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Top 9 Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 20, 2024, Reading time: 24 minutes

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The sports business is enormous. The four main sports leagues in America, the NFL with 1,696 players, the NBA with 450 players, the NHL with 999, and the MLB with 1,026 players; yet, the NCAA has more than 460,000 student-athletes.

With this many individuals involved in only sports, you can understand the processes going on behind the scenes.

If you have a passion for athletics but don’t envision yourself as a professional player, Sports Management may be an excellent degree choice for you.

Doctor of Sports Management (DSM) degrees are professional doctoral degrees designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills to become successful in the sports management field.

The curriculum of these programs focuses on topics such as international sports management, sports marketing, law and ethics in sports, public and private sports finance, research methods, and statistics relevant to the sports industry.

DSM graduates pursue a variety of managerial roles in the sports industry, such as team or arena manager, sports marketing professional, college sports director, or sports broadcaster.

Courses offered in these programs typically include financial statement analysis, legal concepts in sports, sports marketing principles, sports law, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Quick audio summary:

Methodology

The sky is indeed the limit when it comes to online doctoral programs in sports management! However, it can be challenging to reach a final decision with so many degrees available. Never be afraid—help is on the way.

We compiled this list of the most outstanding online accredited universities and colleges that offer comprehensive, flexible, and inexpensive online Doctor of Sports Management degrees.

We provide each of the ten finest online schools’ program features, accreditation, course selections, admission requirements, financial aid possibilities, and tuition costs.

In addition, we also emphasize what distinguishes their online curriculum from the competition. The online colleges are rated and listed at random.

Please visit our Methodology page for information.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

9 Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Concordia University

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Ph.D. in Leadership – Health & Human Performance

Concordia University Chicago offers one of the best and most affordable Doctorates in Sports Management, the Ph.D. in Leadership – Health & Human Performance. Because it has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios, students at Concordia University benefit from small class sizes and affordable tuition.

The Health & Human Performance Ph.D. in Leadership program provides leaders in disciplines such as sports training and exercise physiology with the chance to acquire an interdisciplinary degree program designed to polish the attributes that make them a leader. Students get experience in academic, clinical, leadership, and research roles in their chosen field of study.

These include exercise science, human performance, kinesiology, health promotion, or other closely connected areas.

Students will spend most of their degree program conducting research to advance as scholars in the subject, creating and disseminating new understanding on challenges in the overlapping domains of their study.

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River Forest, Illinois

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Practicing and training cause natural harm to the body, and athletes who do not properly nourish their bodies may require lengthier recuperation times.

This program seeks to train excellent academics and researchers to generate and distribute new information concerning challenges at the interface of physical exercise, health promotion, and human performance.

East Tennessee State University

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Global Sport Leadership Doctorate

East Tennessee State University is an integral part of Johnson City, Tennessee, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountain area. As the region’s changes and growth generated a demand for higher education, ETSU provided, and the university is now noted for its community participation and outreach.

East Tennessee State University offers an incredibly innovative and unique degree program in Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership. Students understand how management and leadership function in the global athletics sector, combining management skills and cultural knowledge in a fully integrated curriculum.

A capstone project (rather than a typical dissertation) ties everything together to create one of the top online sports management degrees in the United States.

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Johnson City, Tennessee

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Although the curriculum is entirely online, there are worldwide study abroad components, such as a two-week field trip for the International Model of Sports Leadership course. Attendance at an international sporting event is required.

Troy University

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Sport Management (Ph.D.) Online

Troy University has grown from its humble beginnings as a modest teacher’s college in 1887 to become one of the most creative and significant public schools in the Deep South.

Troy University provides an online Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management degree program, and it is fully online; online classes at Troy are offered in short nine-week periods to maximize the flexibility of the university’s distance programs.

Troy University’s Sports Management Ph.D. degree is a cutting-edge, 100% online sports management program. The faculty of Troy University is among the most active and competent in the discipline, having published more than a dozen textbooks and hundreds of publications on sports science and administration. 

The online Sports Management Ph.D. program is designed to enable working individuals in the sports sector to gain a certification that will allow them to advance to higher levels of executive positions.

