Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organization Development, Sport Administration Specialization

Overview

Doctoral program in Sport Administration Brochure

Sport Administration Program


This is a concentration of the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development program.

Cardinals

Sport Management is a growing academic discipline, and our PhD is designed for those wishing to pursue a career as a college or university faculty member in Sport Management. The program has attracted students from around the world (United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sweden, Germany) to study with the internationally recognized faculty. Our current faculty serve on multiple editorial boards, have authored or co-authored numerous sport management textbooks, and have a long history of engaging Ph.D. students in research.

While there is no typical Ph.D. student, candidates with previous work experience in the sport industry as well as a clear research focus are preferred. Sport industry experience is extremely helpful for Sport Management faculty members since our discipline is very hands-on and the students we teach will be preparing for jobs where they will be teaching future sport industry professionals.

We are proud to say that every student who graduated from our program is employed in a related academic or industry position. The job market is extremely competitive and students typically begin applying for jobs in the fall of their third year. Students who take advantage of the research, teaching, and service opportunities available to them while enrolled in the program have fared very well.

A Ph.D. program is by nature a research-oriented degree where students are actively engaged in research teams with faculty members and other doctoral students. Students will also submit proposals for presentations at national and international conferences and write for publications.

This program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

Related

For more details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Contact

Doctoral Program Coordinator and Primary Contact:

Dr. Meg Hancock, Professor, 502-852-3237, meg.hancock@louisville.edu

Keisha BranchKeisha Branch
Suffolk, Virginia

Advisor:Dr. Meg Hancock and Dr. Ajhanai Keaton
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025

Educational Background:
B.A., Psychology and Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
M.S., Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Sports Leadership, University of Kentucky

Teaching experience: Forthcoming

Research Area of Interest:
The minority professional and student-athlete experience within collegiate athletics

 Spencer CavanSpencer A. Cavan
Toronto, Canada

Advisor:Dr. Mary Hums
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025

Educational Background:
B.A., Criminal Justice & Public Policy, University of Guelph
B.A., Political Science, University of Guelph
M.S., Sport and Recreation Leadership, James Madison University

Teaching experience: SPAD 281-Teaching Assistant (Principles of Sport Administration)
SPAD 402-Teaching Assistant (Internship in Sport Administration)
SPAD 489 – Teaching Assistant (Legal Aspects of Sport)

Research Area of Interest: International Sport and Recreation, Sport for Development and Peace

Michael ClemonsMichael Clemons
Louisville, KY

Advisor: Dr. Chris Greenwell
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024

Educational Background:
B.A., Spanish, Commerce, Language, & Culture, Georgetown College
M.S., Sport Administration, University of Louisville

Teaching experience: SPAD 383 (Sport Marketing), SPAD 404 (Financial Principles of Sport), SPAD 445 (Sport Communications), SPAD 561 (Special Topics: Kentucky Derby Logistics), SPAD 561 (Special Topics: Urban Bourbon Half Marathon), HSS 114 (Fitness Walking)

Research Area of Interest:
Endurance sport organizations and participation

Ancia IfillAncia Ifill
Barbados

Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024

Educational Background:
B.S., International Business, Bethune-Cookman University
M.S., Counseling, Bethune-Cookman University
Graduate Certificate- Organizational Change in Higher Education, University of Louisville

Teaching experience: HSS 181 (Academic Orientation, SPAD)

Research Area of Interest:
The black international college athlete at HBCU’s and PWI’s

Paul JonesPaul Jones
Georgetown, KY

Advisor:Dr. Adam Cocco
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Educational Background:
B.S., Exercise Science, University of Louisville
M.S., Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville

Teaching experience: Forthcoming

Research Area of Interest:
Quantitative Analysis in American College Football

Anthony MontanaroAnthony Montanaro
Rochester, New York

Advisor: Dr. Marion Hambrick
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023

Educational Background:
B.S., Sport Management and Data Science, Bowling Green State University
M.S., Sport Administration, University of Louisville

Teaching experience: SPAD 437 (Data and Analytics), SPAD 383 (Sport Marketing)

Research Area of Interest:
Sport Analytics

Jacob OwsleyJacob Owsley
Fort Mill, SC

Advisor:Dr. Chris Greenwell
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025

Educational Background:
B.A., Exercise & Sport Science-Sport Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.B.A, Information Systems & Data Analytics Troy University

Teaching experience: Forthcoming

Research Area of Interest:
Forthcoming

Nick SwimNick Swim
St. Albans, VT

Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022

Educational Background:
B.S., Business Management, Castleton University
M.S., Sport Management, Ball State University

