Masters (M.Ed) in Athletic Administration
Requirements for Earning an M.Ed in Athletic Administration
Master’s degree programs in athletic administration build upon the foundation courses students took as part of their bachelor’s degree program. These programs are business-oriented and designed for students who wish to work in the business side of sports.
Classes are specifically tailored toward a career in athletics administration. Students can expect to take advance courses in fields like communication, financial planning, marketing, ethics, and even law, all pertaining to the field of athletics. Some programs prepare students for the NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator certification exam.
Jobs for M.Ed. in Athletic Administration Graduates
Earning an advanced degree in athletic administration is one of the best ways to qualify for high-level positions within a sports organization. A master’s degree in this field allows students to work with governing sports associations, as a manager or director with a college or team, and more. Specific daily tasks and the salary students can expect to receive while working in athletic administration depends on their specific job title after graduation.
Students can also work in college sports fundraising, as a member of a booster club, or as an equipment or facilities manager. Moving outside of working with a sports team or school, students can also work with a governing association, like the NFL or MLB, allowing them to work with the rules and regulations, financial planning, athletic eligibility, ticketing, and more involved with their sport of choice.
With an M.E.d in athletic administration, students qualify for the following career opportunities:
- Athletic Administrator or Director
- Development Director
- Business Manager for a Sports Team
- Charitable Organization Manager
- Investment Manager/Professional for a Sports Team
- Professional Sports Agent
- Sports Statistician
Average Salary and Career Data
As an athletic director, students can expect to make $45,000 to $75,000 to start, and more if they work with a top program or have experience. These jobs are extremely exclusive, so working in a lower-level position first is a great way to work up to this position someday.
According to recent reports on Payscale.com, graduates in this field can expect to earn the following salaries, depending on experience level and qualifications:
- Assistant Athletic Director: $28,973 – $93,898
- Athletic Director (College / University): $38,783 – $112,160
- Sports Agent: $23,839 – $306,386
Online Masters in Athletic Administration Degrees
- M.Ed. in Athletic Administration: Northcentral University
- MS in Athletic Administration: Ohio University
Online Sports Management Degrees
Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance it, there are several online degrees from accredited schools available in Sports Management at every education level. Specializations range from Sports Psychology to Marketing or Athletic Administration emphasis. The following links from each school will put you in contact with the right people for more information on the program of your choice.
Post University — Post University offers an online BS in Sports Management degree that explores the managerial, administrative, and marketing aspects of the sports industry. Average class size is about sixteen students leaving room for peer-to-peer interaction and one-to-one tutoring. Post University is located in Waterbury, Connecticut and has 9000 part- and full-time students.
Ashford University — Your BA in Sports and Recreation Management or Marketing degree can be completed entirely online, and you can transfer up to 90 credits, accelerating the process further. Ashford University was founded almost 100 years ago and its online division includes over 30 degrees at the associate, bachelor, and master level.
Northcentral University — Northcentral University offers online programs for an MEd or PhD in Athletic Administration which prepares students for high profile and leadership positions. Founded in 1978 in Prescott Valley, Arizona, NCU is now the school of choice for over 10,000 students who are active in school events and organizations.
Southern New Hampshire University — While an undergraduate degree is required, the MBA and MS of Sports Management from South New Hampshire University can be completed in less than two years, making it a quick way to propel your career forward. Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, the main campus has WiFi, an Olympic pool, and even an art gallery.
Tiffin University — TIffin University's MBA program in sports management prepares its students for management positions in recreational, collegiate, and professional sports. The main focus of the program is on developing skills in communication, leadership, IT, and problem solving.
Liberty University — The focus of Liberty University's MS in Sports Management is how organizational skills and leadership plays a role in sports organizations and athletic programs. The program can be completed in less than two years and up to six credit hours can be transferred. However, you will need an undergrad degree in order to enroll.
University of the Rockies — The University of the Rockies offers an MA in sports and performance psychology degree program that educates its students in how to be an effective coach/leader and get the most out of a team, in sports or more general human performance. Graduates of this program typically enter careers as business consultants, coaches, physical therapists, or personal trainers.
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