Master's in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership
We are accepting rolling applications until all spots are filled
Although the priority deadline has passed, we are still accepting applications for a Summer 2026 start on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Become a leader for student athletes
The Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) program is designed for those aspiring to thrive in the dynamic world of athletics. In just one year, students graduate with the skills and experience needed for a successful career in sports administration.
This hybrid program combines hands-on experience in athletics with focused courses on leadership development, the societal impact of sports, and essential skills for athletic administration. The IAL program provides an accelerated path to earning a master's degree and offers a unique, tight-knit alumni network.
With tailored internship experiences, it's an ideal choice for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of student-athletes. Key benefits of IAL include:
- Earn your master's degree in one year
The program offers an expedited path to earning a Master's degree, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for sports administration.
- Strong alumni network
Join a supportive IAL alumni community, providing valuable networking opportunities and connections in the world of athletics.
- Customized internships
Tailor your internship experience to align with your career goals and interests, gaining practical experience in your chosen field of athletics.
Curriculum
Overview
IAL's curriculum is organized around three main areas:
- Leadership Development: Gain essential leadership skills and strategies to enhance student-athlete opportunities and the role of athletics within the educational experience.
- Impact of Sport on Society: Explore the societal implications of athletics within the context of educational missions, promoting ethical practices and inclusivity.
- Athletic Administration Skills: Develop the practical skills needed for effective athletic administration, including budgeting, legal issues, and management.
Students accumulate a minimum of 48 credits to graduate, with 18 credits completed during the in-person summer session and the remaining 30 credits during the traditional academic year. This unique program structure combines in-person and distance learning with hands-on internships, offering flexibility for those entering the field and professionals looking to advance their careers.
Courses
Required Courses:
- Foundations of Leadership
- Education as a Moral Endeavor
- Legal Issues in Higher Education
- Intro to Sociology of Education
- Budget & Financial Reporting for ICA Managers
- Navigating the P-20 Pipeline
- Info Management and Technology in Sports
- Ethical Leadership in Collegiate Athletics
- Athletic Department Services & Operations
Elective Courses:
- Coaching Philosophy and Pedagogy
- Marketing and Communications
- Sports Performance: Physical Training & Preparation
- Informing Policy & Decision-Making with Data
- Advanced Coaching Pedagogy and Practice
- Athlete and Team Wellness
- Student Populations
Fieldwork
Your internships can take you to a range of sports organizations, from collegiate and professional to interscholastic, not-for-profit, community, and sports business sectors. Finding your internship is a personalized journey, taking into account where you want to be, your future career interests and the type of campus and functional area you want to explore. Our extensive IAL network, featuring professionals from our Advisory Board, IAL alumni network, former internship site supervisors, and guest speaker contacts, ensures you find an internship that aligns with your goals.
Admission requirements and process
Requirements
Pre-Requisites for the IAL Program
Applicants to the IAL M.Ed. programs should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the time they enter the IAL program.
- Have at least one year of experience within an athletics setting, as an athlete, coach, volunteer, or intern.
- A demonstrated understanding of the intercollegiate athletics setting and issues and challenges present in the industry.
Materials
Admissions Checklist
- Transcript
- Applicants need to upload an unofficial transcript as part of their online application
- Resume
- On your resume, detail your experience within athletics and education.
- Letters of Recommendation
- You need three individuals to write your letters of recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose
- The statement of purpose should be 2-4 pages double spaced and should answer what your goals are.
- Writing Sample
- This should be something that shows your ability to write analytically at a graduate level.
Submitting
Admissions Timeline
Our admissions timeline for the 2027* cohort is as follows:
- September 2026 – Application for the 2026-2027 cohort opens
- Late January 2027 – Initial Admissions Committee review
- March & April 2027 – Zoom Interviews for selected candidates
- Late March 2027 – All candidates receive notification of admissions decision
*(2027-2028 school year. The IAL program has a mid-June 2026 start.)
We will continue to accept and review applications until our cohort has been filled. We admit between 40-50 students each year. If you have questions regarding admissions, please email us at ialinfo@uw.edu.)
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
Tuition: $790/credit *
Credits: 48 total
Total Tuition Cost: $37,920 (48 credits) *
Additional Fees:
- Registration Fee: $55.00 *
- U-Pass Fee: $92.00 *
- Technology Fee: $8.00 – $38.00 per quarter *
- Services & Activities Fee: $51.00 – $253.00 *
Students pay all fees at the beginning of each quarter in which they are enrolled. Payment dates are late June, September, January, and March. Course costs listed above do not include student fees, room and board, or the cost of textbooks and materials. A portion of the instructional fees will be used to defray the cost of receptions, food and beverages served at program events, and activity related to youth development through sport and education. Additionally, students pay a registration fee of $55 to UW’s Continuum College every quarter a student registers for classes.
*Cost per credit as of the 2026-2027 academic year. Rates are approved on a yearly basis for the Academic Calendar period and may adjust as a new academic year begins.
Funding & Scholarships
Students in all fee-based programs, including IAL, are ineligible for the tuition exemption program, institutional tuition waivers or the university grant programs, including the Husky Promise program. There are scholarship and assistantship opportunities for IAL students. Learn more on the IAL website.