BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A new master’s degree program will launch at UAB this fall for students interested in careers in college athletics administration.
The Higher Education Intercollegiate Athletics Administration program is designed for students who want to become administrators in college athletics.
“We know that there is a demand out there for individuals who both understand leadership, administration, governance and all of these pieces of higher education as well as the business side of college athletics,” said program director Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif.
UAB says this degree program will be tailored for behind-the scenes work.
“Advisors who are working with athletes. Those who are working in student development for athletes, really recognizing the support system they need behind the scenes while they’re in college,” she said. “We’re looking at individuals who are going to work with risk management, administrators who will be working over athletic departments, as well as directors of athletics, those who do the business side of the work content.”
This program is unique not just in Alabama but across the nation.
“There are several sports management programs in Alabama and programs that focus on the business of athletics and coaching. But there are not any programs that integrate higher education administration along with sports administration,” Al-Sharif said. “So we kind of stand alone in the master’s field in terms of that.”
As well as having a track for traditional sports administration, the program will offer an E-Sports Organization and Management track.
“I don’t think there’s been a lot of concentrated thought about how those areas are going to be managed, how we’re going to meet compliance, risk management and all of those spaces,” said Al-Sharif.
UAB says this is a two-year master’s program. The first cohort will begin this fall. Applications close at midnight July 31.
