OHIO UNIVERSITY ATTRACTS A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE WITH MASTER’S IN ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION

Imagine athletic directors, administrators and coaches from 19 states and 2 international locations working together on engaging, real-world, group projects that put them one step closer to completion of a master’s degree.  It’s not your imagination; this is the real learning landscape with Ohio University’s innovative Master’s in Athletic Administration. The program is designed specifically to provide a convenient means for working professionals to acquire a Master’s in Athletic Administration from Ohio University regardless of their schedules or physical location.

The master’s program in Athletic Administration was developed in 2003 to meet the needs of high school and middle school athletic directors, administrators and coaches who often lead hectic schedules. Participants meet face-to-face only three times during a 24-month period and complete all remaining coursework online. The program leads to a Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences with a concentration in athletic administration.

The program combines the personal touch of high-intensity residential experiences with the “anytime, anyplace” convenience and ease-of-access of online education. Using the format pioneered by Ohio University Without Boundaries, there are three face-to-face residencies during the program. The residencies are 1-week intensive experiences held at the Ohio University Without Boundaries facilities in Athens, OH.  These face-to-face experiences are both educational as well as great opportunities for the diverse collection of professionals from various locations to share their own professional experience.

Early on, participants quickly realize the ease of online learning. 2003 participant Kevin Griffin, now with the Seattle Seahawks, posted this message about his experience in his team’s project discussion database:

“I just want to tell each of you that you all did a great job on this project. I can’t believe we just completed a paper with two of us in one location, another in CHINA, and Tommie on the East coast. I was worried that we wouldn’t get this project done with the quality that we all expect because of technology issues. This online stuff is really cool and you guys are GREAT teammates.”

The Ohio University master’s program in Athletic Administration is now taking applications for next year’s class that begins in June 2006.  For more information on the program see the website at http://www.ouwb.ohiou.edu/maa  or contact Jill Nice at 1-877-686-2292.

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