Online M.S.A. in Sport Administration
Apply your passion for sports to a rewarding and competitive career.
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Request InfoSport Administration, M.S.A. Overview
Build a rewarding career in a field you’re passionate about with the online Master of Science in Administration: Sport Administration from the University of West Florida. This program delivers the expert-level skills needed for utilizing sport analytics to generate optimal results for your organization. As you complete your master’s degree, you’ll explore the analytical side of sport finance, ticket pricing and sport gambling while learning to communicate analytical data professionally and make effective managerial decisions.
UWF is committed to providing every student with a high-quality education. Courses for the online M.S.A. in Sport Administration program are taught by faculty who are driven to help you find internship placements through their connections in the sport industry. The department chair, Professor Gil Fried, created some of the top graduate programs for the University of San Francisco, Columbia and the University of New Haven before launching this online sport administration master’s program. Professor Fried also authored the sport analytics textbook used for the program.
Additionally, the curriculum offers courses from the College of Business, the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering (HMCSE) and the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) to ensure you gain a well-rounded perspective you can apply to the industry.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Experienced athletes and coaches who want to pursue leadership and administration roles in the sport industry
- Individuals seeking a sport administration degree that offers specialized skills in sport analytics
- Those who are passionate about sports and are seeking a career in coaching, marketing, ticketing, venue management or player relations
Complete the Degree So You Can:
- Analyze effective leadership and management strategies to run sport organizations
- Demonstrate how data impacts most sport business decisions
- Apply theory and skills learned in the program to a real-life setting
- Analyze how technology is changing the nature of the sport industry
- Apply effective communication skills that are appropriate for sport management practice
- Apply ethical judgment and analysis to managerial decisions made in the sport industry
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online M.S.A. in Sport Administration program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. The curriculum includes six credit hours of business core, an additional six hours of business courses, a common sport administration core, an internship or independent study and two data-related courses.
- GEB 5872 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students are introduced to the accounting process of analyzing, measuring, and reporting business activity. Explores the precise language, assumptions, concepts, principles, and logic patterns inherent in the analysis and measurement of business activity. Describes the form and content of major financial statements. Briefly introduces the recording and reporting process used by accounting systems and examines basic financial reporting issues.
- GEB 5875 - MBA Foundations: Management Skills and Applications
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Management Skills and Applications
Covers the historical evolution of management, organizational design, motivation, team building, leadership, change management, culture, strategic planning, and critical implementation/control elements critical to successful management and strategy. Social responsibility, ethics, globalization, and futures are also stressed.
- MAN 6156 - Management and Organizational Behavior
3.0 Credit Hours
Management and Organizational Behavior
Appreciation and understanding of the field of organizational behavior and its application in managing human and other resources. Emphasizes understanding individual behavior (motivation, self-awareness, leadership, etc.) and group dynamics (decision-making, group development and work) plus conflict, climate, learning styles, power, stress, process/content, human rights and quality. Utilizes experiential learning methodologies and other appropriate designs. May not be taken for credit by students having credit for INP 6397. Permission is required.
- GEB 5872 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management I
- GEB 5873 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management II
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Financial Management II
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students who have an understanding of financial accounting are introduced to the business relationships that exist between the generation and use of financial information. Includes the role of accounting in measuring financial performance, an overview of financial management, keys to understanding financial information via financial ratio analysis, effective use of financial analysis, and a brief introduction to the time value of money.
- GEB 5870 - MBA Foundations: E-Business Systems
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: E-Business Systems
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students will gain an understanding of the principles of e-Business systems planning, development, and implementation. The overall objective is to provide a common foundation composed of the fundamental concepts required for the use and application of systems and technologies found in the e-Business environment. Permission is required.
- GEB 5876 - MBA Foundations: Marketing Management
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Marketing Management
A course in the Accelerated MBA Foundations Series in which students are introduced to foundational concepts of marketing management processes. Provides students with intensive exposure to the basic philosophy, concepts, and knowledge common to effective marketing management.