Students improve their critical thinking and strategic skills and their ability to analyze complex research to make decisions, making Troy’s online sports management degree an excellent investment.

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As the country’s first online COSMA-approved sports management Ph.D. program, Troy University is an excellent choice for working professionals and those looking to enhance their careers through a focused sports management curriculum.

You are also encouraged, but not necessary, to defend your dissertation in person, and you can use Skype or a similar application to communicate.

United States Sports Academy

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Doctor of Education in Sports Management

The United States Sports Academy is the country’s first academic school devoted only to sports. Because it is dedicated to the sports sector, students will be surrounded by peers and instructors who are as devoted to the subject.

The United States Sports Academy offers several sports management programs, including a comprehensive Doctor of Education in Sports Management degree program. The curriculum is mainly developed to fulfill the demands of recent master’s degree graduates and working professionals aspiring to be leaders in the sports sector.

For flexibility, the curriculum is given entirely online, and students can study from any place at any time. Students will receive meaningful education and technical preparation for the fast-paced, competitive world of sports professions.

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Daphne, Alabama

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Because the academy is entirely focused on the sports business, the school understands the importance of students taking an active part in an organization.

To increase chances of success in the field, all students must complete a hands-on practicum called Mentorship, in which they will participate in a field-based sports internship.

California University of Pennsylvania

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Health Science and Exercise Leadership Online Doctorate

California University Pennsylvania’s origins may be traced back to a communal effort and realizing a goal. The university provides a Doctor of Health Science and an Exercise Leadership degree. It is entirely online and is only available to those who already have professional certification as an athletic trainer.

The Health Science and Exercise Leadership Doctorate is a fantastic chance to build the abilities needed to be a changemaker in this dynamic and ever-changing sector. The degree’s coursework focuses on the burgeoning professional fields of exercise science, wellness and fitness, and health science.

Graduates will be prepared to take on advanced technical or professional healthcare or sports management jobs and undertake leadership roles in education or administration.

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California, Pennsylvania

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Students will be encouraged to investigate the professional transition from a “sickness-centric” culture to one focused on prevention and wellness, as well as advancements in health and exercise research.

National University

Sport and Athletic Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Education

National University provides a highly unique and unusual approach. Because National University is just an online graduate university, they can focus on specific areas of study and deliver a quality, innovative education that trains committed individuals to flourish in their chosen industries.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education in Sport and Athletic Management is one of the programs available at this university.

The NU education graduate programs are active and in-depth for an online Education department. The Sports and Athletic Management option provides a mastery of science-based academics and research approaches to the collegiate athletics environment’s political, financial, marketing, and legal idiosyncrasies.

Graduates will be well-versed in legal requirements, compliance, Title IX, and student-athlete advisement programs. All these provide practical applications as well as research capabilities in this sector.

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San Diego, California

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This program exceeds student expectations by allowing students to complete a PhD-ED with no on-campus requirements. The sports sector’s legal, political, social, and commercial aspects are explored from a real-world perspective.

Temple University

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Online Doctor of Athletic Training

Temple University takes pride in being both highly rated and one of the country’s largest colleges of Public Health, with diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

Temple University has a Doctor of Athletic Training program that is available online. This program is best for students who wish to work in sports training and establish themselves as leaders in a clinical or academic context.

If you want to pursue a clinical career, the program’s curriculum will prepare you to work cooperatively with a healthcare team; the program will also provide you with strong leadership abilities oriented for a clinical vocation.

You will also discover how sports training relates to public health. You will learn how to make evidence-based decisions and evaluate athletic training materials to enhance patient results.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The online DAT program places a strong emphasis on teacher mentoring and significant student involvement like no other. In live online class sessions and a range of web-based activities, you will connect with faculty members and classmates.

Students in the DAT program have different personal and clinical backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. These differences help enhance discussions and expose students to various viewpoints and experiences.

University of Idaho

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Online Doctor of Athletic Training

The University of Idaho is the state’s research and education hub. Today, it remains the state’s primary research and professional education source, particularly in law, engineering, and the sciences.

