American Public University System

This program appears in our ranking of 25 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Schools for Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs

American Public University

Sports management focuses on the management of athletic organizations and related fields. American Public University System offers two programs that students with an interest in this field will find appealing. The first of which is a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. Designed for those who have little management experience, it teaches students how to make financial and other types of decisions and how to apply the principles they learn in their classes when working in the field.

The American Public University System offers this as an online program and starts new classes every month. This allows new students to jump right in and begin working on their degrees. Though students must take 120 credits, they can transfer up to 90 credits into the program. Students typically take at least 30 credits of general education courses and 36 credits of major classes. The required sports management classes that all students take include Sports Management Foundations, Athletic Program Administration, Contemporary and Social Issues in Sport and Sports and Recreation Facility Management. The university requires that students take a Senior Seminar in Sports Management in their final semesters.

Graduate students will find the university also offers a Master of Science in Sports Management. They can transfer in up to 15 credits, but all students must take 36 credits of grad courses before they can graduate. This is a more advanced program that focuses on teaching students leadership skills and making sure that they understand the principles and concepts of sports management.

In addition to a general sports management program, students can also pick a concentration in sports administration or coaching and strategy. They will take nine credits of courses from within one of those concentrations. The sports administration concentration is best for those who want to work for a sports team or in an athletic facility, while the coaching and strategy concentration is best for those who want to work directly with athletes. Students enrolled in any of the sports management American Public University System programs will take classes such as Sports Marketing, Promotion and Public Relations and Leadership and Management in Sport.

About American Public University System

The American Public University System is an online system designed to help students work on and complete their degrees no matter where they are. This private system actually consists of two separate institutions of higher learning: American Public University and American Military University. American Military University opened in 1991 and started offering classes two years later. A retired member of the Marine Corps started the university after noting the lack of opportunities for military students. The university offered courses and programs in unique areas that other schools did not. As a distance learning school, it required that students work from other locations and submit their assignments through the mail.

American Public University opened in 2002. Though it offered some of the same classes, this branch was solely for civilians who were not in a branch of the armed forces. The two campuses now work together and offer both traditional and unique degree programs. Students who are in the military and their spouses and children can enroll in programs, as can those who have no military connections. APUS is now home to six colleges and dozens of departments that offer degrees and certificates in more than 200 fields. Instead of offering programs through the mail, it now offers online programs. More than 80,000 students attend the two APUS campuses each year.

American Public University System Accreditation Details

Students will not have any problems with transfer credits or financial aid because APUS has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC applies to all the degree programs that are available and allows students living all around the world to take classes. Sports management majors may take classes that have accreditation from other organizations too, including the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

American Public University System Application Requirements

The application requirements that students must complete will depend on whether they want to study sports management at the undergrad or graduate level. Undergrads must have either a high school diploma or its equivalent such as a GED. Some students may need to complete an assessment test that determines if they are ready for college. Undergrads can fill out the online application in 15 minutes or less and then talk to an admissions representative. That representative will help the student sign up for classes and apply for financial aid.

Graduate students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They will then complete the online application. The American Public University System does not charge an application fee. Those who want to qualify for the university’s military discount must submit a photo ID that shows their military status. After the university receives the application, it will assign the student to an admissions representative. That representative will let the student know if the university needs any more information and what the student can do to apply for financial aid.

American Public University System Tuition and Financial Aid

As APUS started out as a university for military students, it caters to those students today. While undergrads face a tuition rate of $270 per credit hour, military students qualify for a lower rate of just $250 per credit hour. The university itself has a grant program that handles this discount. Any student who is in any branch of the armed forces will qualify. The program is also open to the spouses and children of military students. Graduate students pay $350 per credit hour. Any grad student who is also in the military will receive a grant that reduces their costs down to $325 per credit hour. Their children and spouses qualify for the same grant.

APUS allows students to pay their costs online or in person with a debit or credit card. It can also arrange payment plans for students who need more time. As the university has regional accreditation, students can also use the FAFSA. This allows students to apply for loans and grants. They can also use alternative student loans and external scholarships. The American Public University System will also accept any type of aid granted to veterans and military students such as the GI Bill.

Learn more about American Public University at the undergraduate and graduate sport management program websites.

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