Sports Management Worldwide / Advanced Degrees

Sports Leadership Degrees Online

Earn a Graduate Degree in Sports Management, Built for Sports Executives by Sports Executives:
MASL, MPS, MBA, EdD, PhD 

Congrats to Dr. Nick Nurse - Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach, who graduated with his Ph.D in Leadership: Sports  Leadership from CUC/SMWW in May, 2022. Pictured here with SMWW President Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), in partnership with Concordia University Chicago (CUC) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU), offers fully accredited, 100% online graduate programs designed to launch and accelerate your career in sports leadership.

Unlike traditional academic programs, these degrees are designed by sports executives who have lived it—scouts, general managers, coaches, broadcasters, and agents working at the highest levels of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and global leagues.

Whether you want to run a front office, coach at the highest level, manage player development, qualify for a certified agent exam (NFL, NBA, MLB, FIFA, etc.), or transition from pro sports into college athletics, these programs deliver the education, mentorship, and real-world network you need.

Best of all, the program is designed for working sports professionals—you’ll take just one course every 8 weeks, with the flexibility to pause during your season of games, practices, and travel so you can keep your day job while earning your degree.

Apply Today!Request More InfoFAQ

SMWW’s Industry Leading Courses Featured In:

Why Choose an SMWW Graduate Degree?

• 100% Online & Flexible – Built for working professionals with live interactive sessions.

• No GRE/GMAT Required – Apply with your professional background and passion for sports.

• Faculty of Sports Executives – Learn directly from former GMs, head coaches, scouts, and agents.

• Success Stories at Every Level – Our alumni now work with the 76ers, Rams, Thunder, Saints, Trail Blazers, Red Sox, Blackhawks, and more.

• Free Application at CUC – Start risk-free at Concordia University Chicago.

Graduate Programs Offered

At Concordia University Chicago (CUC):

• MASL: Master of Arts in Sports Leadership

• MBA: Master of Business Administration in Sports Management

• EdD: Doctor of Education in Sports Leadership

• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Leadership
  (CUC applications are always free at SMWW!)

At Fort Hays State University (FHSU):

• Master of Professional Studies in Sports Management

  • Includes the ability to use 3 SMWW courses for credit.

  • Application fees apply.

Alumni Success Stories

Dr. Nick Nurse – Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach, 2020 NBA Coach of the Year
Dr. Stephanie Lovingood - Phoenix Suns Senior Activation Manager
Mark Warkentien – NBA Executive of the Year, Denver Nuggets
Fernando Noriega – LA Rams Strength & Conditioning Coach
Dei Lynam – Veteran Sports Broadcaster
Chris Zorich – Former NFL Player & Sports Executive
Ryan Latham – Boston Red Sox & San Antonio Sports Executive
Austin Hunt, MBA - Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, & F1 Miami Grand Prix -  Senior Manager

…and many more across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international leagues, and sports media.

What Our Graduates Say

“I am VERY HAPPY and EXTREMELY PROUD of my experience and degree from SMWW/CUC! From the curriculum to the flexibility of the online environment, SMWW transformed me and encouraged me in a culture of creativity and motivation.”
— Dr. Doug Kuhlmann, CMAA

“The SMWW/CUC program was ideal and helped me to become an expert in my field. My research has been implemented at various institutions, and I now teach sports management at the graduate level.”
— Dr. Scott Leman

“SMWW gave me a competitive advantage in a very competitive job market. It prepared me for the Boston Red Sox and beyond.”
— Ryan Latham, Boston Red Sox

Take the Next Step

Sports is a competitive industry. Credentials matter, and so does your network. With an SMWW graduate degree, you’ll gain both—plus the mentorship and credibility to stand out.

✅ 100% online
✅ Applications open now
✅ Free to apply at CUC

Apply today for a sports leadership degree.

Academic Benefits of Your Graduate Degree

• 100% online – study from anywhere in the world

• No residency and no GRE required

• New courses every 8 weeks – start when you’re ready

• Designed for working sports professionals – flexes around seasons, games, and travel

• One class at a time keeps the workload manageable

• Live, interactive Zoom sessions with sports executives

• Federal financial aid available for qualified students

• Accredited universities with 150+ years of leadership training

• Affordable tuition – often less than 1/3 the cost of competing programs

Exclusive SMWW Advantages

• Join a global alumni network of 30,000+ sports professionals

• Hands-on training with the same software used by the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS

• Weekly live video chats with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW faculty, and sports industry leaders

• Professional sports resume redesign + personalized letter of reference upon graduation

• Discounts to SMWW career conferences: NFL Combine, NBA Summer League, NHL Draft, MLB Winter Meetings, MLS Draft, and more

• Lifetime access to SMWW staff, faculty, and career resources

Access to the SMWW Staff & Faculty.

A Message from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Dear Future Sports Leader,

For more than 45 years, I’ve worked across nearly every role in sports: Sports Agent, Athletic Director, Coach, Professor, Scout, Academic Advisor, and Compliance Officer. I know which careers truly benefit from an advanced degree—and which do not.

When I founded SMWW, I searched for a university partner who understood the unique needs of sports professionals. Together with Concordia University Chicago (CUC), we built graduate programs designed for those who want careers in both college athletics and professional sports. These programs have exceeded my expectations.

Every day, I talk with people who love sports but aren’t sure how to break into the industry—or whether a degree is a smart investment. That’s where I come in. I’ll give you honest advice about whether this program is right for you, and how it can fit your specific career goals.

We’ve had students of all backgrounds:

• Young professionals trying to get a foot in the door

• Retired athletes preparing for life after playing

• Current sports executives looking to advance their careers

If you’re serious about making yourself more marketable in the sports industry, I’d welcome the chance to talk with you directly.

Fill out this quick form and I’ll call you personally. Or, call me anytime at +1 (503) 445-7105.

I know you’ll be impressed with how quickly our team responds—and how committed we are to helping you succeed.

See you in class,
Dr. G. Lynn Lashbrook, Ed.D
President & Founder, Sports Management Worldwide