Pursue an Online PhD in Sports Management
A PhD in sports management online could make you a leader in sports-related markets, whether in business, health sciences, or academia. Start your journey by discovering this educational path with the help of this PhDs.me student resource.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Program Profiles: Online PhDs in Sports Management
Sports management is a broad career field that covers every aspect of managing sports teams, athletes, sporting events, and facilities. It is essential to collegiate and professional sports, as teams tend to operate as businesses. Earning a PhD gives you a level of expertise and specialization to pursue influential positions.
We’ve helped identify some of the best-in-class programs for sports management doctorates to help you narrow down your search. Prioritizing factors like accreditation, low tuition costs, student resources, and specialization options, three schools stand out against the rest.
To find more information about various sports management programs, you can check out the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM).
Troy University
Troy University is considered a leader in the field as the first school to offer an online PhD in sport management. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of online learners while also giving top-tier sports management education for sports practitioners and future educators.
The current sport management faculty at Troy University has published 15 textbooks, more than 80 textbook chapters, more than 360 peer-reviewed manuscripts and given more than 650 national and international peer-reviewed presentations.
Here are some highlights of the program:
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- The only sport management PhD program accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
- Accepts a broad range of applicants, but you should have a research focus in sports management that mirrors the research agenda of a doctoral directive faculty member
- Cost: $550/credit hour
Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago offers a PhD in sports leadership online. In conjunction with Sports Management Worldwide, this program can help you reach new heights in your sports career.
You’ll be trained to use the latest technology and research tools to develop forward-thinking explorations and analysis of the sports industry. This can include:
- Organizational management
- Health and wellness
- Legal issues in sports
- Sports leadership
This doctorate degree can be customized according to your interests, like legal, financial, economics, diversity, and promotion.
Here are some highlights of the program:
- Rolling start dates during fall, spring, and summer
- Credits: 68
- Cost: $711/credit hour
- Time to complete degree: 3 years
- 100% online
- No residency or on-site visit requirements
National University
National University offers an online Education PhD in Coaching and Athletic Management that’s designed for anyone who wants to be an active scholar in the sports industry. This degree is a research-based program that will help you apply educational concepts and management principles to the planning, organizing, and directing of sports and athletics. Your coursework would center around producing, facilitating, promoting, and organizing sports products and services.
Whether you want to pursue athletic administration and coaching or explore current problems in sports management from a research perspective, this degree could be a good option for you.
Here are some highlights of the program:
- Credits: 60
- Time to complete degree: 45 months
- Online or on-site
- Offers year-round enrollment
Expert Insight
If you’re considering an online doctorate in sports management or sports leadership, look for programs with strong industry connections and networking opportunities. In the sports industry, access to faculty mentors, internships, conferences, and alumni networks can be extremely valuable.
Doctoral Program Admissions for Sports Management
Review the admission requirements for the doctoral program you’re interested in. Before applying to a doctoral program, it can be helpful to contact faculty members in the department to learn more about the curriculum, research areas, etc. Some schools suggest that your research areas match up with one of the current faculty.
Specific requirements will vary from school to school. However, there are some admissions requirements that are common. We’ve listed them below:
- A personal statement detailing your reasons for pursuing the degree, background, research interest and professional experience
- A professional or academic writing sample
- A résumé/CV
- GRE scores
- Recommendation letters
- Master’s degree
- Transcripts
This list isn’t exhaustive, however, so be sure to check the program website to get more detailed information.
Online PhDs in Sports Management Provide an Edge
Whether you’re wanting to increase your earning potential or equip yourself for highly specialized work in the field, an online PhD in sports management provides an excellent and flexible opportunity to advance your career.
Here’s why opting for an online doctoral program in sports management can provide you with a competitive edge:
- Online programs offer lower tuition fees and eliminate the need for commuting or relocating, saving you money on transportation and accommodation expenses.
- The ability to continue working while studying mitigates income loss, making advanced education more accessible and cost-effective
- Earning an online PhD in sports management demonstrates your academic and industry expertise, positioning you for leadership roles and higher salaries in the sports field
According to the Census Bureau , 14% of adults in the U.S. had completed advanced education, such as a master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate, in 2022. So, earning your PhD in sports management online would help you stand out in the industry.
Below, we’ll explore three of the largest advantages that come with an online PhD in sports management. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it offers a helpful comparison to get started.
Top three benefits of an online PhD in sports management
Note that this list isn’t exhaustive but offers a helpful comparison.
Enables Self-discipline and Time Management
Online programs require you to have strong self-discipline and time management skills to stay on top of your coursework. However, these are also key traits that translate directly into the fast-paced world of sports management.
