Master of Science (M.S.) in Sports Administration
The Master of Science in Sports Administration Program at Boston College addresses the challenges and opportunities of an industry in rapid growth. Designed to propose new thinking and broaden leadership competencies for those in sports management as well as administrators and coaches, this degree focuses on balancing the needs of the many stakeholders within an athletic system. The Sports Administration Masters focuses on development and cultivation of the individual, team and organization through the establishment of an intentional culture of trust and commitment which adhere to the broader core values of the institution.
Students will learn how to guide team members into alignment, and learn how to embrace and overcome setbacks through a positive focus on teamwork and collaboration. Using the Jesuit principles as the foundation for leadership and decision-making, graduates will learn how to authentically lead and bring out the best in others by espousing core values as guiding principles.
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“In a city known for relentless commitment to and support of professional and collegiate athletics, we believe offering an M.S. in Sports Administration at Boston College fills a gap in the region.”
At a Glance
How many courses?
Ten courses are required for the program.
Flexible
Study full- or part-time. Tailored to the needs of technical professionals and individuals seeking knowledge to advance their careers.
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New sports leadership degree program
Industry-aligned, values-focused M.S. in Sports Administration at BC's Woods College prepares leaders to balance the needs of athletics' many stakeholders
What will I study?
Requirements
- Courses: 10
- Credits: 30
Sample Courses: Fall 2018
How many courses are required for this program?
10 courses are required (30 credits total).
What are the requirements for admission?
Requirements are outlined on the admission page.
Do you offer admission to international applicants?
No, currently international applicants are not eligible to apply.
What if my GPA is not a 3.0? Am I still eligible to apply for the program?
Yes, you are welcome to apply. We will consider your application and weigh a variety of factors to determine whether we are able to offer you admission. For particular applicants, we may be able to grant admission into the program with particular conditions noted (for example, passing the first two courses with a B or better in each during the first semester).
Must both of my letters of recommendation be from an academic source?
No, we prefer that one letter of recommendation be from an academic source, and another from an employer or person in a supervisory capacity who can speak about your interests and experience.
Does this program require the GRE?
GRE and GMAT scores are optional. They can be submitted as a way of strengthening an application, but they are not required.
Is there an option to take courses as a nondegree student?
Yes, qualified, accepted non-degree students may enroll in one of two courses as a nondegree student: Introduction to Sports Management or Sports Communication and Marketing. Please review the process and course options.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for academic year 2017-18 for courses in the Masters of Science in Sports Administration is $1082 per credit, or $3246 for a three credit course.
Do you offer financial aid?
All students are eligible to apply for financial aid. The Woods College also has additional scholarships for students who qualify based upon both merit and need. You are welcome to inquire further with regard to your specific circumstances and needs.
Do you offer graduate course credit transfer?
No, transfer credits are not an option in the MSSA program.
Can you tell me about your faculty members?
All of our faculty members have advanced degrees in their specific fields of expertise and are accomplished practitioners in private industry.
What is the deadline for admission?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a December 10th deadline for spring enrollment and August 1st deadline for fall enrollment. However, applications will still be considered after such deadlines, depending on available space. Also, in particular circumstances, applicants may be approved to take summer courses and should inquire with the program director for more information.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
This is variable and is largely based on how many courses a student takes at any given time. If you take 2 courses per semester, you can complete the degree in 18 months.
Can students work full-time and pursue this degree?
This is certainly a possibility and we have designed the program to be flexible to accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
Can students enter the program in the spring semester?
Yes. The priority application deadline is December 10. However, students applying after this date may still be considered, depending on available space.
Do you offer graduate student housing?
No. Boston College does not currently offer housing for graduate students but our Office of Residential Life does have a staff member who can help you find off-campus housing.
Advisory Board
Warren Zola, J.D., Tulane University, MBA, Boston College
Executive Director, Boston College Chief Executives Club
Lee Metzger, M.S., San Francisco State University
Assistant Director, Boston College Learning Resources for Student-Athletes (LRSA)
Robert Taggert, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Professor of Finance and Director of MBA Academic Advising, Boston College
Debbie Hogan, M.S., University of Massaschusetts-Amherst
Assistant Director, Academic and Student Services, Doctoral Program, Boston College School of Social Work
Jade Morris, M.Ed., Springfield College
Assistant Athletic Director, Boston College
Nick Bobrov, B.A., Middlebury College
Director of European Scouting, New York Rangers
Where Our Students & Graduates Work
Director of Basketball Operations, Virginia Commonwealth University
Inside Sales Representative, Brooklyn Nets, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment
Head Coach, Girls Volleyball, Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, MA
Account Manager, Ticket Sales, Collegiate Level
Associate Communication Director, Collegiate Level
Assistant Football Strength and Conditioning Coach, Collegiate Level
Application Information
PrintIf you are mailing physical documents in support of your application, please mail those application materials to:
Boston College
Woods College of Advancing Studies Admissions Office
St. Mary's Hall South
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Online Application
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Applicants with GPA lower than 3.0 will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
- Personal Statement
- 2 Letters of recommendation
- Application fee $60 (to be paid as part of the online application)
At this time the program is not open to international students requiring an I-20.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online Application Form
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. If you have been out of school for less than 5 years, one of these letters must speak to your academic abilities and should come from a professor, academic advisor, or other person who would be able to discuss your academic record.
Letters must be sent directly from recommender either through online application portal or directly to Woods College. We will not accept letters that are not in a sealed envelope mailed directly from recommender or emailed directly from recommender.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your online Application Form for purposes of application review. However, official transcript(s) must also be submitted upon acceptance/matriculation. Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program, please contact Program Director Elisabeth Hiles.
Deadlines
| Entrance Term: | Application Due Date: | Decision Letter Sent By: |
| Fall | Early Deadline: May 1 | June 1 |
| Regular Deadline: June 15 |
July 15 | |
Rolling admissions after regular deadline. |
Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability. | |
| Spring | Early Deadline: October 15 |
November 15 |
| Regular Deadline: November 15 | December 15 | |
| Rolling admissions after regular deadline. | Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability. | |
| Summer | Early Deadline: March 1 | April 1 |
| Regular Deadline: April 1 |
May 1 | |
| Rolling admissions after regular deadline. | Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability. |
Articulation Agreements
University of New England
Qualified graduating UNE students are eligible for:
- Application fee waiver
- Preferred admission into the Sports Administration program without competing with the rest of the applicant pool
Completion of both SPT 340-A Athletic and Sports Administration and SRM 160 Introduction to Sport and Recreation will replace Boston College’s Introduction to Sports Management (ADSA7501).
Completion of SPT 325 Sports Marketing will replace Boston College’s Sports Marketing and Commnication (ADSA7502)