Online Sports Management Degree – Affordable & Transfer-Friendly

Tackle an exciting career in the sports industry with the right training and acumen to make it happen with a BA in Sports Management from Concordia University Chicago (CUC).

Pursue Your Vocation with CUC

Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
Classes Start: August 24, 2026

Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Sports Management

Earn your BA in Sports Management from Concordia University Chicago to break into the sports industry.

Reach Your Dreams in the Sports Industry with CUC

Are you passionate about sports and intrigued by the world of business? Then the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management is the right educational path for you. This unique program sits at the exciting peak of two dynamic fields, offering coursework that combines the principles of business with the specialized knowledge needed for success in sports management.

A bachelor’s degree in sports management shares similarities with traditional business programs, but is designed to meet the specific demands and intricacies of the sports industry.

Begin a journey where your love for sports and business starts to open doors to a world of exciting career opportunities. Discover how this innovative degree program can empower you to excel.

Curriculum

Sports Management Coursework

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts of sports management. The topics covered include sports leadership, sports management careers, and the functions within the field that include sports marketing, sports communication, sports facility management, etc. Discussion and case studies will explore current topics on the evolution of esports, fantasy sports, streaming, and artificial intelligence (AI). Topics of sports governance, diversity, and sports budgeting and finance.

This course covers management of facilities and personnel, program development, budget preparation, and application of public relations techniques. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050.

This course examines an encompassing perspective of diversity within North American and international sport organizations. The course focuses on diversity issues as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, and physical ability/disability.

This course provides a study of the application of organization theory to the understanding and management of sport organizations. The course addresses management and leadership theories in sport and how they apply to the different aspects of sport. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050.

This course analyzes the growing spread and development of sport throughout the world, as well as how the governing bodies involved affect the structure, organization, and delivery of sport. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050.

Management Coursework

This course introduces the basics of financial accounting to record, store and summarize economic events of the business enterprise to meet internal and external reporting needs. Emphasis is placed on accrual accounting concepts, data gathering techniques, account ledgers, journals, worksheets, preparing and analyzing financial statements and other financial reports for management and the public based on the accounting equation. Topics include ethical practice, corporate social responsibility, corporate accounting for current and long term assets and current liabilities, and the corporate income statement.

This course provides students with the basic principles of management to build a foundation for leadership in an ever-changing and innovative business environment. It explores the principal concepts of management: leading (motivating, communicating and developing people), planning (setting goals and deciding activities), organizing (establishing activities and coordinating people) and controlling (establishing targets and measuring performance). The course presents management within the environmental context of innovation, globalization, ethics and social responsibility. It links leadership theory, strategic development and organizational application to current global business challenges. Students focus attention on the role of management and the application of a global management plan.

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the marketing activities of organizations. It explores the core concepts of marketing including the marketing mix, consumer behavior, segmenting and targeting markets, marketing research, and the development of marketing plans to assist in managerial decision-making. The course examines the internal and external environment affecting marketing activities, the role of intermediaries, the effect of government regulations, sales and advertising, and new digital strategies. Students focus attention on the vital role of marketing and effective marketing plans in today’s global economy.

This course surveys legal principles and issues concerning business. It explains the U.S. legal system and the legal environment of commerce and trade. The course details elements of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, administrative law and types of negotiable instruments. It also provides an overview of criminal law, tort law and constitutional law that affect business. It explores business ethics and corporate social responsibility applied to modern-day business problems. The course broadly addresses employment law and consumer protection.

Students will learn the basic principles of finance and how they integrate with economics and accounting. The course generates student understanding of how financial statements are used to set financial goals, and how the budgeting process integrates with financial objectives. Students will learn specific topics such as risk analysis, cash flows, time value of money, short-term and long-term financial management, capital structure, and cost of capital. Student will learn how financial decisions integrate with the overall economic system and the global business environment. Prerequisite: C or higher in ACC-2001.

Management’s responsibilities regarding the recruitment, selection, hiring, development, promotion and separation of employees. Prerequisite: C or higher in MGT-2001.

