Online Master of Athletic Administration

What Is the Online Master of Athletic Administration Degree?

Ohio University’s Master of Athletic Administration online (MAA) program specializes in developing professionals for careers in athletic administration, specifically as interscholastic athletic directors. You’ll learn to infuse your passion for serving student-athletes into a career in athletic administration, as our online courses for athletic administration show you how to build highly efficient and supportive athletic departments. And because Ohio University established the first specialized academic sports program in the country in 1966, your degree will reflect a tradition of excellence more than five decades long.

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Online Courses for Athletic Administration

The Master of Athletic Administration (MAA) program specializes in preparing students for a career in interscholastic athletic administration. In just 11 courses (30 credits), MAA students earn a Master of Science in Athletic Administration (MSAA) degree.

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SASM 6320	Foundations of Interscholastic Athletic Administration	3 Credits
This course provides students with an overview of the foundations of interscholastic athletic administration, covering the roles, responsibilities, and professional preparation of the interscholastic athletic director, the purpose of education-based athletic programs, and methods for assessing the effectiveness of interscholastic athletic programs.

SASM 6330	Governance and Strategic Planning for Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth look at governance systems of sport organizations relevant to interscholastic athletic administrators, including governing bodies at the international, national, state, and local levels. Participants will discuss current issues in interscholastic athletics with a focus on addressing these issues through the development of policies and procedures. This course also covers strategic planning for interscholastic athletics programs.

SASM 6355	Marketing in Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course examines and applies the fundamentals of marketing to interscholastic athletics. The course covers the principles of consumer behavior, branding, the marketing mix, and sponsorship, and culminates with students developing a marketing plan for an interscholastic athletic program or event.

SASM 6352	Facility and Event Management in Interscholastic Athletic Administration	3 Credits
This course focuses on the theory and practice of planning and managing facilities and events in interscholastic athletics. Upon completion of the course, participants will understand the complexities involved in managing various types of athletic facilities and stakeholder groups in the planning and execution of athletic events. Topics covered in this course include the strategic management of athletic facilities, facility construction and renovation, maintenance of athletic facilities and equipment, and scheduling of facility use by school and non-school users. In addition, we will cover the steps in planning and executing interscholastic athletic events.

SASM 6340	Data Analysis and Communication for Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course provides an overview of how to effectively collect, organize, analyze, and present data related to interscholastic athletics. This includes identifying secondary sources, methods of collecting primary data, and using statistical tools to present and evaluate the data.

SASM 6380	Interscholastic Athletic Leadership Seminar	1 Credit
This course will teach students to lead an interscholastic athletic department, specifically focusing on prioritizing competing interests in interscholastic athletics (safety, budgets, resources) and the creation and communication of a shared vision with stakeholders (students, parents, coaches, administrators, community members). This course coincides with the annual on campus Athletic Leadership Forum.

SASM 6356	Leadership and Ethics in Interscholastic Athletic Administration	3 Credits
This course applies contemporary management, leadership and ethical theory to interscholastic athletics. This course also discusses leadership roles in interscholastic athletic administration and applying theoretical knowledge to the practical day-to-day leadership needs in interscholastic athletics.

SASM 6354	Human Resources Management in Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course provides an overview of human resources related policies and functions in interscholastic athletic administration, including hiring and supervision of staff and best practices for diversity/inclusion initiatives. This course also covers legal issues related to human resources, including harassment, discrimination and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

SASM 6353	Financial Administration in Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course introduces students to issues and problems in finance and financial management as they apply to interscholastic athletics. The primary focus of the course will be on planning and financial management in high school and middle school athletic programs.

SASM 6351	Legal Foundations in Interscholastic Athletics	3 Credits
This course provides students with an understanding of legal concepts that may affect operations of interscholastic athletics. Specific attention is given to legal system foundations, fundamentals of risk management, constitutional law, negligence and Title IX.

