Succeed in Athletic Administration
- $637 per credit for 15 credits
- Complete in as little as 6 months
- Start your path toward an advanced career in sports
- Upskill for the job you want
- 24/7 access to course material
- Engage with faculty who have in-field experience
Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration Program Overview
Take steps to turn your passion for sports into a full-time career by earning your Athletic Administration Graduate Certificate online at Southern New Hampshire University.
Prepare to enter the field of athletic administration, or enhance your resume with additional skills you can use to advance in your career. Several of the graduate athletic administration certificate online courses may be applied toward a Master's in Sport Management degree as an additional credential if you so choose.
Southern New Hampshire University’s athletic administration program is designed to provide students with opportunities to make connections within collegiate and professional sports management. If you have a passion for sports, and a desire to understand an organization's inner workings, this certificate may be a good addition to your portfolio to help advance your career.
Learn how to:
- Investigate the interrelationships between sport, culture and society
- Understand the responsibilities of intercollegiate athletics, as well as interscholastic and recreational athletics
- Apply concepts used in the marketing and communications of a sport organization
- Examine and learn how to overcome the current challenges facing interscholastic athletic administrators
Career Outlook
Earning a certificate in athletic administration can help lead you toward a career working with athletes at various levels, including youth, scholastic, collegiate and beyond.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of administrative services and facilities managers – who are responsible for planning, coordinating and directing organizational activities – are expected to grow 7% through 2031. The median annual wage for these employees is $99,290, with most positions requiring a bachelor's degree, meaning a graduate certificate in athletic administration is likely to offer a competitive advantage.1
There are many career options for someone who enters the field of athletic administration. "Graduates with a certificate in athletic Administration are prepared for careers in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, with opportunities [such] as assistant athletic directors of marketing, finance, communications and administration," said Michael Newhouse-Bailey, an associate dean of business at SNHU.
Additionally, you can apply what you learn in our graduate athletic administration certificate online to other sports-related careers in areas such as marketing, sales, media and public relations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for advertising, promotions and marketing managers, of $133,380, with 10% job growth expected through 2031 resulting in 33,700 new positions in that time.1
Earning a graduate certificate in athletic administration can also serve as a valuable addition to your undergraduate degree and prepare you for future graduate study.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Athletic Administration Certificate
Why SNHU For Your Graduate Certificate in Athletics Administration
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Walk through the application process with an admission counselor
Courses & Curriculum
If you're looking to enter the world of athletic administration, the athletic administration graduate certificate program online gives you an in-depth understanding of athletic administration principles and sports in media and society. And, since the growth of sports as a major industry has increased the need and opportunity for well-trained professional managers, you could be in a good position to follow your dreams in this industry.
Students who complete the graduate certificate in athletic administration program at SNHU will be prepared to work in the sport industry and in the administration of interscholastic and recreational athletics.
"Students will learn skills in human resource management, athletic operations, management, leadership and communications," said Michael Newhouse-Bailey, an associate dean of business at SNHU.
Coursework may include:
- Sport and Society
- Principles in Athletic Administration
- Sport Marketing and Media
- Advanced Topics/Athletic Administration
Students may have the opportunity to work with SNHU adjunct faculty who are working in the sport industry. You could learn directly from those in the field - perhaps the most timely education you could ask for.
In your courses, you may learn how cultural and social features impact participation in sports, including the ethical questions facing the industry today.
"As an athletic administrator, understanding the human experience in sport and its impact on society positions future leaders to shape how sport is structured in a meaningful way," said Newhouse-Bailey.
You may also learn about the organization and management of both recreational and interscholastic sports, marketing standards and more.
