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Graduate Certificate in Sports Management

Credits:
9 graduate credit hours (3 courses)

Format:
100% online

Course length:
8 weeks per course

Time to complete:
3 semesters

Tuition:
$650 per credit hour / $5,850 total

Next start:
August 23, 2027

The sports industry is about more than competition. Behind every successful athletic organization, team, and sporting event are professionals who understand marketing, organizational leadership, governance, and the complex issues shaping today's sports landscape.

Marian University's online Graduate Certificate in Sports Management provides an opportunity to develop specialized knowledge in the business and organizational aspects of sports.

This 9-credit sports management certificate explores sports marketing, social issues in athletics, and the legal and regulatory environment influencing sports organizations.

Offered 100% online through eight-week courses, the certificate is designed for individuals seeking to expand their professional knowledge while maintaining the flexibility to work, coach, or pursue other commitments.

Why Earn an Online Sports Management Certificate at Marian University?

  • Explore the business of sports. Gain a deeper understanding of how marketing, strategy, governance, and organizational decisions shape the sports industry.
  • Develop sports marketing knowledge. Explore strategic approaches to promoting sports organizations, programs, and experiences.
  • Understand today's sports landscape. Examine the social issues and evolving challenges influencing athletes, organizations, and the broader sports industry.
  • Build knowledge of sports law and governance. Study the legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations affecting sports organizations.
  • Learn from anywhere. Complete graduate-level coursework through flexible, asynchronous online classes.

What You'll Study

The Graduate Certificate in Sports Management consists of three graduate-level courses totaling 9 credit hours.

  • MSM 547 – Social Issues in Sports (3 credits): Examine social issues affecting sports organizations, athletes, and the broader sports environment.
  • MSM 548 – Strategic Sports Marketing (3 credits): Explore marketing strategies and decision-making within the sports industry.
  • MSM 549 – Sports Law, Governance & Compliance (3 credits): Study legal considerations, governance structures, and compliance issues relevant to sports organizations.

Who Should Consider This Online Sports Management Certificate?

Young man working on a laptop indoors beside large windows, with greenery visible outside.This certificate may be particularly valuable for:

  • Current or former student-athletes interested in professional opportunities in sports.
  • Coaches and athletic professionals seeking additional business knowledge.
  • Individuals interested in sports marketing, athletic administration, or organizational operations.
  • Professionals seeking to transition into the sports industry.
  • Individuals interested in the management and governance of sports organizations.

Learn in a City Connected to Sports

Marian University is located in Indianapolis, a city with a significant presence in collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics.

Home to organizations and events associated with the NCAA, professional sports, and major motorsports competitions, Indianapolis provides a relevant setting for a university offering graduate education focused on the business of sports.

Marian University's fully online format allows students to pursue this specialized education regardless of where they live.

A Flexible Pathway to Graduate Education

The Graduate Certificate in Sports Management is offered as a standalone credential for individuals seeking specialized graduate-level education without committing immediately to a full master's degree.

The certificate's courses also align with the Sports Management specialization within Marian University's M.S. in Strategic Management, creating a potential pathway for students interested in continuing their education.

Take the Next Step

Your passion for sports can be the starting point for your professional growth.

Explore Marian University's online Graduate Certificate in Sports Management and develop a deeper understanding of the strategy, marketing, and governance behind the sports industry.

Frequently Asked Questions