Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Sports Management

If you’ve ever seen “Jerry McGuire“, then you know just how competitive the world of sports management can be. In the movie, sports manager Tom Cruise constantly competes with his rival in the business once he goes out on his own. He’s left with one loyal client, Cuba Gooding Jr., and with him they fight their way to the top of this cutthroat business.

For many people, being in such a competitive industry would be too overwhelming. For others, it’s a complete thrill. If you have any interest in sports, don’t mind a challenge, and would love the chance to make a ton of money managing athletes, then you might be the perfect candidate for a sports management associate degree.

With a sports management associate degree, you’d be the manager of sports stars like Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, or Tiger Woods. Your job would be to handle the business end of their careers while they’re out hitting home runs, competing in the Masters, or winning Superbowls.

A sports management associate degree is going to give you the specialized training you’ll need to succeed in this highly specialized industry. You’ll learn:

Public relations
Event planning
Sports management
Sports marketing
Business law
Negotiating skills
Public speaking
Accounting
Business management
Psychology
Coaching fundamentals
Business ethics
And much more!

A career in sports management is an exciting, highly lucrative way to earn a living. It’s also incredibly competitive, which is why getting a sports management associate degree is a vital first step to getting into this industry. You’re going to be fighting with other managers for clients, so having the knowledge and skills you need beforehand will definitely give you an edge. Most managers continue on to get their Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.

Now, you’re probably wondering how much you can earn with a sports management associate degree. Well, it’s hard to say. A lot depends on where you’re located, who you’re managing, and whether or not you’re working on commission.

The average range for students with a sports management associate degree is $35,000 to $75,000. If you’re good at what you do, then you can expect to earn six figures in this business.

It’s also important you know that in this business, you need a lot of confidence. You must feel comfortable “pitching” to people, negotiating for salaries, and have the perseverance to not give up when things get tough. Sports management is fast paced, but it’s also incredibly exciting.

When you get your sports management associate degree, you probably won’t start off managing athletes. If you are able to get a job at one of the bigger management firms, you’ll probably have to work your way up to a management position, which is why getting your sports management associate degree is such a good idea. The more training you have, the faster you’re going to move up.

If you’re still wondering if this field is right for you, then go rent “Jerry McGuire” and give it a look. There’s no better film that gives an inside look at the sports management field.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information