- GEB 5879 - MBA Foundations: Business Analytics
1.5 Credit Hours
MBA Foundations: Business Analytics
Business requires the application of a variety of analytical tools. Integrates several key analytical tools into a specific business decision framework that focuses on the interrelationship of these tools as they are used in business decisions. After an on-line review/introduction of basic algebraic and financial equations, combines the concepts of time value of money, descriptive statistics, production functions, correlation, simple regression and specifically applied calculus into a decision-making framework. This framework will serve as a foundation for analysis in subsequent courses and create a model for considering risk adjusted financial consequences of future business decisions. Permission is required.
- GEB 5873 - MBA Foundations: Financial Management II
- SPM 6163 - Applied Sport Management: Management
3 Credit Hours
Applied Sport Management: Management
Sport management is a diverse field that often mirrors traditional business fields, but has the added element of significant media scrutiny. This advanced application course examines applied sport management, financial management, and venue management. Students will utilize case studies and real-world speakers/examples to hone their skills in these three critical areas. Management and leadership theory will form the basis for the applied project.
- SPM 6308 - Applied Sport Management: Marketing
3 Credit Hours
Applied Sport Management: Marketing
Sport management is a diverse field that mirrors traditional business fields. However, there are some unique elements that make sport management significantly different than selling cars, manufacturing widgets, and other traditional business areas. This second of two advanced application courses focuses on the revenue generating and preservation side of sport management. Special focus will be made examining applied sport marketing, revenue generation, social media, and legal issues. Students will utilize case studies and real-world speakers/examples to hone their skills in these three critical areas.
- SPM 5708 - Sport Analytics
3 Credit Hours
Sport Analytics
Expanding on basic accounting and finance this course focuses on managerial accounting, financial planning, and statistical analysis. Using various tools such as sport analytics, key performance indicators (KPI), balanced scorecard, and other techniques, this course focuses on identifying how to find the right data, why it is critical, how to see the forest from the trees, and how to act based on appropriate data. The focus will start with identifying problems within sport organizations, then the problem needs to be framed, and any previous findings will be examined to find possible solutions. Using modeling can help identify the right data to help solve the problem, data is then collected, the data is then analyzed, results are presented to key stakeholders, and lastly action needs to be taken. That is what this class will be exploring-identifying and solving problems using data. Offered concurrently with SPM 4703. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
Choose one:
- SPM 6947 - Internship
3 Credit Hours
Internship
The MSA Sport Administration requires students to intern at a sport organization, as an opportunity to gain practical experiences in a field of endeavor related to sport administration. In some instances, the internship could provide the intern with an opportunity for future employment. Although students are free to find their own internships, the Department will work with students in accomplishing this task.
- SPM 6946 - Capstone
3 Credit Hours
Capstone
Students will undertake a major research project to demonstrate their grasp of knowledge in sport administration. The research projects provide an opportunity for students to explore a sport/athletic/fitness problem or policy issues of professional interest and to address that problem or issue through focused study. The project will demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their academic program to real-world issues and problems. This final project affirms students' ability to think critically and creatively, to solve practical problems, to make reasoned and ethical decisions, and to communicate effectively. Permission is required.
- SPM 6163 - Applied Sport Management: Management
In addition to the 30 credit hours outlined above, students are required to take two courses from the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering (HMCSE) associated with both data awareness and data fluency. With the successful completion of these two courses, students in the M.S.A. in Sport Administration will earn a certificate in sport analytics by completing four courses associated with analytics.
- STA 4012 - Data Awareness
3 Credit Hours
Data Awareness
Data Awareness is a course that covers the essentials of data fluency and awareness from the perspective of the consumer of statistics. This 16-week asynchronous online course builds the fundamentals of statistics necessary for data description and analysis to enable data-driven decision-making in the context of the student’s discipline. Offered concurrently with STA 4012. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- STA 4091 - Data Fluency
3 Credit Hours
Data Fluency
Data fluency is a course that guides students through an exploration of data including data integration, ethical considerations, identification of a problem of interest, interpretation of results, and written and oral presentations of findings. This 16-week asynchronous online course guides students through the applications of the fundamentals of statistics necessary for data description and analysis to enable data-driven decision-making in the context of the student’s discipline.
