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The sports industry contributes significantly to the US economy, with an estimated economic impact of almost 1 billion in 2022. A sure way to become part of this gigantic industry without athletic skills is by earning an online associate degree in sports management.
Sports Management is for individuals aspiring to work behind the scenes in sports event planning, marketing, or athlete management.
Take the Winning Path to a Sports Management Career
Typically spanning two years, an online Associate in Sports Management program includes Sports Marketing, Sports Law, Sports Finance, Facility Management, Sports Ethics, and Sports Event Management in its coursework. Specialized academic paths include Athlete Management, Sports Media, and Sports Analytics.
Sports Management associate programs also emphasize the development of vital soft skills like leadership, communication, coaching, problem-solving, mentorship, collaboration, and analytical thinking.
Choosing the right associate degree in an online program for sports management sets you up for success! It is a crucial step toward achieving your aspirations as a future sports coach or sports manager.
The Lowdown
A career in Sports Management demands dedication and passion for the sport! An online associate degree is a two-year academic program that provides students with basic knowledge of the field and equips them with the competency required to pursue a career in the sports industry.
Methodology
It can be overwhelming to select the best among the large number of online Associate in Sports Management programs! We’re here to help! We meticulously curated a list of college institutions that offer associate Sports Management degree programs that each meets the following rigorous standards:
- Available as a hybrid degree or as an entirely online associate degree program,
- Features a strong curriculum that emphasizes the development of specific competencies for sports management, coaching, business ownership, or sports teaching career paths,
- Promises a seamless transition to higher education, particularly a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and other related disciplines,
- Offers federal aid and financial assistance to qualified students, including transfer credit programs, grants, loans, and scholarships,
- Taught by credible instructors with in-depth knowledge of the Sports Management field,
- Obtained regional accreditation from US Department of Education-recognized organizations that set the academic standards for delivering online associate programs in Sports Management.
Please visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Associates in Sports Management
Monroe College
Monroe College’s online Associate Degree in Sports Management degree program highlights business fundamentals such as management, finance, accounting, ethics, marketing, and communications applicable to the many components of the sports industry.
Students can use the expertise they have earned through the specific Sports Management and Marketing courses. You may prepare for entry-level positions by completing the foundational courses in business as well as developing your professional writing and presentation abilities.
This associate degree requires four semesters and, through networking and internship programs spearheaded by the Sports Management department, allows you to connect with professionals in the same industry. Students may intern in athletic arenas, production firms, schools, or neighborhood youth groups to gain practical experience required for work right away after graduation.
Here are the Sports Management associate degree courses you need to take:
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Managerial Accounting
- College Writing and Critical Analysis
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Business Ethics in Sports
- Macroeconomics
- Integrated Business Applications
- Analytical Thinking, Writing & Research
Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers the online Associate of Science in Sport Management for sports enthusiasts who want to work behind the scenes. Students get the opportunity to learn the various aspects of managing a sports organization through this online degree program.
As part of the coursework, Sports Management associate degree students learn the main environments in which sports managers operate, along with the practical and functional traits expected of professional sports managers.
Students also learn about sports marketing, communications, money, and economics, emphasizing the fundamental business concepts as they apply to the sports industry.
They emerge with a fundamental knowledge of consumer behavior, sociological trends, globalization, and legislation as they relate to sports.
Students particularly delve into the intricate realm where economic, social, and legal factors intersect with the administration and management of sports organizations. By exploring the intricate interplay between economics, societal dynamics, and legal frameworks, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in effectively managing sports organizations.
Here are the courses to expect in this Sports Management associate degree:
- Institutional Foundations
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Introduction to Sport Management
- Principles of Accounting I
- History/Philosophy of Sport
- Sociology of Sport
Waldorf University
There are a variety of exciting careers that can be pursued off the field in sports, and your initial step is to enroll in Waldorf University’s Sport Management Associate’s degree.
