ohio state phd sports management

Top 10 Ph.D Programs in Sport Management

Earning a Ph.D in Sports Management is a great way to stand out in this competitive field. Jobs for sport management professionals with their Ph.D exist in facility management, sports marketing, sports law, or education. Earning a sports management Ph.D is a natural progression for students who already have a career in athletics and business and are looking for professional advancement. Sports minded professionals will find advanced education and training in sport management very rewarding.

Methodology

To identify the top 10 best sports management Ph.D programs, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs in an online format. We also consulted NASSM, the North American Society for Sport Management, which keeps a list of universities offering Ph.D Sport Management programs in the U.S. We compared student to faculty ratios, average graduate tuition rates, graduation rates, and accreditations using College Navigator. While graduation rates are provided only for first time undergraduate students, we felt this was still important to consider for our list an indicator of the level of support students receive while earning their degree. To be considered for our list, schools must hold regional accreditation, feature hands on training and internship or field experiences, and have a curriculum taught by doctorate level faculty. Where there are ties, we favored the school with the lower graduate tuition rate. From our list, we created a rating system as seen below to select our top 10 doctorate programs in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 2 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $10,000 per year= 2 Points
• More than $10,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Less than 50 percent = 1 Points
• Greater than 50 percent = 2 Point

Below are 10 schools that offer the best sports management PhD degree programs. Students learn advanced skills and benefit from professional training in sport management.

Related Resource: Can I Earn a Specialized Sports Marketing Degree?

Ranking the Top 10 PhD Programs in Sports Management

——-

#10 – University of Northern Colorado-Greeley, Colorado

Ph.d. in sport and exercise science: sport administration.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,867/year in-state and $19,620/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 52 percent Points: 4 As one of the first Ph.D. programs in sport management in the country, the University of Northern Colorado has trained some of the top industry experts. UNCO values independent research and encourages students to work with a faculty advisor to pursue individual research interests. Courses cover areas like consumer behavior, marketing, research, public relations, facility management, and finance. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students in this top sports management PhD program will be prepared to work in academia or research, or be successful as a top level sport administrator.

#9 – University of Connecticut-Storrs, Connecticut

Ph.d. in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $16,300/year in-state and $38,212/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 84 percent Points: 4 The top sport management Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut is a concentration within the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy Program (LLEP). Students experience a mix of classroom, research and field experiences lead by expert level faculty with experience in the sport industry. Courses cover Organizational Theory in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, and Research in Sport Management. Students can gain additional experience and training by applying for a limited number of assistantships within the department or in the Division of Athletics.

#8 – University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts

Phd in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,014/year in-state and $29,529/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 4 At the intersection of sport and business lies the top Doctorate in Sport Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This full-time, four-year residential program prepares students for a successful career in academia. Areas of study include sport marketing, sport law, sport finance, sport sociology, and sport economics. Students complete 48 credits of coursework, pass a qualifying and comprehensive exam, and teach for three years at Isenberg. During the last years in the program, students will research and complete a dissertation.

#7 – The Ohio State University-Columbus, Ohio

Phd in kinesiology, sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Net Price: $11,560/year in-state and $35,144/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 86 percent Points: 4 The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University features a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a focus in sport management. This customized program includes one-on-one mentoring from faculty, contributing to the field through individual research, and engaging in unique professional development opportunities. Coursework covers areas like sports marketing, sport organization theory, business of college sport, and research methods.

#6 – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan

Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $23,890/year in-state and $48,204/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 93 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan features a Doctorate in Sport Management designed for educators, researchers, and sport management professionals. Students in this top sport management doctorate program contribute original research to the field through a dissertation project. To help offset the cost of tuition, UM offers financial assistance in the form of assistantships (both research and teaching) and fellowship opportunities. Sports management degree coursework covers areas like financial management for the sport industry, managing a professional sport franchise, and strategic management.

