Sports and athletics officials as well as educators can further improve their knowledge and skills in their field by pursuing advanced studies such as a doctoral degree. You can pursue this degree at Northcentral University, an accredited institution that provides degree programs even through an online format.

This Doctor of Education (EdD) in Athletic Administration degree program aids learners in gaining a better understanding of athletic administration. They will be involved in a doctoral research and practical application in relation to sports and athletics. Areas where they will be exposed are on doing research, real world experience focusing on the legal, political, financial and marketing concerns of the sports industry.

Specific courses covered by this online doctoral program are educational research methods, development of human resource strategies in intercollegiate athletics, statistics in educational research, intercollegiate sport governance, legal aspects of equity, sport compliance, advising the student athlete, research design, student affairs leadership and qualitative methods. Developing the leadership skills is vital in this program particularly as you become the advisor of student athletes as well as the regular students. You will also be involved in looking into the athlete retention programs in colleges and universities.

The human resources aspect is also essential because an educator has to deal with people on a daily basis. Through this particular course, graduates will be able to easily find solutions to problems that may involve coaches, athletes, staff and personnel in the athletic department.

Research is also emphasized and a dissertation is a major requirement to complete this doctoral degree program.