Central Washington University is also featured in our ranking Top 50 Master’s in Sports Management Degree Online Programs.
Master of Science in Athletic Administration at Central Washington University
Central Washington University (CWU) offers an online Master of Science in Athletic Administration degree to students looking for a career in the field of athletic administration and sports management. This 46-credit-hour program prepares practicing and aspiring athletic administrators for successful careers in the field of athletic administration by providing the application, understanding, and knowledge of successful management and leadership skills, processes, and strategies.
The College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) at CWU is recognized across the U.S. for its successful training of graduate students in counseling, psychology, and educational administration. CWU graduate students move on to achieve positions in education as counselors, school psychologists, and administrators. Housed within the CEPS, the Department of Physical Education, School Health, and Movement Studies (PESHMS) is responsible for providing a master’s degree in athletic administration. The department’s knowledgeable professors boast considerable experience in intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics as coaches, mentors, advisors, and athletic directors. Faculty members on the tenure track are also aware of the need for students to learn how to practically apply their understanding, knowledge, education, and skills in order to succeed in the athletics industry.
The MS in Athletic Administration is a cohort program in which students work together on coursework and projects over a two-year period. In addition to relying on the effective and timely support of their faculty and classmates, students will also build professional relationships that affect the efficacy and efficiency with which the class completes coursework and participates in discussions. Students also establish a professional network as they work through the program. According to higher education research, professional groups such as cohorts better engage students and provide highly effectual and interactive learning environments.
The Master of Science in Athletic Administration degree program begins in mid-June with a fully online summer session and ends in late July. During the second year, students are required to complete a second six-week summer session. CWU recommends that prospective students keep these summer sessions in mind before applying to ensure they are able to and willing to complete coursework and projects during these times. Students may complete the 46-credit-hour program within two years.
In order to earn the master’s degree in athletic administration, students are required to complete courses in specific areas such as the advanced administration of athletics, issues in health and physical education, statistical applications in health and physical application, and research design and methods in physical and health education. Other areas of study include mentoring of athletes and coaches, leadership and decision-making, marketing and public relations, risk management, and legal liability. Students will also be introduced to the areas of fundraising, finance, and budgeting as they relate to athletics as well as the management of events, schedules, and facilities.
In addition to the coursework, each student will complete a cooperating experience with an athletic administration professional. This co-op may take place at a number of athletic-related programs such as professional sports organizations, public or private recreational departments or facilities, national or state professional associations or athletic-governing associations, or intercollegiate and high school athletic administration. Each co-op experience will include a significant professional project that addresses a current problem or need within the specific organization.
About Central Washington University
Founded in 1892 and situated on a 380-campus in Ellensburg, Washington, Central Washington University (CWU) is a public university that operates three chief divisions, including Academic and Student Life (ASL), Business and Financial Affairs, and the Office of the President. Within ASL are four colleges: the College of the Sciences, the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Business, and the College of Arts and Humanities. Located 110 miles east of Seattle in the Kittitas Valley, CWU is the fastest-growing university in the state and is considered an emerging Hispanic-serving institution with 15 percent of students identifying as Hispanic.
Central Washington University Accreditation Details
Central Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Institutional accreditation is important as it qualifies the school and its enrolled students for access to federal funds to support student financial aid, research, and teaching. Accreditation indicates that the school has undergone a rigorous review process and has demonstrated an ability to adhere to its mission statement and goals as they relate to the school’s faculty, students, learning outcomes, and degree programs. Students who wish to ensure they are receiving a high-quality education should consider one that has been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency.
Central Washington University Application Requirements
To be considered for enrollment into the master’s degree in athletic administration, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School and the requirements of the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). Admission to Central Washington University requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution as well as a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all coursework attempted in the last 60 semester hours of work. Applying to the Graduate School involves completing an application and paying a nonrefundable $75 application fee. Applicants must also write a 500-word statement of objectives that describes their career goals, provide three letters of recommendation, and send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
Tuition and Financial Aid
All students pursuing the master’s degree in athletic administration, regardless of where they live, are charged the in-state tuition rate of $3,071.23 for full-time enrollment if they take 10 to 18 credits per semester. Students are also responsible for paying student-initiated and approved fees as well as additional mandatory fees in the total amount of $283.11 for a total semester tuition cost of $3,354.33. Central Washington University (CWU) requires that all students seeking financial aid must enroll in a minimum of five credits at the 501 level in order to receive graduate loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Although graduate students are not able to request governmental grants, available types of graduate-level financial aid include assistantships, institutional scholarships, federal loans, and private loans. In addition, Central Washington University offers information and guidance to veterans, active-duty members, their spouses, and dependents such as education benefits, tuition discounts, tuition waivers, and grants.