Graduate Certificate

Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) Graduate Certificate

Learn about the multifaceted roles intercollegiate athletics plays at a variety of institution types and at different levels of NCAA athletics.

Intercollegiate Athletic Administration Graduate Certificate and UM sport complexes.

About this Certificate

The Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) Graduate Certificate is a fully online program that includes four courses totaling 12 hours of graduate-level course work. Courses are offered in accelerated terms so that learners may complete the certificate in as little as one semester or as long as two years.

  • The IAA certificate program is designed for individuals that are seeking an advanced understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration.
  • Students will develop current knowledge of the NCAA as an organization and an awareness of potential career paths in the intercollegiate athletics industry.

The program is tailored to enhance professional competencies in NCAA governance, internal operations, external operations, and leadership skills with emphases in collegiate athletics organizations. All certificate courses are instructed by athletic directors.

Key Benefits

Students pursuing the Certificate in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration enjoy several benefits of the program, including:
  • All courses are 100% online
  • Students can complete the certificate in as little as one semester
  • There are 5 start dates throughout the year
  • Courses instructed by athletic professionals
  • The certificate greatly increases your marketability for employment in collegiate sports

Certificate Objectives 

The primary objectives of the Graduate Certificate in Intercollegiate Athletics are to: 

  1. Develop current knowledge of the NCAA as an organization and awareness of potential career paths in the intercollegiate athletics industry 
  2. Identify and explore the multifaceted roles intercollegiate athletics plays as part of the mission of higher education at a variety of institution types and the different levels of NCAA athletics 
  3. Gain advanced knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to flourish in specialized areas within intercollegiate athletics departments. 

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Master's Program

    Area of Study

    Business, Social Sciences, and Policy

    Duration

    1 semester

    Degree

    N/A

    Program Location

    Online

    Emphases

    N/A

    Required Credit Hours

    12 hours

    Certificate Requirements

    Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution and intend to participate in courses leading to a graduate certificate.

    • In evaluating applications, the Admissions Committee takes into consideration the applicant’s grades and rank in his or her undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
    • Additionally, the committee will review optional supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and professional and personal accomplishments.

    International applicants whose primary language is not English and/or who have completed their secondary or tertiary education primarily outside of the U.S. must submit official scores from the list of acceptable tests found on the University of Mississippi’s International Student and Scholar Services listing of English language requirements.

    Program Start Dates

    There are five different start dates for the IAA Graduate Certificate. 

    Here are the start dates for 2024:

    • January 22
    • March 26
    • May 28
    • August 19
    • October 16

    Application Deadline

    The deadline to submit an application is one week prior to the program start date.

    The current tuition cost for one graduate semester hour is $514 + $75 fee for online programs. The total estimated tuition and online fees for completing the certificate depends on how long it takes you to complete the coursework.

    If you complete the coursework in:

    • One regular semester, estimated tuition and online fees total $5,526.
    • Multiple regular semesters, estimated tuition and online fees total $7,068.

    The faster you complete your coursework, the cheaper your estimated tuition and online fees will be.

    Remember that these estimates don't include application and capital improvement fees.

    • The estimate is based on the most recent Fall and Spring full-time enrollment status tuition and fee information and is subject to change.

    Please contact us to inquire about a personalized cost estimate based on your individual plans on completing the IAA certificate.

    Transition to the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration Program

    While the IAA Graduate Certificate can help you achieve your short-term goals, a graduate degree is often preferred for many leadership positions in the sport industry. 

    That's why the Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) Graduate Certificate is a stepping stone that can unlock future success.

    • Students who successfully complete the IAA Graduate Certificate can choose to apply certificate courses toward a M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration degree. 
    • In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students must first complete their IAA Graduate Certificate. Successful students must then apply and be admitted into the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration (MSRA) program.
    • Upon entry to the MSSRA program, students will need to meet all remaining requirements for the M.S. degree.

    Students cannot be in the IAA Graduate Certificate program at the same time they are in the Sport and Recreation Administration graduate program. 

    Career Outlook for College Athletics

    College athletics provide incredible opportunities for a career in sports. There are over 1000 NCAA athletic programs across three divisions (I, II and III) and thousands more in the NAIA and junior college levels. Those interested in leadership positions within successful athletic departments will discover a great deal of potential, fulfillment, and room to grow. 

    Students completing the IAA certificate program will develop knowledge and skills to:

    • Explain and discuss the NCAA governance structure and ways intercollegiate athletics departments are structured within the framework of higher education. 
    • Compare and contrast how different divisions within intercollegiate athletics departments interrelate with the NCAA, conference offices and each other to accomplish the shared mission of the athletics department and institution.  
    • Describe the role an intercollegiate athletics department plays within the mission of higher education and variances in that role at different levels of intercollegiate athletics. 
    • Critique common internal and external operations in intercollegiate athletic departments. 
    • Present elements of the decision-making process and ethics as it pertains to leadership. 
    • Express a personal leadership philosophy and how it relates to intercollegiate athletic administration. 

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?