Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics
Advanced Certificate
Program Overview
The Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics prepares students to become effective leaders in college and university athletics programs.
Certificate Highlights
Fast & Flexible
Finish in just 1–2 semesters with course options that fit your schedule.
Launch Your Career in Sports
Prepare for entry-level roles in intercollegiate athletics while building a network of instructors, peers, and industry professionals.
Build Toward a Master’s Degree
Apply certificate credits toward a related master’s degree to support your long-term academic and professional growth.
How the Program Supports Your Goals
Targeted expertise
Gaining advanced, targeted knowledge in athletics leadership, policy, and student-athlete development, making them stand out in a competitive job market.
Career readiness
Becoming a stronger candidate for entry-level positions in college and university athletics, with skills and credentials that employers value.
Professional networking
Practical experience
Leadership development
Academic advancement:
Careers in College Athletics Administration
Prepare for success! Our program provides the skills and credentials to help you excel in entry-level athletics department roles, for example:
Athletics Administration & Operations
- Athletic Department Assistant/ Coordinator
- Athletic Operations Assistant/ Coordinator
- Administrative Assistant/ Coordinator
Compliance & Eligibility
- Compliance Assistant
- Eligibility Certification Assistant/ Coordinator
Student-Athlete Support Services
- Student-Athlete Academic Support Assistant/ Coordinator
- Student-Athlete Development Assistant/Coordinator
- NIL Assistant/ Coordinator
Team & Program Operations
- Graduate Assistant – Team, Operations, or Athletics
- Athletics Intern (General or Sport-Specific)
- Director of Operations Assistant/ Coordinator
Communications, Media, & Engagement
- Athletic Communications Assistant/ Coordinator
- Marketing and Fan Engagement Assistant/ Coordinator
Other Campus Jobs that Provide Experience
- Resident Advisor (RA) for Student-Athlete Housing
- Recreation and Intramural Sports Assistant/ Coordinator
Program Learning Outcomes
The Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics was intentionally designed to ensure that graduates achieve the following program learning outcomes.
- Application of leadership in intercollegiate athletics: Analyze, evaluate, and apply leadership theories and concepts to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in athletics administration roles.
- Policy, governance, and decision-making in intercollegiate athletics: Assess and interpret relevant regulations, policies, and ethical considerations governing college sports, and effectively apply this knowledge to decision-making processes and program development within educational institutions.
- Advocacy for student-athlete development and success: Advocate for the holistic development and well-being of student-athletes within postsecondary educational settings by promoting inclusive policies and support systems that foster academic, athletic, social, and personal growth, thereby contributing to the overall success and fulfillment of student-athletes.
Course Overview
Concepts and techniques of leadership, analysis of the factors and practice of individual and group leadership as applied to educational and related environments.
This course examines sports’ influence on society and education, focusing on student development, resource allocation, governance, and community engagement. Implications for educational governance, policy, and practice in athletics will be explored to prepare students for diverse roles in educational settings.
Offers an in-depth look at intercollegiate athletics’ policy and governance structures. It equips students to navigate, interpret, and apply relevant regulations while exploring historical contexts, current issues, and future trends in athletic governance, and developing strategies for administrators.
This graduate course explores student-athlete development in intercollegiate sports, focusing on holistic growth including physical, psychological, academic, social, and career aspects. Integrating theory, practice, case studies, and research, it addresses challenges, opportunities, and support structures essential for student-athlete success and welfare.
This graduate course examines critical issues in intercollegiate athletics, including commercialization, gender equity, athlete rights, NCAA governance, diversity, academic integrity, media impact, NIL rights, and athlete mobility, through case studies and scholarly articles to understand these complex challenges.
Theoretical and philosophical analysis of advertising in modern society.
History and role of investigative journalism in the U.S. Use of the Internet, public records, spreadsheets, and databases to develop stories in the public interest. Finding patterns and leads in electronic data. Field and laboratory experience.
Social construction and performance of masculinities across history, in conjunction with race, ethnicity, sexuality, disABILITIES, culture, and class. Examination of masculinity within specific historic and cultural domains, including marginalized groups’ ability to access power in a white patriarchal system.
Transferability
The Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics can be completed in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs (PELSA) program. No more than 6 units of the advanced certificate can be applied to the master’s degree program.
Completion Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all certificate coursework with no less than a grade of "C" in any course. Only three units of coursework with a grade of "C" will count towards the certificate. A maximum of three units of coursework can be repeated. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to a master’s degree if applicable.
How to Apply
If you are applying for the Fall 2026 semester, please check back in October for updated application dates. The application opens October 1st each year.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate potential for leadership in the field. Students interested in the program should follow the application steps outlined below.
Important Dates for Spring 2026
| Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 1. Cal State Apply application (opens August 1) |
August 31, 2025 |
| 2. Official transcripts due |
September 15, 2025 |
| 2. Supplemental program materials |
September 15, 2025 |
Application Instructions
Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU
The first steps must be completed through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. See steps 1-4 on SDSU Graduate Fall Steps to Apply.
Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts
After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondance from SDSU.
Step 3: Submit Supplemental Materials via Email
The required program-specific documents below should be emailed directly to the program advisor, Dr. Frank Harris III ([email protected]).
- Resume/CV: Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of Interest: Please submit a 500–750 word statement of interest that addresses the following:
- Your academic and professional background, including relevant experiences that have shaped your interest in college or university athletics.
- Your motivation for pursuing this certificate, and how it aligns with your career goals in intercollegiate athletics.
- Your understanding of leadership in the context of postsecondary athletics, and how you hope to develop as a leader through this program.
- Any experiences that demonstrate your potential for leadership in intercollegiate athletics (e.g., roles in student organizations, athletic teams, volunteer work, coaching, etc.).
Your statement should demonstrate your commitment to advancing student success through athletics and reflect your readiness for graduate-level coursework.
International Applicants
The Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics is open to international students and is eligible for I-20 issuance.
- International students must comply with all U.S. immigration requirements while studying on an F-1 visa.
- To maintain visa status, students are required to enroll in courses that are designated as in-person or hybrid. Fully online courses do not meet F-1 visa requirements.
- Full-time enrollment is required during the first semester of the program. In the second semester, students may request a reduced course load if they are completing the certificate program.
If you are an international applicant, please ensure you understand these requirements before applying. For additional guidance or questions about your eligibility, contact the program advisor or the SDSU International Student Center.
