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’s degree at Missouri 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. “We think our program is unique and will attract students in a variety of disciplines.”

Like the other four MAS degree options offered by Missouri 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 “behind the scenes” of athletic programs. “I never really thought about it before, but it is very helpful,” she said. Tiffany is a graduate assistant for women’s 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’s basketball team, which he enjoys. “None of the other programs I looked at were this hands-on,” he said.