To get a deeper understanding of the sports sector, students participating in this degree program will need to complete a range of subjects, such as sports sociology and sports administration.
Waldorf University’s online associate degree in Sports Management benefits students looking to kickstart their careers in the sports industry. The associate degree program is created to prepare students who might choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future for admittance into Waldorf’s bachelor’s degree programs with upper-division status.
The following courses are required in this associate program in Sports Management:
- Sociology of Sport
- Sport Legal Liability and Risk Management
- Sport Facilities
- Sport Public Relations and Promotions
- Sport Administration
- Speech Communications
- International Management
Seminole State College
An Associate in Sports Management from Seminole State College prepares you for a successful career. This online program properly started down the field. This field is competitive, like other sports, but if you work hard and study hard, you could finish up with the trophy (in this case, a diploma).
This Sports Management associate degree program is intended for transfer to a Florida public upper-division institution or university. What makes this degree at Seminole State College is that they offer affordable tuition fees.
Students can attend this state university for about half the price and take advantage of small class sizes of at least 30 students, giving them a better, more engaging learning experience.
This degree program also offers a seamless transition if you intend to proceed to a bachelor’s degree later on. Earn your associate degree here, then apply for admission to UCF or another Florida state university.
Below are the courses required for this associate degree in Sports Management:
- Social Media Research and Strategy
- Travel Study in Business
- Global Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Marketing and Professional Selling
- Selected Studies in Business
- Entrepreneurship
Northcentral Technical College
Northcentral Technical College offers the Sports & Recreation Management Associate degree program. It features the basics of corporate leadership, as well as in the fields of business like finance, sales, risk management, promotion, marketing, and event planning.
In this curriculum, foundational business principles are related to recreation, sports, wellness, promotion, and management.
You can expect to learn about the health and safety laws that apply to athletes and sports governance. You will be exposed to the sports and recreation industry’s business functions and systems. Also, you can learn to use tools and procedures specific to the sport and recreation industry.
You have the option to further your education in a number of programs at other partner institutions with the transfer of all associate degrees.
Here are some sample courses in this associate program:
- Principles of Sustainability
- Exploring Sports Management
- Risk Management in Creation
- Social Media Campaigns
- Recreation Administration
- Intro to Sociology
- Outdoor Creation
Jackson College
The Associate of Arts in Sport Management program aims to prepare students for careers in the global sports industry. Through practical, real-world case studies and internships, the associate degree program investigates how sport affects culture and business.
Strong abilities in finance, management, accounting, communication, marketing, and entrepreneurship are among the important business sectors of sports that are developed via this curriculum.
If you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university that awards a bachelor’s degree after receiving an Associate in Art in Sport administration, it’s best to choose to study at Jackson College. You can easily proceed to a bachelor’s degree in business, sports administration, law, or accounting and even proceed to graduate study.
Some of the courses included in this associate in Sports Management degree are:
- Sports Matters
- Advertising, Promotion & Public Relations
- Principles of Accounting
- Small Group Communication
- Esport in Society
- Introduction to eSport Management
- Principles of Sports Marketing
- Historical and Sociological Issues in Sport
Wisconsin Technical College System
Wisconsin Technical College System offers an online Sports and Recreation Management Associate Degree that emphasizes marketing, promotion, risk management, and event coordination skills. As a result of this program, you will gain a solid business background and knowledge about promotional sports management and wellness.
During and after the program, graduates can learn to oversee recreational events, organize them, and budget them. Laws governing athlete safety and health are also covered in this associate program. And you can utilize sport and recreation-specific technologies and operating procedures useful in real work settings in sports.
Some of the courses below are expected in this associate program in Sports Management:
- Exploring Sports Management
- Introduction to Sports Management
- Principles of Sustainability
- Written Communication
- Risk Management in Recreation
- Social Media Campaigns
Lackawanna College
You can work in sports management as a coach, writer, or event planner, but the first step is to enroll at Lackawanna College’s Sport Management associate degree. This extensive associate degree is a great place to start. Graduating from this program will prepare you for your career.
