Online Sports Business Graduate Certificate
Advance Your Career in Sports Business
At a Glance
Built on OU’s distinguished athletic and academic tradition, the online Sports Business Graduate Certificate equips you to lead and thrive in the fast-moving world of sports business.
Offered through the AACSB-accredited OU Price College of Business, the Sports Business Certificate provides a comprehensive foundation in the business of sports, preparing professionals with practical expertise in analytics, finance, marketing, venue and event management, and organizational strategy.
To learn more about this certificate, contact the Price Graduate Programs office at Price.Graduate.Programs@ou.edu.
100% Online
Time to Complete:
9+ months
Credit Hours:
12
Time Commitment:
10 to 20 Hours Weekly
start dates
Fall, Spring
cost
The online Sports Business Graduate Certificate offers the strategic insight and practical expertise needed to lead, compete, and thrive across every corner of sports business.
Tuition and fees for the program are $12,180 ($1,015 per credit hour). Books and materials are not included. There is no application fee or deposit for this certificate.
About the Online Graduate Certificate in Sports Business
The business of sports has never been bigger or more complex. From global media rights to venue operations and athlete branding, today’s sports industry demands leaders who understand both the game and the bottom line.
The University of Oklahoma’s Sports Business Graduate Certificate is a fully online program designed for professionals looking to advance their careers or make a pivot into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, built on OU’s legacy of athletic and academic excellence.
Delivered through OU’s AACSB-accredited Price College of Business, the curriculum immerses you in the business of sports, equipping you with specialized skills across marketing, analytics, finance, venue management, sports economics, and global sports business and the connections to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
This flexible, 100% online certificate with interactive synchronous evening sessions prepares you to make an immediate impact, whether you’re stepping into a front office role, leading operations for a venue or event, managing athletes, or expanding your reach within the broader sports industry.
In addition, the 12 credit hours you earn through the Sports Business Graduate Certificate are fully transferable (subject to limits) as electives into OU’s online MBA or other graduate degree programs within business or across OU, allowing you to build momentum now and potentially shorten the time required to complete your master’s degree if you choose to continue.
To learn more about this certificate, contact the Price Graduate Programs office at Price.Graduate.Programs@ou.edu.
Back
Course Details
The Sports Business Graduate Certificate features a focused curriculum that explores a wide range of topics including advanced leadership, sports economics, negotiations, and global sports business. Whether you're stepping into the sports industry for the first time or taking your career to the next level, this curriculum delivers the strategic insight and practical expertise to lead, compete, and thrive across every corner of sports business.
Core Courses
- Global Sports Business (2)
Elective Courses (Choose 5)
- Advanced Leadership (2)
- Organizational Behavior (2)
- Negotiations (2)
- Sports Economics (2)
- Sports Venue & Events Management (2)
- Financial Management (2)
- Business Data Analysis (2)
- Data Science and Analytics (2)
Expand each course below to view more about the topics covered and how they prepare you for leadership in sports business.
Course Structure
You’ll earn 12 credit hours across six courses. Each semester is divided into two modules, and you’ll take two courses in each module (4 courses per semester). Spring and Fall courses run for 8 weeks. Summer semester courses run for 7 weeks. Synchronous and asynchronous courses allow for engaging discussions while you gain the knowledge needed to compete in a growing industry.
CORE COURSES (2 HOURS)
Global Sports Business
Credit Hours: 2
This dynamic course provides a comprehensive exploration of the global landscape of sports business, examining the intricacies of international markets, cross-cultural management, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the sports industry. Participants will delve into the strategic, financial, and ethical dimensions of international sports business, gaining valuable insights to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global sports economy.
Choose 10 hours from the following courses:
Advanced Leadership
Credit Hours: 2
You will explore leadership traits, behaviors, styles, and skills that are important to being an effective leader. We will highlight research in leadership and review important business concepts from the business press and books. You will be asked to deeply reflect on your current leadership situation and create an actionable development plan that will move you forward in your leadership career.
Organizational Behavior
Credit Hours: 2
Concepts and theories of organizational behavior and human resources management for MBAs.
Negotiations
Credit Hours: 2
The course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the foundations of effective negotiating, opportunities to apply this knowledge through simulations and class discussions, and a written development plan to reflect on their skills and chart a path for continued progress.
Sports Economics
Credit Hours: 2
This course will take an in-depth look at the economics of the sports industry, with a strong focus on applied analysis and performance measurement, to enable students, researchers, and practitioners to develop their professional knowledge of contemporary sport business.
Sports Venue & Events Management
Credit Hours: 2
This course covers various topics related to the development and management of sports venues. This will include stadiums, arenas, ballparks, and various training facilities. Topics will include design considerations, internal and external funding, revenue generation and management, politics, and emerging technologies.
Financial Management
Credit Hours: 2
The application of quantitative concepts in financial modeling using Excel. Students will become proficient in Excel and use it in building financial models. In addition, students will gain a working knowledge of quantitative concepts such as corporate valuation, portfolio theory, and Monte Carlo methods.
Business Data Analysis
Credit Hours: 2
Surveys analysis tools available in Excel relevant to business decision-making. The objective of the course is to be aware and comfortable with analytical techniques used for knowledge discovery, and to understand the power and potential of these tools in business settings. Also examines illustrations and applications across different functional areas.
Data Science and Analytics
Credit Hours: 2
Students will compare and experience data science tools along with the newer tools and methods of analytics, with the goal of becoming knowledgeable in both sets of tools.
Customer Analytics and Insights
Credit Hours: 2
This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of customer analytics and insights. It covers analytical techniques for understanding customer behavior, preferences, and trends. The course is designed to equip students with practical skills in data analysis, customer segmentation, predictive modeling, and the application of these methods to real-world business problems.
Digital Marketing Foundations
Credit Hours: 2
This foundational course introduces essential digital marketing channels including SEO, SEM, social media, email, and content marketing. Students integrate AI-powered tools into professional workflows to create, execute, and optimize campaigns. Emphasis on hands-on application and industry certifications prepares students for professional credentials in digital marketing analytics and advertising.
Marketing Analytics
Credit Hours: 2
This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of marketing analytics, focusing on the application of data analysis, statistical methods, and predictive modeling in marketing decision-making. Participants will learn to leverage analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and marketing performance. The course will employ a blend of theoretical concepts, practical applications, case studies, and hands-on projects.
Why Choose OU Online for Sports Business
OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals. With flexible, fully online formats and instruction from a top-tier public university, you’ll gain the skills and credentials to advance your career without putting it on hold.
Explore what it takes to thrive in the fast-paced world of sports business, where marketing strategy, financial acumen, and operational expertise are essential skills for professionals ready to lead in one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly growing industries.
Faculty Expertise
Learn from Price College faculty and seasoned sports business professionals who combine academic rigor with real-world experience and cutting-edge insight into sports marketing, analytics, venue management, and high-level leadership across the sports industry.
Robust Student Support
OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.
Global Alumni Network
With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of sports business professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your career in sports business.
Flexible Format
The online Sports Business Graduate Certificate offers a flexible format built for working professionals across the globe. Earn your certificate in as few as 9 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in sports business that sets you apart in a competitive industry.
Tailored Experience
Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for sports business. Engage in dynamic online discussions with faculty and peers while building a powerful network within the industry. Learn to lead, collaborate, and thrive in one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly growing sectors.
Cost and Financial Aid
Earning your Sports Business Graduate Certificate is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.
Tuition and fees for the program are $12,180 ($1,015 per credit hour). Books and materials are not included. There is no application fee for this degree.
*Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