Senior Project

This capstone course represents the culmination of the Sports Management Program. It focuses on designing a sports management project or program that reflects current trends using an integrative systems perspective. The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of accounting, economics, and finance and how these practices are important to a sports organization. The student will use evidence based management practices. Prerequisite: C or better in SMB-1050. Recommended 12 credit hours of sports management courses prior to taking this course.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed application for admission to the Undergraduate Online Programs.
  • Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended, including records of good standing.
  • Possible final high school transcript with graduation date.

*Applicants will be notified of admission decisions generally within 48 hours after submitting all required documents.


Learn More

The CUC Advantage

Discover the difference in CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and our innovative approach to integrity-first education.

As a Christian-based institution, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders to live a life fulfilled by purpose and meaning. Because we aim to model Christlike behavior, our doors are open to all. So, bring your curiosity, your personality and your values. Be a living example of what it means to serve a cause greater than yourself by pursuing an education where ideas inspire you, the Gospel lives and forms you and God’s calling takes root. Show the world what it means to stand tall.

100% Online

Experience the ultimate convenience of pursuing your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management entirely online. At CUC, we understand the demands of today’s dynamic world, which is why our sports management program is designed to fit into your busy schedule. With 100% online courses, you have the freedom to learn from the comfort of your home or while on the go, making your education more accessible than ever before.

A Dedication to Integrity

Integrity forms the cornerstone of CUC’s principles. Our faculty, staff and students are committed to living genuinely, guided by their faith. Within our programs, students are encouraged to exhibit resilience and unwavering dedication to their academic endeavors.

Study At Your Own Pace

CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management empowers you to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a full-time student or balancing your education with work and family commitments, our flexible curriculum allows you to set your learning speed. Take control of your educational journey and achieve a healthy work-life-study balance that suits your individual needs.

Simple Transfer Credit

Transferring credits to CUC has never been easier. Our straightforward transfer credit process ensures that your prior academic achievements are recognized and applied seamlessly to your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management degree. This means less time rehashing what you already know and more time focusing on your passion for sports management and business.

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

The Higher Learning Commission was established in 1895 as one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. It is an independent organization whose purpose is to provide accreditation to post-secondary educational institutions that confer degrees. The HLC assesses and accredits the institution as a whole.

The mission of the HLC is to ensure the quality of higher education, striving to be the foremost authority in fair, impactful and reliable accreditation. The HLC serves the best interests of students and member institutions.

Career Outlook: Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management

With a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management from CUC, you’ll gain the expertise and qualifications needed to pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding career paths in the dynamic world of sports. As one of the most engaging and exciting industries to work in, pursuing a career in sports management affords you the ability to merge your love of athletics and business ambitions. Here are just a few of the many possible career paths that await you upon graduation:

  • Athletic Director: Lead and manage athletic programs at educational institutions or sports organizations, shaping the future of sports in your community. Work for athletic departments to prepare students for professional sports teams.
  • Athletic Communications Director: Be the voice behind professional teams, managing communication strategies and ensuring the world knows about their achievements.
  • Contract Analyst: Play a crucial role in negotiating, reviewing and managing contracts for athletes, teams and organizations.
  • General Manager: Oversee the day-to-day operations of sports teams or athletic-based businesses, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively to achieve success.
  • Operations Manager: Manage the logistics and facilities for sports organizations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
  • Sports Broadcaster: Share your passion for sports with the world as a sports commentator, analyst or announcer, providing thrilling commentary on games and events in the entertainment industry.
  • Sports Marketer: Develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote sports events, teams or athletes, connecting them with their fan base and sponsors.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management equips you with a versatile skill set that extends beyond the field or arena, allowing you to thrive in various roles within the sports industry. Whether you dream of leading a team, shaping sports narratives or making strategic business decisions, our program provides the foundation you need to be competitive in this field. Pursue careers that spark excitement for the most rewarding work.

Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management: Capstone Course

As you embark on your journey towards a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management at CUC, one of the program’s standout features is the impactful Capstone Course. This culminating experience is designed to bring together all the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your academic journey and apply them in a real-world sports management context, including accounting, economics and finance knowledge.

In the Capstone Course, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into complex challenges and opportunities within the sports industry. It’s a chance to showcase your expertise, creativity and problem-solving abilities you’ve learned during the sports management program. Working closely with faculty mentors, industry professionals and fellow students, you’ll tackle industry-specific projects, providing valuable solutions and recommendations using evidence-based management practices.

