New online Master of Education in Sports Leadership champions equity, social justice, inclusion and well-being

In today’s evolving sports landscape, effective leadership is essential for aligning athletic excellence with inclusive and equitable practices that support the holistic well-being of all involved in various sports settings.

In the fall of 2025, USC Rossier will launch a new online Master of Education in Sports Leadership (MSL) degree to equip current and aspiring leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to inspire teams and cultivate a culture of equity and well-being. As the sports landscape evolves, the need for human-centric leaders who can navigate challenges with integrity and promote equity becomes essential. Applications will open late November 2024.

“Learning innovation meets the world of athletics, this program prepares graduate students to excel in various roles within the sports sector as well as empower them to make a lasting impact on athletes, communities and the broader field of sports,” said USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. “We look forward to our graduate students joining us in shaping the future of sports leadership and discovering how they can be a catalyst for positive transformation in this exciting arena.”

“The MSL aims to equip leaders with the tools necessary to champion equity, well-being and social justice within various sports contexts, fostering inclusive opportunities, experiences and outcomes,” added Assistant Professor Cory Buckner EdD ’17, faculty lead for the new degree program. The program is designed to be socially and culturally responsive, focusing on addressing systemic inequities that have historically impacted the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of athletes at all levels, from youth sports to high school and professional organizations. Filling a market need for sports leaders, the program's core competencies include making data-driven decisions, strategic communication, ethical leadership skills and the ability to create equitable policies and environments that ensure individuals from all backgrounds can thrive in various sports settings.

In the wake of the pandemic, sports has been recognized to play a critical role in society, noted USC Rossier Professor Alan Green. “Our MSL program equips future leaders with socially responsive approaches that emphasize equity, ethical leadership and inclusivity,” said Green. Complementing this, Professor Kim Hirabayashi emphasized that the program is essential for leaders seeking research-based practices to promote development, learning, motivation and well-being in diverse and inclusive sports environments. “Our curriculum prepares graduates to foster meaningful change across the entire sports continuum—from youth sports to community, college and professional levels—ensuring that sports remain a force for positive development for all,” Hirabayashi said.

As one of the instructors in the program, Buckner shared that the degree is open to current and emerging sports professionals, as well as those who have participated in sports and want to be part of the change. “Anyone passionate about equity, inclusion, holistic well-being and social justice in sports could join, regardless of their athletic background,” Buckner said. The five core courses and two foci of the program, includes a postsecondary athletic administration track and a coaching track. Fully taught online, students have the flexibility to “mix and match” courses to suit individual needs and can be completed in one-year.

Composed of 24 units, MSL students complete five required courses and three elective courses. Students will also have the flexibility to choose their electives from either the postsecondary athletic administration focus or the coaching focus, allowing them to tailor their educational experience to their career goals and interests.

The new MSL blends theoretical understanding with practical applications, equipping and empowering graduates with the leadership skills needed to craft ethical policies, enact data-driven strategies and foster environments that prioritize holistic well-being and social justice in various sports settings.

“Moreover, with a growing demand for leaders who can navigate the complexities of sports organizations while prioritizing ethical leadership, equity and well-being, this degree prepares graduates for diverse career paths,” added Buckner. “Those paths may include professional sports leadership, coaching, higher education athletic leadership—encompassing both administration and support roles—community engagement leadership, youth sports program leadership and roles focused on holistic athlete development.”

For individuals interested in learning more about the degree, visit USC Rossier Master of Education in Sports Leadership.