Teaching experience: SPAD 561 (Special Topics: Mega Events Logistics), SPAD 445 (Sport Communication), SPAD 402 (Internship in Sport Administration), SPAD 336 (Digital Technology & Sports), SPAD 390 (Sport Governance), SPAD 284 (Issues and Ethics in Sport), SPAD 281 (Principles of Sport Administration), HSS 138 (Basketball)

Research Area of Interest:
Gender and race issues in sport

Erica ThompsonErica Thompson
Chapel Hill, NC

Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024

Educational Background:
B.S., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.S., Sport Business, Temple University

Teaching experience: SPAD 402 (Internship in Sport Administration), SPAD 404 (Financial Principles of Sport)

Research Area of Interest:
Stigmas, barriers, perceptions, and facilitators of mental health in intercollegiate athletics.

Jeff WardJeff Ward
Buffalo, NY

Advisor: Dr. Mary Hums
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024

Educational Background:
B.A., Psychology, University of Central Arkansas
M.S., Sport Management, University of Central Arkansas

Teaching experience: SPAD 561 (Introduction to E-Sports), Sport in American Society (University of Central Arkansas)

Research Area of Interest:
Sport as a treatment for PTSD

Chad WorkmanChad Workman
Thomasville, NC

Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Educational Background:
B.S., Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
M.S., Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville

Teaching experience: Forthcoming

Research Area of Interest:
Organizational behavior and sport

Opportunities for Graduates

The job market is extremely competitive and students typically begin applying for jobs in the fall of their third year. Students who take advantage of the research, teaching, and service opportunities available to them while enrolled in the program have fared very well in obtaining faculty and administrative positions. Currently, 100% of our graduates are employed in the field.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Financial Aid

Funding opportunities for the program are limited and highly competitive, no different than at any other institution. Funding opportunities may take the form of a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) in the SPAD program, the Health and Sport Sciences Department, the College of Education and Human Development, or other academic or service units on campus. Students may also be eligible for selected University Fellowships. There may be opportunities for PhD students to be paid to teach courses in the program. Student interested in loans or other financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid office at 502-852-5511, or visit the UofL Financial Aid website.

FAQs

1. Who is the contact for questions?

Dr. Meg Hancock - meg.hancock@louisville.edu

2. Do I need a master’s degree in sport administration to begin the Ph.D. program?

Students come from a variety of educational backgrounds. To ensure students have sufficient mastery of the core content areas, students may be required to take graduate level courses in sport administration as part of their specialty component or elective component.

3. What is the timetable to complete a Ph.D.?

Typically, it takes a full time student two (2) years to complete all of course-work in order to become eligible to take Comprehensive Exams. A dissertation typically requires 1-2 years of additional work. Students can finish the program in as little as three (3 years).

4. Are there opportunities for students to teach?

Opportunities available to teach undergraduate and graduate SPAD classes. PhD students have taught undergraduate Principles of Sport Management, Sport Finance, Sport Marketing, Legal Aspects of Sport, and Sport Facility Management. On the Masters level, PhD students have taught Organizational Behavior and Research Methods courses.

5. The degree is actually a PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (ELOD). What does that mean?

Many sport administration or sport management programs across the country are part of larger PhD programs. At the University of Louisville, ELOD is the umbrella degree for a variety of programs. This association allows us to utilizes the resources of the Educational Leadership program while still providing a comprehensive sport administration curriculum.

6. What are the admissions review dates?

October 1 and February 1. All paperwork is due before these dates to be considered for admission. Send all materials to: University of Louisville, Office of Graduate Admissions, 105 Houchens, Louisville, KY 40292.

7. How are applicants evaluated?

The following questions are a key part of the evaluation process: Is the applicant likely to succeed in doctoral study? Is there evidence the applicant possesses professional expertise and promise? Does this doctoral program (and chosen concentration) appear to be a viable match for the applicant's goals?

8. What are the required application materials?
  1. Graduate Application
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vita
  3. Recommendations (3)
  4. GRE Test Scores (TOEFL for foreign applicants)
  5. Transcripts — undergraduate and graduate
  6. Formal Statement of Goals

For a complete description of required materials, please visit the PhD in ELOD page.

9. What sources of funding are available?

Funding opportunities are limited and highly competitive, no different than at any other institution. Funding opportunities may take the form of a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) in the SPAD program, the Health and Sport Sciences Department, the College of Education and Human Development, or other academic or service units on campus. Students may also be eligible for selected University Fellowships. There may be opportunities for PhD students to be paid to teach courses in the program. Student interested in loans or other financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid office at 502-852-5511, or visit the UofL Financial Aid website.