It’s probably an understatement to say that Americans love their fitness and sports, whether it’s participating or watching live or at venues. It’s a big business (multi-hundred-billion dollar industry for sports alone), so there are career opportunities for administration and management roles in these two related areas of physical wellness and performance — with a possible job growth of up to 25%.
While some relevant careers can be gained with a suitable bachelor’s degree, a master’s opens up additional opportunities. This ranking looks at hybrid and online master’s degrees related to administration or management roles in sports and fitness. A shortlist of careers or work environments include:
- Area Coordinator – Intercollegiate Athletics
- Athletics Director, including Assistant level
- Athletic Trainer (certified or otherwise)
- Fitness/Sports-Related Business Owner
- Clinical Testing
- College Lecturer
- Collegiate and Scholastic Athletics
- Community/ Recreational Sports
- Corporate Fitness
- Entry-level Management
- Fitness Club Manager
- Health and Fitness Competitions
- Health and Physical Education Teacher
- Marketing Director
- Outdoor and Adventure Sport Contests
- Park Superintendent
- Personal Trainer
- Player Scout
- Recreation Specialist
- Special Events Coordinator
- Sport Administrator
- Sporting Event Marketing Assistant
- Sports Agencies
- Sports Associations (national, international)
- Sports Commissions
- Sports Event Management
- Sports Information Director
- Sports Leagues (major or minor)
- Sports Sales
- Stadium Events Coordinator
- Tourism Bureaus
- Wellness Counselor
Methodology
College data is sourced from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in “Sport and Fitness Administration/Management”
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering online master’s programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: For each institution, add any mandatory graduate fees to the graduate in-state tuition (which is an average of all programs at a given institution), to determine approximate yearly tuition+fees cost.
- Step 5: Sort ascending by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 6: Manually verify that an institution actually has one or more online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in sport or fitness administration or management.
NOTE: Tuition is subject to change and the costs listed here are based on institutional averages. Verify all costs before applying to any college/ university.
Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Sport or Fitness Administration or Management
25. Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University (MBU, est. 1957) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It offers Christ-centered educational programs, serving students at 12 campuses and learning centers, and online.
MBU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics:
- Master of Science in Fitness Management (MSFM)
- Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM)
The MSFM is a 34-credit online master’s degree program with a timeline of 12 to 24 months. The low-cost online program covers business skills, exercise physiology and fitness. Sample courses include: Fitness Management; Chronic Diseases and Obesity; Advanced Sport Marketing. A choice of a thesis or Internship in Fitness or Sport Management is required. The internship is conducted in one of a variety of settings: coaching, club fitness, community fitness, sport/ athletic fitness, rehabilitation facilities, etc.
The MSSM is a top-value 31-credit online master’s degree program with a similar timeline. It focuses on the skills for opportunities in “interscholastic or intercollegiate athletics, amateur or professional sports, sport-marketing firms, special-event management, and facility management.” Sample courses include: Sport Law; Sport Public Relations; Sport Facility Management.
- In-state: $9,405 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,405 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni:
- #students: 5,488
- #grads: 980
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
24. Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas

Texas A and M University-College Station (TAMU, est. 1871) is a public institution (first in the state) and a member of the Texas A and M University System. It serves students at this campuses, two branch campuses, and several learning centers, plus online, and is one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment.
TAMU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Masters of Science in Sport Management (MSSM), delivered by the College of Education and Human Development. This 36-credit cheap online master’s degree program prepares individuals for roles as administrators or managers in sports organizations or related operations, including college athletic departments, country clubs, health clubs, media and communications, professional sports teams, sports marketing, event management, etc. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, and sample courses include: Research Methods for Sport Organizations; Theory of Research Sport Management; Management of Sport Organizations.
- In-state: $9,065 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,585 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske Guide to Colleges; Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Money Magazine (#1 public statewide for best value); U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter Lyle Lovett (once married to actress Julia Roberts); actor/ comedian Rip Torn (cousin to actress Sissy Spacek)
- #students: 67,929
- #grads: 14,864
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
23. University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota

