Sports Management vs. Kinesiology: Which College Degree Should You Choose?

Key takeaways

• Sports management and kinesiology are both sports-related degrees
• A sports management degree is business-focused, preparing students for leadership, marketing, operations, and administrative roles in the sports industry
• A kinesiology degree is science-based, focused on the human body, exercise, body movements, and biomechanics
• Sports management graduates work in roles such as sports managers, event managers, marketing professionals, athletic directors, and sports agents
• Kinesiology graduates work in people-focused roles, including exercise physiology, athletic training, personal training, and wellness coaching
• The top colleges for a sports management degree are:
  • Indiana University
  • Holy Family University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Florida
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
• The top colleges for a kinesiology degree are:
  • The University of Alabama 
  • Arizona State University 
  • University of Texas at Austin  
  • University of Nebraska, Omaha 
  • University of Maryland 
  • University of South Dakota
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
  • Penn State

Quick comparison — Sports management Kinesiology degree

	Sports Management Degree	Kinesiology Degree
	A business-focused degree centered on managing, marketing, and operating sports organizations, teams, facilities, and events	A science-based degree focused on human movement, physical performance, and health
Primary focus areas	Sports business operations, sports marketing, finance, event coordination, facility management, sports law and ethics, and team management	Human movement science, exercise physiology, biomechanics, performance, health, and wellness
Degree duration (Average)	4 years	4 years
Career focus	Behind-the-scenes roles in sports organizations and businesses, jobs at sports venues and facilities, and team management	Direct, people and health-focused roles involving fitness, performance, or health
Common career paths	Sports manager, marketing manager, event manager, athletic director, sports agent, facilities manager	Exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, personal trainer, physical therapy pathway, wellness professional
Work environment	Possibility of office-based work, stadiums, sports facilities, corporate settings, and event venues	Gyms, labs, clinics, training facilities, schools, rehabilitation settings
Salary outlook	Entry to mid-level roles commonly range from $50,000 to $80,000, with senior roles exceeding six figures	Entry roles range between $40,000 and $60,000; higher earnings may be possible with certifications or graduate healthcare degrees
Best suited for students who…	Enjoy business, leadership, marketing, networking, and strategic decision-making	Enjoy science, biology, anatomy, hands-on work, and helping people physically
End goal	Lead, manage, promote, or operate sports organizations	Improve physical performance, health, recovery, or movement outcomes

Detailed comparison: Sports management vs Kinesiology 

Many fields and college programs focus on sporting events, physical activity, physical wellbeing, and other such aspects of sports. However, each program or college major differs in terms of approach, methodology, and purpose. Similarly, both sports management and kinesiology degrees are sports-related programs that essentially prepare you for careers in sports. However, both degrees offer a different approach, have a different purpose, and prepare you differently. 

Firstly, Kinesiology is a science-based field that examines human movement, physical performance, and health, drawing heavily on biology, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand how the body functions during exercise and activity. In contrast, sports management is a business-oriented discipline that centers on how sports organizations operate, covering areas such as marketing, finance, event and facility management, leadership, and sports law.

So, kinesiology prepares students to work closely with the physical aspect of sports — fitness, exercise science, rehabilitation support, or graduate health programs. Meanwhile, sports management equips students to work behind the scenes in administrative, marketing, and leadership roles within teams, leagues, and sports organizations. 

In this section, let’s explore the various ways in which these two degrees are different from one another. By the end, you will be able to understand who should choose which program. 

Coursework — What you will study 

First, let’s consider the coursework. Every college program has a set of structured coursework or classes that students study through. Typically, there are lectures, seminars, quizzes, exams, and assignments or projects for every course or subject. Let’s see what coursework is included in sports management and kinesiology programs:

Sports management	Kinesiology
Introduction to Business and Management Sports Facility and Event Management Human Resources in Sports Strategic Communication and Public Relations Financial Management in Sports Strategic Communication in Sports Sports Law and Risk Management Team Leadership and Organizational Behavior Data and Statistical Analysis for Sport Contexts	Human Anatomy and Physiology Biomechanics (movement mechanics) Exercise Physiology Motor Learning and Control Sport and Exercise Psychology Statistical/Research Methods in Kinesiology Movement and Health Promotion

