Coker UniversityAcademic Programs & DegreesMaster of Science in College Athletic Administration
Master of Science

in College Athletic Administration

Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN ATHLETICS

Coker understands graduate students have busy schedules packed with work and family responsibilities, which is why we designed our entirely-online Master of Science in College Athletic Administration program with a flexible, convenient format.

If you’re interested in advancing your career or receiving focused training in specialized areas, Coker’s program will help you combine your passion for sports with the in-depth knowledge needed to further develop the skills necessary to qualify for high-level, athletic-focused positions.  

Coker’s College Athletic Administration graduates will learn the industry essentials, including how to develop and deliver an effective public relations campaign in college and university athletic programs while utilizing mass and social media, NCAA compliance principles and current key issues, how to develop and implement a successful fundraising program, create sound budgets, and handle a wide range of financial issues.

Coker’s coursework focuses on the industry’s three main components:

  • Finances: Business management/finances/fundraising
  • Legal: Legal and ethical issues/compliance
  • Communication: Sport communication/marketing/recruiting

90% Graduation Rate

for students of Coker University’s Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

Coker’s M.S. in College Athletic Administration is ranked #12 in the country by OnlineMasters.com’s ‘Best Online Sports Management Programs’ category.

The program is also ranked #30 by TopManagementDegrees.com, based on “accreditations, affordability, and prestige.”

KEY CLASSES FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Marketing of Intercollegiate Athletics

This course examines the principles of marketing as they apply to intercollegiate athletics. Concepts unique to the sports product including consumer behavior, media and public relations will be emphasized. Promotional activities, market segmentation and legal aspects exclusive to intercollegiate athletics will be analyzed as the student develops successful marketing strategies.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the legal and ethical issues associated with the operation of an intercollegiate athletic department. Through the analysis of case studies and current issues, students will focus on the practical application of laws and regulations and the implications that ethics have on decision making and management in intercollegiate athletic administration.

Fundraising in College Athletics

This course is designed to combine fundraising theory with the skills and knowledge needed to implement and develop a successful college athletic fundraising program. In addition to providing insight into how to assess the fundraising environment and evaluate an organization’s capabilities, this course will cover topics on board development and using research to design critical campaigns and identify multiple sources of funding.

MS in College Athletic Administration - Program Preview

Learn More!

Interested in learning more about the Masters of Science in College Athletic Administation program? Download our program preview, or contact an admissions representative today at masters@coker.edu.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

By requesting information, I authorize Coker University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll.

WHY COKER UNIVERSITY?

  • flexible, online format
  • learn from experienced athletic administrators; all faculty have real-world experience in the field
  • collaborate with students already working in college athletics
  • affordable tuition
  • one-on-one assistance from faculty in developing a personal brand, portfolio, and career plan

  1. Cost & Aid

    Estimated Total Tuition Cost (15 months)

    Total Credit Hours 30 Hours
    Tuition Per Credit Hour $638
    TOTAL $19,140*

    Additional Expenses (per year)

    Coker Advantage (Tech) Fee $176 ($22 per term)

    *Estimated total costs are based upon current year figures and do not include the cost of course materials or possible increases for courses offered in a new fiscal year.

  1. Admissions

    To gain admission to the Master of Science in College Athletic Administration program, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with an overall undergraduate grade point average of  3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a lower undergraduate grade point average may be reviewed for admission by the program faculty. 

    Additionally, students will be required to submit a portfolio of materials including the following:

    • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and/or graduate institutions attended.
    • A one-page personal statement explaining the student’s educational and career goals.
    • Resume
    • Two professional letters of recommendation. Electronic signatures accepted.

    Admission documents may be submitted electronically and should be sent to masters@coker.edu. If you have questions, please feel free to call 843.857.4139. 

  1. Course Sequence

    The Master of Science in College Athletic Administration program has two entry points per year, each August and February. Graduate students will take one course at a time in a cohort model.

    For more information, please email masters@coker.edu.

    Below is a sample course sequence of one cohort. (Actual course sequence may vary.)

    START DATE END DATE CLASS ID CLASS NAME
        MCAA 530 Fundraising in Intercollegiate Sports
        MCAA 540 Intercollegiate Athletic Facilities
        MCAA 535 Legal and Ethical Issues
        MCAA 520 College Coaching and Athletic Recruiting
        MCAA 570 Business Management of Intercollegiate Athletics
        MCAA 510 Current Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics
        MCAA 515 Sports Information and Communication in Intercollegiate Athletics
        MCAA 572 Marketing Intercollegiate Athletics
        MCAA 573 Financial Management of Intercollegiate Athletics
        MCAA 599 Directed Research/Practicum in Sport Management

  1. SEE WHAT SOME OF OUR PROUD ALUMNI ARE UP TO:

    • Athletics Director at Converse College
    • Associate Director for Development for Athletics at West Chester Foundation
    • Compliance Coordinator at Utah State University
    • Director of Athletics at USC Sumter
    • Assistant AD – Compliance at Lees-McRae College
    • Associate AD for Compliance and Administration at Jacksonville University
    • Head Women’s Tennis Coach at Texas A&M Kingsville
    • Academic Coordinator for Student-Athlete Support at Campbell University
    • Assistant AD for Compliance and Academics at Rogers State University
    • Compliance Coordinator at Washington State University
    • Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and SWA at Conference Carolinas
    • Assistant Sports Information Director/New Media Manager at Lees-McRae College
    • Head Women Lacrosse Coach at Hollins University
    • Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations at Radford University
    • Athletic Trainer at St. Andrews University 

Are you a Coker alum?

Alumni of Coker University get $5000 off of their degree when they return to Coker, starting in 2021, to complete a Master’s degree. 

Apply to Coker!

All alumni qualify automatically, and no additional application is required.

 

Hear from our Alumni

“I worked full-time in the athletic department at Coker while earning my master’s degree. The online format allowed me to work at my own pace and did not cut into my work day. I was able to carve out time in the mornings, at lunch, or in the evening to complete the class work without it interfering with my day-to-day work in the office…While I haven’t achieved my long term career goal of becoming a collegiate athletic director yet, my degree from Coker has put me on the right path. I have been fortunate enough to work at various athletic programs around the country spanning from Boston, to Texas, and now at Washington. The small setting has made me a well rounded professional who is able to apply skills into any organization and adapt to any culture. “

Eric J. Garlow (M.S.C.A.A. ‘13)
Eric Garlow Portrait

Meet Your Mentors

Lynn Griffin

Lynn Griffin

Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Facilities

View Lynn’s Profile
John Jewell

John Jewell

Professor of Physical Education and Sport Studies

View John’s Profile

Rachel Pinton

Instructor – Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

Rachel currently serves as the Director of Sports Information, Marketing and Planning at a four-year state institution located in Northern New Jersey….

View Rachel’s Profile

Gid E. Rowell

Instructor – Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

Dr. Rowell serves as an instructor in the Masters of Science in College Athletic Administration program with over 20 years of higher education experience in…

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Lonni Wilson

Instructor – Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

Dr. Wilson is currently an associate professor and program coordinator for Sport Management at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina. He holds a Ph.D. in Sport…

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Duane Aagaard

Instructor – Master of Science in College Athletic Administration

Dr. Aagaard has extensive experience in the sport industry including working with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, more than a decade as an Athletic Director,…

View Duane’s Profile