University of South Dakota (USD, est. 1862) is a public institution (the oldest in N. and S. Dakota) and a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents. It serves students on campus and online, and its alumni and faculty have collectively won many top academic awards (Truman Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Nobel Prize).
USD offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – around 280 programs at all levels. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Arts (MA) Kinesiology and Sport Manasgement with a specialization in Sport Management. (Note: an Exercise Science specialization is available on-campus only.) This is a 30-credit online master’s degree program that focuses on “the business of sport” and is designed for adult students and working professionals in the broad sports industry. Sample courses include: Sport Facility and Risk Management; New Media and Technology in Sport; Sport Budgeting and Finance. Note: Courses are offered online, but not all are available every semester.
- In-state: $8,818 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,786 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Military Times (Best for Vets); Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Top Public Schools; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: TV news anchor Tom Brokaw (NBC Nightly News); author, entrepreneur and USA Today founder Al Neuharth
- #students: 10,261
- #grads: 2,613
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
22. Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

Georgia Southern University (GSU, est. 1906) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It serves students at three campuses and online.
GSU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sports Management (MSSM), delivered by the Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology in Waters College of Health Professions. This is a 36-credit (12-course) low-cost online master’s degree program typically expected to take 24 months or longer, with a focus on Sport Business and Leisure. Possible employers for graduates of this program include: college-level athletic departments; event management companies; professional or semi-professional sports teams or leagues or associations; sports facilities; sports information businesses; sports promotion agencies (including advertising and marketing); etc. Sample courses include: Sport Administration; Revenue Generation in Sport; Sport Facility and Event Management.
- In-state: $8,728 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,610 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Green Ribbon Schools; Military Times; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; TIME Money magazine; Victory Media
- Notable alumni: Country music singers Luke Bryan and Ben Hayslip
- #students: 20,418
- #grads: 2,659
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
21. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University (Liberty, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution (one of the largest in the world) founded by pastor and televangelist Dr. Jerry Falwell. It incorporates a Baptist-influenced Christian worldview into its academic offering, and serves students on campus and online.
Liberty offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sports Management (MSSM) with four relevant specializations:
- General
- Coaching and Athletic Administration
- Outdoor Adventure Sports
- Sports Administration; Tourism
This is a 36-credit cheap online master’s degree program with a choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks for all specializations except General. Up to 50% of credits can be transfered in, and the average study timeline is 1.5 years (courses are online and eight weeks long). Accredited by COSMA (Commission on Sports Management Accreditation), the curriculum is designed for “sports enthusiasts with a desire to lead athletes both on and off the field.” Sample online courses in the General specialization include: Social Issues in Sports Management; Sports Marketing and Public Relations; Economic and Financial Management of Sport. Alternatives: Two additional online specializations for the MSSM, including Outdoor Adventure Sports, and a Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy.
- In-state: $8,723 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,723 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs)
- Notable alumni: Rashad Jennings, former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars contestant
- #students: 75,044
- #grads: 29,290
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP, est. 1893) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and a member of the Concordia University System. It serves students on campus and online, and has enjoyed increasing enrollment for 12 out of the past 13 academic years.
CSP offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics:
- Master of Arts in Sport Management (MASM)
- Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration (MSCAA; synchronous classes)
Both are 33-credit affordable online master’s degree programs with 7-week courses and a minimum timeline of 18 months. Both have a Capstone requirement and a graduate study-abroad option. The MASM curriculum covers topics such as decision-making, facility management, finance, human resources, leadership, marketing, strategic planning, etc. Sample online courses include: Management and Leadership; Sport Marketing; Facility and Event Management in Sport.
The MSCAA curriculum prepares working professionals for leadership/ administrator roles in athletics, including coaching. Topics cover budgeting, fundraising, general business principles, nutrition, sales, scouting and recruitment, training. Sample online master’s degree courses include: Management and Leadership; Ethics and Policy in Sport Management; Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
- In-state: $8,550 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,550 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2019-20) Washington Monthly (Best Colleges for Adult Learners)
- Notable alumni:
- #students: 4,817
- #grads: 1,947
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
19. Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota

Minot State University (MSU, est. 1913) is a public institution and a member of the North Dakota University System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students on-campus and online.
MSU offers low-cost associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sports Management (MSSM), which it claims is unique in the state. This cheap online master’s degree program requires no GRE/ GMAT score, and takes 18 months online. It is aimed at individuals planning for coaching or athletic administration careers at the high school or college level, or with sports agencies, or will seek roles in athletic performance and training. The curriculum includes a Capstone. Sample online courses include: Sports Leadership and Administration; Sports Law; Sport Media and Event Planning.
- In-state: $8,549 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,549 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: PayScale College Salary Report; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Actor Josh Duhamel (Transformers; Love, Simon; Las Vegas), who is married to singer/ songwriter and actress Fergie, formerly of the Black Eyed Peas
- #students: 3,216
- #grads: 260
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
18. Troy University
Troy, Alabama

