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PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership

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Pursuing your PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership is a serious endeavor, requiring an uncompromising desire to push your knowledge beyond many of your peers.

We are here for it.

Our 100% online PhD program is set up for your success.

Mountain

Take the Next Step in Your Sports Career Development

When Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse wanted to increase his knowledge of sports leadership, he came to CUC.

The PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program at Concordia University Chicago, in conjunction with Sports Management Worldwide, fit his busy schedule – just like it will fit yours. And while you may not coach a team to an NBA Championship, you will reach new heights in your sports career.

Many of our students are actively working in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and minor leagues as they pursue their doctorate online. These pillars of the sports community aren’t interested in giving up their career to pursue a degree. Instead, they’ve married both concepts – allowing them to apply their new knowledge to the workplace in real-time.


  • The program is offered 100% online
  • Interdisciplinary degree programs
  • Nationally recognized faculty
  • No residency or on-site visit requirements
  • Concordia Tuition Guarantee
  • Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates available
  • $711 per credit hour, plus the cost of books
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  • Application for admission: apply online
  • Writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master's program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of application, including statement of career goals and research interests.
  • Transcripts: provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned.
  • International transcripts: any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character, competence, and effectiveness in professional work.
  • All documents should be submitted to:
    • Concordia University Chicago
    • College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
    • Addison Hall, Office 158
    • 7400 Augusta Street
    • River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
  • Application documents for the PhD Sports Leadership program may also be emailed to CUC@smww.com or faxed to (708) 209-3454.
Responsive image

  • Master's Degree in Health Science, Exercise Science, or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
  • No GRE required.
Responsive image

PhD Sports Leadership Curriculum

COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS
EDL-7211 Policy Analysis [Non-K-12]
  
3
EDL-7141 Organizational Change [Non-K-12]
  
3
FPR-7300 Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge
  
3
SPML-7040 Sports Leadership and Ethics
  
3
COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS
RES-7605 Quantitative Analysis
  
3
RES-7700 Qualitative Research
  
3
RES-7800 Mixed Methods
  
3
RES-7620 Advanced Topics in Statistics (3cr.) -or- RES-7710 Advanced Qualitative Analysis (3cr.)
  
3
RES-7910 Research Design 1
  
3
RES-7920 Research Design 2
  
3
Students continue in the DISS-701X sequence until a successful proposal defense. After a student successfully defends their proposal, they apply for candidacy and maintain continuous enrollment in DISS-8010 and DISS 8011 Dissertation Completion until program completion. See the Concordia Academic Calendar and Catalog (www.CUChicago.edu) and consult with your CUC graduate advisor.


  • Only 1.68% of the U.S. population over age 25 has their doctorate degree. Let that sink in a moment. Just 1.68%!
  • A PhD is the differentiator you’ve been looking for, a way to stand out in the competitive sports landscape and show that you have taken your career preparation seriously. By receiving your Doctorate, you are showing a dedication to you craft that not many others can boast.
  • Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Our Doctoral degree program costs an unheard of $711/credit hour, which is 1/3 the cost of competitors programs. Because our programs are online we can save on many operational costs – allowing us to pass those benefits on to you.
  • Our PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program is a win for your career and your wallet.
PhD SPORTS LEADERSHIP COST
Tuition (Per Credit Hour) $711
Technology Fee (Per Credit Hour) $18
Books (Approximate) $1,775
TOTAL $50,618
Responsive image


What Can You Do With a PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership?

The Sports Industry Needs More Business Leaders – You Can Fill That Need

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As a student in the PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program, you will be trained to use the latest technology and research tools to develop forward-thinking explorations and analysis of the sports industry – whether it be in organizational management, health and wellness, public health, economics of sport, legal issues in sports, sports leadership, or something else yet to be considered.

With required coursework in sports administration, various aspects of sports leadership and strategic forecasting and planning you will be qualified to lead any sports organization as they develop into the future. Electives can take you down many paths — legal, financial, economics, diversity, promotion – allowing you to customize your education in the direction you want to take flight.

After completing your final dissertation, you will be trained to craft research to help yourself and others better understand and evaluate logical steps toward thoughtful business decision making. You will become the asset that sports organizations need, qualified to lead and manage teams through the intricacies of the sports business landscape.

This degree program will qualify you for roles in:

  • University Faculty
  • Education, Health, and Human Performance Research
  • University Leadership Positions
  • Education Administration
  • Non-profit and Private Sector Liaisons
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Training and Development
  • Sports Agency
  • Player Personnel
  • Business Operations
  • Media, PR, and Communications
  • Community Relations
  • Front Office Management
  • Sports Marketing
  • Athletic Director
  • Sports Information Director
  • Compliance Officer
  • NCAA Academic Advisor
  • Director of Fundraising and Development
  • Coaching
  • Professor of Sports Management

Lucky for you, you’ll also learn from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who is one of the most connected men in the sports industry and is dedicated to helping you find the right career opportunities after you complete the program.

Our online PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program will open doors for your sports career – make your move today and invest in yourself!

Let’s
Get Started

STEP 1 OF 2

Accelerated Programs

Tuition
Guarantee

CU Chicago's tuition guarantee program is an important way we help keep tuition affordable and predictable, so you know what the total cost of your education will be. We guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never increase while earning your degree.*

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated Program

Complete your Doctorate courses in as little as 3 years.

Accelerated Programs

100%
Online

All of our graduate Sports Leadership programs are completely online and do not require any campus visit.

Accelerated Programs

Transfer -
Friendly

Up to 50% of the required course work may be transferred from another institution. Coursework from another institution will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by graduate admission office.

Mountain
Mountain
Responsive image

Interested in Learning More?



