Current Oklahoma City Public School science teacher and coach, Christa Crawford, is also attending classes for her master’s degree at Southern Nazarene University in the Master of Arts in Sports Management program. The decision to attend SNU was an easy one for Crawford.
“I decided to pursue my master’s degree at SNU because I want to build a long-term career in the sports industry, one that I can retire from. I figured that furthering my education would provide me with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities needed to get to where I want to be,” said Crawford.
There were several reasons SNU was the right school for Crawford.
“SNU offered the flexibility of an online program, allowing me to further my education while balancing my full-time job and coaching two sports. With my busy schedule, attending in-person classes wasn’t an option, so the ability to complete my coursework online made SNU the perfect fit for me,” said Crawford.
It did not take long for Crawford to find something she truly enjoyed about the program.
“What I enjoyed most about the program was the Professional Connections Trip we took this past summer. It was a great learning experience, allowing us to engage with different sports organizations and gain firsthand insight into the industry. Attending events like a baseball game and a WNBA game made the experience even more valuable and memorable,” said Crawford.
As her career progresses, Crawford said having her master’s degree will help propel her career forward thanks to the knowledge, skills and connections she has made through SNU.
“The coursework, along with experiences like the Professional Connections Trip, has provided valuable insight into different aspects of sports management. With this education, I feel more prepared to pursue career opportunities that align with my goal of working in the sports industry long-term,” said Crawford.
Her advice to potential students looking to further their education. “My advice to potential students considering SNU for their master’s degree is to take full advantage of the flexibility and opportunities the program offers. If you’re balancing work, coaching, or other responsibilities, the online classes, makes it possible to further your education without sacrificing your current commitments,” Crawford said. “The program also provides valuable experiences, like the Professional Connections Trip, that can help expand your knowledge and network in the sports industry. If you’re serious about advancing your career, SNU is a great choice.”