Duration — How long does each degree take

Typically, both sports management and kinesiology degrees at the undergraduate level are, on average, 4 years long. However, the total durations can vary based on your individual academic progress. Moreover, some college programs offer acceleration options that further help students complete the degree sooner than usual. Here is a breakdown of different types of degrees and their durations, such as:

• Associate’s degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
• Master’s degree: 1 to 2 years

Primary focus area — What will you learn

A sports management and kinesiology degrees can both offer different learning outcomes. They each prepare you for different yet equally important tasks and responsibilities. Moreover, these degrees prepare you for professional challenges and endeavors. With different focus areas, the degrees have specific areas of focus, including:

Sports management	Kinesiology
Business operations in sport Marketing and brand promotion Event planning and coordination  Facility and team management Finance and budgeting Developmental programs Sports law and ethics Leadership and communication in sport contexts	Human movement science How exercise affects body systems Performance optimization Biomechanics and motor learning Exercise psychology Health and wellness science Lifestyle improvements

Top colleges — Where to get a degree from

Of course, since both sports management and kinesiology are popular choices for college students, there are numerous colleges offering these degrees. So, you can explore a bunch of top-ranking colleges for a degree in either sports management or kinesiology. Here is a comprehensive list for you to explore:

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Colleges for a sports management degree
College	Program name	Tuition cost
Indiana University	Sport Marketing & Management	In-state: $12,142 Out-of-state: $42,702 Per academic year (source)
Holy Family University	Sport Marketing-Management, B.A.	$17,550 full-time per semester cost (Source)
University of Michigan	Sports management, BA	In-state: $18,346 Out-of-state: $20,648  Per academic year (Source)
University of Texas at Austin	Sports management major	In-state: $13,576 Out-of-state: $51,106 Per academic year (Source)
Texas A&M University	Sports management, B.S	In-state: $5,775.35 Out-of-state: $20,018.00 (source)
Syracuse University	Sports management, B.S	$66,580 per academic year
University of Florida	Online sports management bachelors	In-state: $129.18 per credit hour (source) Out-of-state: $500 per credit hour (source)
Southern New Hampshire University	Online sports management bachelors	$342 per credit
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs	Sports management degree	In-state: $5,662.92 Out-of-state: $11,484.00 annually (source)

Note: Data is as of April 2026. 

Colleges for a kinesiology degree
College	Program name	Tuition cost
The University of Alabama	Kinesiology, BS	In-state: $11,684 Out-of-state: $34,542 Per academic year (source)
Arizona State University	Kinesiology, BS	In-state: $13,118 Out-of-state: $16,376 (source)
University of Texas at Austin	Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health	In-state: $13,576 Out-of-state: $51,106  Per academic year (Source)
University of Nebraska, Omaha	Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology	In-state: $9,768 per academic year  Out-of-state: $26,092 (source)
University of Maryland	BS, Kinesiology	In-state: $12,008 Out-of-state: $41,974 Per academic year  (source)
University of South Dakota	Kinesiology and sport management major	In-state: $9,687 Out-of-state: $13,299 (source)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	B.S. in Kinesiology	In-state: $18,046-$23,426 Out-of-state: $38,398-$46,498 Per academic year (source)
Penn State	Kinesiology, B.S. (Health and Human Development)	In-state: $20,878 per academic year Out-of-state: $41,790 per academic year (source)

Note: Data is as of April 2026. 

Job and salary outlook — What would be your earning potential

Of course, before you select a particular college major for yourself, make sure you consider the salary and job outlook. This helps you understand how worthy your sports management degree is going to be, helping you pay back any student loans or fulfil other financial commitments. 

Related: Is a sports management degree worth it? 

