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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
PhD Sports Leadership Curriculum
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDL 7120 | Research Based Decision
|
3 |
| LDR 7000 | Leadership Theories & Practice
This course is designed to emphasize the practical application of concepts, principles, and practices between sports organizations and community associations as it relates to the role of sport leader and administrator. Students will be required to review course materials, participate in discussion forums, and conduct research to acquire a thorough understanding of sports administration principles and theories. |
3 |
| LDR 7010 | Developing Human Capital
In this course, students explore and examine contemporary and classical leadership theories and their application to a variety of professional settings; students assess and evaluate organization’s leadership platform, policies, and professional practices. |
3 |
| LDR 7020 | Leading the Knowledge Enterprise
|
3 |
| LDR 7030 | Promoting and Leading Change
Leading the Knowledge Enterprise is a course that introduces students to the exciting and sometimes hard to define field of knowledge management. The role of the leader is emphasized, especially as it relates to identifying and leveraging the intellectual capital of an organization; promoting and facilitating knowledge sharing and innovation; intellectual assets, knowledge management strategy, knowledge management cycle, and knowledge taxonomies. |
3 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SPML 7010 | Advanced Topics Sports Administration
|
3 |
| SPML 7020 | Seminar in Sports Marketing
This course is designed to emphasize the practical application of concepts, principles, and practices between sports organizations and community associations as it relates to the role of sport leader and administrator. Students will be required to review course materials, participate in discussion forums, and conduct research to acquire a thorough understanding of sports administration principles and theories. |
3 |
| SPML 7030 | Seminar in Advanced Sports Economics & Finance
In this course, students explore and examine contemporary and classical leadership theories and their application to a variety of professional settings; students assess and evaluate organization’s leadership platform, policies, and professional practices. |
3 |
| SPML 7050 | Essentials of Law in Sports
|
3 |
| SPML 7085 | Sports Analytics
Leading the Knowledge Enterprise is a course that introduces students to the exciting and sometimes hard to define field of knowledge management. The role of the leader is emphasized, especially as it relates to identifying and leveraging the intellectual capital of an organization; promoting and facilitating knowledge sharing and innovation; intellectual assets, knowledge management strategy, knowledge management cycle, and knowledge taxonomies. |
3 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| RES 7900 | Research Design
Principles of research theory, methods, inquiry, problem formulation, data collection, literature searches, and ethical considerations. Emphasis on how to design a doctoral-level research study. |
4 |
| RES 7605 | Quantitative Analysis
An introduction to quantitative analysis of data. Statistical software will be used to explore descriptive and inferential statistics using both non-parametric and parametric techniques. |
3 |
| RES 7700 | Qualitative Research
An examination and application of qualitative research approaches with a focus on research design, the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, and writing from a qualitative perspective. |
3 |
| RES 7800 | Mixed Methods Research
This course explores the theory, design, and application of mixed methods research. |
3 |
| Pick one: | ||
| RES 7620 | Advanced Topics in Statistics
An introduction to advanced statistical concepts including multivariate analysis, linear models, hierarchical linear models, factor analysis, and data management. Students will use statistical software packages and will learn to write basic syntax for custom analysis. |
3 |
| RES 7710 | Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis
This course will prepare students to utilize naturalistic inquiry in their own research, most immediately, the dissertation experience. Students will be able to reflect on choices of inquiry paradigms, the goodness of fit between the problem and the approach chosen to explore it, the selection of appropriate instruments, and the role of the writer in the presentation of findings. |
3 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDL 7141 | Organizational Change
Students propose, develop, and write a master’s project demonstrating research skills and understanding of sports leadership. |
3 |
| FPR 7011 | Phil & Foundations of Leadership
Application of change theory to large and small organizations. Leadership strategies for successful change implementation. |
3 |
| EDL 7211 | Policy Analysis
This course provides an orientation to the nature, uses and limitations of science with the aim of achieving and understanding of the variety of approaches to research design and developing conceptual frameworks. With regard to the metatheory of knowledge, particular attention will be paid to the following topics: the relationship between theory and observations, the role of the researcher’s values in knowledge generation, how the research conceptualizes the relationship between researcher and subjects, the standards that are used to appraise theories, the theory of reality (ontology) and of how to know that reality (epistemology) that underlies critical theories, and how different methods of data gathering and data analysis influence the generation of scientific knowledge. |
3 |
| SPML 7040 | Sports Leadership & Ethics
Educational policy-making at the macro (national, regional and state) and micro (local and institutional) levels. Selected educational policies. |
3 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| COMP 7000 | Comprehensive Exam (fee)
|
0 |
| DIS 7010-7030 | Dissertation
|
9 |
- 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 |
What Can You Do With a PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership?
The Sports Industry Needs More Business Leaders – You Can Fill That Need
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!
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 Program
Complete your Doctorate courses in as little as 3 years.
100% Online
All of our graduate Sports Leadership programs are completely online and do not require any campus visit.
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.
- Lynn Lashbrook, EdD
EDUCATION:
- EdD, Kinesiology. University of Northern Colorado
- EMEd, Health and Physical Education. Springfield College
- EBS, Health and Physical Education. Fort Hays State University
- Sharon Beverly, PhD
EDUCATION:
- PhD Leadership in Higher Education
- MS Education, Queens College
- BA Physical Education
- Donna Blaess, PhD
EDUCATION:
- PhD, Educational Psychology. University of Iowa
- MA, Guidance and Counseling. University of South Florida
- BA, English and History. University of Tampa
- Elizabeth Brennan, EdD
EDUCATION:
- EdD, Child and Youth Studies, Nova Southeastern University
- MA, Reading Education, Glassboro State College
- BA, Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Glassboro State College
- EdD, Child and Youth Studies, Nova Southeastern University
- Scott Ebbrecht, EdD
EDUCATION:
- EdD, Organizational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University
- MA, Educational Policy and Leadership, The Ohio State University
- BS, Elementary Education, Capital University
- Kathryn Hollywood, PhD
EDUCATION:
- PhD, Administration & Supervision, Concentration in Church Organizational Leadership. Fordham University
- Professional Diploma, Pastoral Counseling. Fordham University
- MA, Theology. St. John’s University
- MA, Clinical Psychology. St. John’s University
- BA, Psychology. St. John’s University
- Sandra Svoboda, EdD
EDUCATION:
- EdD Educational Leadership, Northcentral University
- MA Educational Policy and Leadership, The Ohio State University
- BGS, Literature, Science and Art, The University of Michigan
