Sport Administration vs. Sport Management Degree: Explaining the Difference for 2025
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Many students struggle to choose between sport administration and sport management, unsure which degree best fits their career goals in a competitive and diverse sports industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for managers in sports and entertainment was $75,000, but the path to such a role can vary widely based on the degree pursued.
This article, prepared by career planning experts, will break down the key differences between sport administration and sport management degrees. It will guide readers through career options, job prospects, and which degree best suits their aspirations in the sports industry.
Key Things You Should Know About Sport Administration vs. Sport Management Degree
- A sport management degree opens up broader career opportunities, with sports managers earning a median annual salary of $75,000 in 2023.
- Graduates of sport administration programs often pursue leadership roles in public sector sports, such as program director or compliance officer.
- A sport management degree aligns well with careers in professional sports, where roles like sponsorship manager and event operations specialist are in high demand.
Table of Contents
- How do sport administration and sport management degrees differ?
- Which has better career options: sport administration or sport management degree?
- What do students learn in a sport administration vs. sport management degree?
- Is a sport administration or sport management degree better for working in pro sports?
- What are the graduate outcomes of a sport administration vs. sport management degree?
- Which is more leadership- or business-focused: sport administration or sport management degree?
- Which degree is better for school athletics: sport administration or sport management
- How do career advancement opportunities compare between sport administration and sport management degrees?
- Are additional certifications or professional trainings advantageous for career advancement?
- Are online programs a reliable alternative for sport administration and sport management degrees?
- How do tuition costs and admissions compare for sport administration and sport management degrees?
- What are the best schools for sport administration and sport management degrees in 2025?
- Is a master’s degree needed after a sport administration or sport management degree?
- Other Things You Should Know About Sport Administration vs. Sport Management Degree
How do sport administration and sport management degrees differ?
Sport administration and sport management degrees differ mainly in focus—sport administration leans toward the organizational and policy side of sports, while sport management focuses more on business operations and marketing.
A sport administration degree often prepares students for roles in athletic departments, sports governing bodies, or public sports programs. Courses might include sports law, compliance, and leadership in sports organizations. The emphasis is usually on how sports programs are run, especially in schools or government-supported organizations.
On the other hand, a sport management degree is more business-oriented. It teaches students how to handle the business side of sports, such as sponsorship, event planning, ticket sales, and brand management. Graduates often work for professional teams, sports agencies, or private sports companies.
While both degrees share some overlapping coursework—like ethics, sports marketing, and finance—the career paths they support can be quite different. Understanding your career goals can help you choose the right program.
Which has better career options: sport administration or sport management degree?
A sport management degree generally offers broader career options than a sport administration degree.
Sport management focuses on the business and marketing side of the sports industry, which opens doors to jobs with professional teams, sports agencies, fitness brands, and event companies. Career paths include roles like sports marketing manager, event coordinator, sponsorship manager, or sales director—jobs that often exist in both the sports and corporate world. Similar to how PsyD online programs offer versatility for psychology careers, sport management provides a flexible foundation for various professional roles.
Sport administration, on the other hand, is more specialized. It prepares students for leadership and operational roles in schools, colleges, and sports governing bodies. Careers include athletic director, compliance officer, or recreation program manager. These roles are important but typically limited to education systems or nonprofit sports programs.
While both degrees open doors in the sports industry, students may also wonder: can you get an MBA in finance after one of these programs? Yes—either degree can lay the groundwork for specialized graduate studies in business, broadening career options beyond athletics into finance, analytics, and operations.
If you want flexibility and a wider range of job opportunities, sport management may be the better choice. However, if you’re passionate about working in educational or public-sector sports, sport administration could be a perfect fit.
What do students learn in a sport administration vs. sport management degree?
Sport Administration Degree
Students in a sport administration program learn how to manage and lead sports programs, mostly in schools, colleges, and public organizations.
Key topics include:
- Sports law and compliance
- Athletic program leadership
- Event and facility management
- Ethics in sports
- Sports governance and policy
This degree focuses on how sports programs are run within organizations, especially in education or government-supported settings.
Sport Management Degree
A sport management degree prepares students for the business side of the sports industry.
Common subjects include:
- Sports marketing and promotion
- Sales and sponsorship
- Public relations in sports
- Finance and budgeting
- Event and brand management
This degree is ideal for students who want to work with professional teams, sports brands, or private event companies.