Troy University (Troy, est. 1887) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school. It serves students at four campuses (originally independent and each part of the Troy University System; merged in 2005) and online.
Troy offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with 70 programs online at all levels. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a best-value Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Management (MSSFM) with a concentration in Sport Management. Accredited by COSMA (Commission on Sport Management Accreditation), this 36-credit program has a thesis or non-thesis option. Graduates of this best-value online master’s degree program work in pro leagues (NBA, NFL) and minor leagues, Division I college athletic departments, recreation departments, event management firms and more. Courses are nine weeks each and include: Foundations of Sport and Fitness Management; Risk Management in Sport; Current Issues in Sport and Fitness Management.
- In-state: $8,362 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,868 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Miss USA/ Miss Michigan contestant Jill Dobson (Fox News correspondent); multiple contestants on Big Brother and Survivor reality TV series
- #students: 17,521
- #grads: 3,521
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
17. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi (USM, est. 1910) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students on two campuses and online.
USM offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics:
- MS Sport Management (MSSM) with an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management (SESM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management (SESM)
The MSSM is a low-cost 33-credit online master’s degree program that focuses on preparing “sports and special events managers” to handle the “safety and security requirements in a sports environment.” Sample online courses include: Financial Management in Sport; Sport Venue and Event Management; Sport Marketing and Public Relations. A comprehensive exam and a Sport Management Practicum are both required. The economical online MBA option combines business principles with SESM. USM graduates of the latter program have found careers as Directors of safety/ security at public and private venues, Risk Officers, Emergency Management, etc.
- In-state: $8,218 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,218 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter Jimmy Buffet (possibly best known for Margaritaville); Hall-of-Fame football player Brett Favre; celebrity chef Cat Cora
- #students: 14,478
- #grads: 2,663
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
16. Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, Colorado

Colorado Mesa University (CMU, est. 1925) is a public institution. It serves students on three campuses and online.
CMU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM). This is a 30-credit cheap online master’s degree program with a full- or part-time study option (one or two year timeline), and a thesis or non-thesis (internship-related project) track option. Typical careers or work environments that graduates qualify for include professional sports management or administration, high school or college athletics administration, sport media or marketing, sports facilities, etc. Sample courses include: Facility and Equipment Management in Sport and Fitness; Event and Program Management in Sport and Fitness; Sport Law and Ethics. An internship is required for the thesis track but optional for the non-thesis track.
- In-state: $8,173 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $22,123 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Colleges West; Top Public Schools)
- Notable alumni: Fantasy author, entrepreneur and TV producer Steve Hillard, who wrote a novel about Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien
- #students: 9,591
- #grads: 132
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
15. Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, California

Concordia University-Irvine (CUI, est. 1976) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and a member of the Concordia University System.
CUI offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletics Administration (MACAA). This is a cheap 36-credit online master’s degree program (15-month timeline) which CUI claims “is the nation’s number one athletics graduate program” and one of the oldest such programs in the country. Sample courses include: Principles of Coaching and Leadership; Ethics And Sport; Leadership and Administration; Facility Planning and Event Management.
- In-state: $7,914 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,914 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Money Magazine (Best Colleges); Princeton Review (top liberal arts colleges Midwest); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Olympian Misty May-Treanor (gold); Major League Soccer player Christian Ramirez (currently with Los Angeles FC)
- #students: 4,249
- #grads: 2,396
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
14. Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, Indiana

Grace College and Theological Seminary (GCTS, est. 1948) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It incorporates a Christian worldview in its academic programs, and serves students on campus and online.
GCTS offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Athletic Administration (MSAA). This 36-credit, two-year online master’s degree program uses LTC (Leadership Training Courses) content from NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) and CIAAA (Canadian Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) through partnerships, and is particularly geared towards their members. Sample online master’s courses include: Foundations of Athletic Administration; Athletic Finance and Maketing Management; Athletic Organization and Administration. No graduate entrance exam score is required.
- In-state: $7,888 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,888 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Author and Passion Movement founder Louie Giglio
- #students: 2,156
- #grads: 394
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
13. Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota

