Best Degree Tips for Breaking into Interscholastic Sports Administration

If you are currently working as a coach or other sports-related position, the next step in your career path may be to get a master’s degree in athletic administration. This could lead to a coveted job in sports administration. Building a successful interscholastic sports program takes a professional director that understands business, communication, finance, human resources, safety, law, budgeting, education and more. The road to this type of job takes training. It is important to find a program that allows you to develop and expand your skills to help prepare you for a career as an athletic administrator. Certain steps taken along the way will lead you to your dream job.

Step 1: Research the Field

The first step to becoming an athletic administrator is to really know what the position entails. It may be a good idea to shadow a director of a local school if possible to truly get a feel for their responsibilities. This hands-on training as well as online research, will help you get an idea of the job you are hoping to train for. Being involved in a sport or team is also a great way to help you decide if a job in sports is the right choice for you.

Step 2: Bachelor’s Degree

In order to become an athletic administrator, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree in physical education, athletic training or exercise science. You may be able to find a bachelor’s degree program related directly to sports administration. Many athletic administrators start out as teachers, coaches or athletic trainers. Some of these degrees require special certification.

Step 3: Master’s Degree

The next step in your path to a career as an athletic administrator should include a master’s degree. An advanced degree is required for most positions. Coursework will most likely include sports marketing, sport finance, risk management, administration, legal issues, and research methods. You can even find athletic administration graduate programs online, a great choice for a busy professional. Online programs allow students to complete their course of study while maintaining their current job. So for instance, an online degree will allow you to keep your position as a teacher, trainer, or coach while working on your master’s degree.

Step 4: Certification and Job Search

The last couple of steps include finding a certification program that is nationally recognized, which will help build and increase your reputation and may open new doors to employment. Creating a strong resume and staying involved in athletics will also impress employers.

Athletic administration is a great career for someone who loves sports and is interested in staying involved with them for a lifetime. Following these steps could help you to break into a top job in sports administration.