#5 – Florida State University-Tallahassee, Florida

Phd sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 83 percent Points: 5 The College of Education at Florida State University offers a top Ph.D. in Sport Management focused on four theme areas which include Legal and Policy Issues in Sport, Management in Sport, Sport Marketing, and Sport Media and Culture Studies. Students complete a seminar series, being immersed in current trends and research in each of the theme areas of the program. The curriculum includes extensive training in research, preparing students to become an active researcher. Students also gain valuable instructional experience by shadowing a faculty member to learn to teach undergraduate sport management courses.

#4 – Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sport management ph.d..

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,132/year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 68 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University features an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Sport Management which allows students to tailor the program to meet their professional interests. Students complete core courses, independent studies, and elective courses that cover a wide variety of sport management related concepts and issues. Faculty serve as mentors to help students reach their full potential in both research and academia.

#3 – Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana

Sport management doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,501/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 79 percent Points: 5 The Doctorate in Sports Management program at Indiana University was designed to meet the demand for an increase in professors and researchers in the field. Students have the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest within sport management through elective coursework and seminars. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Future students should have a solid background and interest in research.

#2 – University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Arkansas

Doctor of philosophy program in health, sport and exercise science, with a concentration in recreation and sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $7,752/year in-state and $21,032/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 66 percent Points: 5 Students with a passion for both recreation and sport management should explore the top Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas. The program features a concentration in Recreation and Sport Management that prepares students for careers in education, management, and research. This top sport management doctoral program is rich with experiential learning. Students complete independent research projects, internship experiences, conduct presentations, and publish their work in professional journals. To complete their degree, students must pass both oral and written examinations, a thesis, and a dissertation.

#1 – Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas

Ph.d. in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,677/year in-state and $18,700/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 5 Texas A&M University offers our top choice for a Ph.D. in Sport Management. The Department of Health and Kinesiology has offered a leading sport management Ph.D. program for over 30 years. The curriculum follows four primary areas including scholarship of sport management, scholarship of theoretical specializations, methods of inquiry, and teaching and career preparation. Faculty are industry experts with experience working in marketing, finance, diversity, sport development, legal issues in sport, and leadership. Opportunities for professional development are available through the Center for Sport Management Research and Education and the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport.

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Brian A. Turner, Ph.D.

A250 paes building, 305 annie & john glenn ave., columbus, oh 43210, 614.247.8374, [email protected], http://go.osu.edu/bturner, the turner family.

Son Alex, wife Gretchen, daughter Briana, and me at Briana’s basketball senior night (2020)

Briana’s high school soccer senior night (2019)

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Kinesiology Doctor of Philosophy

The Kinesiology program's goal is to educate professionals, scholars and society in the value of sport, physical activity, physical education, management and science. Particular focus is placed on: 

• obesity prevention
• health and wellness throughout the life cycle
• physical education in schools
• the cultural and historical context of sport
• the business of athletics
• promoting regular participation in physical activity initiatives and educational programs in order to ensure lifelong health

There are three areas of specializations: 

Health and Exercise Science  prepares you to educate the public how to enhance physical activity and health behaviors to prevent and treat chronic disease, influence others to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and improve sport and exercise programs.

Physical Education  teaches you the skills and best practices to educate and train youth to develop and maintain healthy and active lifestyles.

Sport Management  trains you for careers in the highly competitive sport industry as you learn how to keep sports and physical activities organizations successful.

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Sport Industry

Campus: Columbus

College: Education and Human Ecology

Sport industry prepares students for supervisory, leadership and administrative positions in the sport and leisure industry and/or graduate programs in sport humanities, sport management and sport law. It combines social science and humanities disciplines to provide students with the needed theory and practice for entrance into the sport and leisure industry. 

The program informs students of the constantly changing themes, issues and practices that the industry confronts. Students comprehend the social, economic, political and legal issues that contour and shape the development of the industry. The major explores the connections of sport and exercise to the larger society, its historical settings and meanings, its ethical underpinnings, and its racial, gender and social class composition.

Get started

Upon admission to the university, students are enrolled into the College of Education and Human Ecology as a pre-major. After completion of the major admission requirements, students are automatically placed in the major. For major admission, students are required to complete 12 credit hours and attain a 2.75 GPA.

