Center for the Study of Sport and Exercise

Galen Trail, PhD, Program Coordinator

The Master in Sport Administration and Leadership (MSAL) program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership responsibilities in the field of sport. The focus is on the critical analysis of complex problems, and the use of theory and research to identify and solve issues for sport organizations. In addition, we are interested in students who are attracted to demonstrating a worldview informed by multicultural and global perspectives; who seek to address ethical challenges in the profession, and who want to promote social justice both personally and professionally. Our coursework is focused on providing students with a solid theoretical foundation in many content areas and in assisting students to become critical thinkers who can apply theory to practical portfolio-based assignments. Most courses include real-world experience and projects that require the student to investigate a problem and attempt to solve it by “thinking outside the box.” The program is constructed with the following eight goals. Through successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate content knowledge specific to the field of sport management,
Demonstrate accepted techniques of discovery and apply critical thinking skills across disciplines,
Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and engagement in settings specific to the discipline,
Utilize qualitative and quantitative analysis, through formal and informal assessment strategies,
Demonstrate value, ethic, and faith-based decision-making through critical inquiry, fostering relationships, embracing leadership, accepting social responsibility, thinking globally, and seeking and completing opportunities to improve the quality of life for others,
Appreciate a diversity of views, a diversity of people, and a diversity of cultures,
Promote social justice at the individual, organizational, and societal level to create an appropriate environment for diverse individuals,
Become a reflective individual who actively seeks to further self-knowledge and seek opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Sport administration is concerned with the successful leadership and management of numerous sport organizations. Graduates with such a degree will find a myriad of positions in sales (tickets, suites, ads, sponsorship), communications, business and event operations, public and community relations, promotions and marketing, and media relations (television, radio, print, web). While the field of sport administration is evolving rapidly and opportunistically, it is accompanied by a high degree of competitiveness for available positions.

The Seattle University MSAL program familiarizes students with all aspects of the field and prepares students to be sport industry leaders in the following categories:

1. Professional sports (league offices, player union offices, team offices);

2. Olympic sports (national governing bodies);

3. Intercollegiate sports (NCAA & NAIA offices, university athletic departments);

4. Interscholastic sports (state associations, high schools);

5. Youth sports (civic and private agencies);

6. Sport support services (sponsorship, merchandising, representation);

7. Sport venues (facility management, event management);

8. Sport media services (broadcasting, film, halls of fame, and museums).

Admission Criteria

The MSAL program admits students in the fall quarter of each year. Applications are due by February 15th. Admission to the MSAL program is competitive and the file review is holistic. Applicants’ academic history, graduate exam performance, motivation, aptitude for graduate education, personal goals, and professional experiences will be considered. Applicants must submit the following for review:

Completed Application for Graduate Admission and a non-refundable $55 application fee (waived for Seattle University alumni).
Official transcripts reflecting a four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution as well as any post-baccalaureate course work.
Minimum grade point average of 3.00 GPA calculated from official transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time and any post-baccalaureate course work. Average GPA of those admitted has been 3.4 on a 4-point scale.
GRE exam scores. Typical scores of those admitted are above the 50th percentile on all three aspects of the Exam: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have evaluated applicant’s academic work or supervised practical experience and are able to assess potential for graduate study. These letters should address the applicant’s potential for academic success at the graduate level, specifically noting the fit of the applicant to the mission and goals of Seattle University and the MSAL program.
A 400-word essay describing how the MSAL program (specifically mission, goals, learning outcomes, and classes) will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals.
Professional résumé.
If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the university’s entrance requirements must be submitted. See policy 2008-01 in Admissions Policies for details.