Inclusive Leadership in Sport and Recreation
Graduate Certificate
Quick Facts
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The sport and recreation industry plays a vital role in promoting health, fostering community, and generating significant economic activity. Advancing inclusion within this field requires thoughtful, informed leadership. The Inclusive Leadership in Sport and Recreation Graduate Certificate is designed to prepare professionals to lead with equity and purpose.
This program offers an in-depth exploration of critical issues related to justice and inclusion in sport and recreation. Through flexible, engaging coursework led by experienced faculty, students will examine policy development, inclusive coaching strategies, and core administrative functions – all grounded in values of compassion, equality, and excellence.
Ideal for those working in youth sports, campus recreation, community programs, or other related settings, this certificate equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to foster more inclusive and accessible sport and recreation environments. Whether seeking to advance a current career or broaden professional impact, graduates will be prepared to lead meaningful change across diverse contexts.
*You must have completed a bachelor's degree in any field of study with a 2.75 GPA to apply for the program.
*Students can pursue one or both SRL graduate certificates independently. MA students will acquire both graduate certificates along with their degree at graduation.
*Students can pursue both this graduate certificate and the Sport and Recreation Management graduate certificate independently. Sport and Recreation Leadership MA students will acquire both graduate certificates along with their degree at graduation.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
The curriculum for this program includes:
This course will examine current topics and issues within the sport and recreation environment from a variety of perspectives including philosophy, sociology, psychology, public health, education, as well as economics/business.
This course will encourage students to think critically about sport and recreation in broad social contexts, exploring the economic, political, and socio-cultural forces that affect sport and recreation.
This course will provide the theory, methods, and skills needed to facilitate inclusive physical activity programming for diverse and special populations in sport and recreation settings.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Leadership in Sport and Recreation will build core skills, including:
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Program planning
- Policy analysis
- Commitment to diversity & inclusion
- Health and wellness
- Communication
- Critical thinking
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Inclusive Leadership in Sport and Recreation Graduate Certificate program will be prepared to pursue careers in the following fields:
