The Arkansas State University Master of Science in Sport Administration Online program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Only 30 programs in the United States have this distinction.
Those aspiring to work for professional sports teams, minor league teams or collegiate athletic departments should consider a COSMA-accredited program for the training they will need to excel in a variety of high-level sports administration roles. Graduates of A-State’s program design, implement and evaluate sports programs, strengthen team rosters, improve organizational efficiency and maximize profits.
What Is COSMA?
The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body whose purpose is to promote and recognize excellence in sports management education in colleges and universities at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels worldwide. The organization provides trusted third-party verification of the academic quality of sports administration master’s programs using characteristics of excellence in education and assessment of educational outcomes.
COSMA has developed accreditation standards based on best practices in sports management education through a benchmarking process. Because COSMA works closely with leading employers, reporting student learning outcomes and innovating programs to meet changing industry demands, these standards are universally known and respected by sports management employers.
Arkansas State University Meets the Rigorous COSMA Principles
The COSMA Board of Commissioners reviewed Arkansas State University’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Master of Science in Sport Administration in February 2017. The review was based on the eight COSMA accreditation principles that require a program to display excellence in undergraduate sport management education and continuous improvement through COSMA’s developmental approach.
On February 1, 2017, the COSMA Board of Commissioners determined that Arkansas State University demonstrated it meets each of these principles. Accreditation confirms that A-State holds COSMA recognition for a seven-year period up to February 2024.
Why COSMA Accreditation Matters to Your Future
The sports industry is dynamic and rapidly changing with innovations in business, marketing and technology, as well as generational differences among sports consumers. From data-driven team roster construction to personalized fan engagement through multiple channels, we are seeing more disruptive trends in this industry than ever before.
Given the pace of change in the industry, a postgraduate degree from a COSMA-accredited program is as valuable to a sports management professional as game tape is to an NFL prospect. Whereas the game tape shows the athlete performing NFL-level skills, a degree from Arkansas State similarly demonstrates to employers the requisite skills for excellence in sports marketing and sales, athletics administration, facility management and fiscal management. This accreditation is valued by employers in sports organizations, stadiums and arenas, health and fitness clubs and community sports organizations.
A-State program graduates find that COSMA accreditation is their ticket to a successful career in the sports management industry.
Learn more about A-State’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration program.
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