Athletic Leadership | Springfield College

Athletic Leadership

Master of Education or Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 36-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Areas of focus in Athletic Administration or Advanced Level Coaching
  • Students can pursue an MEd (practitioner focused) or MS (thesis) track and tailor their curriculum path to meet their career goals
  • Core courses for all program students include athletic administration, supervision and mentoring, legal issues, inclusive and critical approaches to sport, and coaching methods and issues
  • Course requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester) and January (spring semester)
  • Attend classes full-time
  • Complete in 4 semesters
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Athletic Leadership In the New Age: Embracing Data, Technology, and Media
Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
Register

Makayla, a Springfield College graduate student in Athletic Leadership

The MEd/MS in Athletic Leadership at Springfield College equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop as inclusive, equity-minded leaders who create empowering sport experiences and positively impact the sport community. Our program adopts a holistic approach to leadership development that blends training in the sport sciences and practical experience. 

Students develop their evidence-based practice by gaining a strong foundation in theory, research and application of the sport sciences through active engagement in the classroom. Opportunities for fieldwork in various sport settings (e.g., youth, interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional) provide students with valuable practical experience and meaningful connections with professionals in the field to enhance their classroom learning.

Students can select additional courses based on whether they wish to pursue a career in athletic coaching and/or administration.

  • Coaching Focus: This concentration offers the opportunity to interact with experienced, highly successful coaches in the classroom and on the playing field. Coursework is offered in areas such as strength and conditioning, motor learning and control, and sport psychology.
     
  • Athletic Administration Focus: In this concentration, you have the option to prepare for the interscholastic or intercollegiate levels. These include administrative oversight of student-athlete health and well-being, facilities in athletics, and athletic finance. The legal issues and interscholastic athletic administration courses have National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), Leadership Training Course (LTC) content embedded in them so that students can achieve a Registered Athletic Administration certification (RAA).

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1
Our Student Perspective

In this video, students in the graduate Athletic Leadership program share their perspectives about how the program is helping them to attain their career goals. They share the importance of leadership in athletics and how Springfield College can prepare you for such a career, bolstered by hands-on experience coaching athletes directly and learning in the classroom with other like-minded individuals. 

Student Spotlight

Rachel Howard

"I was always confident that choosing Springfield College would provide me with the educational and experiential background necessary to develop as a professional and as a person, but what I’ve gained in this program is far more than I ever could have imagined. There are limitless opportunities to get involved on campus and the people here are passionate about putting you in a position to succeed. The culmination of generosity and knowledge, coupled with the overarching Humanics philosophy, has made my time on Alden Street a truly transformative experience."

Rachel Howard
“For me, I enjoy the learning environment and culture associated with the Athletic Leadership program. The program provides each student with a unique opportunity to shine professionally by holding true to the mission of the College to educate everyone in a wholesome manner, through spirit, mind, and body.” Jeff Place, Graduate Class of 2025
Jeff place - Springfield College
Alumni Spotlight

Michael Henchy

"The Athletic Leadership program at Springfield College was an ideal launching place for my career.  Entering into the program I knew I wanted to coach volleyball, but through each semester my eyes were opened to deeper foundations of the profession. The world of athletics is touched by so many intersecting skills, and the ability to practice each element in an environment that fosters education through real-life practice is what Springfield really excelled at providing for me. Springfield won’t magically make you an excellent coach or administrator, but you will absolutely get the resources and practice to accelerate toward your potential."

Michael Henchy coaching
Student Spotlight

Amanda Nusbaum

"The very first time I stepped onto the campus I knew that I was hooked. From the state-of-the-art athletic facilities to the spirit, mind, and body approach – I was in a place where I wasn't just a number and I was going to be pushed to achieve and exceed my academic and athletic goals. My experience at Springfield College was different because I was supported in all aspects of my athletic and academic career from undergrad to graduate school."

Amanda Nusbaum
Alumni Spotlight

Dahmir Noel

"Choosing to attend Springfield College was probably the biggest and best decision I made regarding my career. The opportunities provided by Springfield allowed me to grow as a young professional during my time on campus. I was able to learn a lot about the college athletics landscape and I apply those lessons on a daily basis to progress in my career as an Athletic Administrator. Honestly, the people are what made my time on campus so great and I can truly say I made lifelong friends and mentors."

 

Dahmir Noel

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.