To help meet the workforce demand for managerial positions in the field of sport and fitness, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved a new master鈥檚 degree at 大象传媒 Western: Master of Applied Science in Sport and Fitness Management.
Dr. Brenda Blessing, chair of the department of health, physical education and recreation, said the program is designed to prepare students to manage and lead in the areas of intercollegiate or professional sports, entertainment, or fitness and cardio rehabilitation facilities. 鈥淲e think our program is unique and will attract students in a variety of disciplines.鈥�
Like the other four MAS degree options offered by 大象传媒 Western, this option requires an applied science core of business courses along with courses in the sport and fitness field. The program also includes an applied learning component.
Tiffany Goldwire, from Dell City, Okla., said the business courses are especially beneficial, since she is learning what goes on 鈥渂ehind the scenes鈥� of athletic programs. 鈥淚 never really thought about it before, but it is very helpful,鈥� she said. Tiffany is a graduate assistant for women鈥檚 basketball.
Anthony Medina, from Houston, says the program is preparing him for his career goal of being a college basketball coach. Along with the courses, he is a graduate assistant for the men鈥檚 basketball team, which he enjoys. 鈥淣one of the other programs I looked at were this hands-on,鈥� he said.