Coaching and Sport Management

This program is 100% online, allowing students to study without having to relocate or visit campus. All coursework is asynchronous and can be accessed through Canvas, our learning management system. Each course has weekly deadlines, and professors conduct online office hours using Zoom. This allows for group and individualized instruction, ensuring students can engage in real-time discussions with their peers and instructors. Although the program offers fully asynchronous study, students can receive additional guidance and interaction without feeling overwhelmed by the course material.

The on-campus format is face-to-face. This program is designed for: Students wanting a more traditional, on-campus, face-to-face classroom experience;  Athletes who have completed their undergraduate degree but have athletic eligibility remaining; and students seeking graduate assistant opportunities in collegiate athletics or coaching. Classes in this program typically run Monday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. with only one class meeting each day, and those classes meeting only once per week. A typical load for a full-time student in 9 to 12 credit hours (3 to 4 classes),  and thus will be in class, on-campus, 3 to 4 days per week.

Summer courses are only required of those students seeking a 12-month program. For 12-month programs, students would be enrolled in 12-credit-hours (4 courses) in the fall, 12-credit-hours (4 courses) in the spring, and 6-credit-hours (2 courses) in the summer.

Milligan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Milligan University.

The MACSM program offers focused education in traditional sport coaching and the business of sports. For those interested in coaching, it focuses on coaching the mind, body, and spirit of the athlete. For those interested in traditional sport business options, it prepares them to work in professional and collegiate sport, recreational sport, private sport, and has a special emphasis on helping students understand how to develop, implement, and manage their own private sport business. Further, the program aligns with Milligan’s mission by encouraging students to integrate their faith into their future sports careers.

Courses:

The 30-credit-hour program includes the following 8 required core courses (24 credit hours):

• Sport Science
• Coaching Management
• Sport Marketing & Revenue Generation
• Sport Law
• Sport Sociology
• Pastoral Coaching
• Psychology of Coaching
• Writing and Research in Sport

The remaining 2 courses (6 credit hours) are electives, including courses such as:

• Recruiting
• Sport Facility and Event Management
• Internship
• Sport Economics and Finance
• Athletic Media and Communication
• Sport Nutrition
• Special Topics

For a full list of requirements and courses, please refer to the Milligan University Catalog.

The MACSM program offers maximum schedule flexibility in the following ways:

• Delivery format (online vs. on-campus) – you may choose to be 100% online, completing your program entirely remotely or relocate to Milligan’s campus in East Tennessee for a face-to-face program in which classes meet once per week (typically Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., with no Friday or weekend classes).
• Program length (full-time enrollment) – you choose how long you’d like to complete the program (12- ,18-, or 24-months). A 12-month program involves 4 classes in the fall and spring semesters and 2 classes in the summer. The 18-month program includes 3 classes in the entrance semester, followed by 4 classes in the second semester (fall or spring), and 3 classes in the concluding semester (fall or spring), with no summer courses. The 24-month program features 3 classes in the fall and spring of the first year, and 2 classes in the fall and spring of the second year, with no summer classes.
• Full- or Part-time enrollment – too busy to go back to school full-time? No problem. Our online program allows students to enroll in as little as one course a semester taking part-time approach to earning a Masters Degree.
• Flexibly starting term – All 3 program length options allow students to enter in either August (Fall) or January (Spring) via our rolling admissions.

The program prepares students for leadership roles in coaching or sport management fields. These career fields are growing, with starting and median salaries ranging from $36,000 to over $100,000 per year.

This program can help you prepare for positions of added responsibility or new positions like:

• Collegiate Coach
• Athletic Director
• Collegiate Athletics Administration
• Sports Public Relations
• Sports Information Director
• Sports Marketing
• Competition Coordinator
• Game Operations Director
• League Administrator
• Event Coordinator
• Sports Facility Director
• Ticket Sales
• Athletic Development

The MACSM program offers graduate assistant positions in MU Athletics to a number of individuals annually. For more information, contact the Program Director, Dr. Lonni Steven Wilson, to inquire about GA positions.

