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Certificate in School Athletic Program Leadership

This certificate program dives into topics including budgeting and marketing, risk management, leading with integrity and the legal issues facing today's athletic leaders including Title IX and NIL (name, image, likeness laws). Upon completion of this program you will receive a UTC certificate and become eligible for the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) Registered Athletic Administrator certificate. Start working towards your future, today.

About the Program

  • The program is 100% online.

  • The program can be completed in as few as two semesters and all credits count toward UTC graduate degree programs (education and educational leadership).

  • Taught by experienced athletic directors at the high school and collegiate levels.

  • Includes foundational NIAAA coursework.

Program Standards

The program is aligned to the UTC Athletic Program Leadership Standards (APLS):

A. Vision. An ethical and athletic leader fosters a vision of excellence by:

  1. Establishing clear goals and objectives for the Athletic program.

  2. Providing opportunities for participants to practice and apply their leadership skills in real-world settings.

B. Collaborative and Competitive Culture. An ethical and effective athletic leader collaborates with stakeholders to create and sustain an inclusive, respectful and safe environment, providing equitable opportunities and culturally responsive experiences conducive to learning and growth for each athlete by:

  1. Fostering an environment of collaboration and support among participants.

  2. Developing an athletics program that promotes team building, communication, problem solving and decision making.

  3. Encouraging participants to take ownership of their learning and development.

  4. Promoting a culture of respect and inclusion among all participants, coaches and staff.

  5. Celebrating successes and recognize achievements of participants.

C. Continuous Improvement. An ethical and effective athletic leader establishes a culture of continuous improvement by:

  1. Providing training and resources to ensure that all participants have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the program.

  2. Creating a system of evaluation and feedback to measure the progress of the programs, coaches, staff and participants.

  3. Establishing a system of accountability to ensure that all participants are held to the same standards.

D. Outreach. An ethical and effective athletic leader understands that an effective athletic program extends beyond the field of competition by:

  1. Developing a program that fosters positive relationships with parents and community members.

  2. Promoting and market the athletic program beyond the institution/organization.

E. Resource Management. An ethical and effective athletic leader facilitates the development of a competitive, safe and viable athletic program by:

  1. Managing and allocate resources in a manner that is aligned to the vision of the organization.

  2. Developing a schedule that fosters friendly competition, instills good sportsmanship and optimally utilizes coaching and facility resources.

  3. Providing access to safe, inviting facilities for athletes and fans.

Course Requirements

This graduate certificate develops leadership skills and insights into the complex field of athletic program leadership, specifically within the context of educational settings (e.g., K-12 schools). Candidates will be expected to complete course-required clinical field experience in an educational setting to apply and demonstrate competency in course concepts.

Required Coursework:

EDAS 5510: Athletic Program Leadership and Planning
EDAS 5520: Management of Athletic Programs
 

Additional Certificate Courses:

At least two graduate level 3-credit hour courses addressing aspects of leadership applicable to athletic programs with approval from the Program Director/Advisor. Acceptable courses for this requirement include, but are not limited to:

EDAS 5710: Leadership for School Improvement
EDAS 5760: Developing Human Capital in Schools
EDAS 5770: Management of the School
EDS 6050: Reflective Leadership
EDS 6100: Program Evaluation

To request more information about our Educational Leadership programs, please fill out this inquiry form.

School Leadership

Educational Leadership