How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Master’s Degree

  • January 15 for a Summer Semester (mid-May) start
  • June 15 for a Fall Semester (late-August) start
  • If you’re interested in a Spring Semester (early January) start, this may be permitted. Please reach out to the program coordinator for further information.

Graduate Certificate

  • January 15 for a Summer Semester (mid-May) start
  • June 15 for a Fall Semester (late-August) start
  • October 15 for a Spring Semester (early January) start

Application Requirements

Application requirements are the same for the master’s degree and graduate certificate. Please submit all application materials through the online graduate application.

When you start your application, use the following program names:

  • Master’s Degree: Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration (Online Program) (Masters)
  • Graduate Certificate: Sport Coaching (Online Program) or Sport Leadership and Administration (Online Program)

This link will begin your application through the MSU Graduate School portal. Please choose either the domestic applicant or international applicant link.

Required Application Materials

  • A full official transcript of your undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Transcripts can be submitted electronically to kingrad@msu.edu.
  • 2 letters of recommendation. One letter should speak to your capabilities as a student (an ideal source is a former professor or instructor). Another letter should speak to your professional capabilities (an ideal source is a supervisor, senior colleague, or mentor).
  • Professional resume detailing your academic and work experience (2 page max; please note that a Curriculum Vitae is not ideal for this requirement).
  • Written academic statement clearly stating your professional goals and how you anticipate this program would help you to attain them. Your statement should be very close to 750 words. An ideal statement shows research into our course offerings and also shows your deliberation and planning on what you hope to achieve in this degree program. It will also be used to help assign you to an academic advisor that best matches with your interests.

Optional Application Materials

  • Written personal statement that illustrates your unique qualities and life experiences that might make you a stronger candidate for admission (750 words max).

The GRE is not required for an application to either program.

Questions about the program and how it fits with your career and learning goals should be addressed to the program director, Dr. Andy Driska.

Questions about submitting application materials should be addressed to Sarah Miloshoff (scla@educ.msu.edu).

Students interested in applying for the Kinesiology M.S. degree or the M.S. in Athletic Training, which are different degree programs, should visit the Department of Kinesiology Master’s Programs webpage.