Shawn O’Rourke, Director; Nicolas Lorgnier, Matt Reitnour, Rachelle Held, Traci Murphy, Pat Mathews, Kevin Smith
The master’s degree program in sport administration provides graduate candidates with the skills needed to effectively manage a wide range of sport-related enterprises including intercollegiate athletics, amateur and professional sports, sport-marketing firms, special-event management, and facility management. It is designed for students who are currently in or plan to enter professional staff and management positions in the public and private sectors.
The sport administration program is one of the few master’s programs that has received full approval from the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM). The sport administration program also includes a business management core of courses in accounting, economics, statistics and management offered in the AACSB-accredited M.B.A. program of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business.
Admission
Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education. In addition, applicants must submit two letters of reference, a resume and a written essay describing their background in sport activities and career goals.
Curriculum
| Sport Administration Core: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MSA 520 | Leadership in Sport Administration | 3 |
| MSA 550 | Sport Marketing | 3 |
| MSA 560 | Philosophy & Ethics in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 611 | Risk Management and Contract Negotiation | 3 |
| MSA 660 | Financial Aspects of Sport | 3 |
| MSA 799 | Internship in Sport Administration | 6 |
| MSA 899 | Practica for International Students | 0 |
| Total | 21 | |
| Business Management Core: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MBA 502 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MBA 503 | Statistics | 3 |
| MBA 504 | Economics | 3 |
| MBA 505 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Specialization/Concentration Area: Select any three electives | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MSA 540 | Contemporary Issues in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 565 | Media Relations in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 599 | Independent Study in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 621 | Facility Planning, Design and Management | 3 |
| MSA 631 | Intercollegeiate Athletics | 3 |
| MSA 641 | Professional Sport | 3 |
| MSA 650 | Special Events | 3 |
| MSA 690 | Research Methods in Sport Administration | 3 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Program Title | 42 | |
| On-line Sport Administration Curriculum | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MSA 520 | Leadership in Sport Administration | 3 |
| MSA 540 | Contemporary Issues in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 550 | Sport Marketing | 3 |
| MSA 560 | Philosophy and Ethics of Sport | 3 |
| MSA 565 | Media Relations in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 611 | Risk Management and Contract Negotiation | 3 |
| MSA 631 | Intercollegeiate Athletics | 3 |
| MSA 641 | Professional Sport | 3 |
| MSA 660 | Financial Aspects of Sport | 3 |
| MSA 799 | Internship in Sport Administration | 6 |
| Program Total | 33 | |
COURSES 2010-2012
MSA 520 Leadership in Sport Administration 3 credits
This course will examine the concepts relating to efficient management and leadership of the sport industry. Emphasis will be placed on principles and techniques of management relating to programs, facilities, special events and personnel.
MSA 540 Contemporary Issues in Sport 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to create an awareness and understanding of the issues prevalent in the sport business industry while providing alternative perspectives and developing possible solutions.
MSA 550 Sport Marketing 3 credits
A study of marketing concepts with application to sport organizations. Topics include promotions and public relations, sport consumer behavior, strategic market planning, marketing information management, marketing communications, branding and sponsorship sales.
MSA 560 Philosophy and Ethics in Sport 3 credits
This course helps students establish a fundamental philosophy for sport in their personal and professional life. The course addresses the decision to be involved in sports in a professional capacity, the decisions that drive actions and decision-making in professional life and the formulation of a personal ethical code.
MSA 565 Media Relations in Sport 3 credits
A study of basic knowledge and understanding of media relations in sport. Emphasis on building and managing an effective media relations program at the intercollegiate and professional levels. Examines news releases, home town features, contest management, press conferences, statistics and publications.
MSA 599 Independent Study 3 credits
This course entails specialized reading, conferences with the instructor and detailed research.
MSA 611 Risk Management and Contract Negotiation 3 credits
This course is directed at understanding basic legal concepts in the sport setting. As a practical matter, the course will aid the student in recognizing how these legal concepts can be applied in the administration and management of sport programs, facilities and personnel.
MSA 621 Facility Planning, Design, and Management 3 credits
This course is designed to provide learning experiences in the administrative tasks of planning, managing, and operating various types of athletic facilities. Financial, legal, and safety issues relevant to operating facilities will be examined. In addition, management principles and concepts as they affect program selection and scheduling of sport and fitness facilities will also be examined.
MSA 631 Intercollegiate Athletics 3 credits
An introduction to the management of intercollegiate athletics and a review of the organizational structure of the intercollegiate athletic department, conferences and the NCAA. Analysis of prevailing issues in college athletics including financial trends, academic recruiting, legislation, conference realignment, reform and Title IX/gender equity.
MSA 641 Professional Sport 3 credits
This course is aimed at providing an overview of professional sports and their leagues, including organizational structure and the associated job market. The emphasis will be placed on sports outside of the four major leagues, such as the PGA, WNBA, LPGA, and NASCAR.
MSA 650 Special Events 3 credits
Overview of all elements involved in sport event management. Key components of the course include practical application at actual events and interaction with industry experts, as well as creation and implementation of a major class event to benefit a local charity. A strong emphasis is placed on coursework outside of the classroom environment.
MSA 660 Financial Aspects of Sport 3 credits
An overview of general business economics and financial principles. Topics include private and public sector funding, economic impact analysis, sponsorship, partnerships and fundraising related to sport and sport organizations.
MSA 690 Research Methods in Sport Administration 3 credits
Provides insights into the critical elements of research and enables the student to formulate an original hypothesis culminating in the master’s project or thesis.
MSA 799 Internship in Sport Administration 3 credits
Individually structured work-related independent research guided by a faculty/staff member. The goal is to integrate student’s academic experience with that of the work place. Research report required. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses and the signature and approval of program director.
MSA 899 Practica for International Students 0 credits
Allows the international student to learn and gain experience in the workings of a sport and/or entertainment organization in the United States. Prerequisite: All international students must register each semester.