Idaho’s premier education, health, and human sciences program is housed in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

The University of Idaho was the first to establish a clinical Doctor of Athletic Training program, which is now available online. The degree is intended to assist students in broadening their clinical practice in athletic training. This program, like Temple’s, is post-professional and only open to certified trainers.

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Moscow, Idaho

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The program emphasizes the significance of addressing pertinent practice and professional concerns to alter future clinical care and education.

Graduates obtain advanced manual therapy, clinical reasoning, rehabilitation, and practical research abilities that they may use in their current jobs or take with them into the profession. 

Ball State University

Best Online Doctor of Sports Management Degrees

Online Ph.D. in Bioenergetics

Ball State University offers a bioenergetics degree related to Sports Management. Biogenetics is the branch of biochemistry that deals with the energy involved in growth, development, and metabolism, which every athlete needs.

If there isn’t enough oxygen to meet the energy demands of the exercise task, low ATP is formed, and lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of the process to generate more ATP.

The Ph.D. in Bioenergetics at Ball State will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding research career in exercise physiology or related fields.

The Ph.D. program is research-intensive and should only be pursued by students who are serious about the science of exercise physiology and have a strong background in both exercise physiology and the basic sciences (chemistry and biology).

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Muncie, Indiana

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Higher Learning Commission

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The Human Bioenergetic Ph.D. degree program at Ball State University is a one-of-a-kind exercise physiology program that combines a solid foundation in exercise science with a thorough understanding of the chemistry and biology of the human body. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports management is a broad phrase that encompasses every commercial facet of the world of sports. This indicates opportunities in public relations, marketing, events, and other fields.

A sports manager may work one-on-one with professional players, professional teams, national sports programs, public schools, colleges, universities, sports marketing agencies, stadiums, recreational facilities, and other organizations.

A degree like this might also catapult you into a sports and leisure research job, which is just as diverse as the commercial side of things. Employment in this field is expected to expand at roughly double the national rate.

Admission requirements for online doctoral programs in sports management vary. Some requirements are more stringent at top-tier universities.

Most programs, however, require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline earned from a regionally accredited college or university, and bachelor’s degrees from nationally accredited institutions are accepted in some cases.

Admissions committees look for students who have academic promise. If the doctoral program is heavily focused on research, applicants should present a clear picture of their research experience. Also, in the required statement of purpose, provide a research focus.

Although GRE or GMAT scores are not always required, top programs will request graduate exams taken within the last five years. In exceptional cases, GRE or GMAT scores may be waived if an applicant has a stellar undergraduate record. In these cases, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or 3.0.

Other admission requirements vary. The majority of the online doctorate in sports management programs require letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a statement of purpose or goals.

Research, publication, and work experience may be required. In addition, some admissions committees need a face-to-face or Skype interview before acceptance.

sports management info

Most doctoral programs in sports management educate students in sports law or ethics, research methodologies, and management. Students frequently specialize in finance, marketing, and event and facilities management.

Some doctoral programs require students to complete a dissertation project, which develops research, analysis, and writing abilities that are valuable in academic and research professions.

Many other programs employ more practical capstone projects related to different career pathways in sports management.

The example courses listed below are standard in doctoral programs in sports management, while program curricula vary greatly depending on the degree type, concentration, and school.

Sports Event And Facility Management

This course, frequently required as a core subject in sports management master’s or doctorate programs, teaches aspiring managers and directors how to organize and oversee events and facility operations in sports and recreation-related facilities.

Enrollees frequently learn about the design, selection, finance, and building of athletic facilities. Event bidding, venue selection, event planning, and risk management are also covered in the course.

Sport Consumer Behavior

This course studies social and cognitive aspects impacting consumer decisions in Sport Consumer Behavior from psychological and management perspectives. The core curriculum is designed for aspiring sports executives and marketing managers.

As a result, the course introduces students to current research on sports fan and consumer behavior. Students will learn how to develop and implement marketing tactics that pique the interest of consumers.

