Is a Master's Degree in Sports Worth It?

Breaking into the sports industry is difficult. Supply and demand is an issue, with droves candidates competing for only a few open positions. One of the traditional ways to stand out in any job market has been obtaining a college degree, but is that enough? Jack from Ann Arbor, Michigan, asks the WorkInSports Podcast:

"Hi Brian, I'm in my sophomore year of college, and I like to think and plan ahead. Many of my friends are talking about getting their master's after they finish undergrad. As someone who wants to work in sports, should I plan to get my master's? Thank you – I love your show, and your producer Kevin is awesome."

Here are some current trends regarding master's degrees:

• Since COVID: Master's program enrollment increased 3.6% in fall 2020 and 4.4% in spring 2021.
• The number of master's degrees awarded increased 143% from 1991 to 2019.

Here are raw numbers on how this trend has paid off:

• 13% of people over 25 with a master's improved their employability by less than 3%.
• The average salary for graduates with a master's increased from $64,000 to $76,000.
• The average debt of students with a master's increased by 57% ($66,000).

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An earlier WorkInSports Podcast episode offered some sports career advice on the types of jobs in the sports industry that allow you to make the most money. Given those salary challenges, obtaining a Master's in Sports Management (or a similar advanced degree) may seem like a way to bypass an entry-level role and work immediately in a position with higher earning potential.

Higher education is expensive, and the data above shows how much more it costs students to pursue an advanced degree. Depending on the types of jobs in the sports industry you seek, getting a master's could be the right move for your career. Still, it's crucial to have a plan for how you will use your master's rather than treat having the degree as a magic wand that will propel you up the career ladder.

Catch the full episode where VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discusses when it makes the most sense to get an advanced degree like a Master's in Sport Management. Also, be sure to subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast where you listen and catch more content on our YouTube channel!