The specialization in  Sport Leadership  is designed to enhance leadership and administrative skills for those who work in a variety of leadership settings. The specialization will benefit professionals who work in areas such as  sport administration (scholastic, collegiate, or professional), event management, coaching, community and youth sports, and recreation (commercial and municipal). 

While the emphasis allows for opportunities to take coursework in business, its primary focus is on training leaders, supervisors, and administrators who recognize the need for a wide variety of skills as applied to leadership.

The sport leadership specialization offers students the choice between the Thesis Option (24 hours of approved course work, 6 hours thesis plus oral thesis defense) and a Course Work Option (30 hours of approved course work, written exams, and an oral exam). There are 6 hours of research and statistics classes and 12 hours of core classes that are required.

The Sport, Fitness, and Recreation Leadership graduate certificate is part of a wildly powerful tradition.

This program is 12 credit hours, so most of our students take only 1 or 2 classes per semester and can complete the program in just 6 months to one year. The schedule is designed for busy professionals – athletics directors, physical educators, fitness professionals, community recreation directors and staff, and more.

You can develop a better understanding of leadership principles from experienced faculty at the University of Kentucky, widely recognized for success in the field of athletics.

Gain the transferable skills you need to understand the demands of an ever-changing business. Advance your knowledge base in legal issues, policy and governance, and historical foundations of athletics.

These credits can also transfer to a master's degree!