GR
SASC 6000: NCAA Governance
3 credits
Overview of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) from inception to current organizational structure with an emphasis on the governance and legislative processes for the association.
Graduate Certificate
Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Success (IAAS) Graduate Certificate
Learn what working in athletics academic advising and support entails along and the technical elements of student-athlete academic eligibility.
About the Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Success Graduate Certificate
The Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Success (IAAS) Graduate Certificate is a fully online program that includes four courses totaling 12 hours of graduate-level course work. Courses are offered in accelerated terms so that learners may complete the certificate in as little as one semester or as long as two years.
- The IAAS certificate program will teach students what working in athletics academic advising and support entails along with introducing the technical elements of student-athlete academic eligibility.
- Students will gain an understanding of academic reform in the NCAA to inform their understanding of the current landscape regarding advising student-athletes.
Key Benefits
Students pursuing the Certificate in Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Success enjoy several benefits of the program, including:
- All courses are 100% online
- Students can complete the program in as little as one semester
- There are 5 start dates throughout the year to choose from
- Athletic directors instruct every course
- The certificate greatly increases your marketability for employment in collegiate sports
Certificate Objectives
Once students complete this program, they will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the NCAA governance structure and ways intercollegiate athletics departments are structured within the framework of higher education
- Critically evaluate academic reform, NCAA eligibility rules and issues faced by athletic academic advisors at the Division I level
- Describe and discuss ethical issues and implications that are prevalent in the athletic academic advising profession
- Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and evolution of the NCAA APP program
- Identify, explore and implement appropriate strategies and interventions aimed at assisting institutions in achieving NCAA APP benchmarks
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
N/A
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
12 hours
Program Type
Master's Program
Program Location
School
Duration
1 semester
Certificate Information
Explore admission requirements, application deadlines, program start dates and tuition information for the IAAS Graduate Certificate.
Application Requirements
Applying students 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 their undergraduate degree.
- Additionally, the committee will review optional supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, statement of interest, and professional and personal accomplishments.
The Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Success Graduate Certificate program requires official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) before admitting an applicant whose primary language is not English. For further details on the English language requirement, please see the OGE – Office of International Programs English proficiency requirements.
Program Start Dates
Students can choose from five different start dates for the IAAS 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 two weeks prior to the next 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.
Required Courses
Explore the courses required to complete the IAAS Graduate Certificate.
GR
SASC 6040: Academic Advising, Support in Athletics
3 credits
This course will examine the role of athletic academic advising and support, including an in-depth exploration of athletic academic advisors, learning specialists, and academic mentors and tutors. Additionally, the training of each group will be part of the course. Strategies for advising, reporting, and communication with various campus entities will be discussed.
GR
SASC 6050: Eligibility, PTD and Certification
3 credits
The course examines the development of the initial eligibility and progress-toward-degree rules, best practices in eligibility certification processes, and related NCAA infractions cases. Unique scenarios, including international student-athletes, student-athletes pursuing dual degrees, etc., will also be explored to prepare students for these situations in the workforce. Students will practice conducting initial eligibility evaluations and determining NCAA certification standards for continuing student-athletes.
GR
SASC 6060: Academic Reform and APP
3 credits
This course will examine in detail the NCAA's Academic Performance Program, consisting of Federal Graduation Rate (FGR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), and Academic Progress Rate (APR). Students will learn the differences between the three rates, calculations, and strategies utilized to maximize rates while ensuring that institutions meet NCAA established benchmarks. The course will also provide an introduction to academic reform and current critiques of the NCAA's academic initiatives.
Transition to the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration Program
While the IAAS Graduate Certificate help 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 IAAS 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 IAAS Graduate Certificate. Successful students must then apply and be admitted into the M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration program.
- Upon entry into the MSRA program, students will need to meet all remaining requirements for the M.S. degree.
Students cannot be in the IAAS Graduate Certificate Program at the same time they are in the Sport and Recreation Administration Graduate program.
Career Outlook for College Athletics
College athletics provide incredible opportunities for a career in sports. There are over 1000 NCAA athletic programs across three divisions (I, II and III) and thousands more in the NAIA and junior college levels. Those interested in leadership positions within successful athletic departments will discover a great deal of potential, fulfillment, and room to grow.
- Over 90% of employers surveyed (January, 2021) recognize the benefit of an athletics-related graduate certificate.
- The median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators was $102,610 in May 2023.
- Explain and discuss the NCAA governance structure and ways intercollegiate athletics departments are structured within the framework of higher education.
- Compare and contrast how different divisions within intercollegiate athletics departments interrelate with the NCAA, conference offices and each other to accomplish the shared mission of the athletics department and institution.
- Describe the role an intercollegiate athletics department plays within the mission of higher education and variances in that role at different levels of intercollegiate athletics.
- Critique common internal and external operations in intercollegiate athletic departments.
- Present elements of the decision-making process and ethics as it pertains to leadership.
- Express a personal leadership philosophy and how it relates to intercollegiate athletic administration.
Next Steps
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