A Master of Science (M.S.) in sports administration is a graduate degree that combines advanced business strategy and sports leadership to prepare students for competitive roles in the sports industry. With the ongoing and rapid evolution of professional and collegiate sports, media coverage and other aspects of sports and recreation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 108,900 jobs to open each year in the industry. As such, professionals who can manage sports operations, develop programs and make strategic decisions are in increasingly high demand.
The online M.S. in Sports Administration – General program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University creates pathways to rewarding careers in sports and recreation. Learn more about what you can do with this degree and how Southeastern’s online program supports your education and career.
What Is an M.S. in Sports Administration?
Southeastern’s online M.S. in Sports Administration – General program prepares students to lead and manage organizations in the sports sector. The degree emphasizes the business, operational, legal and strategic challenges associated with modern athletics, equipping students with practical skills applicable across professional, collegiate and recreational sports environments. This combination of business knowledge and performance science enables graduates to manage athletic programs effectively while supporting the development of athletes.
The sports administration general track covers essential topics that prepare students for various careers in sports management. However, students can also specialize in:
- Business
- Leadership
- Educational Leadership
- Native American Leadership
- Strategic Communication
Who This Degree Is For
This M.S. in sports administration degree is ideal for individuals working in any facet of sports and recreation. Examples include:
- Collegiate or high school athletic departments
- Parks and recreation programs
- Amateur, semi-professional or professional sports organizations
- Youth sports leagues and fitness initiatives
- Health and wellness management
Students who complete this master’s degree typically seek to expand or advance their career options in the sports industry, and they usually hold undergraduate degrees or have work experience in kinesiology, sports management, marketing or communications. Career changers with relevant experience or a strong interest in sports management and industry trends also benefit from this degree. Students are often ambitious, accountable and deeply interested in athletics as a business.
What Will You Learn in an M.S. in Sports Administration Program?
Students in a sports administration master’s program study a range of topics to build leadership and business prowess within the sports industry.
Core Coursework
The core curriculum of the sports administration master’s program includes courses that focus on management, business and legal topics in the context of organized sports. These courses include the following:
- Sport in Society: Analyzes how social, cultural and institutional forces impact sports
- Applied Research & Statistics in Sports: Focuses on refining research methodologies and how to interpret and apply data to support coaching and management, sports education, sports management, and sports administration
- Administration of Athletics: Explores the procedures, governance models and policy challenges in athletic program management
- Sport Management, Finances, and Fund Raising: Focuses on financing, sponsorship and marketing strategies in sports
- Facility Planning and Event Management: Covers planning and development for stadiums, arenas and large-scale sports events
- Contemporary Issues: Analyzes topical debates in sports education, sports management and sports administration
- Legal Aspects: Examines liability, tort law, risk management and other legal concerns facing sports administrators, executives and coaches
- Skills, Techniques, and Strategies for Coaching: Focuses on athlete development through training methodology and instructional programming
Students also complete electives aligned with their professional interests. These courses may cover theory and application of athletic topics, such as sports nutrition or sports science, or they may provide an in-depth study of coaching for a specific sport.
Core Business Skills
This interdisciplinary degree program blends sports administration with fundamental business concepts. In addition to sports-specific knowledge, students also gain and refine these business skills:
- Digital sports media, public relations and communications strategy
- Business intelligence and sports data analytics
- Sports entrepreneurship and program innovation
- Global sports operations and international policy
- Finance and revenue models for sports programs
- Sports marketing and branding
- Facility and event management
- Compliance, ethics and legal accountability in sports
Leadership and Strategy
Students strengthen valuable leadership and strategic thinking skills throughout coursework and projects in the online M.S. in Sports Administration – General program. The following skills support advancement into roles where guiding organizational strategy and managing coaches, athletes, executives and other parties are part of daily operations:
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Creativity and adaptability
- Analytical reasoning
- Risk management and crisis leadership
- Talent development and team building
Sports Administration Degree Career Pathways
Graduates with an advanced degree in sports administration work in a variety of industries, including collegiate athletics, professional sports teams, corporate partnerships and youth sports organizations. Some work directly with teams or schools, while others contribute through careers in marketing or administration. Potential sports administration jobs for graduates include:
- Athletic director: Oversees sports programs, typically at high schools or universities, managing budgets, staffing and facilities. They earn a median annual wage of $103,960, and the BLS projects employment to grow by 3% through 2033.
- Director of facilities: Manages sports facilities and supervises maintenance, logistics, vendor coordination and budget allocation. Directors earn an average annual salary of $106,880, and the BLS estimates that jobs in this field will grow by 6% through 2033.
- Event or guest services manager: Coordinates guest-facing activities and amenities during events, fulfilling responsibilities such as staff management, event and activity programming, and guest engagement. The median annual pay is $77,180, and employment is anticipated to grow by about 11%.
- Sports nutritionist: Develops nutrition plans and provides coaching or consultation services to improve athlete performance, recovery and overall health. They earn a median annual salary of $73,850 per year, and the BLS estimates that employment will grow by 7% through 2033.
Inside the Southeastern Online Experience
Southeastern’s M.S. in Sports Administration – General online program offers an online format that accommodates working professionals while maintaining high academic standards. Courses support accelerated learning, allowing students to progress while managing work and family responsibilities.
With fully online coursework available 24/7 and access to virtual tech support, students can complete assignments, access materials, and engage with faculty and peers with just an internet connection. Instructors bring valuable insight from their experience in sports administration to guide and mentor students as they advance their careers.
Mission and Values-driven Learning
The coursework throughout Southeastern’s online M.S. in Sports Administration – General program encourages students to develop ethics, leadership and accountability. These values align with the expectations of employers seeking candidates to lead teams and drive organizational success.
Accreditation
Southeastern is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This accreditation affirms that the online M.S. in Sports Administration – General program meets the academic and industry standards for individuals entering the field of sports administration.
Start Your Career in Sports Administration
An online M.S. in sports administration gives you the expertise and leadership capabilities to advance in a competitive industry. The fully online format allows you to earn your degree without pausing your career, with accelerated courses and access to experienced faculty who understand the demands of the field.
Take your passion for sports and recreation to the next level. Learn more about Southeastern’s M.S. in Sports Administration – General online program, and apply today to advance your career in sports administration.