Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration
The Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration (MCAA) is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare current and aspiring coaches, athletic directors, and sports administrators for leadership roles in athletic programs at all levels. While he program can be completed in a two-year, fully online format, offering flexibility for working professionals, some classes will also be available on the Fayette campus.
The MCAA curriculum provides advanced studies of the principles of athletic leadership, program management, and performance development. Coursework includes areas such as athletic administration, coaching theory and methodology, basic business, and strength and conditioning fundamentals. In addition, students complete practical experiences that integrate classroom learning with real-world application—allowing them to reflect on and enhance their professional practice in athletics.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and submit two letters of recommendation to be considered for unconditional admission. Those with a lower GPA may be considered for provisional admission.
Graduates of the MCAA program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead athletic programs, develop student-athletes, and contribute to the advancement of sports organizations in educational and community settings.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of the prescribed course of study for the MCAA program (30-hour minimum)
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
- Courses with grades below "C" will not count toward graduation.
- All work must be completed within a six-year (6-year) period from the time of initial enrollment.
Undergraduate Seniors
University seniors with a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA may enroll in a maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit upon approval of their undergraduate advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. These hours will not count toward the baccalaureate degree but may be applied to the Master of Education degree.
Course List
| ED528 | Professional Leadership | 3 |
| BU505 | Business Success for Non-Business Majors | 3 |
| PE504 | Critical Perspectives in Coaching | 3 |
| PE547 | Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Athletic Program Administration I | 3 |
| PE548 | Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Athletic Program Administration II | 3 |
| PE549 | Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Athletic Program Administration III | 3 |
| PE550 | The Role of the Collegiate Athletic Director | 3 |
| PE555 | Strength & Conditioning Principles | 3 |
| PE568 | Coaching & Athletic Admin Internship | 3 |
| PE595 | Coaching & Athletic Admin Capstone | 3 |
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted to the Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration degree program on the basis of academic preparation, aptitude for graduate study, and character based on the following:
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or more) on a 4.0 scale
- two (2) letters of recommendation from school administrators, professional colleagues, or college professors addressing the applicant's suitability for graduate work
Upon receipt and review of all information and supporting documents, applicants will be notified of their admission status. The University reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone who does not meet standards for admission. Students are admitted on a continuous enrollment basis, at any time of the year. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campuses.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of the prescribed course of study for the MCAA program (30-hour minimum)
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
- Courses with grades below "C" will not count toward graduation.
- All work must be completed within a six-year (6-year) period from the time of initial enrollment.
Undergraduate Seniors
University seniors with a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA may enroll in a maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit upon approval of their undergraduate advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. These hours will not count toward the baccalaureate degree but may be applied to the Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration degree.