Master of Arts in sports administration (online)

Whether you’re working in sports now or looking for a career in the industry, the online Master of Arts in Sports Administration offers a high-quality, practical program designed to help you reach your professional goals. With courses taught by industry experts, the flexible, convenient online format provides you with the credential and connections needed to outperform the competition. Our faculty are high-profile industry professionals who emphasize practical application of coursework — allowing you to take what you learn in class and directly apply it to your work in sports. With focused coursework in administration, finance, marketing and risk management, coupled with a professional internship, you’ll gain all the skills needed to effectively navigate the unique opportunities and challenges in the sports industry.

 "After a nearly 20-year career coaching college football, I decided to move into administration as a high school athletic director. The Sports Administration program laid a foundation for me to be successful in this position because of the direct applicability of the curriculum to this work many of the things that I learned in the program I've been able to immediately implement in this role."

Scott Kazmierski, Athletic Director, Wayne Memorial High School:

Accelerated Graduate Enrollment program

The Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program is available to academically strong students completing their undergraduate degree. This allows students to begin master's degree coursework while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree. Students have the opportunity to complete the requirements for both degrees in an accelerated timeline. For requirements and course information, refer to the academic bulletin.

For students whose undergraduate major is in Sport Management, the AGRADE graduate program options are: Community Health; Exercise and Sport Science; and Sports Administration.

Prerequisites

Admission to the M.A. program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must provide official transcripts showing they meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher for regular admission
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 to 2.75 qualified admission
  • No GRE required

In addition to official transcripts, please also include:

  • Updated professional resume
  • One-page personal statement

Course Requirements

A total of 30 credits are required for the M.A. program. Admitted students are assigned to a faculty advisor to design a plan of work that includes a culminating internship or research experience.

Courses (Required 24 credits)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total course credits 24
SAM 6410 Introduction to Sports Administration 3
SAM 7581 Sport Finance 3
SAM 6661 Equity and Access in Sport 3
SAM 6570 Sports Marketing 3
SAM 6660 Risk Management in PE and Sport 3
SAM 7540 Concepts of Supervision and Management 3
SAM 8750 Internship in Sports Administration 6

Elective Courses (select six credits)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total course credits 24
SAM 6320 Youth Sports and Recreation 3
SAM 7300 Interscholastic Athletic Directing 3
SAM 7310 Collegiate Athletic Administration 3
SAM 6530 Professional Sport Administration 3
SAM 5510 Principles of Coaching 3
SAM 6531 Sport Event Management 3
SAM 6560 Media Design and Communication 3
SAM 6750 Field Work in Sports Administration and Management 1-4

Required and Elective Courses

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total (required) program credits 30
Total required credits 24
Total elective credits 6

Contact

Laurel Whalen, Ph.D.
Assistant professor (clinical) and program coordinator
313-577-2704
laurel.whalen@wayne.edu

Kinesiology Health and Sport Studies

Phone: 313-577-4249