Bachelor of Science in Athletic Administration and Leadership

Program Overview

Kickstart your future career as a leader of athletic, leisure, and sports organizations or advanced study in sports administration.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

Four-Year BS Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Athletic Administration and Leadership at AIC?

Athletic Administration and Leadership majors at American International College will develop a strong foundation to pursue work in a variety of sports and recreational careers.

As a proud NCAA Division II institution, AIC offers Athletic Administration and Leadership students a unique look into the operational functions of a collegiate athletics department, from promotion and event planning to business operations and organization. Yellow Jackets in the program will develop essential administrative skills such as budgeting, scheduling, negotiation, and marketing while examining the ethical, moral, and legal issues of the athletics industry.

Hands-on learning through field-based experiences and internships offer graduates of this program a firsthand look at life in an athletic, sports, or recreational organization, setting them up for professional success after college.

What to Expect

  • Real-world learning: Gain practical, hands-on experience by completing two field-based experiences: a practicum completed with an appropriate AIC department and an internship with an off-campus organization.
  • Industry expertise: Learn from athletic coaches and leaders that focus on the application of the theories and principles of prior coursework through case studies, personal experiences throughout their own careers, and group discussions.
  • Leadership skills: Develop professional communication skills and strategies and gain foundational knowledge on coaching and mentoring others.
  • Jump-start your graduate education: Eligible seniors can take one to two graduate-level courses at the undergraduate rate. As you begin a master’s degree at AIC, your motivation will pay off in terms of time and cost savings.

Program Details

AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Athletic Administration and Leadership program prepares you to take on the challenges of management in the world of sports and recreation, through a combination of traditional coursework and firsthand practical experiences.

  • Students will understand athletic governance and be able to navigate through their respective organizational structures and regulations.
  • Students will develop athletic administration skills such as negotiation, budgeting, and marketing.
  • Students will recognize and promote to advocate for all dimensions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in sports.
  • Students will understand the principles of mentoring athletes and develop the foundational skillset needed to help others achieve their goals.
  • Students will develop and apply professional communication skills and strategies.

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Administration and Leadership:

  • AAL1200 Health and Wellness for Athletes
  • AAL1400 Athletic Administration I
  • AAL2400 Athletic Administration II
  • AAL2800 Principles of Successful Coaching and Mentorship
  • AAL3200 Sports Advocacy, Accessibility and Equity
  • AAL4898 Practicum
  • AAL4899 Internship
  • COM1281 Introduction to Mass Communication
  • SRM1600 Introduction to Sport Industry
  • SRM2850 Public Relation and Sport Media

Choose three of the following 2-credit courses:

  • AAL1600 Team and Roster Management
  • AAL1610 Scheduling Logistics
  • AAL2600 Recruiting the College Athlete
  • AAL2610 Developing Relationships with External Stakeholders
  • AAL2620 Managing the Budget
  • AAL2630 Governance and Compliance

Choose 2 of the following courses (6 credits minimum):

  • COM1400 Introduction to Broadcasting
  • COM3410 Sports Writing
  • ENG2213 Public Speaking
  • EXS1000 Introduction to Exercise Science
  • PSY2408 Adolescent Psychology
  • SRM3203 Sports Psychology
  • SRM3211 Legal Issues in Sports and Recreation Management

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Minor Courses: Students must complete all courses listed here to earn a Minor in Athletic Administration and Leadership:

  • AAL1200 Health and Wellness for Athletes
  • AAL1400 Athletic Administration I
  • AAL2400 Athletic Administration II
  • AAL2800 Principles of Successful Coaching and Mentorship
  • AAL3200 Sports Advocacy, Accessibility, and Equity
  • SRM1600 Introduction to Sports Industry

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Athletic Administration and Leadership at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Sports, Leisure, and Entertainment Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Athletics Administration and Leadership program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

Encouraging holistic involvement, AIC’s campus culture allows everyone to find their place to build connections and fuel their passions:

  • Sports Management Club: If you dream of a career in the sports business, start to build relationships with similarly driven students, plus the professionals who work in this sector. About the Sports Management Club.
  • Compete as a DII Athlete: AIC offers more than 20 varsity athletic programs with a strong track record of competitive and academic excellence. Learn more about AIC’s Athletics Department.
  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations.
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact our assistant dean for program-specific questions or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Sandra Sego, PhD
Assistant Dean, Division of Life and Social Sciences

Phone: 413.205.3207
Email: sandra.sego@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

What Can You Do with an Athletic Administration and Leadership Degree?

Job Titles

AIC Athletic Administration and Leadership majors begin careers as:

  • Coaching staff
  • Sports marketers and promoters
  • Athletics department administrators
  • Gameday operations coordinators
  • Sports officials

Salary Expectations

Each year through 2034, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 99,000 openings in entertainment and sports, including for:

Internship Opportunities

A key facet of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences is the opportunity for internships with local companies and organizations that provide real-world experiences. AIC students have found internship positions with:

  • Springfield Thunderbirds
  • Olympia Ice Center
  • Springfield Ballers
  • Evolution Performance Center
  • Western Mass News

Related Programs

Whatever educational or career goals are on the horizon, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: