Online Advanced Education for Athletic Administrators

Summer is almost here. For many professionals working in athletics at the high school level, the academic break affords them time to think about their own academic and career goals. Whether looking to advance their career or add to their current qualifications, an online master's degree program can be a worthwhile undertaking for any athletic administrator. But first, he or she must know what kind of focus to pursue. Following is an overview of notable online sports management programs, including a brief statement about the program, key facts and enrollment dates.

* Directory compiled based on information available from each institution's website.

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Adelphi University
Garden City, N.Y.
sportsmanagement.adelphi.edu

"This dynamic sports management degree explores complex concepts in mass media, sales, marketing, public relations, emergent technologies and a variety of other professional areas as they relate to the fast-paced world of sports."

Programs: M.S., Sports Management; specializations in Sport Marketing of Collegiate Athletic Administration
Completion time: The others say two years.
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: None; capstone project
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start dates

American Public University
Charles Town, W.V.
studyatapu.com/health

"American Public University offers respected online degree programs designed for athletic coaches, athletic administrators, sports management, and sports and health sciences professionals. These dynamic programs are taught by industry professionals and experienced faculty."

Programs: M.S., Sports Management; M.S., Sports & Health Science; concentrations in Coaching Studies, Coaching Theory and Strategy, Exercise Science, Sports Administration
Completion time: Two years
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: None
Enrollment timeline: Monthly start dates; next deadline: June 5

Arizona State University
Tempe, Ariz.
asuonline.asu.edu

"ASU Online offers a Master of Legal Studies that is customizable with an emphasis in Sports Law. This program blends top faculty with unmatched curriculum that only a top-ranked university in law, business and athletics can offer. The online Master of Legal Studies is a unique advanced legal degree for non-lawyers."

Programs: Master of Legal Studies; emphasis in Sports Law
Completion time: 12 to 36 months
Number of credits: 30
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Students are required to complete a major externship or special project
Enrollment timeline: Next deadline: Aug. 17

California University of PA
California, Pa.
www.calu.edu

"Course materials will be presented in modular format, making them more conducive to presentation via the Internet. Information will be provided via video, PowerPoint presentations and online forums. Discussion groups, chat rooms and e-mail will allow the cohort to communicate and interact in order to provide valuable insight to discussions."

Programs: M.S., Sport Management; concentration options in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, Sports Management, Strategic Sport Analysis; Post-Bachelor's Certificate in IAA
Completion time: 13 months as a full-time student
Number of credits: 36 (12 for IAA certificate)
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: None; mentorship required for sports management
Enrollment timeline: Programs begin in July and December

Canisius College
Buffalo, N.Y.
www.canisius.edu

"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."

Program: M.S., Sports Administration
Completion time: One year or more
Number of credits: 33
Course structure: Online, campus or combination
Internship requirement: Yes
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start dates

Concordia University, Irvine
Irvine, Calif.
online.cui.edu/degrees/masters/coaching

"Enhance your coaching leadership techniques and athletic administrative skills through a transformational professional growth experience. You decide how you want to connect with meaningful distance learning by selecting to be fully online or by taking advantage of any combination of blended and online options."

Programs: Master's in Coaching and Athletics Administration
Completion time: Varies
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online, campus or combination
Internship requirement: Optional; capstone project
Enrollment timeline: Quarterly start dates

Drexel University Online
Philadelphia, Pa.
online.drexel.edu

"Drexel's accredited online Master's in Sports Management gives you the experience necessary to apply innovative solutions to the most challenging problems in the sport management field."

Programs: M.S., Sports Management; M.S., Sport Coaching Leadership with concentrations in La Crosse or Rowing; Graduate Certificate in NCAA Compliance
Completion time: Varies
Number of credits: 45 for M.S.; 15 for certificate
Course structure: Online with one-week summer residency in Philadelphia; four 10-week quarters
Internship requirement: None; research project or thesis
Enrollment timeline: Next deadline: Aug. 25

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Fla.
business.fau.edu

"The M.B.A.-Sport Management degree program combines a superior, rigorous graduate business curriculum with a specialization module that emphasizes the business of sport. The program is practitioner oriented and students will be expected to participate in out-of-classroom practical experiences at local and regional sport and/or entertainment entities."

Programs: M.B.A. in Sport Management
Completion time: 23 months
Number of credits: 40 to 46
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: Internships encouraged
Enrollment timeline: Deadline for fall: July 15

Full Sail University
Winter Park, Fla.
www.fullsail.edu

"The Entertainment Business Master of Science Degree with a Sports Management Elective Track is an advanced exploration of the specific sports management and business skills you need to excel in the entertainment and sports business industry."