SASM 6390	Interscholastic Athletic Administration Capstone	2 Credits
This course provides a culminating and integrative experience for students pursuing careers in interscholastic athletic administration. Students will review and analyze academic content and experiential learning assignments from courses taken as they work toward completion of a Master of Science in Athletic Administration degree. This course ensures that students are able to clearly articulate the business principles learned in this degree program. A thorough review of important academic and practical application components will be used to develop a professional career portfolio.

Careers in Athletic Administration

Once you enroll in the Online Master of Athletic Administration program, you’ll develop the skills to serve younger student-athletes and help them accomplish their championship goals as competitors. Upon graduation, your influence will vary depending on the career path you choose to pursue in athletic administration. From directly coaching students to taking on administrative duties and marketing positions, the opportunities to make a difference are plentiful. The online courses for athletic administration offered by Ohio University will help you stay informed of current trends in athletics and prepare you to stand out in the job market. You’ll receive the tools to help push athletes to the next level through hard work, perseverance, and unmatched integrity. As a graduate of Ohio University’s MAA program, you’ll help create the edge that turns athletes into champions.

Athletic Administration Salary and Job Outlook

The world of athletics consists of many roles that contribute to the greatness of each successful athlete’s journey. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for coaches and scouts to increase by 12% between 2019 and 2029 and the demand for athletic trainers to increase by 16% in that period. Ohio University’s online master’s degree in athletic administration will give you the tools to be ready for the growing job opportunities in the market.

Online Master of Athletic Administration Faculty

Photo of Aaron Wright, CAA

Aaron Wright

Director of the Online Master of Athletic Administration Program

Meet Your MAA Faculty

Why Choose Ohio University’s Master of Athletic Administration Online Degree?

The master’s in athletic administration online program specializes in preparing students for careers in interscholastic athletic administration. Leveraging Ohio University’s five decades of experience in sports education, students enrolled in the MAA will gain the administrative and business skills they need to be outstanding athletic administrators at K-12 institutions of any size. Whether students come to us as educators aiming to become more involved with athletics, as athletic trainers looking to take on an administrative role in an athletic department, or as non-educators looking to move into interscholastic athletics administration, our online athletic administration master’s program will get them ready for a successful and fulfilling career in interscholastic athletics.

Accreditation

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Department of Sports Administration and its academic programs, including the online master’s degree in athletic administration, are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Tradition

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Ohio University proudly celebrates more than 50 years of world-leading sports business education. In 1966, the university established the first specialized academic sports program in the country – and has been leading the way ever since.

Since accepting our first students in 2004, our Online MAA program is recognized as the premier professional training program for candidates seeking careers in interscholastic athletic administration.

Rankings

Ohio University ranks among the top of higher education institutions globally as rated by the Center for World University Rankings.

Student Testimonials

“I chose Ohio University’s online Master’s of Athletic Administration because I wanted a program that was challenging, rewarding, and well respected throughout the country. This program helped me get the knowledge and experience I needed to advance my career.”
– George Pierson, 2015 Graduate

Meet George Pierson, Online MAA Grad

“The online MAA program definitely addresses the changes and trends because we talk about what’s happening right now currently in class and you get different perspectives all over the country.”
– John Bennett, MAA alumni

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FAQ

What can I do with a master’s degree in athletic administration?

Ohio University’s master’s in athletic administration online degree focuses on preparing you for a career as an athletic director at the high school and middle school levels, but it can also equip you for a variety of administrative roles in scholastic athletics.

What is the average salary for graduates of the Master of Athletic Administration program?

Although salaries vary by location and position, the median annual salary for careers in athletic administration is around $50,200 for professionals with a master’s degree, according to May 2021 PayScale data.

Is the Master of Athletic Administration accredited?

Yes. The Master of Athletic Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

How long is the Online Master of Athletic Administration degree program?

Students can complete the MAA program in as few as 20 months. The program consists of 11 courses and 30 total credit hours.