Winona State University (WSU, est. 1858) is a public institution and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students on campus and online.
WSU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 30 grad programs alone. It has one of the cheapest online/hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Leadership Education (MSLE) with an emphasis in Sport Management. This affordable 33-credit hybrid master’s degree program combines leadership education courses (on-campus) with an 18-credit online Sport Management certificate (also available on its own, through the Physical Education and Sport Science Department). This economical master’s degree program leads to career opportunities such as coaching (college level), facility management, athletic director (high school), sport team marketing and management, etc. Sample courses include: Planning of Facilities in Physical Education or Sport; Sport Marketing Management; Sport Sales Management. Completion of a Leadership Capstone, a Sport Leadership Internship, and a comprehensive exam is required.
- In-state: $7,682 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,222 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Institutional Research and Evaluation (America’s 100 Best College Buys); Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Twin brother models Kyle and Lane Carlson; 2012 Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann
- #students: 7,981
- #grads: 521
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
12. Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson State University (JSU, est. 1877) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. It is a Historically Black College/ University (HBCU) and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It serves students on multiple campuses and online.
JSU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Science (MSSS) with an emphasis in Sport Management. This 36-credit affordable online master’s degree program prepares students seeking operations roles for sport-related organizations such as parks and recreation organizations, sport and multipurpose facilities, sport marketing companies. Sample courses include: Sport Marketing; Sport Finance; Sport Administration and Organization. Students choose between an Internship or Thesis (both six credits).
- In-state: $7,621 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,314 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Best Online MBA Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Grammy-winning singer Cassandra Wilson
- #students: 8,558
- #grads: 2,058
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama

University of South Alabama (USA, est. 1963) is a public institution serving students on campus and online. The university, which has 17 NCAA sports including men’s football, announced the building of a new football stadium expected to open in fall 2020.
USA offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) with an emphasis in Sport Event and Organizational Management, delivered by the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Sport. This 30-credit affordable online master’s degree program offers a choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks, and leads to leadership/management careers in athletic departments (high school and college), youth sports, professional sports, sport commissions (city and state), sport venues, etc. Sample courses include: Sport Event Law and Risk Management; Sport Leadership and Organizational Behavior; Sport Event and Facility Management. Students not taking a thesis must complete an Internship in Sport Management.
- In-state: $7,578 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,156 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Track and Field athlete and civil rights activist Jessie Tompkins
- #students: 15,569
- #grads: 4,581
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM, est. 1967) is a public institution and a member of the Auburn University System. As of the 2019-20 academic year, it will be a Division II member in NCAA college sports, in the Gulf South Conference.
AUM offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a hybrid Master’s in Sport Management, delivered by the Department of Kinesiology. This 33-credit cheap master’s degree program has a choice of Certification or non-certification tracks, and combines business and sports, preparing students for sports-related careers in facility management, marketing, risk management. Additional topics include ethics, leadership, legal issues, etc. Sample online courses include: Organization and Administration of Sports and Physical Education; Advanced Sport Finance; Leadership in Sports Organization. Students must complete an internship and a comprehensive exam. Alternately, a Sport Management certificate program is available.
- In-state: $7,570 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,228 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review (Best in the Southeast); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Top Public Schools; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2019-20 Bronze)
- Notable alumni: Civil rights activist Tarana Burke
- #students: 4,894
- #grads: 581
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
9. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana

Indiana State University (ISU, est. 1865) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school. It serves students on campus and online, and currently has about a 25% minority student enrollment rate.
ISU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 70 online programs alone. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM). This is a 36-credit affordable master’s degree program with a required internship. (Students without a sport management major/ minor bachelor’s degree will complete an extra three credits.) It is aimed at working professionals with public or private organization experience, and prepares them for roles in collegiate sports and campus recreation, facility planning, military recreational sport programming, sport finance, sport governance, sport marketing, etc. The core curriculum follows the guidelines from NASSM (North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), which includes topics such as ethics, leadership, legal aspects, research methods, risk management, etc. Sample courses include: Sport Management Foundations; Sport Law and Risk Management; Administrative Theory in Sport.
- In-state: $7,472 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,474 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine (top colleges for quality and value); Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; Tree Campus USA; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Willa Brown, the first African-American woman to become a commercial pilot in the country
- #students: 13,763
- #grads: 2,180
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina

