Online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration
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Online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration
The online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration is designed for students looking to gain the leadership knowledge and skills needed to launch or enhance their sport business career.
The Sport Administration undergraduate program at the University of Louisville leverages faculty expertise, hands-on industry experience and a career-focused curriculum to develop your understanding of sport management. Through courses covering topics including administration, finance, economics, marketing and law, you will learn to think critically about current issues in the sport industry and modern methods of addressing such issues in your organization, local communities and around the world.
The Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration is offered through the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. Our institution’s online bachelor’s Degrees have been consistently ranked among the "Best in the Nation" and "Best for Veterans" by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its focus on academic excellence and student support.
UofL's Online BSSPAD program
100% online, Follow your passion and set yourself a degree apart from the rest!
Quick Facts
Online Courses
Assoc. degree + 60 credits
Per Credit Hour
August / January
Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration 100% Online
The Big Picture
Sport is a multibillion-dollar global industry driven by strategy, analytics, branding, compliance and leadership. The online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration prepares you to operate confidently behind the scenes where real decisions shape teams, organizations and fan experiences.
The online BS in Sport Administration helps those interested in a career in sport management to gain the skills and tools needed to thrive in this competitive industry. Whether you see yourself in athletics administration, event operations, sport marketing or facility management, this program equips you with business fluency and industry insight to move from fan to professional.
Online BS in Sport Administration Degree Highlights
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the sport administration and management field
- Build in-demand expertise in sport marketing, sport finance, sport law and leadership
- Learn from expert faculty with distinguished academic credentials and industry experience
- Engage with a network of 450+ employers across various sports and business sectors
- Customize your program to match your goals with flexible learning, personal attention and electives designed to match your interest
- Hear from guest lecturers with leadership experience within leading sport business organizations
- Graduate prepared for careers in athletics, recreation, professional sport and nonprofit sport organizations
Built for students who want both credibility and flexibility, the program blends sport-specific coursework with core business foundations in management, finance, marketing and law. You will study contemporary issues shaping sport organizations today, from governance and ethics to revenue strategy and digital engagement, while developing practical skills you can apply immediately in professional or collegiate settings.
"Sport gives us the opportunity to come together, to share passions, to feel part of something bigger. We really focus at the bachelor's level on making our students work ready, so that you're developing skill sets that are going to help you get a job, be successful in those entry level positions and then move on in your career."
Meg Hancock, PhD
Sport Administration, Faculty
Turn your passion for sport into professional momentum!
How to Apply to UofL’s Online BS in Sport Administration Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the BS SPAD online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
How to Apply for the Online BS in Sport Administration
- Start your application for undergraduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
- Create a financial plan
What Are Admissions Requirements for the Online BS in Sport Administration Program?
New students and transfer students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.25; (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher
Transfer students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum college GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn an Online BSSPAD Degree at UofL?
Academic Year Tuition
$568 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour military tuition rate
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs. All online courses are assessed an additional $10/credit hour fee per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Standard and military tuition rates, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does Your Employer Offer Tuition Reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What Will You Learn in the Online BS in Sport Administration?
The Sport Admin online curriculum at UofL is designed to give you both breadth and specialization in sport administration. Core courses develop foundational knowledge in sport leadership, sport marketing, sport governance, ethics and finance. You will explore digital development in sport, facility management, sport communication and sales strategy while strengthening your understanding of legal principles and organizational behavior.
Online Courses
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sport Administration is a 120 credit hour program, offered 100% online. Courses are asynchronous and follow UofL's standard term length.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Sport Administration majors are strongly encouraged to complete a minor. Admitted students will work with their academic advisors to identify minors or other credentials as part of the program.
Elective courses allow you to tailor your experience toward areas such as event planning, data analytics in sport, nonprofit sport administration, international sport, entrepreneurship or sport for development and peace. The program culminates with a Senior Seminar in Sport Business which helps you translate classroom learning into real-world application.
Degree Requirements: A minimum of 120 credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.25 is required including a minimum of 50 credit hours at the 300 level. SPAD and HSS courses used to meet requirements for the major must have a C- or higher.
Take the next step with confidence. Start building your sport business industry expertise.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Sport Administration?
The expertise you’ll develop as an online bachelor’s in sport administration student will enable you to become a capable and effective administrator in sports business. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of management, leadership, ethics, communication, financial principles and best practices within the field.