This program provides students with the theory and practice needed for entrance into the sport and leisure industry. Students take courses in legal aspects of sport and physical activity, organization and administration of public recreation, and sport and leisure service delivery and promotion.

Sample curriculum

Freshman Year:  History of Sport in 19th Century America    

Sophomore Year:  History of Sport in 20th Century America     The Sport Industry      Leadership and Programming in the Sports Industry     College Sports     Coaching the Young Athlete     Women’s Sport History    

Junior Year:  Sport Marketing and Promotion     Sport and Pop Culture     Legal Aspects of Sport     Sport and Social Values     Sport and Sexuality     Internship     

Senior Year:  Research: Sport Industry     Elective courses Group A option courses Group B option courses

Study abroad

Travel to Milan and Barcelona for an introduction to the European model of sport management, marketing and law. In this education abroad program, students gain an understanding of the changing context of sports in a global society. Find out more information at  ehe.osu.edu/international/osu-students/ehe-study-abroad-programs/ .

The Global Option in Education and Human Ecology  is an option for students in good academic standing on any Ohio State campus. In this program, students develop their ability to communicate with and work alongside individuals from other cultures through education abroad programs and globally themed course work.

Honors and Scholars

The College of Education and Human Ecology Honors Program offers students rigorous course work and opportunities to work closely with faculty to design and complete a research project. Students in this program also have access to smaller classes, priority scheduling and unique housing opportunities.

The Ohio State Scholars programs feature close-knit, residential communities for students who share common interests. Sport industry students may find the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program  to be a good fit with their interests.

Student organizations

The Sports and Society Initiative is an organization that provides people with opportunities to talk about contemporary issues in sports and how they relate to society. It also provides access to events and activities related to sports.

Possible careers

Careers include collegiate/professional sports marketing, entrepreneurship, fitness management, goods/services/sales and marketing, recreational sports, and entry level positions in sports organizations. Students also have the desire to pursue graduate opportunities such as business or law upon graduation from the sport industry program.

Salary estimates

On average, the starting salary for a sport industry graduate ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the student's career field. 

Future students 

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Ohio State Sport Management Graduate Association hosts Sports Alumni Series

The Ohio State Sport Management Graduate Association is hosting a series of webinars featuring alumni from the program. The public is invited to attend.   March 2, 7:30 p.m.

Operations/Event Management/VIP Experiences

Guest Speakers:

Beth Malafa, head marketing, Global Events & Brand Partnerships Mary Lee, Special Olympics Eric Archibald, Greater Columbus Sports Commission director of events Cody Crowther, USA Triathlon   Register

March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Partnerships/Sponsorship

Mike Mays, global partnership development, Cavaliers Operating Company Gordon Koerber, corporate partnerships, Team Services Carley Sullivan, sponsorship activation coordinator, ESPN Shin Nagahama, corporate partnerships, Tennessee Titans Shannon Buckner, partnership activation manager, Timberwolves & Lynx   Register

April 6, 7:30 p.m.

Marketing/Branding/Communications

Bruce Wimbish, Porter Wright Sports Law Practice, marketing manager Matthew Papatheodorou, Kent State University, director of athletics marketing & communications Jim Riley - Columbus Blue Jackets, director of marketing Gary Petit - Ohio State University, associate director of athletics communications Ben Adams, Cleveland Monsters, director of marketing & communications Patrick Boneicki, Wake Forest University Athletics, marketing & fan experience coordinator

Register  

April 20, 7:30 p.m. 

National Governing Bodies

Adam Andrasko, CEO, USA Artistic Swimming Michael Gaski, president of USA Baseball Julie O'Neill Dussliere, chief of Paralympic sport, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Kimberly Sims, associate director, International Teams Abigail Howard, associate counsel & director, Safe Sport

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Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology - Sport Management

At ohio state university - columbus.