Have a look at the detailed list of sports management jobs and salary outlook below: 

Sports management degree jobs
Sports contract analyst	$75,883 per year
Facilities manager	$111,110 per year
Sports agents and related occupations	$132,810 per year
Sports marketing manager	$83,488.00 per year
Advertising and marketing managers general	$159,660 per year
Sports event manager	$62,734 per year
Athlete manager	$63,961 per year
Sports administration	$44,338 per year
Marketing analyst	$77,589 per year
Brand manager	$84,160 per year
Sponsorship manager	$78,591 per year
Sports Agent	$49,833 a year
Event Coordinator	$50,890 a year
Sports Marketing Coordinator	$50,137 a year
Athletic Director	$74,257 a year
Sports Facilities Manager	$68,936 a year
Sports Lawyer	$100,626 a year

Note: Data is as of April 2026. 

The most typical kinesiology degree job is physical therapy. This is one of the most common career path ways most kinesiology degree holders choose. Moreover, while a kinesiology degree is science-driven and research-intensive, it is not a medical degree. Therefore, you cannot apply for medical or healthcare-focused jobs. So, for physical therapy jobs, certain training and certifications are a good way to enter the professional job market. 

There are also other types of career paths you can explore, listed by the American Kinesiology Association, such as:

Athletic Trainer	$54,463 per year
Biomechanics	$43,203 per year
Chiropractic Physician	$85,646 per year
Coaching at School or College	$40,970 per year
Director of Youth Camps/Sport Programs	$50,654 per year
Epidemiologist – Physical Activity	$83,980 per year
Exercise Physiologist	$58,974 per year
Personal Trainer	$61,014 per year

Note: Data is as of April 2026. 

Best for — Who should choose a sports management or kinesiology degree 

Finally, we now have a better understanding of who should choose a sports management degree or a kinesiology degree. Here is an overview: 

Choose a sports management degree if you…

• Enjoy business, leadership, and strategy more than science or lab-based subjects
• Want to work behind the scenes in sports, managing teams, events, facilities, or athletic organizations
• Are interested in marketing, branding, sponsorships, or sales within the sports industry
• Prefer office, corporate, or event-based work environments
• See yourself in management or executive roles

Choose a kinesiology degree if you…

• Are fascinated by how the human body moves and performs
• Want to work directly with people
• Are considering a healthcare pathway or further higher education such as graduate programs related to healthcare
• Prefer hands-on, active, or lab-based learning environments over business-focused coursework
• Are interested in health, wellness, injury prevention, or performance optimization

Bottom line

In conclusion, you can choose between a sports management vs kinesiology degree if you wish to build a career in the sports industry. While the two are different in so many significant ways, they both offer rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in the sports industry. So, if you want to build your business acumen and would like managerial roles in sports, then a sports management degree is the best option. However, for a science and research-driven career, a kinesiology degree may be the best path for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can you do with a kinesiology degree?

A kinesiology degree prepares you for careers focused on human movement, exercise, health, and physical performance. Some of the most common career paths include exercise physiology, athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning, health and wellness coaching, and roles in rehabilitation or community health programs. 

Moreover, many graduates also use kinesiology as a pre-professional pathway to graduate programs such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), chiropractic, or physician assistant studies.

How much do sports managers make?

According to the most recent data by ZipRecruiter, sports managers make an average yearly salary of $62,661. Moreover, the highest salary for sports managers reported is $113,000, with Pescadero, CA, having the highest average annual pay. 

Is sports management a major?

Yes, sports management is a recognized and widely offered college major in the United States. It is available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels and is often offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

What are 5 good careers in sports?

In sports, many people think that the only possible career is becoming a professional athlete. However, there are several other behind-the-scenes sports jobs and roles that you can take up. The 5 best-paying sports careers are:

Facilities manager	$111,110 per year
Sports marketing manager	$83,488.00 per year
Sports Agent	$49,833 a year
Athletic Director	$74,257 a year
Exercise Physiologist	$58,974 per year

Note: Data is as of April 2026. 

What is the highest-paying job in sports management?

Some of the highest-paying jobs in sports management include sports agents, athletic directors at major universities, professional sports general managers, and senior marketing or operations executives. Among these, sports agents and executive-level managers often earn the most, with salaries that can exceed $150,000 per year and, in some cases, reach six or seven figures, especially when commissions, bonuses, or endorsements are involved.