Program Overview
Nova Southeastern University's Ed.D. in Sports Leadership equips students with a global perspective and innovative leadership skills for the competitive sports industry. Through a blend of online coursework and an on-campus Summer Institute, students gain expertise in areas such as athletic fundraising, risk management, and sports communication. The program culminates in an applied dissertation or strategic research project, preparing graduates for careers in sports administration, marketing, and academia.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ed.D. in Sports Leadership at Nova Southeastern University prepares students to become innovative leaders in the competitive world of professional and academic sports. The program emphasizes building a collaborative, decision-making culture and tackling sports challenges in the global economy. Graduates will be equipped with a global perspective of sports administration and the ability to enhance the performance of any sports organization or club.
Outline:
Concentration Area Courses (21 Credits)
- SPL 8000: Leadership and Organization in Sports
- SPL 8020: Athletic Fundraising
- SPL 8030: Risk Management in Sports
- SPL 8040: Athletic Compliance
- SPL 8050: Sports Sponsorship
- SPL 8060: Sports Communication & Social Media
- SPL 8070: Athletic Facilities & Event Management
Elective Courses (3 credits)
- Any Ed.D. Program course (For DISR students)
- ORGL 8750 (For SRP students)
Summer Institute (1 credit)
- FSC 8000: Summer Institute
Applied Dissertation or Strategic Research Project (12 credits)
Applied Dissertation
- DISR 8966: Applied Dissertation 1: Prospectus
- DISR 8967: Applied Dissertation 2: Proposal Development
- DISR 8968: Applied Dissertation 3: Proposal
- DISR 8969: Applied Dissertation 4: Applied Dissertation
Strategic Research Project
- ESRP 9000: Strategic Research Project I
- ESRP 9001: Strategic Research Project II
Research Courses
Required Courses (6 credits)
- EDD 8100: Academic Writing
- EDD 8200: Leadership, Communication and Technology
- RES 8100: The Nature of Knowing: Introduction to Research Methods
- RES 8200: Research Methods II
Quantitative Research Track (6 credits)
- RES 8911: Quantitative Research Design
- RES 8921: Quantitative Data Analysis
Qualitative Research Track (6 credits)
- RES 8916: Qualitative Research Design
- RES 8926: Qualitative Data Analysis
Research Track for those completing the Strategic Research Project (6 credits)
- RES 8910: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
- RES 8924: Data Visualization for Strategic Planning
Assessment:
The Ed.D. program at NSU utilizes various assessment methods, including:
- Course assignments
- Discussion boards
- Projects
- Presentations
- Applied dissertation or strategic research project Students are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and application of the course material. The applied dissertation or strategic research project is a significant component of the program and requires students to conduct original research or develop a strategic plan that addresses a real-world problem in the field of sports leadership.
Teaching:
The Ed.D. program at NSU is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Research projects The program also emphasizes the use of technology to enhance the learning experience for students. Students have access to online resources, such as discussion boards, wikis, and video lectures. The program is delivered fully online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. However, all doctoral students are required to participate in at least one Summer Institute on campus in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Careers:
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Sports Leadership program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of sports leadership, including:
- Athletic directors
- Sports marketing managers
- Event coordinators
- Sports agents
- Fundraising directors
- Compliance officers
- Sports psychologists
- Sports educators The program also prepares students for careers in academia, research, and consulting.