Depending on the professional path a student chooses, varying rates of growth in the entire sports management sector are anticipated over the next ten years. Graduates with an associate’s degree in sports management might work as coaches, athletic agents, event planners, sports writers, and athletic developers.
A Lackawanna College associate’s degree in sports management is highly advantageous for those thinking about a career in sports. Students will study career-related skills, including event management, sports marketing, and managerial accounting, through their broad curriculum.
Students in comparable majors can finish their associate degrees at Lackawanna College and transfer right into the bachelor’s program. The need for deal-making abilities in the industry means that sport management programs must venture outside sports-related fields.
Sports managers and their assistants need to be skilled negotiators who can stand by their principles and make concessions when called for. Fortunately, these goals can be achieved through this online associate degree in sports management.
The following courses are required for an online associate degree in Sports Management:
- Business law
- Accounting
- Psychology
- Sports marketing
- Business management
- Coaching
- Public speaking
- Negotiating
Hocking College
Hocking College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Sports Management program. Students can use the degree as a springboard to continue their studies and obtain a graduate degree in sports management.
The program has a strong emphasis on educating students for employment in local, college, and professional sports organizations. Students receive an education via the curriculum that includes actual amateur and professional sporting experiences as well as encounters with business leaders.
Students will discover fresh views and skills in project, facilities, and athlete management, as well as problem-solving, leadership, and moral decision-making, in addition to business principles and theories.
Some courses included in this associate degree program are the following:
- Sports Marketing and Communications
- Sports, Wellness, and Society
- Sports Management
- Introduction to Sports Management
- English Composition
- Basic Life Support
7 Common Courses in Online Associate in Sports Management
1. eSport in Society
The eSport in Society course examines the social elements of eSports and its influence on contemporary culture. The course’s goal is to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze social concerns that arise in eSports.
Health and well-being, global challenges, adolescent and teen experiences, and racism, religion, and gender equity in eSports are some of the important topics that will be covered in this course.
2. Introduction to eSport Management
The goal of this course is to examine the many facets of the esports business sector. Event management, broadcasting, league operations, coaching, fan engagement, team management, and sponsorship are some of the esports-related topics that will be covered in the course.
The course will also cover the history of eSport, the media’s impact on eSport, and health promotion and preventative treatment for eSport players.
In this course, students will learn about the business principles and employment options needed to run esports organizations and operations.
3. Introduction to Sports Law
Through the exploration of rules, regulations, and legislation specific to the realm of sports, an engaging sports law course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of this dynamic industry.
By adopting various perspectives, such as those of managers, agents, athletes, and consumers, students gain a holistic view of the intricacies involved in the world of sports. This enlightening course delves into diverse topics, including sports crimes, labor concerns within the sports realm, and intellectual property rights.
4. Sports Facility and Event Management
The fundamentals of facility management and event planning are covered in this course in the field of sport management. The course explores the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses, facilities, or event management when setting up sporting and entertainment events.
5. Fundamentals of Wellness and Sport
The psychological, social, and physical functions that sport plays for people, groups, and communities are explored in courses on wellness, physical fitness, and sports basics. Fitness evaluation, wellness practices, health and exercise, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology are all included in the fundamentals of wellness and sports courses.
6. Sports Facilities Management
It’s important to learn the basics of sports facilities, varied jobs in diverse settings, and administrative requirements associated with each in a course on sports facilities management. Budgeting, rules governing design and construction, safety management, and scheduling and operations are some of the topics covered.
7. Introduction to Sport Management
Managing and handling the many facets of professional, college, youth, and non-profit is covered in the Associate in Sports Management program. Students learn about international branding, sponsorships, merchandising, and entertainment events.
The numerous business concepts, including marketing, promotions, strategic management, sales, communication, and facility management, are also discussed.