Western Carolina University (WCU, est. 1889) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. It serves students at this main campus, a learning center in Asheville, NC, and online. The student body leans slightly to female (57% to 43% male), and just under 25% of all enrollees are over 24.
WCU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM), delivered by the College of Business. This is a 30-credit, 3-semesterlow-cost online master’s degree program that includes a certificate project management and prepares individuals for sport industry careers, including program administration, and management of people and organizations. Sample online courses include: Sport Administration and Governance; Economics and Financial Aspects of Sport; Sport Marketing. The curriculum includes an Internship in Sport Management experience (requiring director’s approval) of 200 hours. While GRE/ GMAT scores are not required, they may improve chances of admissions.
- In-state: $7,361 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,768 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ producer Sean Bridgers (Deadwood); humorist/ author David Sedaris (brother of actress Amy Sedaris)
- #students: 11,034
- #grads: 1,628
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
7. University of North Texas
Denton, Texas

University of North Texas (UNT, est. 1890) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Texas System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students at this main campus, a satellite campus, and online.
UNT offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – approximately 230 programs in total. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a cheap Master of Science in Recreation, Event and Sport Management (MS-RESM), delivered by the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation. It prepares students for sport and leisure related leadership roles with government agencies and nonprofits, sports organizations and in the private sector, in settings such as facilities operation, health and wellness, outdoor adventure/ education, youth sports and more. Skills that are developed include: event and program planning; facility operations management; fiscal administration; program design and evaluation; program economic impact analysis, etc.
This inexpensive 36-credit online master’s degree program offers a choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks. Students without relevant course work or professional recreation experience may have to take nine extra credits of course work and complete a practicum. Sample courses include: Management of Recreation and Sport Organizations; Areas and Facilities for Recreation and Sport; Trends and Issues in Recreation, Event and Sport Management.
- In-state: $7,165 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,635 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin; musicians Roy Orbison, Norah Jones, Don Henley, Pat Boone, Meat Loaf and many others
- #students: 38,276
- #grads: 6,828
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6. Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Henderson State University (HSU, est. 1890) was originally founded as a private Methodist Christian college, becoming a public institution circa 1930, at which point it became a teacher training school (now incorporated into HSU’s Teachers College). It serves students on campus and online.
HSU offers low-cost associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 65 programs in total. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: an economical Master of Science in Sport Administration (MSSA). It prepares individuals for the business aspects of professional teams, youth leagues, etc., and is taught by professional with a broad range of sports industry experience — including administrators, agents, consultants, team executives, etc. This is a two-year online master’s degree program, with a curriculum that incorporates guest speakers and field trips with coursework, as well as a thesis. Sample courses include: Marketing and Public Relations in Sports and Activity; Legal Aspects of Sport and Activity Management; Financing Sports and Leisure Activities.
- In-state: $6,293 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,499 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Top Public Schools)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ screenwriter/ filmmaker Billy Bob Thornton, possibly best known for his roles in Sling Blade and Monster’s Ball, and for previously being married to actress/ activist Angelina Jolie
- #students: 3,334
- #grads: 502
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
5. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas

Arkansas State University (A-State, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Arkansas State University System. It serves students at three locations (including Querétero, Mexico) and online. The university, whose sports teams are part of the Sun Belt Conference, has an active expansion of their Centennial Bank Stadium, due to increased interest in their men’s Red Wolves football team. The student body leans to female (60% to 40% male), and over 25% of enrollees are minorities by self-designation.
A-State offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Science in Sport Administration (MSSA). Accredited by COSMA (Commission on Sport Management Accreditation), this is a 36-credit low-cost online master’s degree program with a required Internship and a minimum timeline of 12 months. It prepares students for a variety of sports industry roles, including: athletics administration, facility management, fiscal management, marketing and sales, etc. Potential work environments include: college athletic departments; community sports organizations; country clubs; professional sports organizations (teams or leagues); stadiums and arenas. Sample courses include: Sport Marketing; Sport Finance and Budgeting; Sport Governance and Operations.
- In-state: $6,121 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,927 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South; Business Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs); Washington Monthly (top master’s universities)
- Notable alumni: Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner (track and field); Country music star Buddy Jewell
- #students: 13,930
- #grads: 4,326
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas

