Graduate Studies in Sport Administration
Larry Hall , Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Trevor F. Hutchins, Associate Dean, School of Education

Purpose

The Master of Sport Administration (M.S.A.) is designed to prepare individuals for work in the sport industry, as well as in schools and colleges as teachers and/or coaches. It gives the graduate student the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through an advanced curriculum in sport administration and through internship experiences in the sport field. The management and marketing of events, facilities and programs is emphasized, as is the ability to design, administer and evaluate sport programs.

Goals

The goals for the Master of Sport Administration are:

1. Each student will have the opportunity to work closely with a sport organization that is best suited to the student's interests and career goals.
2. Each student will develop the knowledge and practical skills required by sport organizations.
3. Successful placement of graduates in the sport industry.

Objectives

Each graduate will:

1. Attain the skills required by sport organizations.
2. Have established networks with prospective employers.
3. Develop effective written and oral communication skills

Admission Policies and Procedures

To be considered for acceptance as a graduate student, the applicant's file must include the following:

1. Graduate admission application along with a $50 application fee.
2. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Transcripts which indicate at least a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or 3.0 average in the last 60 hours of university credit.
4. Applicants must present scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A combined score of 1000 from the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 or greater from the analytical writing section of the GRE will be given full acceptance and priority for admission.
5. Two letters of recommendation addressing capabilities for graduate study.
6. Resume and a statement of professional aspirations.
7. Applicants may be asked to interview with the selection committee before final approval.

Curriculum

Sport Administration Courses (SAM)

SAM 6010. Sport in Society (2). This course provides a forum in which to explore the sociological impact of sport in America. Emphasis is placed on issues affecting administrators, fans, athletes and coaches.

SAM 6050. Sport Law (3). This course contains an integration of the various areas within the sport industry as pertaining to legal liability of coaches and administrators, facility and event management, and risk management.

SAM 6060. Research Methods in Sport (2). This course examines strategies, techniques, materials, and principles for effective research within the sport industry. The traditional research model will be a focus with special attention given to survey research and economic impact research.

SAM 6070. Sport Finance (3). This course contains an overview of basic financial concepts, tools and techniques used by sport administrators. Emphasis is placed on: financial analysis, capital structuring, capital budgeting, short and long-term financing, and financial troubleshooting.

SAM 6250. Advertising and Sponsorship in Sport (3). This course examines the evolution of advertising, sponsorship, and licensing in the sport industry. Emphasis will also be placed on current trends in the industry, sales negotiations, and sponsorship proposals.

SAM 6260. Facility Operations and Event Management (3). This course will provide a foundation and understanding of the day-to-day operation of sport/multi-purpose facilities and of event management planning and procedures.

SAM 6270. Marketing and Public Relations in Sport (3). This course focuses on current factors and issues related to sport marketing and public relations. Emphasis will be placed on creating and evaluating a marketing plan and evaluating the relationships between sport organizations and a wide variety of consumers.

SAM 6280. Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Sport (2). This course will examine the relationships between sport organizations and a wide variety of consumers. Fundamental programs will be designed to enhance the relationship between the consumer and sport organizations.

SAM 6290. Fundraising in College Athletics (3). This course examines the fundamental tools and strategies necessary to raise funds within college athletics. Both annual and major giving will be emphasized, as well as studying their role within the overall scope of a college athletic department.

SAM 6310. Seminar in Sport Administration (3). This course offers an introduction to various aspects of sport administration. Responsibilities of administrators within intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, and private industry will be discussed.

SAM 6320. Governance in Sport (3). This course will provide a thorough study of the governing structure, rules and legislative process within the NCAA. While intercollegiate athletics is the main focus of the course, study of other sport governing bodies may also be included.

SAM 6360. Internship in Sport Administration (6). Prerequisite: Approval of program director. This course will provide an opportunity for students to gain practical administrative experience in the sport industry.

SAM 6990. Special Topics in Sport Administration (1-3). This course will allow students to study unique topics in the field of Sport Administration.