3 Career Pathways for Associate Degree in Sports Management Graduates
1. General Manager
Overall general managers, or operations managers, are in charge of a department’s or an establishment’s overall operations. For the purpose of efficiently coordinating the different facets of a bigger business, they often supervise or collaborate with a group of specialist managers, such as PR managers and Scouts.
The field of sports management hires general managers who not only have sports management skills but also generalist business skills useful for other business operations.
2. Sports Scout
Sports scouts are professionals who play a crucial role in evaluating and identifying talented athletes for sports teams, college scholarships, or other athletic opportunities. These individuals are responsible for assessing the skills, abilities, and potential of athletes in various sports disciplines, ranging from basketball and football to baseball and soccer.
3. Sports Coach
These are the experts who help budding athletes perfect their abilities, improve their performance, and become successful in their sport. A bachelor’s or an associate’s degree is typically required for coaching, and it always calls for a deep understanding of the sport.
4 Benefits of an Associate Degree in Sports Management
1. Provides Flexibility
As we said before, there are many career opportunities in sports management. Sports Management students develop their skills in demonstrating leadership. This degree program serves as a great preparation if you want to work as a player agent or as the PR manager for a club or sport that is experiencing a crisis.
A sports management degree is a crucial first step if you want to work as a team executive or manager.
2. Love What You Do, Do What You Love
If you enjoy sports, you undoubtedly take an avid interest in them. With an associate degree in Sports Management, you can pursue a career that does not require you to participate in competitive sports. Students learn through educational sessions and exercises emphasized in business management courses for sports.
3. Contribute to Society
It’s simple to give back to your community when you have an associate degree in sports management. This curriculum equips you with the abilities you need for a variety of charity organizations or volunteer endeavors, including those that promote amateur sports teams and physical fitness.
4. Offers Travel Opportunities
Sports management is enjoyable. A job in sports management can be a fantastic fit for you if you enjoy exploring different places and towns. Traveling for work and other events is a common aspect of employment in the sports business.
For college students who desire an active lifestyle that satisfies their wanderlust, it can be their dream come true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best fit to enroll in an online Associate in Sports Management degree program?
Sports management might be a route to a job doing what you love, but it requires effort. When the games are in season, most positions in sports administration require long, irregular hours and plenty of travel.
Prospective professionals should be passionate about the sport and possess the communication skills necessary to collaborate with individuals at all levels of the sports industry.
No matter what function they perform, they must be able to show leadership, ingenuity, and the interpersonal skills necessary to operate well in a team environment.
What should I expect from an online Associate degree in Sports Management?
The majority of associate degrees require two years of study. An online associate’s degree in sports management combines business courses with courses in sports.
You learn important knowledge that will help you become ready for an entry-level profession as you study marketing, accounting, finance, and related topics through the lens of the sports industry. Along with group projects and presentations, lecture sessions also feature individual tasks and evaluations.
Because the sports management sector is very practical, you could complete an internship or practical requirements. An online sports management associate’s degree program allows you to interact with peers and teachers, improving your learning experience.
Why study for an online Associate degree in Sports Management?
Students looking for a curriculum that combines their interests in business and sports might choose Sports Management. Many various work options in the sports business may become available with this degree.
Students may be prepared to work as agents, team marketers, athletic department managers, coaches, fitness center managers, team managers, and more.
Students can work in a variety of settings, from local sports leagues and minor leagues to regional and national sports groups, offering those who are interested several prospects for advancement. Graduates with degrees in sports management may also find employment in leisure centers, public parks, and other relevant organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Embarking on an online associate degree in Sports Management offers a valuable opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the sports industry. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage sports programs of various scopes and scales effectively.
- Whether you have a background in competitive sports or are a passionate sports enthusiast, pursuing a career in Sports Management allows you to combine your love for the game with the intricacies of the business side.
- By earning this degree, former athletes can find a pathway to stay connected to sports and continue with a career related to their passion.
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