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College of Education
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Michigan State University

 

M.S. Concentration in
Sports Administration

The master's degree concentration in sports administration is designed for individuals who are preparing for careers in administration of intercollegiate and interscholastic sport and recreation programs.  Internships are available at local high schools, college/university settings, and other sports-related organizations and agencies.

Course Work

The requirements for the M.S. degree in kinesiology include a minimum of 30 credits in specified areas of study. A typical program plan for master's degree students in sports administration includes some of the following courses. The exact program of study is specified in an individual program plan approved by the student's advisor.

  1. Required course - 3 credits
bulletKIN 871 - Research Methods in Kinesiology (3 credits)
  1. Sports administration - minimum of 9 credits
bulletKIN 453 - Administration of Intramural Sports Programs (3 credits)
bulletKIN 454 - Facility Planning and Construction (3 credits)
bulletKIN 482 - Ethics in Athletics in Higher Education (2 credits)
bulletKIN 853 - Athletic Administration in Higher Education (3 credits)
bulletKIN 854 - Sport Law for Administrators and Coaches (3 credits)
bulletKIN 890 - Independent Study in Kinesiology (1-6 credits)
bulletKIN 894 - Field Experiences in Kinesiology (1-6 credits)
  1. Breadth requirement - minimum of 6 credits of KIN graduate-level courses outside of the student's concentration for students who did not complete an undergraduate degree in kinesiology

  1. Elective courses - additional credits in courses related to sports administration, including but not limited to the following:
bulletEAD 800 - Organization Theory in Education (3 credits)
bulletEAD 803 - Planning, Budget, and Evaluation (3 credits)
bulletEAD 804 - Administration of Human Resources in Education
(3 credits)
bulletEAD 805 - Administration in Higher Education (3 credits)
bulletMSC 805 - Marketing Management (3 credits)
bulletPRR 870 - Park & Recreation Marketing (3 credits)

Capstone Experiences

Master's degree students in the Department of Kinesiology choose one of four capstone experiences in consultation with their advisors and guidance committees. Each of the four options includes a certifying examination.

bullet Plan A Thesis. Students who choose this option complete a research study as part of KIN 899 - Master's Thesis Research (1-6 credits). In addition, they must complete a 400-900 level research methods course in addition to KIN 871 to prepare for the thesis research. The defense of the completed thesis serves as the certifying examination.
bullet Plan B Project. Students who choose KIN 897 - Project in Kinesiology (1-4 credits) develop a tangible product such as a position paper, teaching aid, instructional videotape, web site, on-line course materials, journal article, publishable literature review, lab manual, curriculum, etc. The defense of the product serves as the certifying examination.
bullet Plan B Internship. KIN 893 - Internship in Kinesiology (1-6 credits) involves practical learning experiences in the field under the supervision of a qualified mentor. The student must complete a minimum of 60 hours in the field per semester credit. The defense of the internship report serves as the final certifying examination.
bulletPlan B Course Work with Certifying Examination. Students who elect to meet degree requirements through a minimum of 30 semester hours of course credits are required to demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate their understanding of events, issues and resolutions to problems in Kinesiology via a written certifying examination. Students are expected to synthesize the knowledge and understanding gained from course work and related experiences during the master's degree program.

Expectations

Expectations of KIN master's degree students are individualized because of the different concentrations offered within the department and the students' various educational goals. Commonalities in expectations of master's degree students include: (a) professional growth and involvement; (b) demonstrated ability to teach within the context of the student's chosen field; and (c) knowledge and skill as a consumer of research. Students who intend to pursue doctoral study or research careers are also expected to develop ability to plan, conduct, and disseminate research. Departmental expectations related to that goal are described in Expectations of M.S. Students, and related learning experiences are described in Professional Development Opportunities. These expectations are individualized for students during advising and guidance committee meetings.

Related Web Sites

bullet Student-Athlete Support Services
bulletSpartan Athletics
bullet Advising materials for M.S. students in coaching, sport administration, and student-athlete development

Admissions

Jo Ann Janes
Graduate Studies Secretary
Department of Kinesiology
3 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 355-4736
Fax: (517) 355-1689
Email: kingrad@msu.edu

Contact Information

Dr. Rick McNeil is the coordinator of the sport administration concentration. Contact him for additional information. Based upon your interests and academic needs, he may refer you to other KIN faculty members.  Click on the name for Dr. McNeil's bio. Click on his email address to send a message.

Dr. Rick McNeil
Department of Kinesiology
102 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 432-1514
Fax: (517) 432-2426
E-mail: mcneilr@imsports.msu.edu