Midwestern State University (MSU, est. 1922) is a public institution. The student population leans to female (61.5% to 38.5% male), and the 2nd and 3rd largest enrolled groups are Hispanic/ LatinX (19.3%) and African American/ Black (14.3%) students.
MSU offers cheap bachelor’s and master’s level degrees programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management related topics: a Master of Education (MEd) in Sport Administration. This is a 36-credit online master’s degree program that prepares individuals for careers in or with state agencies/ government entities; school or college sports; professional sports; sporting event management, etc. The curriculum covers topics such as culture and globalization, event and facilities management, marketing and finance, media and community relations, and more. Sample courses include: Research Methods in Sport Management; Ethics and Legal Issues in Sport Management; Managing Diversity in Sport Environments. A Practicum in Sport Administration, and a Graduate Project are also part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $5,992 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,162 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Regional Universities West; Business Programs; Engineering Programs – Schools with No Doctorate)
- Notable alumni: TV personality Phil McGraw, aka Dr. Phil
- #students: 6,080
- #grads: 750
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Delaware State University
Dover, Delaware

Delaware State University (DSU, est. 1891) is a public liberal arts institution and a Historically Black College/ University (HBCU). It serves students at three campuses and online.
DSU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 60 degree programs alone. It comes in third in this ranking of the most affordable online master’s degrees in sport and fitness administration or management. It has one relevant program: a Master of Science in Sport Administration (MSA), delivered by the College of Business. This is 30-credit cheap online master’s degree program with a minimum timeline of 12 months, and a required Internship. It prepares professionals in the industry (fitness, recreation, sports) for “advanced administrative responsibilities within sport and sport-related organizations.” Topics covered include economics, legalities, politics, social influence, etc. Some roles or areas of opportunity for graduates may include: college or pre-college athletics administration; community recreation program; facilities management; professional sports (team, league or association). The curriculum follows the guidelines of NASPE/ NASSM (National Association for Sport and Physical Education/ North American Society for Sport Management). Sample courses include: Financial Aspects of Sport; Sport Management; Sport Marketing.
- In-state: $5,510 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,726 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter SZA aka Solana Imani Rowe, who is on the Black Panther movie soundtrack with Kendrick Lamar
- #students: 4,352
- #grads: 302
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. It serves students at this campus, four satellite locations (through partnerships), and two learning centers for aviation programs, plus online. SOSU is 7th in the USA for graduating Native American students, and 28% of enrolled students are of Native American descent. The university caters to non-traditional students, with the average age of all enrollees being 27 years old.
SOSU offers inexpensive bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 60 degree programs. It places second on our list of the most affordable online master’s degrees in sport/ fitness administration or management. It has one relevant program: a Master of Science in Sports Administration (MSSA) with four specializations:
- General
- Business
- Educational Leadership
- Native American Leadership
This is a 30-credit cheap online master’s degree program with a minimum timeline of 12 months that prepares students for management and administrative career opportunities in several environments: intercollegiate/ interscholastic athletics; professional sports (team, league, association); sports facilities; sports marketing and management agencies, etc. Sample online courses include: Foundations of Sport Science; Applied Research and Statistics in Sports; Sport Management, Finances, and Fund Raising. Up to nine credits can be transferred into the MSSA, and no GRE score is required.
- In-state: $5,022 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,178 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West; Business Programs)
- Notable alumni: Actress/ country music star Reba McEntire; NBA hall-of-famer and celebrity Dennis Rodman
- #students: 4,006
- #grads: 884
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. East Central University
Ada, Oklahoma

East Central University (ECU, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students on campus and online.
ECU offers inexpensive bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It is first on our ranking of affordable online master’s degrees in administration or management in sport and fitness. It has one relevant program: a Master of Education (MEd) with an emphasis in Sports Administration (SA). This is a 33-credit cheap online master’s degree program that prepares individuals for roles as or in athletic director, head coach, athletic support staff, sports finance, sports management, etc. This a 33-credit interdisciplinary master’s degree program that incorporates courses in education, kinesiology, etc., and includes 100 hours of hands-on training as part of a Practicum and Portfolio in Sports Administration. Sample online courses include: Sports Administration; Sport Facility Management; Marketing and Event Management.
- In-state: $4,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,184 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Baseball hall-of-famers Lloyd Waner and Paul Waner; artist Leon Polk Smith, co-founder of the Hard-edge school with influences that included Mondrian’s geometric style; top-earning PGA professional golfer Dr. Gil Morgan
- #students: 3,719
- #grads: 638
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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