Both degrees include leadership and communication training, but the focus areas—and career paths—are different.
Is a sport administration or sport management degree better for working in pro sports?
A sport management degree is generally better for working in professional sports. It focuses on the business side of sports, which is key for jobs with pro teams, leagues, and sports agencies.
Career paths include:
- Sports marketing coordinator
- Sponsorship manager
- Event operations specialist
- Ticket sales manager
- Brand partnership executive
Sport management programs teach you how to promote teams, sell sponsorships, plan events, and manage business operations—all skills in demand in the pro sports world. Like how understanding a gerontology salary can help students assess the value of careers in aging services, knowing the earning potential in sport management can guide students toward high-impact, well-paying roles in the industry.
Meanwhile, a sport administration degree is more suited for roles in schools, colleges, or community sports. While some graduates do enter pro sports, it’s less common and often requires additional experience or networking.
If your goal is to work for a professional team or league, sport management is the stronger choice.
What are the graduate outcomes of a sport administration vs. sport management degree?
While both degrees lead to careers in the sports industry, the types of organizations and roles vary depending on the degree.
Sport Administration Degree
Graduates often work in roles focused on leadership, coordination, and support within organized sports systems. Common outcomes include:
- Youth sports program director
- Intramural or campus recreation coordinator
- Sports scheduler or operations assistant
- Community outreach coordinator
- Athlete eligibility specialist
These roles usually involve organizing programs, supporting athletes, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in structured sports environments.
Sport Management Degree
Graduates may enter roles that center around strategy, audience engagement, and revenue growth. Career outcomes include:
- Sports data analyst
- Merchandising coordinator
- Digital content manager for sports brands
- Client services representative
- Licensing or product manager
Graduate outcomes depend on a student’s long-term goals. For those interested in educational or youth athletic programming, asking what is a MEd degree becomes relevant. Combining a sport administration background with a Master of Education can be ideal for careers in academic sports leadership or policy.
These jobs often require creative and analytical thinking and can span across media, tech, and retail companies tied to the sports world.
Which is more leadership- or business-focused: sport administration or sport management degree?
A sport management degree is more business-focused, while a sport administration degree leans more toward leadership and organizational roles.
Sport Administration Degree
This degree focuses on managing people, programs, and policies in structured sports environments. Students build skills in:
- Team and program leadership
- Organizational planning
- Policy development
- Staff coordination
It’s ideal for those who want to lead sports programs or departments, especially in educational or community settings. Similar to how an online pharmacy doctorate prepares professionals for leadership in healthcare settings, a sport administration degree develops skills needed to oversee sports organizations.
Sport Management Degree
Sport management programs emphasize the business side of the sports industry. Key areas include:
- Marketing and promotions
- Revenue generation
- Sponsorship and sales strategy
- Financial planning
It prepares students for roles that require strong business knowledge, especially in competitive, for-profit sports sectors.
In short, sport administration is more leadership-focused, while sport management is more business-driven.
Which degree is better for school athletics: sport administration or sport management?
The decision between a degree in sport administration and sport management depends on your specific career goals within the field of school athletics. Here’s a breakdown of the two:
Sport Administration
- Focus: This degree is more administrative in nature, with a focus on the operational side of sports, including leadership, budgeting, and governance.
- Ideal for: Those who want to work in higher-level administrative positions, such as athletic directors, operations managers, or policy makers within schools or larger athletic organizations.
- Skills: Leadership, strategic planning, facility management, and compliance with regulations.
Just like someone researching how to become a psychiatrist must understand the path and specialization required in mental health, students considering sport administration should evaluate whether they’re drawn to leading entire athletic departments and managing internal operations.
Sport Management
- Focus: Sport management is broader and focuses on the business side of sports, including marketing, event management, and financial planning.
- Ideal for: Those who want to work in a variety of roles within school athletics, such as organizing athletic events, managing teams, and working on marketing and sponsorships for the school’s athletic programs.
- Skills: Marketing, event planning, public relations, financial management.
If your goal is to manage the overall operations of a school’s athletic department, sport administration might be the better fit. However, if you’re more interested in the business side of athletics, such as marketing, fundraising, or event coordination, sport management may be the better choice. Both degrees offer valuable skills, so the right choice depends on your interests in administration versus the broader business of sports.
