Program overview

Whether you’re an athlete, athletic administrator, current or aspiring coach, or seeking to expand your knowledge of sports psychology, Rider's 100% online, asynchronous Master of Arts in Athletic Leadership program will provide you with the professional best practices, academic foundations and field experience to advance in the sports industry.

Using a sport-centric approach, our program will enhance your knowledge in business, communication, leadership and psychology to prepare you to become a standout, well-rounded leader for the changing sports landscape. All courses are taught by specialists, coaches, administration and athletic trainers working full-time professionally in their areas of instruction.

Why choose Rider?

  • Learn 100% online in an asynchronous format 
  • Choose from six convenient start dates in the fall, spring or summer
  • Student loans and other financing options may be available
  • Extensive advising and academic support for working adults
  • Complete your degree in 12 to 18 months
  • Accelerated degree program for rising seniors
  • No GMAT/GRE required for admission
Athletic Leadership student speaks in Broncs stadium

Program requirements

The curriculum is centered on leadership, ethics and coaching development. Our online, asynchronous courses are taught by accomplished sports professionals and leaders who are skilled in their area of expertise, and committed to your academic success and professional growth.

Choose from four tracks

Rider offers four program tracks to help you tailor your skills set and give you a powerful advantage in the sports-oriented path you want to follow.

Lead the game

As the sports industry continues to grow, the need for skilled professionals is only getting greater. Rider’s career-focused M.A. in Athletic Leadership will qualify you with the skills to be an effective sports leader and pursue a wide variety of positions within the field.

Diverse career opportunities include:

  • Head or assistant athletic directors at elementary, secondary and collegiate levels
  • Head or assistant coaches at the professional, NCAA, NAIA, junior college, or high school levels
  • Athletic facilities management
  • Athletic Media Specialist
  • Director of Operations
Marquay Mayo
Through the athletic leadership program, I learned more about myself as a coach and a leader.”
Marquay Mayo '22
Assistant baseball coach at NJIT and injury video operator, NFL
Read his story
Basketball team and coach

Accelerate your master's degree

Our undergraduate accelerated option makes it possible to earn both your bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in less time. Rider students pursuing the accelerated option work closely with an academic advisor to develop a personal education plan for completing their degrees. Contact your faculty advisor to learn more about this accelerated learning opportunity.

Contact

Melissa Ferry

Director, M.A. Athletic Leadership

Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling

Bierenbaum Fisher Hall

mferry [at] rider.edu

609-895-5406

Academic Focus: Athletic Leadership

Campus Photo with Spring flowers