Graduate Certificate

NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate

Learn about NCAA compliance and by laws to get a head start on your graduate degree or jumpstart your career.

NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate - picture of Ole Miss football helmet

About this Certificate

The NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate is a fully online program that teaches students what working in NCAA compliance entails along with introducing the technical elements of NCAA bylaws.

  • The program will equip students with a base of knowledge about how to use NCAA compliance specific research databases.

This program is geared towards students with an interest in working in NCAA compliance whether they are pursuing a graduate degree in higher education or related field or a law degree. 

Key Benefits

Students pursuing the Certificate in NCAA Compliance enjoy several benefits of the program, including:

  • All courses are 100% online
  • Students can complete the certificate in as little as one semester
  • There are 5 start dates throughout the year
  • Courses instructed by athletic professionals
  • The certificate greatly increases your marketability for employment in collegiate sports

Certificate Objectives

The primary objects of the NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate are for students to:

  • Obtain an understanding of the NCAA governance structure and ways intercollegiate athletics departments are structured within the framework of higher education.
  • Develop a baseline understanding of NCAA bylaws and research tools as well as the role rules education and monitoring systems play in the establishment of institutional control.
  • Understand the operating procedures for NCAA Enforcement inquiries, infractions case resolution options and the role that landmark infractions cases have played in shaping current systems and intercollegiate athletics culture.
  • Acquire an appreciation for some of the short-term challenges and issues facing compliance professionals in the intercollegiate athletics industry.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Master's Program

    Area of Study

    Social Sciences, Law, and Policy

    Duration

    1 semester

    Degree

    N/A

    Program Location

    Online

    Emphases

    N/A

    Required Credit Hours

    12 hours

    Certificate Requirements

    Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution and intend to participate in courses leading to a graduate certificate.

    • In evaluating applications, the Admissions Committee takes into consideration the applicant’s grades and rank in his or her undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
    • Additionally, the committee will review optional supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and professional and personal accomplishments.

    International applicants whose primary language is not English and/or who have completed their secondary or tertiary education primarily outside of the U.S. must submit official scores from the list of acceptable tests found on the University of Mississippi’s International Student and Scholar Services listing of English language requirements.

    Program Start Dates

    There are five different start dates for the NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate. 

    Here are the start dates for 2024:

    • January 22
    • March 26
    • May 28
    • August 19
    • October 16

    Application Deadline

    The deadline to submit an application is one week prior to the program start date.

    The current tuition cost for one graduate semester hour is $514 + $75 fee for online programs. The total estimated tuition and online fees for completing the certificate depends on how long it takes you to complete the coursework.

    If you complete the coursework in:

    • One regular semester, estimated tuition and online fees total $5,526.
    • Multiple regular semesters, estimated tuition and online fees total $7,068.

    The faster you complete your coursework, the cheaper your estimated tuition and online fees will be.

    Remember that these estimates don't include application and capital improvement fees.

    • The estimate is based on the most recent Fall and Spring full-time enrollment status tuition and fee information and is subject to change.

    Please contact us to inquire about a personalized cost estimate based on your individual plans on completing the IAA certificate.

    Transition to the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration Program

    While the NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate helps you achieve your short-term goals, a graduate degree is often preferred for many leadership positions in the sport industry. 

    Think of the IAAS Graduate Certificate as a stepping stone to future success.
    • Students who successfully complete the NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate can choose to apply their certificate courses toward a M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration degree.
    • In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students must first complete their NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate. Successful students must then apply and be admitted into the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration program.
    • Upon entry into the MSSRA program, students will need to meet all remaining requirements for the M.S. degree.
    Students cannot be in the NCAA Compliance Graduate Certificate Program at the same time they are in the Sport and Recreation Administration Graduate program.

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?