How do career advancement opportunities compare between sport administration and sport management degrees?
Sport administration and sport management degrees not only facilitate entry into the sports industry but also serve as a foundation for long-term career progression. Graduates in sport management often experience accelerated advancement in roles that prioritize business acumen, such as sponsorship coordination and event marketing. In contrast, sport administration graduates typically progress toward senior leadership within educational or public-sector sports programs where operational oversight and regulatory expertise are paramount. Both paths benefit from continuous professional development and targeted networking. Moreover, supplementing these degrees with further business education—such as pursuing an MBA online cheap—can enhance strategic, financial, and managerial competencies, thereby accelerating leadership readiness in a competitive industry.
Are additional certifications or professional trainings advantageous for career advancement?
In an increasingly competitive sports industry, supplementing your degree with certifications or specialized training can enhance your career trajectory. Accreditation in areas such as digital marketing, sports analytics, or facility management provides targeted skills that distinguish professionals in dynamic roles. Moreover, pursuing advanced degrees—such as a most affordable online MBA in healthcare management—offers cross-disciplinary insights that can be directly applied to managing complex sports operations and health-focused facilities. Carefully evaluating these options in line with your career ambitions is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.
Are online programs a reliable alternative for sport administration and sport management degrees?
Online education in sport administration and sport management has emerged as a flexible pathway for career-driven students. Accredited online programs offer comprehensive curricula delivered through robust digital platforms, ensuring that the quality of instruction remains on par with traditional campus settings. Students should carefully assess each program’s accreditation, student support services, and opportunities for hands-on learning, such as virtual internships or collaboration projects with sports organizations. Similar to the rigorous standards found in Pharm D online programs, high-quality online sport programs incorporate interactive learning modules and real-world applications to prepare graduates for competitive roles in the sports industry.
How do tuition costs and admissions compare for sport administration and sport management degrees?
Tuition costs and admissions requirements for sport administration and sport management degrees are generally similar, but they can vary by school and program type.
Tuition Costs
- Undergraduate Programs: Both sport administration and sport management bachelor's degrees typically range from $8,000 to $25,000 per year at public universities (in-state), and $25,000 to $50,000+ at private institutions.
- Graduate Programs (e.g., Master’s): Tuition for a master’s in either field usually ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 total, depending on whether the program is online, hybrid, or on-campus.
- No significant cost difference exists purely based on the program title (administration vs. management); cost differences are more often tied to the university’s ranking, location, and delivery format.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degrees in both fields typically require a high school diploma, minimum GPA, and possibly standardized test scores (though many schools are test-optional).
- Master’s programs may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Sport management programs may also look for business or marketing experience.
- Sport administration programs may favor applicants with leadership or education backgrounds.
Although tuition varies by institution, both degrees tend to fall within similar price ranges. Comparing them to unrelated programs like the cheapest online web development degree offers context on affordability across fields—and highlights the competitive pricing of many sport-focused academic paths.
Overall, costs and admissions are closely aligned, but sport management may be slightly more competitive due to broader career appeal.
What are the best schools for sport administration and sport management degrees in 2025?
Several universities in the U.S. are renowned for their sport administration and sport management programs. These institutions offer comprehensive curricula, industry connections, and opportunities for hands-on experience. Similar to top-tier licensed clinical social worker programs, these degrees blend academic theory with practical training to prepare students for competitive, service-driven careers.
Top U.S. Schools for Sport Management
- University of Florida (UF). UF offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in sport management. The undergraduate program provides foundational knowledge in sport business, while the graduate program offers advanced coursework and research opportunities. Both programs benefit from UF's strong connections with professional sports teams and organizations.
- University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). UT Austin's sport management program is part of the College of Education. It emphasizes leadership, ethics, and the business aspects of sports. Students have access to internships and networking opportunities in the Texas sports industry.
- University of Iowa. The University of Iowa offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Studies, focusing on the management of sports organizations and events. The program includes practical experiences and prepares students for careers in various sport-related fields.
- University of Michigan-Dearborn. The University of Michigan's sport management program is part of the School of Kinesiology. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, focusing on the business and administrative aspects of sports. Students benefit from Michigan's extensive alumni network and connections in the sports industry.
- Texas A&M University. Texas A&M offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Master of Science in Sport Management. The programs emphasize leadership, ethics, and the business aspects of sports. Students have opportunities for internships and research projects.