Qualification

6 Semester(s)

Next intake

25 September 2025

Entry Score

Course info

About the course

Ohio State's PhD sport management program puts you in a position to become a leader in the field. You'll have opportunities to customize your studies, master your research skills and get the encouragement to follow your passions, wherever they lie. This flexibile program allows you to get involved with several types of research and get exposed to many different interdisciplinary areas at Ohio State. For more than 40 years, the sport management program at Ohio State has established a reputation for developing students for successful careers in academia and the professional world. In addition to the one-on-one, personalized support you will receive from our internationally renowned faculty members, you'll receive guidance from those outside of the program. At Ohio State, you'll step into a big network of people inside and around the university that will keep you connected. So no matter where your studies lead you, you're able to find the resources to support your one-of-a-kind area of interest. Attending school at Ohio State will allow you to not only study sport management while being completely immersed in a sports city, but your education from the College of Education and Human Ecology will provide you with an experience that goes far beyond research. You'll inspire students when you teach in the classroom, connect with colleagues when you present at conferences and get recognized by experts around the world when your research is published in peer-reviewed academic journals.

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Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 6 Semester (s)

Fees: USD 43530

How to apply

Entry requirements for Ohio State University - Columbus

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Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at Ohio State University - Columbus . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

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Health and Exercise Science, PhD in Kinesiology

Health and Exercise Science at Ohio State uses physiological- and behavior-based approaches to exercise science while expanding the breadth of your knowledge and experience of basic and applied laboratory and field-based research skills.

As a PhD student, you’ll choose the exercise physiology track or health and physical activity behavior track and be able to apply your knowledge for the: 

• research-based improvement of education conducted in schools, hospitals, clinics, community agencies and other work sites designed to enhance physical activity and health behavior. 
• appropriate use of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic lifestyle diseases. 
• improvement of exercise and sport performance for recreational and elite athletes. 
• examination of the psychological and biological consequences of physical activity to determine the effects of exercise on mental health. 

Current Students Spotlight

Our students make essential contributions to the vibrant intellectual community of our program. Click below to learn more about some of our students’ interests and accomplishments.

Student profiles

Specializations 

Learn to understand and critically analyze the current literature, develop research hypotheses, design hypothesis-based experimental research, apply sound measurement techniques, and utilize appropriate statistical analyses related to exercise physiology.    You will cover many issues related to exercise science, including: exercise assessment; adaptation of skeletal muscle structure, function, and metabolic processes during the aging process; design and delivery of exercise programs; and treatment and prevention of chronic lifestyle and degenerative diseases. 

Apply principles of behavioral science to identify determinants and consequences of physical activity adoption and maintenance in a variety of populations and settings. Students will gain the skills to design, implement and evaluate programs and learn to apply behavioral sciences to promote health and physical activity behavior change.    The behaviorally based approach to exercise science uses contemporary behavioral science that includes: determinants of physical activity adoption; effective methods for maintenance of physical activity in varied populations and settings; and the psychological consequences of participating in exercise on a regular basis. 

Career Paths 

Funding Options 

Key to teaching, research and learning in the college, associateships provide students with professional experience and financial support. 

These financial awards are made by Ohio State to students based on academic merit through a university-wide competition. 

The college annually awards scholarships to its students to support their academic goals.  

Graduate program costs can depend on a variety of factors such as residency, number of credit hours, and number of semesters enrolled. The Graduate Admissions website provides an estimate of annual costs for Ohio residents, domestic non-residents, and international students. The Registrar’s Office provides more in-depth information about Tuition and Fees .

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites

Master’s degree

Expected time to degree

Deadline to apply

for funding consideration; then rolling admissions until cohort filled

Applications for the next admissions cycle will open September 1

Program start

Autumn Semester

View Health and Exercise Science (KINESIO-PH, HEN) Curriculum Sheet

Mode of Instruction

While some courses may be offered online, this degree requires in-person learning on the Columbus campus.

Prospective students are encouraged to complete an inquiry card so we can share information about virtual info sessions, opportunities to connect graduate students, program news and the admissions process.

Application checklist

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