M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.S. in Athletic Administration
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Athletic Administration at Mississippi College aims to develop successful athletic administrators who can create and manage both successful and financially responsible athletic programs. The program offers students the choice between two concentrations: Interscholastic Concentration for those interested in high school athletics, and Intercollegiate Concentration for those focusing on college or university athletics. This specialization allows students to tailor their studies to their specific career aspirations within the broader field of athletic administration.
Curriculum: The 36-credit-hour curriculum for the M.S. in Athletic Administration is designed to provide a well-rounded education in sports management. Both concentrations share core courses that typically include "Research" (e.g., KIN 6110 or 6504), "Societal & Ethical Trends in Athletics" (KIN 6200), "NCAA Rules & Regulations" (KIN 6300), and "Athletic Administration" (KIN 6500). Specific courses for the Interscholastic Concentration might include "Basics of Effective Leadership," "Basics of School Finance," and "Issues and Concepts of Personnel Management," often with a focus on K-12 relevant legal structures. The Intercollegiate Concentration includes courses such as "Basic Understanding in Higher Education Administration (History & Issues)," "Law & Higher Education," and "Finance in Higher Education," reflecting the unique administrative landscape of collegiate athletics. All students complete a "Graduate Practicum" (KIN 6587) and a comprehensive examination.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Athletic Administration at Mississippi College incorporates a focus on applied research relevant to sports management. While the program does not require a traditional thesis, it includes a "Research" course (KIN 6110 or 6504) that equips students with the skills to understand and utilize research methodologies. The emphasis is on critically analyzing data and trends within the athletic industry to inform administrative decisions, manage programs effectively, and address ethical and societal issues in sports. The program aims to produce administrators who can make evidence-based decisions in their roles.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Athletic Administration program at Mississippi College demonstrates strong industry engagement through its direct alignment with the needs of athletic departments at both interscholastic and intercollegiate levels. The curriculum is crafted to provide an in-depth understanding of the practical aspects of athletic administration, including finance, human resources, legal structures, and leadership specific to sports. A key component of this engagement is the required four-hour practicum experience, which provides students with hands-on, real-world experience within an athletic setting. This practical application, combined with faculty members who often possess real-world experience, prepares graduates for immediate impact and leadership roles in schools, colleges, and university athletic departments.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Athletic Administration program at Mississippi College primarily focuses on the U.S. athletic landscape (e.g., NCAA rules, U.S. education finance), it implicitly fosters a global perspective through the universal principles of sports management. The rise of international athletes in U.S. collegiate sports, the globalization of professional sports leagues, and the increasing interconnectedness of sports organizations worldwide mean that athletic administrators benefit from a broad understanding of diverse cultural contexts and international best practices. Although specific courses on global sports administration may not be explicitly listed, the program's emphasis on leadership, ethics, and strategic management provides a transferable skillset applicable to athletic organizations on an international scale. Mississippi College's general commitment to a diverse student body also enriches discussions with varied international perspectives.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Administration from Mississippi College is designed to equip individuals with the administrative, leadership, and operational skills necessary to manage sports programs effectively across various levels.
Athletic Director (High School or Collegiate): This is a primary goal for many graduates, involving the overall management of an athletic department, including budgeting, hiring, scheduling, compliance, and fostering a positive environment for student-athletes.
Associate/Assistant Athletic Director: Support the Athletic Director in specific areas such as compliance, academic support for student-athletes, facility management, event operations, or marketing and promotions.
Sports Information Director (SID): Manage all media relations, public relations, and communications for an athletic department or specific sports teams, including press releases, statistics, website content, and social media.
Compliance Coordinator/Director: Ensure that athletic programs and student-athletes adhere to the rules and regulations of governing bodies like the NCAA (for intercollegiate) or state high school athletic associations (for interscholastic).
Event and Facilities Manager: Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of athletic events and the daily operations and maintenance of sports venues and facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes: Provide academic guidance and support to student-athletes, helping them balance their athletic commitments with their academic responsibilities and ensuring they meet eligibility requirements.
Marketing and Promotions Manager (Athletics): Develop and implement strategies to promote athletic programs, increase fan engagement, drive ticket sales, and secure sponsorships for athletic events and teams.
Fundraising/Development Officer (Athletics): Work to secure financial support for athletic departments, building relationships with donors, alumni, and corporations to fund scholarships, facilities, and program enhancements.
Coach (Head Coach or Assistant, with administrative duties): While primarily coaching, those with an M.S. in Athletic Administration often take on more significant administrative responsibilities, contributing to program development, budgeting, and team management beyond just on-field coaching.
Recreational Sports Director: Manage intramural and club sports programs, fitness centers, and recreational facilities for universities, community organizations, or even corporate wellness programs, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
