Story by Todd Moore '16
The annual SportBusiness International Postgraduate Sports Course Rankings are the most comprehensive breakdown of sports business academic programs, so when they are released in full each June it’s a big deal. If you don’t have a subscription to SportBusiness International, or aren’t active on social media, you may have missed the initial news that the Ohio University Masters of Sports Administration was named the #1 Overall Postgraduate Sports Course for 2015. However, the achievement of the Ohio Family in this year’s rankings goes much deeper.
On the strength of outstanding work placement and the strong-as-ever alumni network, Ohio University Sports Administration programs made arguably their most impressive showing since the rankings were introduced in 2012. In addition to the overall rankings, the Professional MSA program ranked as the #1 online postgraduate sports course, and the undergraduate program ranked as the #2 undergraduate sports management course in the world based on a peer review of course leaders.
And while a top ranking is always notable, Department of Sports Administration Chair Norm O’Reilly notes that this honor comes at a particularly special time for the program.
“The 2015 SBI rankings were a special day for our program, particularly as we approach the 50th Anniversary of our founding.
“To not only be the first overall program, but first in online graduate programs and second in the inaugural undergraduate rankings is remarkable. With close to 1000 universities participating, we are humbled by the results, excited by them and note how they reflect the strength, commitment and loyalty of our 3,000+ alumni and students.”
Given the chance to read SBI’s commentary on the rankings, it is clear that O’Reilly’s last point is not lost on others in the industry. The commitment of the Ohio University MSA network to giving back to the program, and the ability to expand the professional opportunities of fellow Bobcats is virtually unmatched. Executive Director of the Center for Sports Administration, Jim Kahler, is always first in line to give credit to the entirety of the Ohio network.
Being named the top on campus graduate program for three of the four years this study has been conducted means a lot to our faculty, staff, students and alumni but is really a tribute to our entire Ohio Family as a whole. While I am biased I don’t know of any other program in the world that has as loyal of an alumni group or as dedicated of a faculty as Ohio University.”
Another defining characteristic of the Ohio Family has been its inclination towards innovation. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the online Professional MSA program, which was named the #1 online course for the 3rd year in a row. While the program has thrived under the direction of a cast of dedicated instructors and guest speakers from across the industry, PMSA program director Dr. Heather Lawrence-Benedict is convinced that the growth is just beginning. span>
“The #1 World Ranking is a credit to all Ohio University Sports Administration alumni who support our efforts and expect excellence and innovation from faculty and students. It is a very special program to be associated with and we are committed to continuing to put the student experience first as the program continues to grow and evolve.”
While the PMSA program is allowing the Center for Sports Administration to expand its student experience beyond the footprint of the Athens campus, corresponding growth and development is occurring at all levels here in Southeast Ohio. This is the first year that SBI has included ranking of undergraduate sport management programs, and to the surprise of no one, Ohio University came in near the top.
Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Michael Pfahl has faced the unique challenge of building a world-class program in an increasingly competitive landscape. The hard work of the faculty is evident not just in the #2 worldwide ranking, but in the quality of the graduates that Bachelor of Sport Management program is producing. The significance of the recognition was not lost on Dr. Pfahl.
“Ohio University set the standard for Sport Management education, particularly at the graduate level. With this first ranking of undergraduate Sport Management programs, we are pleased to see our tradition of excellence extends throughout all our programs. This ranking provides us with an affirmation of past efforts and, with our new Bachelor of Sport Management degree curriculum in place, a renewed drive to achieve higher standards in undergraduate education in Sport Management.”
Also of note were Ohio University’s impressive results in many of the individual categories that make up the overall SBI rankings. That includes:
- #1 Graduates’ Choice program
- #1 Average salary 3 years after graduation
- Highest employment rate within 3 months of graduation
- Highest student satisfaction rate
- #2 Professors’ Choice program
Recognition of the Ohio University Sports Administration program is reflective of the efforts all stakeholders who came before, but Executive Director Jim Kahler also emphasizes the importance of the support of the College of Business in pushing the programs to new heights.
“The continued support that we receive from our College of Business with the Center for Sports Administration (CSA) makes a difference when it comes to recruiting talented students and working with them when it comes to career planning and placements. At the end of the day students are looking for a great education, practical experiences, and job placements. Our CSA focuses on brining practical experiences and consulting projects to the students and connecting them with organizations that are looking for some of the brightest and best coming out of graduate school “
To be SBI’s #1 Overall Postgraduate Sports Course for 2015 is an immense and deeply appreciated honor. It also presents a challenge. On the brink of the program’s 50th year, how can all parts of the Ohio family come together to raise the bar even higher? If history is any indication, it is going to be be exciting to find out.
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Why Choose Ohio University Sports Administration?
1. The Curriculum: The MBA/MSA combination
The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. This degree combination recognizes the growing complexity of the sports, facility and entertainment industries, and reinforces Ohio University's commitment to preparing students for the leadership challenges of the future. SportBusiness International recently ranked the program the #1 American Postgraduate Sports Course.
The MBA phase of the program uses a problem-based learning style, immersing students in collaborative projects and working situations that are commonplace in the business world. Students learn basic business concepts in a real-life context, and develop skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork that are essential for success, while developing their ability to be creative, take initiative, and accept personal responsibility for their actions.
The MSA program combines classroom and practical experience to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the sport industry. An interdisciplinary approach gives students the freedom to choose courses of personal interest and build a foundation of knowledge in their desired career fields.
Click here to see more reasons to join our program!