These programs offer unique perspectives and opportunities in the field of sport management. When choosing a program, consider factors such as curriculum focus, internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and industry connections to find the best fit for your career goals.
Is a master’s degree needed after a sport administration or sport management degree?
A master’s degree is not always required after earning a sport administration or sport management degree, but it can be beneficial depending on career goals and the desired job market.
Sport Administration Degree
For many entry-level positions in sport administration, such as athletic director or recreation coordinator, a bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient. However, a master’s degree, such as a Master of Science in Sport Administration, can help advance to higher leadership roles, like managing larger athletic programs or working in sports policy and governance.
Sport Management Degree
In the field of sport management, a master’s degree may be more common for advanced positions in the business side of sports. A Master’s in Sports Management (MSM) or an MBA with a sports focus can open doors to high-level roles in sports marketing, sponsorship, or team management. While some graduates can secure jobs in sales, event planning, or operations with just a bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree may increase earning potential and job prospects.
Many graduates pursue advanced study to move into executive roles—and begin by asking, why get an MBA? An MBA with a concentration in sports or business management can elevate a bachelor’s in sport administration or management to a leadership-ready qualification for top-tier organizations.
In short, while a master’s degree is not strictly necessary, it can provide an edge for higher-level roles in both sport administration and sport management.
Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Sport Administration or Sport Management Degree
My degree in Sport Administration provided me with the leadership skills and strategic insights needed to manage athletic programs effectively. I’m now thriving as an athletic director, organizing everything from budgeting to compliance. – Alex
I chose Sport Management because I wanted to work in sports marketing and event planning. The program taught me how to manage large-scale events and build valuable partnerships, which led me to secure a role managing sponsorships for a school’s athletic events. – Jerry
Sport Administration gave me the tools to understand the regulatory and operational sides of school athletics, and I was able to land a role handling compliance and facilities management right after graduation. – Sam
Key Findings
- In 2023, the median annual salary for sports and entertainment managers was $75,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Sports Marketing Managers earned up to $135,030/year, while Athletic Directors averaged $86,490/year (University of Bridgeport, 2023).
- 312,567 people were employed as sports coaches in the U.S. in 2024.
- Full-time employment rate for 2023 sport management graduates was 34%, with 40% pursuing further education (University of Georgia).
- 30% of umpires and referees were self-employed, followed by 17% in recreation industries and 16% in spectator sports (BLS, 2024).
Other Things You Should Know About Sport Administration vs. Sport Management Degree
Which degree is best for sports management?
The best degree for sports management depends on your career goals, but a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Sports Management is typically considered the best for those seeking to work in the sports industry. This degree offers specialized knowledge in areas such as event planning, marketing, sports law, facility management, and business management, making it ideal for those wanting to work in roles like sports agent, event manager, or athletic director.
What is the highest paying job in sports administration?
The highest-paying job in sports administration is typically the Athletic Director at a major university or professional sports organization. These individuals are responsible for overseeing all athletic programs and departments, including budgeting, staffing, and strategy. Athletic directors can earn salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $200,000, depending on the size and scope of the institution or organization.
What is the difference between sports management and management?
Sports management is a specialized branch of management focused on the business side of sports. It includes topics like sports marketing, event planning, and facility management, all within the context of athletics. Management, on the other hand, is a broader field that encompasses general leadership, organizational behavior, and business strategy across all industries. While both fields teach leadership and operational skills, sports management applies those skills specifically to the sports industry.
Is a sport management degree better for working in front-office roles?
Yes, a sport management degree is ideal for front-office roles because it focuses on business, marketing, finance, and operations within the sports industry. The curriculum includes specialized courses, internships, and networking opportunities that prepare you for roles like marketing manager, sponsorship coordinator, operations director, and ticket sales manager. This makes it a strong fit if you're aiming to work on the business side of a sports organization.
References:
- Data USA. (2023). Sport & fitness management. Data USA.
- IBISWorld. (2025). Sports coaching in the US - Employment statistics. IBISWorld.
- University of Bridgeport. (2023, April 5). Sports management salary information. University of Bridgeport.
- University of Georgia Career Center. (2023). Sport management – Bachelor's class of 2023. University of Georgia Career Center.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Umpires, referees, and other sports officials. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