Specific expertise gained in this online program includes:
- Comprehensive understanding of the various management theories and research as well as their application to sport organization and administration
- Awareness of potential legal duties and responsibilities, legal rights, liability prevention, alternatives to litigation and actions to pursue if a situation involves legal proceedings
- Methods for critical thinking and making informed decisions on management and administrative issues in the sport industry
- Application of key marketing concepts and strategies across sport businesses
Online BS in Sport Administration Career Options
Our program boasts a large network of more than 450 employers who empower our students and alumni to get involved and make a difference in sport management. Career opportunities are available to Sport Administration graduates in fields such as:
- Athletics administration
- Facility management
- Fitness and wellness
- Event management
- Sport marketing and merchandising
- PR and communications
- Ticketing and sales
- Management and leadership
Occupations for skills sports-related professionals are expected to grow 9% from 2025 through 2033 (Lightcast.io). Specifically, careers in areas like administrative services and facilities managers are expected to grow 46% nationwide, which is on par with the national occupational growth rate and have a median annual salary of nearly $107,000 (bls.gov). Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Move from fan to front office and start building your future in sport management and administration.
Swing for the fences and request more information about this program today!
What Your Support Network Looks Like
Meet the team that will support your academic success in the online BS in Sport Administration program.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jacob Wolfe | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Gin Presley | Program Director | rgpres01@louisville.edu | 502.852.8297 |
Talk to the team about starting your application today!
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, application and admission process, credit transfer, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What is an online BS in Sport Administration?
UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration is a 120-credit-hour degree designed for students who want to develop the leadership knowledge and skills needed to launch or enhance a career in the sport business industry. The program combines sport-specific coursework with business foundations in areas such as management, finance, marketing and law.
Can the entire degree be completed online?
Yes. The Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration offers all required courses online. The program is 100% online, and courses are asynchronous.
Are there prerequisite courses or a specific course sequence for the BS in Sport Administration?
Yes. Students must complete SPAD 281 and SPAD 284 with a grade of C or better to be admitted to the Sport Administration program. We recommend that students work with an academic advisor to determine the best course sequence for online learning, since not all courses are offered every semester.
What courses will I take in the BS in Sport Administration?
The program includes coursework in sport leadership, marketing, governance, ethics, finance, digital development, facility management, sport communication, sales strategy, legal principles and organizational behavior. Students can also use electives to explore areas such as event planning, data analytics in sport, nonprofit sport administration, international sport, entrepreneurship, and sport for development and peace. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar in Sport Business.
Do I need a minor?
No. A minor is not required for the BS in Sport Administration, although students completing the Sport Administration major are strongly encouraged to complete one. Students work with academic advisors to identify a minor or other credential that fits their goals.
What are upper-division credits and how many do I need?
Upper-division courses are junior- or senior-level courses, including 300-, 400- and 500-level courses. UofL requires students to complete at least 50 credit hours of upper-division credit. The SPAD core includes 42 upper-division credits, with additional upper-division coursework potentially completed in SPAD, a minor or another discipline. Transfer credits may also count toward the upper-division requirement when applicable.
What is the minimum GPA required to graduate?
Students must complete at least 120 credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.25. At least 50 credit hours must be at the 300 level, and SPAD and HSS courses used to meet major requirements must be completed with a C- or higher.
How many elective credits do I need?
Students are required to complete 47 elective credits. Students can work with their academic advisor to determine the best combination of general and program electives.
How do I get my transfer credits evaluated?
UofL’s Office of Transfer & Adult Services can assist with evaluating transfer credits and determining how transferred courses apply to your degree requirements.
What support is available to online students?
Students can contact their academic advisor for coursework needs and have access to UofL resources designed to support online learners. Enrolled students also have access to a dedicated student success coach who can assist with academic and personal challenges.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in Sport Administration?
The degree prepares students for work in sport business and develops knowledge in management, leadership, ethics, communication, financial principles and sport-industry best practices. Career opportunities include athletics administration, facility management, fitness and wellness, event management, sport marketing and merchandising, public relations and communications, ticketing and sales, and management and leadership.
Does the program require an internship?
Yes. The Sport Administration program has an internship requirement. Students can complete the internship at an approved sport organization internship site in any location and work with the Internship Coordinator to find an opportunity that fits their interests and career goals.
What are the admission requirements for the online BS in Sport Administration?
For new students and transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions, UofL requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum high school GPA of 2.5, a minimum college GPA of 2.25 for transfer students, and a composite ACT score of 21 or higher. Transfer students with 24 or more transferable credits need a minimum college GPA of 2.25. UofL also offers case-by-case test-optional admission.
Is financial aid available for the online BS in Sport Administration?
Yes. The program is eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. Tuition does not include costs such as textbooks and that additional fees apply.