By mastering these skills during your doctoral studies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the industry’s challenges head-on, no matter which career path you choose.
Facilitates Exploring Research and Development
Pursuing a doctoral degree allows you to dive deep into research and development within the sports management field. Through online platforms, you can access a wealth of resources, collaborate with experts worldwide, and contribute valuable insights that drive innovation and progress in the industry.
Provides Flexibility and Convenience
Online learning offers an unparalleled level of flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work and other commitments. This convenience enables you to pursue advanced education without disrupting your career or personal life, making it an accessible option for anyone wanting a degree while simultaneously keeping up a career.
Courses Overview: Online Doctorates in Sports Management
Every online doctorate in sports management will take a different approach to the discipline, including the curriculum and research plan. However, some common components, like statistics and organizational theory, are foundational courses in the field. As you start your research, have a good idea of your research areas and seek out a curriculum that best matches them.
Popular Classes
Your course structure also will vary greatly depending on your online courses, for example if they are synchronous or not, and if you are pursuing a degree part time or full time. However, this section will give you a good general understanding that you can use to begin your search.
Here are a few common courses you could expect in an online PhD in Sports Management.
Statistics
Data and statistics play a huge role in sports, from coaching decisions to fantasy sports.
Having a foundational knowledge of statistical-based research is a crucial aspect of an advanced sports management degree. You’ll cover topics such as multivariate data, non-inferential and inferential statistical concepts, the conventions of quantitative data analysis, and interpretations and critical inferences in statistical results.
Psychology of Elite Performance
This course covers the psychological factors most critical to elite sports performances. It usually focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional variables related to optimal performance conditions. You’ll also learn about theory and practice for athletes and coaches.
Sport Organizational Theory & Behavior
This course will provide an in-depth study regarding individual employee intrapersonal aspects and interpersonal relationships, as well as the organizational processes that are fundamental to working in a sport organization.
Advanced Coaching Theories
This course allows students to select sports coaching readings from a preselected reading list to complete a series of book reports. These sports coaching readings will include leadership, communication, management, skill acquisition, and risk management. The focus of this course is to enhance the student’s knowledge concerning the profession of sports coaching.
The Research Process
This course offers an introduction to the research process, covering its foundations, paradigms, and methodologies in educational studies. You’ll learn to identify criteria for ethical, accurate, and comprehensive research studies, focusing on data collection, analysis techniques, and research ethics.
Dissertation
Many PhD programs in sports management will include at least one course for your dissertation. For example, you’ll get 12 credit hours at Kansas University to complete your research requirement.
Expert Insight
You should also pay attention to whether a program emphasizes leadership, analytics, or business operations, since sports management doctoral programs can vary significantly in focus. Choosing a specialization that matches your career goals can help you build more relevant expertise and industry experience.
Do I Need to Complete a Dissertation or Capstone Project?
To receive your doctorate degree, you will typically be expected to complete a traditional dissertation or a capstone project to demonstrate your knowledge. For the online PhD program at Troy University, for example, you’ll be required to complete 18 term hours minimum toward your dissertation. The specific requirements will depend on your chosen program and specialization area.
Some programs, such as the Doctorate of Education in Sports Leadership at East Tennessee State University, opt for a capstone project instead. This gives you the opportunity to display learning gained throughout the program in one seamless project experience.
Specializations and Concentrations
While your coursework will vary from program to program, there are some concentrations you’ll likely be able to find. At Troy University, you can take specific seminars on topics like sports marketing, legal aspects of sports, sports finance, and organizational behavior and leadership.
Online Sports Management PhD Program Costs
Understanding the cost of any degree program is a crucial aspect of your decision. Before you enroll in a PhD program, you should have a good understanding of your expected financial commitments. A degree will open the door to new opportunities and higher earning potential, but you can find ways to reduce your overall financial burden.
The key to success is having a plan. Research the types of financial assistance you’re eligible for, whether through school scholarships or local organizations, fellowships, work-study, or employer tuition assistance. To learn more about your financial aid options, check out our guide for doctoral students here.
Examples of Online Program Tuition
To help you visualize the cost of an online PhD program, we’ve shared a few programs below with their cost and credit information as an example. Remember that tuition costs can vary widely based on several factors, including your residency status and how many credits you take. Be sure to check the most current information directly from the universities.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University Chicago | 68 | $711/credit hour | $50,417 |
| Liberty University | 60 | $595/credit hour | $35,700 |
| East Tennessee State University | 60 | $615/credit hour | $36,900 |
Most Commonly Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PhD, EdD or DBA in sports management?
A PhD in sports management will typically focus on research and scholarship, focusing on advancing theoretical knowledge in the field. A key distinction is that a PhD is an academic terminal degree while an EdD and DBA degrees are professional degrees.
