Sport Administration
Staci Studesville, Director; Shawn O’Rourke, Matt Reitnour, Andy Wilcox, Traci Murphy, Dawn Neufeld.
The master’s degree program in sport administration provides graduate candidates with the skills needed to effectively manage in 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 who 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). Though separate, 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
An applicant must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education. In addition, the applicant must submit two letters of reference, a resume and a written essay describing their background in sport activities and career goals.
Sport Administration curriculum:
Sport administration Core:
| MSA 520 | Leadership in Sport Administration | 3 |
| MSA 550 | Sport Marketing | 3 |
| MSA 560 | Philosophy & Ethics in Sport | 3 |
| MSA 611 | Sport Law | 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:
| 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
| 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 | Intercollegiate Athletics | 3 |
| MSA 641 | Professional Sport | 3 |
| MSA 650 | Sport Event Management | 3 |
| MSA 651 | Generating Revenue through Sport | 3 |
| MSA 690 | Research Methods in Sport Administration | 3 |
| TOTAL 9 |
| PROGRAM TOTAL 42 |
COURSES 2008-2010
MSA 520 Leadership in Sport Administration 3
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
The purpose of this course is to create an awareness and under-standing of the issues prevalent in the sport business industry while providing alternative perspectives and developing possible solutions.
MSA 550 Sport Marketing 3
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
The purpose of this course is to help you establish a fundamental philosophy for sport in your life (both personal as well as professional). The course will address the questions of why you are/want to be involved in sports in a professional capacity, what values will drive your actions and decision-making in your professional life and what type of ethical code you will adopt.
MSA 565 Media Relations in Sport 3
A study of basic knowledge and understanding of media relations in sport. Emphasis on building and managing an effective media relations program on the intercollegiate and professional level. Examines news releases, home town features, contest management, press conferences, statistics and publications.
MSA 599 Independent Study 3
This course entails speccialized reading, conferences with the instructor and detailed research.
MSA 611 Sport Law 3
This course will be directed at understanding basic legal concepts as they apply 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 612 Contract Negotiation in Sport 3
The process and substance of the negotiation of contracts in areas such as player representation, team representation, licensing and merchandising and area leasing.
MSA 621 Facility Planning, Design, and Management 3
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
An introduction to the management of intercollegiate athletics; a review of organizational structure in regards to 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
This course is aimed at providing an overview of professional sports and their leagues, including their 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
Overview of all elements involved in sport event management. Key components of the course include practical application at actual events, 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 Administration 3
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
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
Individually structured work-related independent research guided by faculty/staff member. Goal is to integrate student’s academic experience with that of the work place. Research report required. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses; signature and approval of program director.
MSA 899 Practica for International Students 0
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.