Responsive image

Pursuing your PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership is a serious endeavor, requiring an uncompromising desire to push your knowledge beyond many of your peers.

We are here for it.

Our 100% online PhD program is set up for your success.

Mountain
Mountain

Take the Next Step in Your Sports Career Development

When Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse wanted to increase his knowledge of sports leadership, he came to CUC.

The PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program at Concordia University Chicago, in conjunction with Sports Management Worldwide, fit his busy schedule – just like it will fit yours. And while you may not coach a team to an NBA Championship, you will reach new heights in your sports career. ...

Many of our students are actively working in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and minor leagues as they pursue their doctorate online. These pillars of the sports community aren’t interested in giving up their career to pursue a degree. Instead, they’ve married both concepts – allowing them to apply their new knowledge to the workplace in real-time.

  • The program is offered 100% online
  • Interdisciplinary degree programs
  • Nationally recognized faculty
  • No residency or on-site visit requirements
  • Concordia Tuition Guarantee
  • Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates available
  • $711 per credit hour, plus the cost of books
Responsive image

  • Application for admission: apply online
  • Writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master's program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of application, including statement of career goals and research interests.
  • Transcripts: provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned.
  • International transcripts: any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character, competence, and effectiveness in professional work.
  • All documents should be submitted to:
    • Concordia University Chicago
    • College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
    • Addison Hall, Office 158
    • 7400 Augusta Street
    • River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
  • Application documents for the PhD Sports Leadership program may also be emailed to CUC@smww.com or faxed to (708) 209-3454.
Responsive image

  • Master's Degree in Health Science, Exercise Science, or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
  • No GRE required.
Responsive image

PhD Sports Leadership Curriculum

COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS
EDL-7211 Policy Analysis [Non-K-12]
  
3
EDL-7141 Organizational Change [Non-K-12]
  
3
FPR-7300 Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge
  
3
SPML-7040 Sports Leadership and Ethics
  
3
COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS
RES-7605 Quantitative Analysis
  
3
RES-7700 Qualitative Research
  
3
RES-7800 Mixed Methods
  
3
RES-7620 Advanced Topics in Statistics (3cr.) -or- RES-7710 Advanced Qualitative Analysis (3cr.)
  
3
RES-7910 Research Design 1
  
3
RES-7920 Research Design 2
  
3
Students continue in the DISS-701X sequence until a successful proposal defense. After a student successfully defends their proposal, they apply for candidacy and maintain continuous enrollment in DISS-8010 and DISS 8011 Dissertation Completion until program completion. See the Concordia Academic Calendar and Catalog (www.CUChicago.edu) and consult with your CUC graduate advisor.


  • Only 1.68% of the U.S. population over age 25 has their doctorate degree. Let that sink in a moment. Just 1.68%!
  • A PhD is the differentiator you’ve been looking for, a way to stand out in the competitive sports landscape and show that you have taken your career preparation seriously. By receiving your Doctorate, you are showing a dedication to you craft that not many others can boast.
  • Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Our Doctoral degree program costs an unheard of $711/credit hour, which is 1/3 the cost of competitors programs. Because our programs are online we can save on many operational costs – allowing us to pass those benefits on to you.
  • Our PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program is a win for your career and your wallet.
PhD SPORTS LEADERSHIP COST
Tuition (Per Credit Hour) $711
Technology Fee (Per Credit Hour) $18
Books (Approximate) $1,775
TOTAL $50,618
Responsive image


What Can You Do With a PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership?

The Sports Industry Needs More Business Leaders – You Can Fill That Need

Responsive image Responsive image Responsive image Responsive image

 

As a student in the PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program, you will be trained to use the latest technology and research tools to develop forward-thinking explorations and analysis of the sports industry – whether it be in organizational management, health and wellness, public health, economics of sport, legal issues in sports, sports leadership, or something else yet to be considered.

With required coursework in sports administration, various aspects of sports leadership and strategic forecasting and planning you will be qualified to lead any sports organization as they develop into the future. Electives can take you down many paths — legal, financial, economics, diversity, promotion – allowing you to customize your education in the direction you want to take flight.

After completing your final dissertation, you will be trained to craft research to help yourself and others better understand and evaluate logical steps toward thoughtful business decision making. You will become the asset that sports organizations need, qualified to lead and manage teams through the intricacies of the sports business landscape.

This degree program will qualify you for roles in:

  • University Faculty
  • Education, Health, and Human Performance Research
  • University Leadership Positions
  • Education Administration
  • Non-profit and Private Sector Liaisons
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Training and Development
  • Sports Agency
  • Player Personnel
  • Business Operations
  • Media, PR, and Communications
  • Community Relations
  • Front Office Management
  • Sports Marketing
  • Athletic Director
  • Sports Information Director
  • Compliance Officer
  • NCAA Academic Advisor
  • Director of Fundraising and Development
  • Coaching
  • Professor of Sports Management

Lucky for you, you’ll also learn from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who is one of the most connected men in the sports industry and is dedicated to helping you find the right career opportunities after you complete the program.

Our online PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program will open doors for your sports career – make your move today and invest in yourself!

Let’s Get Started

STEP 1 OF 2

Accelerated Programs

Tuition
Guarantee

CU Chicago's tuition guarantee program is an important way we help keep tuition affordable and predictable, so you know what the total cost of your education will be. We guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never Increase while earning your degree.*

Accelerated Programs

Transfer
Friendly

Up to 50% of the required course work may be transferred from another institution. Coursework from another institution will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by graduate admission office.

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated
Program

Complete your Doctorate courses in as little as 3 years.

Accelerated Programs

100%
Online

All of our graduate Sports Leadership programs are completely online and do not require any campus visit.



Mountain Mountain


Responsive image

Interested in Learning More?