RALEIGH — NC State is now considered among the best in the nation to study sports management online.

The Raleigh-based university ranked No.2 in OnlineCollegePlan’s recent study titled, The 30 Best Online Masters Programs in Sports Management. It scored a total of 99.4.

It was followed by Adelphi University (Garden City, NY); Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) and University of Massachusetts – Amherst (Amherst, MA).

Drexel University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) topped the list.

This ranking features a combination of business degrees that offer concentrations in sports and sports management degrees. The field started as an offshoot of the traditional MBA program, but it has grown to be offered as a specialization at many schools across the country.

OnlineCollegePlan said NC State is among its top choices because of its flexibility and affordable tuition rate, particularly for North Carolina residents. The average price tag: $40,977.

“Over 90 percent of students are able to complete this online program in just two years. Each semester is seven-weeks and courses are taken one at a time,” the study notes. “Students generally complete two courses in 15 weeks for a total of 31 credit hours. No GRE is required for admittance to this degree.

“We like this program for the accelerated course format,” it added.

The program is divided into two main parts — core components and electives. The majority of the 31 credit hours are core courses and include course material in foundations of recreation, fiscal management, and marketing among others.

“This program has a strong focus on business and the program aims to equip students with advanced management skills to help them further their careers in parks, recreation, and sports management. Though a GRE is not required for entrance into this program, a GRE score from the last five years may be used to substitute the two years of relevant work experience that are required for entry.”

NC State University Raleigh is a public research university that currently ranks as the 80th best school in the nation according to US News. NC State is notable for its engineering school, education school, and for the Jenkins Graduate School of Management. Additionally, NC State is known for its innovative programming and support of its military students.