Curriculum for M.A. in Sport and Fitness Administration
To obtain a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport and Fitness Administration, students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours and successfully complete the Master of Arts Comprehensive Examination with a passing evaluation. The program of study will be comprised of the following core areas and program area emphasis courses:
- Comprehensive Examination Content Courses (12 semester hours)
- Program Emphasis Courses (15 semester hours)
- Approved Electives (9 semester hours)
*Students opting for a thesis option (instead of taking the M.A. Comprehensive Exam) will follow a similar program of study, but may be required to take two additional research oriented courses to facilitate their study. Additional research technique courses for the thesis option are available on this webpage (click here for more information on courses required for the M.A. Thesis-Based Option).
Comprehensive Examination Content Courses (12 hours)
Course Description
Measurement and Data Analysis in Sports Research.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
This "hybrid" (on-line and in-class) course will acquaint graduate students with some of the diverse issues and concerns germane to contemporary sport and society. A comprehensive examination of the many topical sociocultural issues impacting sport and society will be discussed. Course content will address interactions between sport and designated societal variables such as gender, race and ethnicity, deviance, violence, and socioeconomic status. A concerted effort will be made to acquaint students with the genesis of contemporary sport, as well as social theories employed to explain it. The on-line component of the course is the primary instructional "avenue," whereas the periodic in-class meetings are designed to reinforce, supplement, and facilitate the overall learning experience.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
This “hybrid” (on-line and in-class) course has been designed to acquaint graduate students with the fundamental theoretical principles, practical strategies, and contemporary research findings pertaining to the administration of sport, exercise, and physical activity programs. Course content will focus on topical issues germane to individuals involved in positions of leadership within sport and/or physical activity settings. Topics to be addressed include organizational theory and behavior, management styles, marketing and promotional strategies, employment practices, legal and ethical issues, risk management, and fiscal concerns.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
A critical analysis concerning the development and implementation of risk management strategies for sports, health, and fitness programs.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Program Emphasis Courses (15 hours)
Course Description
Examines the goals, structure, membership, policies, practices, and politics of sport organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the Olympic Movement and the American professional and amateur sports.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Media and public relations of sport course addresses both macro- and micro-viewpoints that illuminate the distinct and complex context of sport in which communication is situated. Further, this course highlights the importance of the sport organization, media, and audience interdependent relationships. This course challenges students to think in-depth and with an interdisciplinary approach that integrates aspects from marketing, sociology, organizational behavior, law, management, communication, journalism, and technology.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Development of skills and strategies utilized in sport promotion.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Developmental Aspects of Sport (or Sport Development) is concerned with the creation and management of systems designed to optimize participation in sport, and the movement of athletes both vertically and horizontally through the sport system. The study of sport development draws on research from sport sociology, sport psychology, sport history, leisure studies, human development, and sport management. This course explores key topics in the development of sport, including comparative sport development, developing pathways of participation, the design, and evaluation of sport systems, and sport community building, social and individual change. (This course was previously taught as PEP 6397)
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Coming soon..
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
This “hybrid” (on-line and in-class) course has been designed to acquaint graduate students with the requisite roles and responsibilities incumbent upon administrators/managers of sport and physical activity related facilities. Course content will focus on topical issues germane to individuals involved in the administration of sport and/or physical activity facilities. Topics such as facility financing and planning, construction and design, risk management and security, and event marketing and management will be addressed via PowerPoint lecture notes, class projects, on-line postings, audiovisual clips, discussions, and venue site visits.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Economic and Financial Factors Impacting Sports Organization Management.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
This course is an examination of the role of intercollegiate athletics in higher education from historical, sociological, economic, and administrative perspectives. Through a variety of critical readings, this course intends to engage the following topics: Historical Overview of Intercollegiate Athletics and Its Governing Bodies, The Mission of Higher Education and Athletic Departments, Title IX legislation and Intercollegiate Athletics, The Organization Structure of Intercollegiate Athletic Departments, Academic Reform and Intercollegiate Athletics, Other Pertinent Topics Relevant to Intercollegiate Athletics.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
The purpose of this seminar is to provide the student with a broad exposure to research on diversity issues in sport studies literature. Student will undertake a broad review of different research theories and methodologies. Students will review the literature of diversity and sport organizations and critique this literature.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Course Description
Part or full-time experience in educational situations under faculty and field representative direction and supervision. Seminars.
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Approved Electives (9 hours)
Courses not taken above may also be used to satisfy elective requirements.
- FIN 6387 - Managerial Analysis
- HRMA 6355 - Event Administration
- MANA 6332 - Organizational Behavior
- MANA 7332 - Effective Negotiating
- MARK 6361 - Marketing Administration
- MANA 7336 – Human Resource Management
- MANA 7338 – Org Power Politics & Culture
- MANA 7339 – Leadership Development
- MANA 7356 – Diversity Management
- COMM 7397 – Social Media and Change
- COMM 6309 – Propaganda
- COMM 6371 – Public Relations Theory
- COMM 7397 – Current Issues in Advertising
Above Electives are examples of course that have been previously approved. Please see advisor for more information on elective selection.