An EdD (Doctor of Education) is professionally focused and emphasizes the practical application of research to solve real-world problems in sports management. Meanwhile, a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) in Sports Management emphasizes business principles and practices applied specifically to the sports industry.
How long can a PhD in sports management online take?
Depending on how you structure your courses, you can complete your PhD in sports management online in three to five years on average.
Are online sports management PhD programs accredited?
Yes, you’ll want to look for an accredited program when choosing the right school for you. Online sports management PhD programs can be regionally accredited through organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Sports Management Salary Outlook with a Doctorate
A doctorate in sports management positions you for the most senior leadership roles in professional sports, collegiate athletics, sports media, and the broader sports business ecosystem. Graduates serve as athletic directors, professional team presidents, conference commissioners, sports business faculty, and senior executives at sports marketing and media companies — bringing both business acumen and scholarly depth to an industry that commands enormous public and commercial attention. The terminal degree is also a pathway to academic positions in sports management programs.
Senior sports management executives — including athletic directors at major programs and front office leaders in professional leagues — command competitive compensation that has grown alongside the commercial expansion of the sports industry. Doctoral credentials open the most senior positions in the field.
Use the salary table to see what managers in sports and entertainment leadership earn across the country, and benchmark the financial landscape for doctoral-level sports management careers.
Managers
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $141,900 | $186,300 | $238,270 |
| Alabama | $135,890 | $164,390 | $203,530 |
| Alaska | $127,950 | $154,900 | $193,580 |
| Arizona | $129,870 | $165,000 | $206,320 |
| Arkansas | $87,520 | $129,460 | $171,910 |
| California | $174,560 | $221,560 | $303,680 |
| Colorado | $171,140 | $215,440 | $280,950 |
| Connecticut | $162,690 | $201,600 | $273,100 |
| Delaware | $168,060 | $209,180 | $297,690 |
| District of Columbia | $175,720 | $195,190 | $221,750 |
| Florida | $108,890 | $162,070 | $207,510 |
| Georgia | $125,000 | $166,290 | $212,160 |
| Hawaii | $130,000 | $158,020 | $204,730 |
| Idaho | $131,550 | $174,170 | $210,340 |
| Illinois | $140,240 | $180,860 | $235,260 |
| Indiana | $79,900 | $129,880 | $173,890 |
| Iowa | $128,080 | $165,840 | $218,790 |
| Kansas | $131,710 | $171,100 | $215,340 |
| Kentucky | $122,930 | $158,000 | $198,950 |
| Louisiana | $103,140 | $136,380 | $175,650 |
| Maine | $115,920 | $145,350 | $184,000 |
| Maryland | $159,040 | $185,220 | $211,910 |
| Massachusetts | $182,950 | $227,670 | $309,290 |
| Michigan | $134,260 | $169,280 | $210,970 |
| Minnesota | $152,600 | $191,610 | $225,250 |
| Mississippi | $101,570 | $144,730 | $190,420 |
| Missouri | $125,760 | $161,300 | $207,380 |
| Montana | $110,470 | $138,270 | $174,190 |
| Nebraska | $116,430 | $153,570 | $188,490 |
| Nevada | $112,040 | $167,750 | $272,540 |
| New Hampshire | $145,630 | $179,200 | $216,320 |
| New Jersey | $161,510 | $203,960 | $273,400 |
| New Mexico | $123,550 | $159,430 | $204,330 |
| New York | $167,200 | $221,680 | $305,970 |
| North Carolina | $141,160 | $182,390 | $244,820 |
| North Dakota | $126,440 | $161,730 | $190,420 |
| Ohio | $129,940 | $168,600 | $211,540 |
| Oklahoma | $131,870 | $163,110 | $200,270 |
| Oregon | $125,580 | $170,870 | $216,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $131,600 | $171,340 | $217,320 |
| Rhode Island | $165,900 | $205,840 | $311,260 |
| South Carolina | $129,960 | $166,000 | $204,910 |
| South Dakota | $119,470 | $150,700 | $172,930 |
| Tennessee | $99,430 | $135,510 | $181,270 |
| Texas | $134,390 | $173,480 | $220,370 |
| Utah | $134,890 | $171,990 | $225,620 |
| Vermont | $125,440 | $151,750 | $181,190 |
| Virginia | $166,230 | $195,190 | $224,040 |
| Washington | $164,160 | $207,160 | $272,470 |
| West Virginia | $124,940 | $163,030 | $200,160 |
| Wisconsin | $107,050 | $152,980 | $193,630 |
| Wyoming | $113,420 | $143,570 | $173,830 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.