Graduate Programs Curriculum
The Sports Administration & Facility Management Program offers two degree-seeking programs through the Center for Sports Administration. The program options are:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Sports Administration (MBA/MSA) Dual-Degree Program
- Master of Sports Administration (MSA) Degree Program
Program 1: MBA/MSA Dual-Degree Program
The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. The MBA program was recognized in BusinessWeek’s 2009 List for Best Business Programs. In total, the MBA/MSA program is a 24 month, 115 quarter hour program.
Year One – The MBA Program
During the first year, students are enrolled in Ohio University’s MBA program. The MBA program begins in June each year, and involves a lock-stepped, four-quarter academic program, consisting of 72 credit hours. The accelerated pace of the MBA program consists of courses on accounting, finance, strategy, management, marketing, and other areas to give each student a comprehensive understanding of business concepts. Also required of each student is the accumulation of 300+ hours in “real-world” consulting through the partnership between the College of Business and the George Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs.
Internship
During the fifth (summer) quarter, the dual-degree students complete sports industry internships, which satisfy 9 credit requirements of both the MBA and MSA program. Internship opportunities have been provided by more than 400 different organizations throughout the world, including professional teams, corporate services, sports facilities, arenas, and collegiate programs. For more information regarding internships, please see the internship link.
Year Two – The MSA Program
During the second year, students enter the sports administration portion of the program. The MSA program requires the completion of 55-credit hours, of which 12 will have been earned while working on the MBA. Students take thee required courses during their second year- Research in Sports Administration, Sports Governance/Law, and a spring-quarter Capstone course. The remainder of credits comes from elective courses such as Sports & Consumers, Sponsorship in Sports, Facility Management, Revenue Generation in Sports, Athletic Fundraising, and Intercollegiate Athletics Governance, among others. Many students chose to take graduate-level courses outside of Sports Administration to enhance their skill sets, including Desktop Publishing, Coaching Education, and Higher Education Administration.
The freedom to choose classes allows students to focus on building further foundations and knowledge needed in their desired career. Students may choose to concentrate on sports management, journalism, marketing, facility and event management, or other specialties.
Learning also take places outside the classroom as students work on class projects, such as the program’s annual alumni symposium and Bobcat Blitz, the event held each year featuring a 5K run and Cornhole Tournament that revolves around the Ohio University Football Spring Game. Many also choose to pursue work opportunities during the second year. In recent years, students have interned at the Baseball Winter Meetings, the Super Bowl, the Orange Bowl, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the US Tennis Clay Court Championships, and the NCAA Soccer Championships.
Program 2: MSA Program
Prospective students with a previous graduate degree (e.g. law, business, or other approved graduate degree) or significant industry-related experience may be considered for the one-year MSA program. The MSA program requires the completion of 55 credit hours over three academic quarters. Individual programs can be tailored to each student’s needs, experience, and career goals. Courses are chosen from the same Sports Administration offerings as the dual-degree seeking students, in addition to outside electives.
For more information about the one-year MSA program, please contact the Center for Sports Administration at (740) 593-4666 or at sportsad@ohio.edu.
