Program Overview

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Master's Degree in Sport Administration

The Master's Degree in Sport Administration is designed to prepare graduates for a career working in sport at any level. Our comprehensive curriculum allows students to pursue both an applied and theoretical approach to sport.

Quick Facts

• Delivery: On-campus
• Credits: 33
• Recognition: Top tier program by Sport Business

Program Overview

The sport administration master's program is designed to prepare graduates for a career working in sport at any level. Students can pursue a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Sport Administration, depending on their career goals.

Master of Arts or Master of Science

• MA students need to complete a 33-credit curriculum highlighted by an onsite internship or a research project supervised by a faculty mentor.
• MS students need to complete a 33-credit curriculum highlighted by the completion of a research (thesis).

Why Study Sport Administration?

Flexible Curriculum

The Sport Administration Curriculum is designed to prepare students to work at any level of sport. All students will complete four core courses in sport marketing, sport law, sport finance, and sport management. Students will then choose between a variety of electives based on their career goals.

World Class Opportunities

On-Campus

Ball State sport administration students have access to several world-class learning opportunities, including our NCAA DI FBS athletic department.

Local Area

Outside of our campus, East-Central Indiana offers many additional opportunities, including smaller colleges and youth and community resources.

In-State

Indianapolis provides sport opportunities rarely found in the sport industry, including 11 professional sport teams and the NCAA headquarters.

Professional Development

Graduate Assistantships

Some students obtain graduate assistantships through the School of Kinesiology, Ball State Athletics, or in offices across campus. Graduate assistantships allow students to have their master's degree funded while gaining real-world experience.

Volunteer Opportunities

The master's program has partnered with our athletic department, local high schools, and various other organizations to offer sport volunteer opportunities.

Sport Administration Graduate Fund

Students can take advantage of our Sport Administration Graduate Fund, which is designed for graduate students to attend professional conferences and seminars.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate sport administration knowledge and skills while performing at a high level within their experiential learning environments.
• Students will understand the historical and practical significance of ethical research protocols within human subject research.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the four core areas within the sport administration program.
• Students will participate in professional development opportunities within the sport administration field.
• Students will be prepared for a career in the sport industry upon completion of their sport administration master's degree.

Faculty

• Mike Dalgety, Ed.D. - Associate Teaching Professor of Sport Administration and Coordinator of Sport Administration Graduate Program
• Benjamin Downs, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Sport Administration
• Zachary Evans, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Sport Administration
• James Johnson, Ed.D. - Professor of Sport Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

How are admission decisions made?

Admission decisions are based on quality of application materials and available openings in the program.

What is the minimum undergraduate GPA accepted for admission?

The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission is 2.75.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

Program

How many students are in the program?

There are typically 25-35 students in the program.

Are any of the courses online?

Yes, some elective sport administration courses are available online.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The 33-hour program is designed to be completed in a two-year period.

Graduate Assistantships

What GA positions are available?

Students in the sport administration program regularly receive GA positions in a variety of different areas on campus.

What are the benefits of being a graduate assistant?

GAs are expected to work 20 hours per week for their respective department in exchange for tuition reimbursement, stipend, and other perks.

Professional Development

Does the program help identify professional development opportunities?

Yes, students are provided access to a variety of professional development seminars, conferences, and workshops.

What are the job prospects for someone graduating from this program?

Most graduates immediately find jobs in the sport industry, and many find full-time employment from their internship organizations.

Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)

Our Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Sport Administration allows you to begin your graduate studies at Ball State while still an undergraduate student, saving time and money as you pursue an advanced education in your field of interest.