About the Program

The University of Maine’s online Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration is designed for educators ready to take the next step in their development as interscholastic athletic program leaders. This program creates better leaders through hands-on instruction using real-world applications. 

Students will learn how to:

• Understand the current issues and challenges of athletic administration
• Apply best practices in leadership around athletic organizational analysis
• Use a diversity and equity focus to promote ethical practices and
• Develop strong interpersonal skills needed to lead as an athletic administrator.

The Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration’s coursework focuses on organizational behavior, leadership principles and strategies, legal issues, and ethical leadership grounded in diversity and equity.

Students with a Maine Department of Education (MDOE) Administrator Certification can earn their Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration in three semesters — essentially one academic year. Most school districts in Maine pay for nine credits per school year, meaning many students would have their tuition covered by their district.

Students without an MDOE Administrator Certification can stack this certificate with the Graduate Certificate in Try on Leadership. The certificates have overlapping requirements, meaning students can earn both certificates with six courses. Enrolling in one course per semester, Students can earn both certificates in 6 semesters, essentially two academic years, by enrolling in 1 course per semester.

This certificate can also lead to an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

See the Careers section to learn about the MDOE certifications.

The Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration is ideal for educators currently working as athletic directors, educators wanting to take on a new role as an athletic director, educators who want to make themselves more marketable for potential employees, and educators looking for a stepping stone into the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.

After earning their certificate, graduates with a Maine Department of Education (MDOE) Administrator Certification are eligible to apply for Athletic Director (215) certification.

Graduates without an MDOE Administrator Certification can stack this certificate with the Graduate Certificate in Try on Leadership. After earning both certificates, graduates can apply for Athletic Director (215) and Assistant Principal (045) certifications.

See the Stackability and Completion Rate section to learn more about stacking certificates.

Earning a certification or endorsement in other states through this program may be very simple. Please visit your state’s Department of Education or the United States Department of Education website for information. Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.