Graduate Certificate in Professional Sports Administration — Online
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Sports Administration gives students an in-depth understanding of this professional segment of the sports industry.
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Overview
The growth of revenue and jobs generated from the global professional sports industry has created a need for talented, trained sports management professionals.
Northeastern University’s Graduate Certificate in Professional Sports Administration provides students the opportunity to build those skills and advance their careers.
Through the program’s curriculum, you will be given the opportunity to acquire professional leadership skills and knowledge in a variety of areas critical to sports administration, including:
- sports management
- marketing
- sponsorship
- event management
- risk management
- Finance
Program objectives
- Obtain a general understanding of the leadership skills required to succeed in professional sports administration
- Complete in-depth coursework covering industry fundamentals in sports management, marketing, sponsorship, event management, risk management, and finance
Unique Features
- Course credit earned from this certificate may be applied towards completing the Master of Sports Leadership degree
- Flexible scheduling allows working professionals and international students to earn their degree full time or part time on Northeastern's flagship campus in Boston or online.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
Career Prospects
Avg. salary, promotions and marketing manager
Avg. salary, sports marketing manager
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Program Curriculum
For details on required courses, concentrations, and electives, please consult the current academic catalog.
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Leadership alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- State Street
- Raytheon
- United States Air Force
- Massachusetts General Hospital
-
What They Do
- Education
- Business Development
- Community and Social Services
- Operations
- Human Resources
-
What They're Skilled At
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Management
- Teaching
- Strategic Planning
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
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