Sports Management at WGU
Are You Looking to Enroll in a Sports Management Program?
While WGU does not currently offer a sports management program, we do have options that could be an excellent fit for someone hoping to pursue a career in this field. Earning a bachelor’s degree in business management is a great place to start. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, an MBA or a master’s degree in management and leadership can help you gain the leadership and business skills that will prepare you to work directly with sports teams as a successful sports manager.
Careers Similar to Sports Management
Sports management is a great career option if you enjoy both the sports and business sides of the sports industry. Pursuing one of these business degrees is an excellent way to take your first steps toward realizing your future as a sports manager.
Additionally, these degrees create opportunities for similar careers such as business development coordinator, contract administrator, contract analyst, corporate partnership manager, director of operations, facility operations manager, event coordinator, marketing consultant, public relations manager, and sales coordinator. Any of these jobs will unlock your potential to earn a higher salary, expand your management expertise, lead a fulfilling career, and be more marketable to future employers.
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
A bachelor's degree in business management can provide a strong foundation for a career in sports management. Sports management combines elements of business and sports marketing. The skills and knowledge you gain from a business management degree can help you succeed in a career in professional sports management in several ways, including an understanding of:
- Business operations
- Marketing and sales skills
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication skills
The business management bachelor’s program at WGU is designed to equip you with the skills and education needed to succeed in the world of business management and beyond. With courses on topics like accounting, human resources, marketing, operations, and leadership, you’ll gain expert knowledge in analyzing business data, developing and implementing strategic plans, and effectively managing and motivating employees. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in a range of business management areas.
Master's Degree in Management and Leadership
Another great option for future sports management professionals is a master's degree in management and leadership. This type of program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage sports organizations effectively, as it focuses on developing a host of skills necessary to succeed in a sports management role:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Financial management
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Conflict resolution
If you’re looking to hold mid- and higher-level roles in sports management, WGU’s Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree will help you get there. This program will set you up with the knowledge and expertise to lead organizations and teams effectively. You’ll learn a wide range of relevant topics, such as strategic planning, decision-making, communication, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution. You’ll also gain a solid foundation in financial management, organizational behavior, and human resources management. Upon graduation, you’ll be well prepared to pursue advanced careers in sports management.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be extremely useful for a sports management career as it provides students with an expert-level understanding of business principles and practices. An MBA program always covers various business areas that are crucial for success in sports management, including:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Operations
WGU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program will provide you with a comprehensive education in business administration, covering a wide range of useful topics for any management-level career.
This program was designed to be relevant and practical, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in today's rapidly changing business environment. You’ll get hands-on experience allowing you to apply the finance, marketing, human resources, and operations skills you learn to your future career in sports management.
What does a business development coordinator do?
A business development coordinator is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities. The bulk of their work consists of generating leads and sales, maintaining client relationships, and coordinating promotional activities.
What does a contract administrator do?
Contract administrators create, negotiate, and assess company contracts for an organization. They’re responsible for ensuring that both parties agree to the terms of the contract, as well as making sure that all contracts comply with local and federal laws.
What does a contract analyst do?
Contract analysts help businesses circumvent contractual disputes and financial losses. They review contract terms and conditions before contracts are signed, negotiate favorable terms with third parties for their employers, and modify contracts as needed.
What does a corporate partnership manager do?
Corporate partnership managers oversee high-value corporate partnerships and develop long-term strategies to create profitable strategic partnerships. The most important part of their job is managing relationships and researching new brands to join forces with.
What does a director of operations do?
A director of operations oversees all the operations of a company. Specifically, they manage systems and processes that a company uses to run efficiently. A few of their most important duties include managing the productions schedule, working with vendors, and implementing new company policies.
What does a facility operations manager do?
Facility operations managers serve as the point-people for all day-to-day office operations responsibilities, procedures and services including furniture, fixtures and equipment, security, supplies, mailing and shipping, maintenance, installation and repairs.
What does an event coordinator do?
An event coordinator works in the hospitality and event industry, planning and coordinating events, including sports games. They select venues, follow a given budget, set up on-site vendors, and ensure client satisfaction for the events they manage. They are also commonly referred to as “event planner” and “event specialist.”
What does a marketing consultant do?
A marketing consultant, or digital marketing consultant, helps guide a company on how to employ marketing strategies to grow their business. Their main responsibilities include understanding the organization's marketing goals, creating various marketing materials, and monitoring campaign results.
What does a public relations manager do?
Public relations managers create and uphold a positive public image for their employer, client, or organization by communicating their accomplishments or points of view. They play an important role in managing the reputation of the person or organization and shaping public opinion.
Why Choose WGU?
There are several reasons why you should choose to attend WGU on your path to a successful career in sports management:
- Affordability: WGU offers affordable tuition and flexible payment options, making it a more accessible option for many students compared to traditional universities.
- Relevant curriculum: WGU's curriculum is designed with input from industry experts and is updated regularly to ensure that students receive a relevant, practical education that prepares them for today's job market.
- Supportive community: WGU offers a supportive community of students, faculty, and alumni who are all working together to achieve their academic and career goals.
- Competency-based education model: WGU uses a unique competency-based education model that allows students to move through their courses as quickly as they can demonstrate mastery of the material. This means that students can complete their degree more quickly and at a lower cost than at traditional universities.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Any of the degrees listed can help you excel as an sports manager. Choosing these degreer is a great alternative to a specific sports management degree for many reasons, these programs could help you get needed skills and experience that will benefit your career.
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordinating
- Communications
- Performance Management
- Planning
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