The Athletic Administration Graduate Certificate online curriculum combines training in athletic administration coursework with the practicality of an optional internship. It’s like getting two degrees in one, as it covers sports management broadly and athletic administration specifically.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate Athletic Administration | ||
| SPT 510 | Sport and Society | Students investigate the interrelationships between sport, culture and society in an attempt to better understand the role and function of sport in contemporary society. Students receive a broad overview of selected socio-cultural factors that influence participation in sports. Major ethical issues of sport in society will be explored. |
| SPT 512 | Principles in Athletic Administration | This course provides the graduate student with an overview of the role and responsibilities of intercollegiate athletics; human resources; finance; governance; operations and the management, planning, organization and administration of interscholastic and recreational athletics. |
| SPT 608 | Sport Marketing and Media | This course examines the concepts and processes used in marketing and communications of a sport organization, at the college, professional or community level. Students will utilize the case study approach to analyze current marketing problems and techniques to develop an effective sport marketing and communications plan; with special emphasis placed on the unique aspect of sport products, markets, consumers, and media relations. |
| SPT 612 | Advanced Topics/Athletic Administration | This course is designed to examine the current issues facing interscholastic athletic administrators. Information regarding the various components and activities in the organization and administration of athletic programs for prospective athletic administrators will be covered; including: recruitment, governance, compliance, and current research literature and research methods appropriate for administration athletics. |
| Total Credits: 15 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible, by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. U.S. service members, both full and part time, as well as the spouses of those on active duty are also eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is athletic administration?
Athletic administration includes everything from managing coaching staff and securing athletic funding, to planning recreational athletic programs. Athletic administration is a job that requires both organizational and people skills, as you'll be required to interact with coaching staff across departments, as well as have a working knowledge of what each athletic program needs, and how they function. You'll also oversee more technical asks such as keeping equipment needs up to date, and ensuring facilities are up to code.
If coordinating athletic programs and overseeing athletic departments interests you, and you have a passion for sports and people, becoming an athletic administrator could be a good career fit for you.
How do you become an athletics director?
To become an athletics director, a Master of Science in Sport Management degree is a great starting point. If you're looking for a shorter option and already have some experience in the field, a grad certificate in athletic administration could help give you the competitive edge.
It's important to know that in addition to serving as a leader in an athletics department, an athletics director needs to have organizational leadership skills, be detail oriented, and have excellent communication skills. They'll also be expected to manage budgets over various periods of time as well as be the direct line of communication between coaches, players, parents and the rest of the school administration.
"A certificate is often experiential learning, and it covers theory, but it moves quickly from academic study to application and use," says Clare Greenlaw, an associate dean at SNHU. "So, you’re very hands-on, and employers appreciate that because they’re assuming when you come out, it will be an immediately useful skill set for them."
How do you get into sports management?
You don't have to be an athlete to break into the sports management field. Aside from earning your sports management degree, internships and networking opportunities are an excellent way to break into the sports management industry while you're still earning your degree. In fact, our online master's in sports management degree has built-in, customizable internship opportunities to help get the ball rolling. Additionally, you could also consider taking up a part-time job or an internship in an athletic department to gain entry-level working knowledge of how the department functions as a whole.
Types of sports management internships could include:
- Athletic departments
- Pro and semi-pro teams
- Sports marketing vendors
- Youth and adult leagues
- Esports teams
- Parks and recreation
Whether you choose a path in marketing, facilities management, event planning or any number of sports management careers, your master's in sport management could help get you where you want to go. It also connects you with a strong network of alumni who work for sports organizations around the country from pro franchises and sports apparel giants to amateur athletic organizations.
What jobs can you get in sports management?
If you're looking to break into the world of sports management, you'll be happy to learn the field of sports management is extensive, offering plenty of options for every area of interest. Sport managers can be found working for professional teams, their parent organizations (such as the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball or National Hockey League), colleges and universities, recreational departments and sports marketing firms. They can even be working as event managers, facility managers, sports economists, financial, promotion or information experts.
"I really realized I wanted to do sports media. Being able to sit at that desk and talk on the air … I was so excited. I was so happy.”
Additionally, someone with a degree in athletic administration (or sports management) can run the front office, work behind the scenes or act as the interface between players, coaches and the media. In all of these sports management roles, energy, motivation, good sportsmanship and teamwork are considered strong assets.
How much do sports managers make?
If you have dreams of guiding players off the field, a career as a sports manager could be right up your alley. When it comes to salaries, this, of course, depends on your level of education and experience, as well as the industry you enter.
Depending on your career goals, job duties could include facilities management or marketing and promotional responsibilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $100,170 for administrative services managers and $133,380 for advertising, promotions and marketing managers in 2021.1 Administrators and managers in general earned a median annual wage of $96,940 in 2019.1
Individual salaries also depend on your location of work, as some areas tend to have higher wages than others, and the organization you work with. Being employed in metropolitan areas and working with more well-known clients improves your likelihood of a particularly high salary.1
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This certificate is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2018/may/oes131011.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2022)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.