Financial Management For Sports Organizations

This course, which is especially important for aspiring chief financial officers, accountants, and facility managers, examines financial regulation and management topics such as athletics-related operating procedures, financial statement preparation and analysis, accounting principles, and financial decision-making.

Degree candidates learn how to assess the financial sports market and engage in collective bargaining, budgeting, planning, and forecasting activities. Students are also educated on public and private funding for sports and sports facilities.

Sports Law

This course examines sports legislation, legal principles, and potential legal difficulties. Sports contract and labor law, competition and trademark law, discrimination, and antitrust law are among the topics studied by students.

Students also learn about the many responsibilities that owners, agents, commissioners, and players play. This course provides sports executives and agents with the knowledge to negotiate contracts and avoid legal issues.

Sports Communications

This course is essential for public relations professionals and marketing managers in the sports sector. It covers sports communication methods, advertising, and media integration. This course also explores human and organizational elements in sports communication and services.

Several scholarships are available for graduate students, including those majoring in sports management. Scholarships, which are frequently provided by professional associations, NGOs, individual benefactors, or schools, assist in defraying school-related fees.

Recipients are chosen based on a mix of the following criteria: underrepresented identity, the field of study, academic merit, and financial need.

Sport management courses

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

This one-time, non-renewable scholarship is awarded to FAR-nominated applicants who have previously or are presently enrolled at NCAA member universities.

Successful applicants exhibit college and community involvement, leadership, and academic and athletic excellence.

All applicants must submit recommendation letters, official transcripts, and personal statements. This scholarship awards $10,000 to its recipients.

Pac-12 Postgraduate Scholarships

Graduating student-athletes seniors from Pac-12 colleges with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who display leadership, community participation, and educational dedication are encouraged to apply.

Eligible applicants intend to attend full-time in graduate programs and must submit a personal statement as well as a letter of recommendation from a coach. This scholarship awards $9,000 to its recipients.

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Members of SHAPE America who are enrolled full-time in health, recreation, or physical education-related graduate programs are eligible to apply.

Qualified applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and show strong character and leadership. Applicants must provide letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a biographical sketch. This scholarship awards $1,750 to its recipients.

New York Women in Communications Scholarship

Women from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania studying undergraduate or graduate degrees in communications-related professions such as advertising and broadcasting, marketing, public relations, and journalism are encouraged to apply.

Eligible candidates have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and demonstrate academic excellence, field engagement, and financial need. Applicants must submit a CV, two letters of recommendation, and a brief personal statement. This scholarship awards academics between $2,500 and $10,000.

Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship

Each year, the NCAA provides this need-based scholarship to one male and one female full-time graduate student at an NCAA member institution or university. Graduating undergraduate seniors are also eligible if they plan to attend full-time in graduate programs at recognized institutions.

A 3.5 minimum GPA, a history of intercollegiate varsity athletics, shown leadership and integrity, and a recommendation by an NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or designee are required for consideration.

A personal essay, a list of activities and accolades, four reference letters, and official transcripts are required of applicants. This scholarship grants $24,000 to its scholars.

There are a variety of abilities that can help you thrive and be more competitive in the job market if you work in such a dynamic and competitive industry. A solid business foundation is essential since it will provide you with broad knowledge to grasp all of the tiny moving components that keep the industry afloat.

You must think critically and assess the financial side of sports and be a skilled communicator who radiates professionalism, comprehends ethical behavior, and has excellent sportsmanship.

Communication, marketing, business strategy, and leadership abilities are all valuable assets to have in your arsenal. Sports as a whole are a nearly $80 billion business. Professional sports, municipal recreation, the commercial sector, and so on all entail a lot of money.

As a result, it will be a competitive sector, and companies will seek someone they can rely on. Personal traits such as motivation, enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to cooperation can help you advance in your career.

No, you do not need a Doctor of Sports Management degree in order to be a head coach. However, depending on the team, school, and/or league that you will be coaching in, you may be required to have a certain level of educational credentials in order to apply for the position.

For example, in order to be the head coach of a college team in the United States, you would typically need to have a bachelor’s degree at the minimum.

Check out this YouTube video about managing athletes and other entertainment industries:

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