The Master of Science in Athletics Administration (MSAA) at Columbia College is a fully online, accelerated program designed for coaches, athletic directors, and school leaders preparing for leadership roles in high school or college athletics. Students gain practical expertise in operations, fundraising, compliance, athlete development, and program management while earning two nationally recognized industry certifications embedded into the curriculum.
24/7 flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient for you
Finish in less than a year
Earn your degree at a pace that works for you with six sessions every year
1 Current NIAAA members who have achieved RAA, CAA or CMAA status have the opportunity to use transfer in their Leadership Training Courses for course credit
2 Students who have completed InsideOut Administrator training have the opportunity to transfer that certification for course credit
Columbia College is one of only 13 programs in the United States with an affiliation with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) that provides students with the opportunity to graduate with an NIAAA certification as part of the program. The NIAAA is the main professional organization for athletic administrators in the United States and abroad. Part of the service they provide to members is offering Leadership Training Courses (LTCs) for their members to complete, leading to certification as either a Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA), Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA). The Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) certification is the highest certification the NIAAA offers.
This course will be led by licensed facilitators from the InsideOut Initiative. You will explore the principles of InsideOut Coaching and InsideOut Administration of Coaches. You’ll learn how to apply those principles in the leadership of an athletic department to ensure coaches see the importance of being transitional vs. transactional with the ultimate focus of helping athletes grow as students, athletes, and people. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive InsideOut Certification. Columbia College is one of only three colleges that offers this certification as part of our MSAA program.
The curriculum blends foundational graduate-level coursework with specialized projects tailored to your interests and athletic environment.
Core Curriculum
Students build essential competencies in athletic leadership, program operations, strategic marketing and communications, and legal and ethical issues in athletics. Each 4-week course includes a predictable weekly rhythm (readings, discussions, applied assignments), hands-on projects, and a capstone experience aligned with the competencies required for both NIAAA and InsideOut certifications.
Specialization Tracks
Students select one of two focused tracks:
Columbia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
A bachelor's degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. There are no prerequisite courses required for admission.
| Upcoming Academic Sessions | Classes Start |
|---|---|
| Early Spring Session | January 12, 2026 |
| Late Spring Session | March 9, 2026 |
| Early Summer Session | May 4, 2026 |
You may be eligible to earn up to 9 credit hours for prior NIAAA certifications (RAA, CAA, CMAA) or InsideOut Administrator training to help you reduce time and cost where possible.
At Columbia College, we believe a quality graduate degree should be within reach. Our tuition is competitively priced among private, nonprofit colleges, and there are no hidden fees, ever. With financial aid, military tuition assistance, employer reimbursement programs, and more, our financial aid advisors are ready to help you explore options and make your degree affordable.
Straightforward Pricing
Our grad programs cost $585 per credit hour. Tuition is transparent here — with zero hidden fees, ever.
Generous Financial Aid
Scholarships, payment plans, loans, and more are available to all. We'll help you find the assistance you need to budget confidently.
Reduced Tuition for Partnership Organization Employees
We partner with hundreds of companies and organizations to offer 15% off tuition to employees and their families.
We’ve been leading the way in flexible learning options since 2000. Our students are all over the world living their real lives, holding down jobs, and caring for others while learning their way to something better.
Here’s what you can expect from an online degree at CC:
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of leadership roles in school and collegiate athletics, including any-level Athletic Director, Assistant or Associate Athletic Director, Athletic Program Coordinator, Compliance Officer, Student-Athlete Development Director, Athletic Fundraising or Advancement Specialist, Coach, or Program Manager.
At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.
Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.
