Choose the Timeline That Works for You
To earn an MBA from Ashland, you’ll need to complete ten courses for a total of 30 credit hours — but the pace of your degree is entirely up to you. Ashland’s courses are offered across three terms — fall, spring and summer. Each term is split into two eight-week sessions. Depending on the pathway you choose, you might take one or two courses per session or take certain sessions off to accommodate personal and professional commitments.
Not sure what your life will look like in six months? You can always adjust your course load if your needs change.
Accelerated
12 months
You will take four courses per semester in this one-year program. Your schedule can be customized with your personal MBA Advisor.
The accelerated program is offered online and in person in Columbus.
Flexible
18 months
You will take two courses per semester in this program, making it easier to manage other demands on your time. Your personal MBA Advisor will work with you to create a schedule that fits into your busy life.
Complete your MBA from anywhere with our online courses, or take some or all of your courses in person in Columbus.
Build a Winning Skillset
The sport management specialization’s three required classes expand on core MBA coursework and equip you with new tools to lead in the unique context of sports.
Develop and Improve Programs
In this specialization’s foundational course, you’ll explore administration, leadership, policy setting and decision-making in sport and recreation. Through a field experience project in your area of interest, you’ll take on a real-world problem and create and evaluate a novel solution.
Dive Deep into Sport-Specific Issues
Through additional courses on social and ethical issues and sport marketing, you’ll expand your perspective on the role of sport and recreation in society and what it takes to engage participants and audiences. With this knowledge, you’ll be prepared to support healthy cultures and to effectively promote sport at the professional, intercollegiate and recreational levels.
The Ashland Difference
45+
Years Educating Working Adults
70%
Full-Time Faculty with Doctorates
6,500+
Ashland MBA Alumni
MBA Specializations
Have a specific career goal in mind? Choose from 12+ MBA specialization options that pair core MBA coursework with industry-specific classes, or design your own focus area with help from our faculty.
Careers for Sport Management MBA Graduates
The sports industry in the United States is worth more than $80 billion annually, which means that there are plenty of opportunities for qualified and passionate professionals.
Business Development Director
Athletic franchises rely on fans’ support but also need income from sponsors, merchandise and more. Business development directors identify new market opportunities, create deals and build impactful partnerships and relationships.
College Athletic Director
In addition to recruiting and supporting coaches and athletes, college athletic directors work to create a positive and healthy culture, manage budgets, oversee facilities and more.
Marketing Manager
Sports marketing requires extensive industry knowledge, and sport marketing professionals are in demand within individual athletic organizations and specialized sport advertising agencies.
“I am grateful for the experience and skills acquired through (AU’s MBA) program. The professors were consistently top-notch, the program was very flexible and, in my case, the site location was incredibly convenient.”
Jim Nixon
Vice President of Innovation and New Markets, Quanex Building Products