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Curriculum

Master's in Coaching & Athletics Administration

In other graduate programs we realized there was a big gap between the learning and the doing. So within our MA or MS program, we cover a broader spectrum from middle school to collegiate-level curriculum, offer summer intensives where you can focus your training, and include a course to guide you through building a professional portfolio.

Master of Arts or Master of Science?

The nationally renowned Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletics Administration (MCAA) program has expanded to offer a Master of Science degree. Both degrees are part of the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Master of Arts

A Master of Arts degree option focuses on the practical application of knowledge in the academic discipline of coaching and athletics administration. This option has been in existence since 2005 and is uniquely designed for working professionals.

The Master of Arts program offers a wide variety of elective opportunities. These opportunities include sport specific courses designed to ensure academic and professional expertise in coaching and athletics administration.

One distinctive element of the Master of Arts program is the opportunity to participate in an internship – a supervised educational work experience that allows you to apply the theories of what you are learning in a practical setting.

Master of Science

A Master of Science degree option incorporates the exercise sciences into the curriculum. Earning the Master of Science will expand employment opportunities for MCAA graduates to advance their careers in positions that require a science-based degree.

Consult your MCAA academic advisor to find out which degree program works best for you.

MCAA graduates who previously earned an M.A. can now earn the Master of Science to advance their careers in positions that require a science-based degree.

Building on the 16 units of core courses that you already completed to earn your M.A., you will only need to complete 16 additional elective units and a 4-unit enhanced portfolio (you will not need to start over for your culminating project) to earn your M.S. All coursework can be completed fully online in as little as 9 months. Start dates for the M.S. program operate under the same quarterly time-frames. As an added benefit, alumni applying for the Master of Science will have the application fee waived.

NSCA Logo

We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to offer our students graduate credit (MCAA 586) while preparing for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam - a coveted credential for those wishing to coach at the NCAA Division I and II levels.

Culminating Project: MA and MS

A distinctive feature of our graduate program is the culminating project where you curate your professional body of work. As you complete papers, conduct interviews, and give presentations, you will save your work as part of your portfolio.

Once enrolled in the course MCAA 595 or MSCE 595, your advisor will guide you through the process. You will also enlist an editor to review your writing and make suggestions for improvements. Details can be found in our handbook.

The real benefit is realized when you’re ready to level up and you walk into your interview ready. Over and over we hear how our students had a leg up on their competition because they were the only ones in the room with a portfolio of their work and achievements.

If you have further questions regarding MCAA/MSCE 595, please feel free to contact Chelsea Mailhiot by email or phone at (949) 214-3261.

Internships

Leverage the MCAA program to gain experience through our MA Internship. Apply your graduate-level training to a job situation while earning elective credits. Here’s what one of our recent grads had to say:

Going into the season, I was interested in learning whether or not I could see myself coaching for the rest of my life. I knew what kind of work, love and dedication it would take, but I had yet to experience a complete season as a coach. Through this experience, I can now confidently say that I will pursue baseball coaching as a career. There is no doubt in my mind that coaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

— Collin Radack, Spring 2017

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