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
Current courses for Fall 2019
How many courses are required for this program?
10 courses are required (30 credits total).
Do you accept international students?
Yes! International students are encouraged to apply early.
What are the requirements for admission?
Requirements are outlined on the admission page.
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 2019-20 for courses in the Masters of Science in Sports Administration is $1,172 per credit, or $3516 for a three credit course.
Do you offer financial aid?
All domestic 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 November 15. 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)
Deadlines
| Entrance Term: | Application Due Date: | Decision Letter Sent By: |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Early Deadline: May 1 | June 1 |
| Regular Deadline: June 15 (International Students applying for Fall must submit an application by June 15th.) |
July 15 | |
Rolling admissions after Regular deadline. |
Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability. | |
| Spring | Early Deadline: October 15 (International Students applying for spring 2018 must submit an application by October 15th Applications received after October 15th will be considered for the summer semester.) |
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 (International Students applying for summer I must submit an application by March 1st. Summer 2 applicants must submit an application by April 1st.) |
May 1 | |
| Rolling admissions after Regular deadline. | Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability. |
Standardized Tests
The Woods College MS in Leadership and Administration does not require the GRE or GMAT for admissions. If you believe your scores would enhance your application, please feel free to submit them. Our GRE reporting code is 7534 and our GMAT reporting code is 44X-HX-07.
For all non-native English speakers the TOEFL (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (if applicable) is required. If your undergraduate degree was conducted in English, you may be eligible for a TOEFL waiver. Please contact Woods College Admissions if you believe you qualify for a waiver.
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.
Official Transcript Submission for International Applicants.
All students who have, or are currently attending, an institution outside of the United States must provide a detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating the conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
This evaluation is not just an English translation, but a document provided by an accredited evaluating agency that shows all grades, course titles, credit hours, United States degree equivalency, grade-point average (GPA), and date of degree conferral.
This detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation must be submitted to complete the application.
Please request a detailed, course-by-course transcript evaluation for all international institutions where a degree was conferred from one of the following agencies:
Educational Credential Evaluators |
Center for Educational Documentation |
World Education Services Inc. |
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 750-1,000 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
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.
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. Please do not submit recommendations from friends or family.
Letters of recommendation must be uploaded to the online application, emailed, or sent directly to Woods College by the recommender. We will not accept letters that are not recieved directly from the recommender.
Interview
For all international students and non-native English speakers, interviews are conducted as part of the application process. The purpose of the interview is for the admission committee to gain a better sense of an applicant and how the program fits his or her academic and vocational needs. Additionally, the interview provides the committee an opportunity to answer a student’s specific questions and to address the unique needs one may have in transitioning to Boston College. The interview will last no more than 15 minutes. Qualified applicants will receive information on how to schedule an interview once their application has been received and initially evaluated.
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)
Questions?
If you have questions about the program, please contact Academic Advisor Sam Hay or Program Director Elisabeth Hiles.