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Online Master of Education in Athletics/Activities Administration

Prepare to Lead an Athletics/Activities Program

Leading a high-profile school athletics or activities program requires skills in facilities management, recruiting and retaining high quality staff, budgeting, promoting programs, staff, students online and in the community, relevant laws and policies, public relations, and more.

The William Woods program is one of a handful of graduate degrees in the nation that trains you in these skills at all levels. Coursework helps prepare you to formulate effective practice, philosophy, and planning to lead a comprehensive athletics and activities program.

Program Advantages

At William Woods, you will be participating in a graduate program known for its excellence and for providing a significant number of leaders in Missouri and nationwide. As one of these students, you will have the opportunity to learn from active practitioners in the field and make the connections you need for leadership and career growth.

150 years of academic excellence

100% Online

5-Week Terms Designed for Working Professionals

GMAT/GRE

Not Required for Program Acceptance

Tuition Promise

No Increase While Continuously Enrolled

Admission Requirements

Completed application + official transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited university or college

Capstone Requirements

  • 90 hours of practical field experiences, replicating the work of an Athletics/Activities Administrator. Students will write reflection papers detailing the field experience hours they completed.
  • Comprehensive Coaches Handbook for Athletics/Activities Administrator
  • Job Shadow a practicing Athletic/Activities Administrator
  • Completion of a Philosophy Paper
  • Optional Certification, with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

NIAAA Certification

This program can lead to the initial certification through the National Interscholastic Athletics Administration Association; it is one of a few to be recognized by the NIAAA as meeting the educational requirements toward the Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) and Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) certification.

NIAAA certification isn't required for most jobs in Athletics/Activities administration, but it is helpful for many positions, and sets the candidate apart.

Online Master of Education in Athletics/Activities Administration Coursess

This 30 credit-hour graduate degree is comprised of 11 three-credit-hour courses; one of which is the Capstone Course.

EDU 521 Introduction to Interscholastic/ Intercollegiate Athletics/Activities Administration
Philosophical and organizational approaches to various athletic and activities programs, ranging from middle school level to intercollegiate programs.

EDU 544 Digital Tools in the Athletics/Activities Environment
Apply practical application of digital tools and mobile apps within the athletics/activities environment. Students will investigate available digital tools and mobile apps to support program administration and provide efficiency within various programs, consider available productivity tools to support program administration, gain experience using software applications to enhance functionality and skill development within athletics/activities programs, independently investigate how mobile apps can be leveraged to provide support for such programs, and develop the skills to utilize video to enhance/support the athletics/activities environment.

EDU 523
Supervision of the Athletics/Activities Program Managing and maintaining facilities; evaluating coaches and support staff, and supervising and managing athletic contests, including techniques of spectator management.

EDU 503 Sports Law
Laws, rules, and regulations for sports, sporting competitions, and related activities from middle school to intercollegiate athletics/activities programs.

EDU 527 Athletics/Activities Program Promotion
How to develop positive relations with the public, speaking in public, communicating with various public media, and raising money using fund development methods.

EDU 524 Current Issues/Common Challenges in Athletics/Activities Administration
A broad understanding and better perception of current issues and common challenges in the local and state educational community, as well as evolving national and global issues.

EDU 526 Athletics/Activities Administration
Developing Character and Citizenship How to develop the traits of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, sportsmanship, collaboration, and fairness in students participating in athletic programs.

EDU 528 Financing the Athletics/Activities Program
Department/school finance, program budgeting, profit/loss formulas, bookkeeping, bidding processes for equipment and services procurement, plus the basics of contractual agreements and compensation for officials.

EDU 508 Practical Aspects of Athletics/Activities Administration
Meeting eligibility standards, maintaining amateurism status, institutional contracts, planning for athletics contests, and the development of student-athlete and coaching manuals. A major, final project will be the development of a comprehensive tournament plan or major activity event/conference plan.

EDU 509 Athletic Administration Field Experience – Capstone Course
The capstone course for the program requires students to complete 90 practical, field experience hours replicating the work of an Athletics/Activities Administrator. The Field Experience hours may begin during their first course and continue throughout the entire program (with the support of their selected Onsite Supervisor). Students should have 75 hours completed before enrolling in this course. Students will also complete their comprehensive Coaches Handbook for Athletics/Activities Administrators, reflection papers about their field experiences, job shadow a practicing Athletic/Activities Administrator, and submit their final Philosophy Paper.

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