- STA 4012 - Data Awareness
Choose two of the following, or a course from the College of Business or another area on campus approved by an advisor.
- SPM 5166 - Esports Management
3 Credit Hours
Esports Management
In this course, the history, development, operations and management of esports players, teams, leagues, events and competitions are examined. Numerous issues, considerations and areas of business activities such as esports marketing, finance, and legal concerns also receive in-depth focus. Offered concurrently with SPM 4162. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- SPM 5056 - Sport Betting
3 Credit Hours
Sport Betting
Sport betting is one of the fastest growing segments of the sport industry. Over the past several years, the industry has exploded from legalized sport wagering in two states to now an explosion of options across the United States and the world. With the billions of dollars pouring into sport wagering, there are numerous ethical and business challenges from match fixing and gambling addiction, to whether anyone is making money, the marketing strategies undertaken, integrity in sports, and dedicated sportsbooks as an example. Offered concurrently with SPM 4054. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- SPM 5205 - Environmental Sustainability in Sport
3 Credit Hours
Environmental Sustainability in Sport
As sport organizations continue to incorporate environmental sustainability into decision-making and operations, sport management professionals will need to be prepared to navigate the key environmental issues faced by sport organizations while mitigating the negative environmental impacts left behind. This course provides students with a holistic examination of the bi-directional relationship between sport and the natural environment. Sport works with and within the natural environment. The physical environmental footprint produced by sport-related activities necessitates consideration. Sport's social and cultural importance makes it a good illustration of environmental responsibilities. Students will be introduced to ways in which sport personnel are bringing environmental solutions into their events, organizations, and facilities. Offered concurrently with SPM 4203. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
The option you did NOT select in the Sport Core may be chosen as one of your electives here:
- SPM 6947 - Internship
3 Credit Hours
Internship
The MSA Sport Administration requires students to intern at a sport organization, as an opportunity to gain practical experiences in a field of endeavor related to sport administration. In some instances, the internship could provide the intern with an opportunity for future employment. Although students are free to find their own internships, the Department will work with students in accomplishing this task.
- SPM 6946 - Capstone
3 Credit Hours
Capstone
Students will undertake a major research project to demonstrate their grasp of knowledge in sport administration. The research projects provide an opportunity for students to explore a sport/athletic/fitness problem or policy issues of professional interest and to address that problem or issue through focused study. The project will demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their academic program to real-world issues and problems. This final project affirms students' ability to think critically and creatively, to solve practical problems, to make reasoned and ethical decisions, and to communicate effectively. Permission is required.
- SPM 5166 - Esports Management
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online master’s in sport administration program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:
- Undergraduate transcripts and institutional GPA
- Graduate GPA, if applicable
- Submission of letter of intent describing the candidate’s work experience and reasons for pursuing the degree program, including how the degree relates to career goals.
- Overall fit with the program
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit a letter of intent
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $13,845.60 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to ) | $384.60 per credit hour | $0.00 |
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $13,845.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $37,592.64 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $17,237.88 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90 percent of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program may take up to 24 months to complete, depending on course availability and applicable transfer credits. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Currently enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the University. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
When you complete UWF’s online M.S.A. in Sport Administration degree, you’ll graduate prepared to make effective managerial decisions in the industry through roles such as:
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sports Statistical Analysts
Sports statistical analysts collect statistical data, evaluate the performance of athletes, study overall team performances and predict final scores of sporting events. The median annual salary for professionals in this role was $96,280 in 2021, and the field is expected to grow 31 percent through 2031.
Financial Analysts
Financial analysts in the sport industry collect and study performance data to provide advice on spending and investing decisions. The median annual salary for professionals in this role was $95,570 in 2021, and the field is expected to grow 9 percent through 2031.
Marketing and Advertising Managers
Marketing and advertising managers in the sport industry oversee campaigns that attract the attention of sports fans and spectators, along with building popularity for ticketed events and the sale of sports merchandise and memorabilia. The median annual salary for professionals in this role was $133,380 in 2021, and the field is expected to grow 10 percent through 2031.