Higher Education Leadership

Whether your passion is student activities, multicultural programs, academic advising, admissions or residence life, coaching, or more, Messiah University’s Master of Arts in higher education leadership will prepare you to be a transformative, visionary leader for faith-based and other higher education settings.

• College athletics leadership
• Strategic leadership
• Student success
• Individualized concentration

Advance your education and career in intercollegiate athletic leadership at Messiah University with a program that integrates sports management, marketing and communication, coaching and strategic organizational leadership. Our master’s in intercollegiate athletic leadership will prepare you to serve in a variety of administrative and coaching positions in a college or university setting.

M.A. in intercollegiate athletic leadership

• A flexible program designed with working professionals in mind. The majority of courses are conducted online, with optional hybrid (on-campus/online) courses each semester, and weeklong on-campus sessions during the summer.

• No-fee tuition Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. The cost per credit is what you pay – there are no hidden fees for labs, courses, services or technology. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education.

• Academic rigor combined with experiential learning opportunities. An internship experience is built into the program design (students with two or more years of professional experience may do a professional seminar instead). In addition, many students practice what they're learning through paid graduate assistantships available on Messiah's campus.

• Our higher education leadership degree has concentrations in student success; college athletics leadership; strategic leadership; or the unique opportunity to create your own individualized concentration, tailored to your professional aspirations.

• When compared to competitor M.A. and MBA programs in sports administration, our M.A. in intercollegiate athletic leadership program uniquely brings together higher education, intercollegiate athletics and leadership courses.

• Program completion in as little as two years.

• Courses taught by accomplished, committed Christian faculty. Our professors have extensive higher education experience, gained through leadership in academic institutions, professional associations, and as consultants. As accomplished scholars, our faculty has vital experience in their specialized areas of study and practice. Our professors are caring, committed educators who mentor you as you engage your faith, explore your vocation, and advance your career.

• A reputation for excellence. Messiah University is home to The Ernest L. Boyer Center, committed to renewing society through education. The College's academic strengths are matched by championship intercollegiate athletic teams that have won 28 NCAA Division III national titles since 2000. 

• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction with professors and fellow students. Our program allows you to learn from and with one another through online as well as face-to-face interaction.

• Deferred payment option if your employer reimburses for graduate course completions.

• Applicable and relevant coursework including a flexible capstone experience that allows you to complete the program in a manner that fits your career and personal goals.

• Rolling admission allowing you to enter the program at multiple points throughout the year.

• Partnerships with Azusa Pacific University, Bethel University, Immaculata University and Union University for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.