Programs: M.S., Entertainment Business-Sports Management Track
Completion time: 12 months
Number of credits: 41.5
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: None; final project
Enrollment timeline: Fall semester early decision deadline: July 10

Gonzaga University
Spokane, Wash.
online.gonzaga.edu

"The curriculum is interdisciplinary, grounded in liberal arts and draws on studies in educational and organizational theory. The emphasis is on training; you will learn to administer programs in accordance with best professional practices."

Programs: M.S., Sport & Athletic Administration
Completion time: Two years
Number of credits: 31
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: Yes; 150 hours with an athletic organization
Enrollment timeline: Programs begin in fall semester

Indiana State Online
Terre Haute, Ind.
www.indstate.edu

"Indiana State University offers an online Master of Science (M.S.) in recreation and sport management for working professionals who have experience in public or private organizations and now seek a graduate-level degree to further their education and foster career advancement." 

Programs: M.S., Recreation and Sport Management
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: Optional
Enrollment timeline: Fall semester preferred deadline: July 15

Liberty University
Lynchburg, Va.
www.liberty.edu/online/masters/sport-management/

"The program will equip you with knowledge and skills that are useful within a variety of related fields. Course subjects include marketing and public relations, education, ethics, economics and financial management, as well as social and legal issues in the area of sport management."

Programs: M.S., Sport Management; specializations available in Outdoor Adventure Sport, Sport Administration and Tourism
Completion time: Two years
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: Required
Enrollment timeline: Fall, spring and summer start dates; fall application deadline: August 2

Northeastern University
Boston, Mass.
www.cps.neu.edu

"Developed in collaboration with Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society, the Master of Sports Leadership prepares you for a variety of sport-related occupations — whether it's working with a professional or intercollegiate sports team, a fitness club or wellness organization, in marketing, communication, or sports management." 

Programs: Master of Sport Leadership
Completion time: Two years as part-time; one year as full-time
Number of credits: 45
Course structure: Online with one-week summer institute in Boston, or campuses in Boston or Charlotte, N.C.
Internship requirement: Optional internship or in-depth project
Enrollment timeline: Quarterly start dates

Northwestern University
Chicago, Ill.
sps.northwestern.edu

"The M.S.A. program is taught by first-rate faculty members whose networks include team executives, sports agents, corporate sports consultants and a broad range of other professionals in collegiate, professional and amateur athletics."

Programs: M.A., Sports Administration; specialization in Sports Analytics
Completion time: Two to three years
Number of credits: 11 courses
Course structure: Online, campus or combination
Internship requirement: None; thesis or capstone project
Enrollment timeline: Applications accepted quarterly; fall deadline: July 15

Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
onlinemasters.ohio.edu

"The Ohio University online Master's in Athletic Administration program specializes in developing interscholastic athletic directors, building on the students' passion for serving young student-athletes and running a highly-successful athletic department." 

Programs: Professional Master of Sports Administration; Master of Sports Administration (M.S.A.); Master of Athletic Administration (M.A.A.); M.B.A./M.S.A. dual-degree option
Completion time: Two years or more; 21 months for Professional M.S.A.
Number of credits: Varies; 26 for Professional M.S.A.; 35 for M.A.A.; 42 for dual-degree
Course structure: Online, residencies or visits required for some programs
Internship requirement: Yes for M.A.A. and dual program
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start for most programs; Professional M.S.A. begins Fall only

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, N.H.
www.snhu.edu/online-degrees

"The M.B.A. in sports management coursework is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of specific aspects of the industry, from sports teams, agencies and event management to equipment manufacturing, parks and recreation and intercollegiate and scholastic sports."

Programs: M.B.A, Sports Management; M.S., Sports Management; optional Athletic Administration Certificate
Completion time: 15 months+
Number of credits: Varies; 36 for M.S.
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Capstone project required for M.B.A; Internship for M.S.
Enrollment timeline: Five graduate terms, applications accepted on rolling basis

State University of New York College at Cortland
Cortland, N.Y.
www2.cortland.edu/departments/sport-management/

"If you aspire to combine a passion for sport with a well-developed understanding of the complexities of the business enterprise, then the Sport Management Department at the State University of New York College at Cortland is ideal for you."

