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Get Your Head In The Game
With practical experience and academic excellence, ACU’s online B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management equips you with essential skills in leadership, communication, governance and analytics grounded in business knowledge and Christ-centered values. With a wide range of courses and learning opportunities, this program is essential for any sports fan looking to make their love a career.
Locked-In Tuition
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your entire undergraduate degree.
About the Program
Designed to prepare students for careers in athletic administration and sports leadership, this program blends courses focused on business, communication, organizational leadership and psychology, all with the added benefit of our Christ-centered, online format. Throughout your time, you will build a strong academic foundation with real-world relevance to strengthen your position as a leader in sports and deepen your knowledge about the importance of sports in today’s culture.
Program Structure
All The Details On Your Degree
As the demand for strong leadership in the sports industry continues, you have the chance to become a part of the new generation of students interested in joining the call for more innovative and exceptional sports leaders. From taking advantage of new learning opportunities to learning from some of the best working professionals, you can begin to expand your horizons into the ever-growing sports industry today.
Jump Start Your Master’s Degree
If you plan to pursue an M.S. in Sport Leadership degree, save time and money by taking six hours of graduate-level coursework while in your bachelor’s program! Talk to an advisor to learn more.
Required Hours
Timeframe: 120 credit hours, 3.5 years
Cost: $395 per credit hour, $300 resource fee per part of term
Example Coursework
Sports Communication
Sports Analytics
Sports Law and Ethics
Sports Facility and Event Management
Upcoming Start Dates
January 13, 2025
May 5, 2026
Common Job Titles
Sports Business Manager
Athletic Director
Sports Marketing Manager
Umpire, Referee, Official
Health and fitness consultant
Meet The Program Director
Dr. Brandon Podgorski, Online Bachelor of Science in Sports Leadership and Management
Dr. Brandon Podgorsk is a professor and program director for the Bachelor of Science in Sports Leadership and Management. As a former college basketball coach, Podgorski holds more than 20 years of experience in higher education as a professor, coach and athletic director. Hoping to bring more awareness about the importance of sports leadership and active learning, Podgorski carries a deep passion for developing ethical coaches and administrators in today’s sports culture.
Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight: Brandon Podgorski
Whether he’s bringing on former college athletes interested in getting their master’s degree, or lifelong coaches looking to upskill their leadership styles, Brandon Podgorski is ready for it all. Bringing over 20 years of experience in higher education, college sports and athletic curriculum development, Podgorski is committed to making the Master of Science in Sports Leadership, the go-to degree for coaches and administrators interested in incorporating foundational leadership pillars into the sports world.
ACU’s New Sports Leadership Program Attracts MLB Veteran
From Vice President of Baseball Development at MLB to graduate student of ACU Online’s Master of Science in Sports Leadership, Del Matthews is going ‘back to school’ in pursuit of his lifelong vision of constant learning and engaging with what is new in the world of sports.
Change the Game as a Sports Leader
Becoming a leader in the sports industry doesn’t need to start tomorrow – it can start today. As one of the most fundamental activities in our American culture, sports doesn’t just stop at uniting people or teaching important values. Your love for sports can extend into different aspects such as coaching, administrating, and training students and professional athletes.
ACU partners with Texas Rangers to offer RangersU courses to players
RangersU launched two Player Pathways for Rangers players interested in gaining continued education, academic credit, or new skills through ACU’s fully online, bilingual seven-week courses. Harnessing their shared mission, ACU and the Texas Rangers are eager to see the impact these pathways will have on players both on and off the field.
Students who complete the program can:
- Build a strong foundation in Christian values and ethical decision-making to lead with integrity in diverse sports environments.
- Hold the essential knowledge in leadership, communication, facility management and sports analytics for success in coaching and athletic administration roles.
- Have a pathway that supports working professionals and serves as a foundation for continued study, including ACU’s M.S. in Sport Leadership.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow faster than the national average from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 108,000 new openings each year.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit official high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA and/or college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a 2.0 GPA or higher to meet graduation requirements and complete at least 33 advanced hours.
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU. Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).
Center for Sports Leadership and Learning