Master of Science in Sports Administration


Program Description
The Master of Science in Sports Administration (MS-SA) is a 36-credit program for men and women interested in developing competence and pursuing careers in the management of sports personnel and facilities. The program capitalizes, builds upon, and interfaces with the University's NCAA Division I status. Graduates of this program may assume supervisory and administrative positions in a variety of settings, including public recreation systems, voluntary agencies, facility and event management, community based athletic programs, and professional sports organizations.

Program Requirements
The interdisciplinary curriculum draws from courses offered through the Physical Education Department, the MBA program in the College of Business Administration, and other programs in the Graduate Division such as Psychology and Communication.

Six competency areas are emphasized in the curriculum.

  1. Leadership, management, and organization of sports
  2. Research Methods
  3. Legal Aspects of Sports
  4. Marketing of Programs and Facilities
  5. Ethics in Management
  6. Sports in a Social Context

In addition, students are encouraged to take coursework in sports accounting and finance to ensure familiarity with financial management issues in sports administration.

The program requires 15-21 months to complete and assumes that students will take 6-9 credits each semester.

Curriculum

Core Requirements
27 credits
Organizational Leadership & Team Development
3 cr
Management & Development Facilities
3 cr
Sports Marketing & Promotion
3 cr
Sports & the Law
3 cr
Research/ Internship
3 cr
Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education
3 cr
"Valpo" requirements
Seminar in Social Science or Religion, Culture, & Value
3 cr
Business/Professional/Sports Ethics
3 cr
Women & Sports
3 cr
Core Options
3 credits
select one from the following:
Sports & Society
3 cr
Psychology of Sports
3 cr
Electives
6 credits
select 6 credits from the following:
Sports Accounting & Finance
3 cr
Integrated Communication for Marketing
3 cr
Graduate Electives (LS or PE)
6 cr
Business Law
2 cr
Marketing Management
2 cr
Organizational Behavior
2 cr

 

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

  1. Undergraduate degree from an accredited University;
  2. TOEFL of 575 or 230 computer version or higher for non-native English speakers;
  3. An overall grade point average of at least a 3.00;
  4. Some background in PE, a PE-related area, or Business.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
  2. Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
  3. Two letters of reference;
  4. A reflective essay detailing your reasons for pursuing graduate study;
  5. Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens, $50 for International Students.

The MS in Sports Administration program features a continuous admission process, so application materials may be submitted at any time. Once received, the admission decision normally takes 2-3 weeks.

Financial Considerations
Students are strongly encouraged to begin their study during either the summer or fall semesters. Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $80 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program.

For more information about the Master of Science in Sports Administration program
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.