• Eligibility: GA positions are available exclusively to on-campus MACSM students.
• Application process: Applications for GA positions are accepted only from admitted MACSM students. Interested students must complete the MACSM graduate program admissions process before applying for a GA position.
• Position availability: GA positions are typically offered in MU athletic operations, sports information, athletic marketing, compliance or as graduate assistant coaches for MU Sport Teams.
• Selection and commitment: Prospective GAs undergo interviews with both the MACSM program director and MU’s athletic personnel. GAs commit to an 18- or 24-month program, receive tuition remission for up to 30 credit hours and a small stipend. However, GAs are responsible for MU student fees each semester (can we link to the fees page here please for full transparency https://www.milligan.edu/admissions/cost-aid/tuition/).
• For GA coaching positions: Students interested in GA coaching positions have a distinct process. They must first dialogue with the head coach, and if mutual interests exists, apply to the MACSM graduate program and note this interest in their application letter.

Tuition for the 30-credit hour program is approximately $625/hour.

Fees are based on length of program you choose. Visit the Cost & Aid page for more details. Cost of Attendance elements by program »

We don’t have any hidden fees. Financial aid is available for graduate students. Learn about available aid and payment options »

On-campus students may also apply for graduate assistant positions within Milligan athletics. Applicants seeking a GA position should refer to the GA positions section above.

To apply to The Milligan MACSM, please complete the following:

1. APPLICATION: Completed application, resume, and personal statement.
   • Application: Apply online now!
   • Personal Statement: Submit a two-page (typed, double-spaced) personal statement to serve as a writing sample that demonstrates a strong written command of the English language, organization, creativity, and analytical skills. Your personal statement must address the following: 1) Provide a personal history (where you grew up and what led you to your undergrad institution as well as some discussion of your experience at that institution); 2) Discuss your professional goals upon completion of this program (i.e., why this program, what do you want to do in your career after the MACSM, etc.); 3) List and discuss 2 personal strengths and weaknesses; 4) Describe your faith journey and beliefs; and 5) finally, If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why? Submit this online with application.
2. RECOMMENDATIONS: Two recommendation requests (one academic and one character) will be requested from within the online application. (References may be waived for applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.)
3. UNDERGRAD DEGREE & TRANSCRIPTS: A completed baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher from a regionally-accredited college. Submit official transcripts from every college attended whether or not the applicant graduated from that school. (Milligan grads: we can request your Milligan transcript for you from the Registrar’s Office.)
4. INTERVIEW: An interview with the MACSM Program Director is required (in person or by phone).
5. PREREQUISITES: Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution, but there are no specific prerequisite courses required to apply for the MACSM. The bachelor’s degree can be in any field.

DEADLINES

Application deadlines are usually a month prior to the start of the program.

ENROLLMENT CONFIRMATION

A $150 deposit (credited to your first semester’s tuition) is required to secure your spot in the cohort.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

This program is not currently approved by SEVIS to admit and enroll international students.

All students at Milligan are expected to uphold the expectations and responsibilities for student lifestyles at Milligan University. Milligan University adopts specific rules on the basis of the belief that God’s Word, as the final rule of faith and practice, speaks on many matters pertaining to personal conduct. Therefore, behavior that conflicts with Scripture is unacceptable. Historically, communities also have developed guidelines that help put into practice basic moral and social principles. Such standards serve as a guide toward worthwhile goals relevant to one’s academic, spiritual, social, and physical well-being.

Students should consult the Student Handbook for further guidance regarding acceptable personal lifestyle and conduct while enrolled at Milligan University. A student’s matriculation and enrollment at Milligan University is their pledge to abide by the policies and expectations outlined in the Student Handbook and Catalog.

I certify that all information given in this application is true and correct. If I am accepted as a student and choose to enroll, I pledge to abide by the Christian values as reflected in Milligan’s Lifestyle Expectations.