Online Master's in Athletic Administration Curriculum

Curriculum Details

30 total credits required

Ohio University's online Master of Athletic Administration program is designed to focus on the knowledge and skills most relevant to interscholastic athletic administrators. The curriculum includes 11 required courses that are seven weeks in duration. As a student, you will build your expertise in essential areas like finance, fundraising, event planning, leadership and the uses of technology in athletic administration.

OHIO has partnered with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) to design an industry-aligned curriculum that prepares you to pursue the following certifications:*

• Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA)
• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA)
• Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)

Because applied learning and live engagement are incorporated throughout each course, you will be able to immediately use your new skills in your current role while preparing for advancement. You will also attend our on-campus Athletic Leadership Forum to network and interact with fellow students, program faculty and OHIO alumni. This three-day event features guest speakers, panel discussions and workshops specific to MAA students.

This combination of project-based learning, in-person experiences and flexible online courses delivers the comprehensive education you need to take your next professional step as an administrative leader in athletics.

Required Courses

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 sports 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 the 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.