Programs: M.S., Sports Management
Completion time: Two years, on average
Number of credits: 30
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: Yes, with thesis option available
Enrollment timeline: Preferred submissions due Sept.1 for spring enrollment

Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
hlkweb.tamu.edu

"The Online Master of Science in Sport Management provides a specialized education in sport management for individuals interested in sport marketing and sales, fiscal management, personnel management and development, and athletics administration and control."

Programs: M.S., Sport Management
Completion time: Varies
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: None
Enrollment timeline: Deadline for spring: Oct. 1

University of Florida
Gainseville, Fla.
sm.hhp.ufl.edu

"An effective mix of comprehensive curriculum shaped by expert faculty who are active in research and the convenience of online learning, earning an online Master's degree in sports management offers a unique opportunity to working professionals."

Programs: M.S., Sport Management; specializations in Athlete Development, High Performance Coaching, Sport Law
Completion time: Two years
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Optional internship, capstone project
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start dates

University of Illinois Global Campus
Urbana-Champaign, Ill.
rst.illinois.edu

"The M.S., Recreation, Sport and Tourism delivers courses using online instruction that emphasizes group collaboration, concluding with a final course dedicated to the writing of a professional paper."
Programs: M.S., Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Completion time: 18 months
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: None
Enrollment timeline: Programs start in December, April and September; fall deadline: August 15

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Mass.
www.isenberg.umass.edu

"Whether you currently work in the sport industry or not, an Online M.B.A. with a focus in Sport Management can provide the next step you need to advance your career and build your network. Our high-energy, high-intensity program offers courses with cutting-edge content focused on the sport industry's current trends and best practices."

Programs: M.B.A.: focus on Sport Management
Number of credits: 45
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: None
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start dates

University of Miami
Coral Gables, Fla.
www.miami.edu

"Earn a first-class education with unique hands-on learning opportunities such as shadowing a sports leader and building a comprehensive leadership profile. Students will have the opportunity to attend the UM Sport Conference with industry leaders and will also have several opportunities to join classmates on campus and at digital events."

Programs: M.S., Sport Administration
Completion time: 20 months
Number of credits: 30
Course structure: Online or campus
Internship requirement: None
Enrollment timeline: Spring, summer and fall start dates; deadline for fall: Aug. 7

Wayne State University
Detroit, Mich.
coe.wayne.edu

"Our classes are taught by leading industry professionals who help students learn and develop skills to be effective practitioners in the sports industry. Students may tailor their program of study to meet specific educational and employment objectives, and will work with advisors who will develop a custom Plan of Work."

Programs: M.A. in Sports Administration; specializations offered in Interscholastic, Intercollegiate, Professional or Commercial
Completion time: Flexible
Number of credits: 30
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Yes
Enrollment timeline: Deadline for winter semester: Oct. 1

West Virginia University
Morgantown, W.Va.
cpass.wvu.edu

"The WVU online master's sport management program prepares students to become marketable professionals in the ever-changing sport industry." 

Programs: M.S., Sport Management
Completion time: 18 months
Number of credits: 36
Course structure: 50 percent online, 50 percent comprised of two two-week residency periods conducted in consecutive summers
Internship requirement: Optional
Enrollment timeline: Applications for fall start due in March

William Woods University
Fulton, Mo.
www.williamwoods.edu

"This online athletic administration degree prepares you to take your place in the management of an athletics/activities program in a middle school, high school or university. You'll have the skills and official requirements to manage the recruiting of athletes and staff, manage facilities, direct public relations and marketing of the program, and perform other duties."

Programs: Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Athletics/Activities Administration
Completion time: Two years
Number of credits: 33
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Yes, 110 hours
Enrollment timeline: Classes start in September, October, January, March, May and June.

United States Sports Academy
Daphne, Ala.
www.ussa.edu

"Whether you need a degree, continuing education, or a course or two, the United States Sports Academy has a wealth of sports courses to enroll in. The Academy is a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE), which promotes and facilitates coaching competence; oversees and evaluates the quality of coaching education programs; and accredits coaching education programs that meet its comprehensive standards."

Programs: Master of Sports Science; majors in Sports Coaching, Sports Health & Fitness, Sports Management, Sports Studies, Recreation Management; dual-major option
Number of credits: 33 semester hours, or up to 45 for dual-majors
Course structure: Online
Internship requirement: Must choose between Thesis, Non-Thesis or Mentorship options
Enrollment timeline: Students can enroll and start their studies anytime

This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Athletic Business with the title "A directory of online education opportunities for athletic administrators" Athletic Business is a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry. Click here to subscribe.