Five Careers to Consider with a Master's in Athletic Administration

This article is a guest contribution from freelance writer Rachelle Wilber

Sports and athletic scholarship are a big part of American culture.

For more than 100 years, athletics have been a key element in what curriculum experts call a "well rounded education." One of the pinnacle achievements of this field of study is a Master's in Athletic Administration.

What kinds of careers might someone pursue if they were to earn this prestigious degree?

We've hand-picked five sports careers that many students pursue after completing their Masters in this competitive field, so that you can better understand the path a Master's in Athletic Administration can lead you down.

Sports Agent

Graduate education has long been a popular path to a law degree. Having the skills and education to structure an academic curriculum might seem more suited for an educational environment, but it must be pointed out nearly all professional athletes worldwide begin their careers in an academic institution.

There, they must navigate a world that combines education and athletic achievement. Who better to advise them than someone who has successfully bridged the gap between the amateur and professional sports worlds?

Professor

It goes without saying anyone with a graduate degree is academically qualified to teach. What is often overlooked, however, is the key role sports play in higher education.

A holder of a master's degree in Athletic Administration is uniquely qualified to advise and educate a student athlete and is well qualified to explain the importance of physical education, athletics and the culture surrounding them in a student's general degree path.

Coach

Concurrent with the role of Professor is the role of coach. Both teams that are parts of organized leagues and individual athletes require specialized instruction in their chosen sport.

Although many of the skills one might learn in an Athletic Administration curriculum are geared to entire athletic departments, the advancement and education of the individual athlete is still the overall goal, and it doesn't necessarily prevent one from supervising a department or organization either.

League Official

Organized competition is often the pinnacle of achievement in sports. Without well-run leagues and the integrity of organized competition, there can be little chance for athletes who wish to match their skills and strength against challenging opponents.

This is where qualified and skilled officials, rule-makers and competition administrators play a key role in the overall mission of athletics education. Aside from directing an athletic department, this role offers the most opportunities for graduates to apply what they have learned.

Sports Journalist

While it might seem a graduate degree in Athletics Administration doesn't translate well to a writing career, the opportunities to teach others what can be learned by pursuing an advanced degree are too valuable to dismiss out of hand. Journalism doesn't necessarily mean being a sportswriter. Athletics Administration specialists are uniquely qualified to write the texts from which future students will learn their craft.

A Masters Degree in Athletics Administration is a flexible and powerful degree applicable to many careers and many kinds of circumstances. It is definitely worth considering and can provide a wide range of opportunities for ambitious graduates.