Sports Diploma Program
The Sports Diploma Program is a unique program of advanced study designed for sport professionals and practitioners who have had extensive experience in sport. Students may pursue a Sports Diploma in Sports Management or Sports Coaching. The Sports Diploma Program uses an applied approach that includes 2 courses (in addition to the 6 courses in the certification programs), a mentorship (200 contact-hours), and a project paper detailing the mentorship experience. This program is ideal for those who desire a more in-depth perspective into a particular area of sport.
How to Register
To register online, select your program of interest. The specific program page will provide a brief overview, a list of required courses and a link to register online. If you would rather register by phone, call the Continuing Education office at (800) 223-2668 ext. 7162 or (251) 626-3303 ext. 7162.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Sports Diploma Program, students must first complete one of the following certification programs:
Program Specifics
Each certification program consists of 6 courses; students must complete at least 4 courses of a certification program prior to starting the Sports Diploma Program. (Please note that all 6 courses must be completed before students begin their mentorship). Students must also declare their intention of participating in the Sports Diploma Program upon registering for a certification Program.
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
- Successful completion of 4 courses in either one of the certification programs
- A score of 70% or higher in all 6 certification courses
- A score of 70% or higher in the 2 additional Sports Diploma courses
- Completion of a supervised mentorship (200 contact-hours)
- A double-spaced paper documenting the mentorship experience (approximately 10 pages)
Upon completion of the Sports Diploma Program, students will have satisfied the following requirements:
- Completed a total of 8 courses (6 certification program courses and 2 additional courses)
- Completed a 200-hour mentorship
- Completed a 10-page paper detailing the mentorship experience
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship program included in the Sports Diploma program is a professional field-experience under the guidance of an approved mentor. The program is designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students with regards to certain learning objectives. During the required 200 hours of activity, students are involved in developing programs, planning strategies and organizing tactics to meet objectives in chosen sport-related professions. When students are ready to begin their mentorship, they will receive a copy of the Academy Sports Diploma Mentorship Handbook.
Requirements
- Students must choose a mentorship outside of their place of employment
- Students enrolled in the same Sports Diploma program cannot share the same mentor
- Mentors must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a sport-related field and at least five years experience as a senior administrator or supervisor
- All required forms must be processed prior to beginning the mentorship
- Students must complete 200 supervised contact-hours
- Students must write a paper (10-pages, double-spaced) detailing the mentorship experience
Students must provide mentors with weekly, monthly and final-project journal reports. At the end of the mentorship, the mentor will give each student a final evaluation.
Final Notes
- If a student in an onsite program should miss a course in the sequence of the Certification and Sports Diploma programs, it may be taken online
- Mentorships arranged by students must be approved by the Academy
- Fees and tuition are subject to change without notice
- Balance of fees including all administrative fees, course fees, and mentorship fees must be paid prior to beginning the Mentorship program
- There is no time limit in which to complete a Certification or Sport Diploma program
