled in this program:

    • Many current students came directly from their undergraduate program, some are working in sport already or gaining experience in various ways, and the flexibility of our online program appeals to them and their long-term goals. 
    • Many students are currently working in sports and, depending on what part of the industry they’re working in, a graduate degree may be either necessary or one way they can differentiate themselves from their peers.
  • Does this program require the GRE?

    No, the GRE is not required for admission.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

    The entire program is online asynchronous, and there are no meeting times or required on-campus activities.

  • Does this program require an internship or thesis?

    Students will choose to either write a thesis or work an internship.

  • What is the time to completion?

    Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 years.

    Completion timelines for part-time students vary depending on the student's preferences and number of courses taken each academic term. Students must complete the program within the six-year matriculation limit (starting from their date of first enrollment). Part-time students will work with the coordinator to determine a schedule that works best.

  • When can I start?

    Students may start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.

  • Are scholarships available?

    Yes. Please visit the College of Business and Technology (CBAT) scholarships page for more information. ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. The department offers Research Graduate Assistantships (GA) and Tuition Scholars (TS). Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.