Research

Graduate students in EXSS Sport Administration learn about and discuss a wide variety of challenges and issues that cover the intercollegiate sport industry. Students analyze and debate issues and concerns that current athletic administrators face and then develop research questions to investigate these challenges in a thesis using the formal scientific process. For example, eligibility or Title IX, legal matters such as anti-trust application, economics and funding sport programs, diversity and work-life balance issues, communication and media relations, marketing and sponsorship, and compliance and governance are all topics that have been explored. In the first-year of study, students enroll in EXSS 700 to further develop applied statistics and research methods skills. Throughout the thesis process, students work closely with sport administration faculty to provide guidance, feedback, and support to ensure research success. In addition, the Odum Institute supports student achievement through the offering of social science research training and courses, statistical assistance, consulting services, data, software, and facilities.