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Master of Science in Athletics Administration

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School of Business

(573) 875-7535

ba@ccis.edu

Step into a dynamic world of innovative theories, practical applications, and limitless possibilities. We foster an entrepreneurial spirit and prepare you for the ever-evolving landscape of business.

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Why Study Athletics Administration?

Starting Spring 2026

Our Master of Science in Athletics Administration (MSAA) program is built for aspiring coaches and athletic directors. In less than a year, you can complete your degree and be equipped with the skills needed to pursue leadership roles or advance your career in athletics administration roles at any level.

What You'll Learn 

Discover the many aspects of athletics administration, from marketing and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collectives to working with donors and supporting student-athletes. Through a variety of courses and hands-on experiences, and learning directly from experienced athletic directors, you will build on your skills and make an immediate impact in athletic programs at the high school or college level.

You will specialize in either the High School Athletics Administration concentration or the College Athletics Administration concentration but you can complete the other coursework in addition to your Master’s degree if desired.

As part of the program, we also provide the opportunity for you to earn two sought-after professional certifications in the athletic administration industry: Certified Master Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA1 and Certified InsideOut Administrator2.

NIAAA logo. Certified Master Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA InsideOut Initiative logo. Certified InsideOut Administrator

1Current NIAAA members who have achieved RAA, CAA or CMAA status have the opportunity to use transfer in their Leadership Training Courses for course credit
2Students who have completed InsideOut Administrator training have the opportunity to transfer that certification for course credit

Program Details

A bachelor's degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. There are no prerequisite courses required for admission.

Core courses:
  • Leadership & Organization Behavior in Athletic Departments
  • Sociology of High School and College Athletics
  • Game-day and Facility Operations
  • Marketing in High School and College Athletics
  • Impact of Law and Ethics in Athletics Administration
  • InsideOut Athletics Certification
Specialized courses for the High School or College concentration:

High School Track
  • Holistic Development of High-School Student-Athletes 
  • NIL and Fundraising Strategies for High School Athletics  
  • Financing High School Athletics 
  • State and Federal Regulation of High School Athletics 

College Track
  • Holistic Development of College Student-Athletes 
  • NIL and Fundraising Strategies for College Athletics  
  • Financing College Athletics 
  • State and Federal Regulation of College Athletics 

We believe in the power of online programs to help you create your future on your terms. 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. That’s why we’ve developed a master’s program that’s 100% online. A flexible degree should have flexible options, so you can make a real difference for yourself and others, starting today.

Through partnerships with both the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and the InsideOut Initiative, students who successfully complete the program will earn two sought-after professional certifications in the athletic administration industry:

At CC, our MSAA program includes the training and seminars required for these certifications, all built into your coursework and completed online – no travel needed and no extra fees.

National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)

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.

InsideOut Initiative

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. 

Careers & Outcomes 

Earning a master’s degree in athletic administration provides the knowledge you need to make an immediate impact in an athletic administrator or coaching role at any level.

Where You Can Take Classes

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.


By submitting this form, you expressly consent to Columbia College contacting you via email, phone, or text, including automated technology and AI for calls and texts to the provided wireless number. Message and data rates may apply. Your consent is not necessary for purchasing goods or services.

Contact Information

School of Business

(573) 875-7535

ba@ccis.edu

Step into a dynamic world of innovative theories, practical applications, and limitless possibilities. We foster an entrepreneurial spirit and prepare you for the ever-evolving landscape of business.

Meet Your Faculty

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

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.

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