Combining classroom and practical learning, the Ohio University Sports Administration & Facility Management program prepares students for leadership positions in the sport and entertainment industries. The Sports Administration & Facility Management program offers three degree options. The M.B.A./M.S.A. degree is a 24-month (eight quarter) program leading to dual degrees: Master of Business Administration and Master of Sports Administration. The Master of Sports Administration (M.S.A.) degree is a 12-month (four quarter) program. The J.D./M.S.A. option is a joint degree program with the Capital University Law and Graduate Center leading to a Juris Doctorate from Capital University (Columbus, Ohio) and a Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University. For more information see the Sports Administration Program Web site, www.ohio.edu/sportsad.

While an undergraduate major in business is desirable, it is not mandatory. Work experience and participation in sport/entertainment related positions are advantageous to being admitted into this highly selective program.

Eligibility to Apply

You must meet the following requirements for eligibility and consideration for unconditional admission to the School of Recreation and Sciences graduate program in sports administration and facility management:

1. Earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on last 90 quarter hours or last 60 semester hours.

3. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Application Process

Note: you must request official scores for the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) be sent directly from the testing agency. Student-supplied photocopies are not accepted as official, but may be included for review and to assist with official score matching. The Ohio University reporting code is 1593.

When you submit an ONLINE APPLICATION, you need to provide printed copies of the following materials to complete your application. You will need two separate envelopes for these materials.

In envelope #1 put items 1-3 (as applicable). Mail this envelope to: Graduate College McKee House, 44 University Terrace, Athens, OH 45701.

1. Copy of Application Submission page or the application transaction (order) ID.

2. Two copies of official transcripts from each U.S. postsecondary institution attended. (Official transcripts are those in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution). Ohio University transcripts will be obtained by the Graduate College on your behalf. If you are applying to the joint M.B.A./M.S.A., please provide three copies.

3. Two copies of official or registrar certified transcripts/mark sheets and two certified English translations for each non-U.S. postsecondary institution attended (in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution, if possible). Transcripts must reflect all courses taken, including courses that were repeated or taken outside a degree program.
   
   In envelope #2 put items 4-6. Mail this envelope to: Graduate Coordinator, Sports Administration and Facility Management Program, School of Recreation and Sport Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Ohio University, Grover Center E118, Athens, OH 45701.

4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to evaluate your capability for graduate study, in envelopes sealed by the person writing the recommendation. At least one of your references must be an individual who can attest to your qualifications in your chosen field and one from an academic faculty member who can support your ability to produce successful academic work at the graduate level. These letters are to be on the form available through the Graduate College (www.ohio.edu/graduate). Please make certain to include the program you plan to pursue on the form prior to giving the form to the person providing the reference.

5. A two to three page typed statement of professional goals that includes information about your background and experiences and how they relate to your future career goals. The statement should include a discussion of:

   • your two most substantial accomplishments and why you view them as such.
   • a leadership situation in which you were involved and what you learned from the experience, and
   • an ethical dilemma you have experienced and how you handled the situation.

6. A resume, including your educational background and professional work experience.

NOTE: If submitting an online application, do not submit a paper copy of the application for the same term/degree program.

When you submit a PAPER APPLICATION, you need to provide printed copies of the following materials to complete your application. You will need two separate envelopes for these materials.

In envelope #1 put items 1-7 (as applicable). Mail this envelope to: Graduate College, McKee House, 44 University Terrace, Athens, OH 45701.

1. One completed, signed application (Form 1).

2. One completed, signed In-State Tuition Rates Form (Form 2).

3. One completed, signed Background Information & References Form (Form 3).

4. Non-refundable application fee (check, cash or money order) payable to Ohio University.

5. Two copies of official transcripts from each U.S. postsecondary institution attended. (Official transcripts are those in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution). Ohio University transcripts will be obtained by the Graduate College on your behalf. If you are applying to the joint M.B.A./M.S.A., please provide three copies.

6. Two copies of official or registrar certified transcripts/mark sheets and two certified English translations for each non-U.S. postsecondary institution attended (in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution, if possible). Transcripts must reflect all courses taken, including courses that were repeated or taken outside a degree program.

7. International applicants who need a certificate of eligibility, include one completed, signed Financial Affidavit of Support (Form 4).

   
   In envelope #2 put items 8-10. Mail this envelope to: Graduate Coordinator, Sports Administration and Facility Management Program, School of Recreation and Sport Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Ohio University, Grover Center E118, Athens, OH 45701.

8. Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to evaluate your capability for graduate study, in envelopes sealed by the person writing the recommendation. At least one of your references must be an individual who can attest to your qualifications in your chosen field and one from an academic faculty member who can support your ability to produce successful academic work at the graduate level. These letters are to be on the form available through the Graduate College (www.ohio.edu/graduate). Please make certain to include the program you plan to pursue on the form prior to giving the form to the person providing the reference.

9. A two to three page typed statement of professional goals that includes information about your background and experiences and how they relate to your future career goals. The statement should include a discussion of:

   • your two most substantial accomplishments and why you view them as such.

   • a leadership situation in which you were involved and what you learned from the experience, and

   • an ethical dilemma you have experienced and how you handled the situation.

10. A resume, including your educational background and professional work experience.

All documents received by the University in connection with an application for admission become the property of Ohio University. They will not be returned or forwarded to another agency or college/university.

Information regarding graduate assistantships can be found on the school’s Web site, www.ohiou.edu/rsps/.

Application Deadline

Students are admitted for fall quarter and must complete the application process by February 1. The final phase of the admissions process involves an on-campus interview at your expense. You will be notified of your selection for an interview and the scheduled date once all items listed above have been received.

International students must complete the application process by February 1, including the presentation of your TOEFL scores (minimum of 600 written; 250 computer for consideration) or IELTS score. As enrollment is competitive, preference for international student admissions is given to applicants who are sponsored by sports organizations, colleges or universities, or government agencies. If you are applying from outside North America, you will be interviewed by telephone at your expense and will be notified of the date, time, and telephone number for the interview once all items listed above have been received.

Program of Study

(limited admission)

Prospective students with earned graduate degrees in law or business, may be considered for the one-year M.S.A. program. The M.S.A. program requires the completion of 55 credit hours—50 hours earned in at least three academic quarters of residence at Ohio University followed by a 5-credit hour internship.

While each student’s M.S.A. curriculum is unique, most concentrate on communications, higher education, journalism, management, marketing, and/or facility management. The internship lasts from three months to a year and may include such areas as public relations, promotions, fund raising, ticket sales, event operations, sports information, and business management. Internship opportunities have been provided by more than 400 different organizations throughout the world, including professional teams, corporate services, sports facilities, arenas, and collegiate programs.