The master of public administration with a graduate certificate in sport management and athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. It is designed for individuals aspiring to leadership and management roles in the complex world of interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and professional sports, as well as corporate fitness.
The program is built on acquiring an experiential understanding of administrative and management practices in athletic settings. It will prepare candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply theory, research and experience to solve academic, athletic, sport and event management challenged. Students will be encouraged to make an ongoing commitment to professional development, and they will likely encounter connecting values between personal and professional experiences.
The Curriculum
The M.P.A. with a graduate certificate in sport management and athletics requires a total of 39 semester hours.
Public Administrative Core and Capstone Requirement (21 Semester Hours):
• PPA 500 Foundations of Public Service
• PPA 501 Research Methods in Public Administration
• PPA 502 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
• PPA 503 Public Budgeting and Finance
• PPA 504 Public Human Resources Management
• PPA 505 Public Sector Organisation Theory and Behaviour
• PPA 600 Capstone Seminar in Public Administration
Certificate Requirements - Sport and Athletic Core (18 Semester Hours):
• KIN 513 Theories and Principles of Sport Management
• KIN 514 Problems and Issues in Sport Management
• KIN 553 Facility, Event, and Risk Management
• KIN 554 Gender Enquiry and Sport Law
• KIN 611-612 Intern Study (must complete both)
Career Opportunities
Candidates may find sport management career opportunities on several levels: interscholastic (middle and high school), intercollegiate (NCAA Division I, II, or III), professional (major and minor league), club/recreational (YMCA and other youth sport organisations), and corporate fitness. Course work is designed to meet students' individual interests. Consequently, candidates will be prepared to work on the level that meets their personal target.
Internship Experience
Internship field experiences are offered in a variety of institutional settings, including secondary and higher education, professional, recreational, and corporate fitness levels. The internship experience will give students an opportunity to gain expertise from professional mentors in a setting that is consistent with their career goals. During the internship, students will have the chance to learn from professionals currently working in the field experience the responsibilities required in their chosen area, and make many important contacts that may help further their career. Candidates are required to discuss their career goals with their adviser early in the program to facilitate appropriate internship placement.
Flexible Scheduling
The program is designed for individuals wanting to earn a master's degree part-time whilst working full-time. Students who want to pursue the degree on a full-time basis may complete the program on a faster track. Most courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening. Courses are typically offered during four semesters throughout the calendar year - spring, first and second summer sessions, and fall.
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