The benefits of the Capstone Course are numerous:

Real-world Application

The Capstone Course immerses you in practical, real-life scenarios, connecting theory with practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in addressing the intricate issues that sports management professionals encounter daily with sports organizations.

Networking Opportunities

Collaborate with industry experts, peers and faculty — expanding your professional network. These connections can prove invaluable when seeking internships or job opportunities in the competitive sports management field.

Demonstrated Expertise

Your Capstone Course serves as a tangible representation of your skills and knowledge to potential employers. It’s a powerful addition to your portfolio, showcasing your ability to make a meaningful impact in the sports business industry.

To learn more about the Capstone Course and its role in shaping your education at CUC, please visit our program requirements below. Embrace this unique opportunity to take your passion for sports and turn it into a successful career through the comprehensive learning experience offered by CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management.

Lock in Your Tuition!

As long as there are no interruptions in your course of study, we guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never increase while earning this degree. This guarantee ensures a stable and predictable investment in your education.

Don’t miss out on our Tuition Guarantee – enroll today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management program at Concordia University Chicago is 100% online. This allows students to complete their coursework from anywhere and on their own schedule, making it ideal for those balancing work, family or other responsibilities.

The time it takes to complete the degree depends on your pace. With the self-paced learning option, you have the flexibility to complete courses based on your own schedule. On average, full-time students can finish in approximately four years, while part-time students may take longer depending on their individual progress.

Yes, CUC makes transferring credits easy. If you have previous academic credits from accredited institutions, they can be evaluated and applied toward your degree, potentially reducing the time and cost of completing the program.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management can pursue various career paths, including roles such as Athletic Director, Athletic Communications Director, Contract Analyst, General Manager, Operations Manager, Sports Broadcaster and Sports Marketer.

CUC’s program stands out due to its integration of Christian values, which guide the development of ethical, socially responsible leaders in healthcare. The program also emphasizes flexibility, offering a 100% online format and self-paced learning options to fit the needs of working adults or students with busy lives. Additionally, unlike other healthcare administration programs, the tuition guarantee ensures that your tuition remains consistent throughout your studies, providing financial stability.

Yes, Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management meets high academic and institutional standards.

 

Applying to the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management program is simple. You’ll need to complete an online application, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended and possibly provide a final high school transcript. Admission decisions are typically made within 48 hours after submitting all required documents.

Student Testimonials 

“The professors are super helpful. Two of my professors who were very meaningful to me were also athletic trainers. They would meet every few weeks and talk about the coursework and my job.

Get to know your professors. They can help you with day to day or even land a job. Send an introductory email so stand out as a student. You can get to learn about how they are experts in their field.”

Dallas Grato, Former Student at CUC

“Make that commitment that once you’re going to start the program that you are going to be dedicated to completing it and finishing it.”

“Be committed to see it through and give 100% because that’s really how you’re going to be able to take what you learn and apply it into a career setting.”

Emily, Former Student at CUC
“It’s hard to get your masters and be a mom, to be working full time. But it’s a great sense of ‘yeah I did that, while working a full time job, it’s rewarding”.

I would say Concordia and getting my masters was the jumpstart of what made me great today.”

Renee Balconi, Former Student at CUC

“CISSN I passed with flying colors and I got over a 90%.” Getting your Masters degree prepares you to be an auto mechanic. When you get your Masters you learn how to build the car so it teaches you how to understand the scientific principles very deeply that surround these certifications.

I will tell you that it improved my practice a hundred times over just having a really strong grip on the scientific foundations that builds the certification. I was balancing 5 kids and owning a gym. The professors are good at working with adults who are working. The program is entirely doable and designed for working adults and that’s why you choose asynchronous online education.

A big thank you to all the amazing professors I had in my time at Concordia, I will tell you I really got my money’s worth out of that program. You are going to get out what you put in. If you put in the work you will reap the reward. You will make the connections you need to make. You will learn what you need to learn to be a better practitioner”

Nicole, Former Student at CUC

Your Journey to Becoming a Sports Management Professional Starts Here

Discover how CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management can propel you toward a fulfilling career in the exciting world of sports.

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Deadline to Apply

August 19, 2026

Start Date

August 24, 2026

Cost Per Credit

$505