Program Description

The Master of Science in Sports Administration (MSSA) is a 39-credit program for individuals interested in developing competence and pursuing careers in the management of sports personnel and facilities. 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, college athletic administration, and professional sports organizations. The program is jointly administered through the Department of Kinesiology and the Graduate School.

The program emphasizes competency in seven core areas:

• Leadership, management, and organization of recreation and sport
• Research methods
• Legal aspects of sports
• Marketing of programs and facilities
• Ethics in sports management
• Sports in a social context
• Financial aspects of sport

In addition, students in the program are encouraged to select coursework in the areas of Financial Accounting and Financial Management.

In this interdisciplinary program, students take graduate coursework through the Department of Kinesiology and other programs in the Graduate School, including Education, Psychology, Communication, and Liberal Studies. 

Sports Administration, Kyle Ekberg

Curriculum
Students in the program complete 6 credits of University requirements intended to distinguish the degree as uniquely Valpo. In addition, students fulfill a number of distribution requirements and complete 3 credits of electives.  An important component of the Sports Administration program is the practical experience gained from the internship.  Students may chose to complete two short or one long internship experience for a total of six credits.  Recent graduates of the program have interned with the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky of the WNBA, the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, the St. Louis Cardinals of MLB, and the Nashville Predators of the NHL.  Students are encouraged to use the connections of Valparaiso University as well as their own networks when researching internships.  

Early Entry Option for VU Undergraduates

Qualified VU juniors and seniors may apply to begin graduate course work in Sports Administration prior to graduation.  This unique program allows students to save time and money on their graduate programs.  For more information, students should speak with their academic advisors and contact an admissions counselor at the Graduate School.

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

• Undergraduate degree, preferably with the equivalent of 12 credits in PE, a PE-related areas (e.g., Recreation and Leisure) or Business, from an accredited University;
• (For International Applicants) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 (paper version), 230 (computer-based), or Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 80; minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6; CET score of 6, or an INTERLINK Language Center Level 5, or the equivalent for non-native English speakers;
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0;
• Two letters of reference;
• Essay detailing purpose for undertaking graduate study in Sports Administration;
• Other requirements as stipulated by the Graduate School.

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 2012-2013 academic year is $560 per credit hour, extremely competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Full-time graduate students pay a $378 generall fee for the fall and spring semesters. 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 information packet from The Graduate School through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.School@valpo.edu.

Click here to apply online!

For more information on our Sports Media Certificate, click here.