Master of Sports Administration

Sports Administration (Professional) – MS8161

College of Business
College of Business Annex 351
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.4323
pmsa@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Hybrid in 2022-23, Note: This program will be fully online as of Fall 2023.

Term of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The mission of the Professional MSA program is to provide professionals in the sports industry with a foundation in leadership, critical decision-making skills and sport-specific knowledge to immediately add value to their organizations.

The Professional MSA program is on the cutting edge of the sports industry. The curriculum facilitates the connection of classroom knowledge to professional experiences and provides students the opportunity to immediately apply learning to their professional context.

The unique curriculum is centered on three major components: a sports administration core, applied projects, and special topics. The sports administration core allows students to develop foundational knowledge in critical sports business functions such as revenue generation, facilities and event management, human resources, and leadership. Students will also explore sponsorship, sports governance, and topics in sports law. In addition to the core, students will also take an applied projects course where they will be able to apply revenue generation and marketing strategies to a consulting project. Students will take 5 special topics courses that will cover a variety of topics that either are not covered in the core curriculum or supplement important topics. Special topics may include: introduction to sport business, case studies, sponsorship, sports gambling, esports and/or diversity, equity and inclusion in sport.  

The Professional MSA is delivered through online modules and virtual classes. Additionally, students are provided up to six on-site residency experiences in Athens on campus or in conjunction with top industry Conferences (i.e., National Sports Forum). Students are required to earn five special topics credit hours (SASM 6900) that are offered in conjunction with residencies. There are alternative options to make up work for special topics for students unable to attend residencies in person. Expected time to complete the degree is 21 months.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of sport business knowledge across business disciplines.
2. Develop professional skills and abilities relevant to the sports business profession.

Further Information

Link to Program:  https://business.ohio.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/professional-master-of-sports-administration/

Admission Requirements

• Regionally accredited bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in the sport industry.
• Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. At least one letter from a supervisor is strongly recommended.
• Official transcripts from all degree bearing institutions at the bachelor’s level or higher and unofficial transcript for any additional college coursework.
• A professional plan statement discussing your career goals, how the master’s degree will help you achieve those goals, areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you strengthen, and what you plan to contribute to the learning community.
• Current resume.
• TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers. 

Transfer credits are not accepted for this program. 

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

The program curriculum is a 36 credit hour, lock-step program. Students will take the following courses over the course of five semesters: