Sports, Cultures and Ethics, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Whether it's in intense fandoms, age-old rivalries, records being broken by athletes or political controversies, sports have become embedded into everyday life. Delve deep into the human aspect of sports --- its historical background, the ethics and the cultural significance --- that affects fans and athletes alike.

Program Description

The certificate program in sports, cultures and ethics is a cross-disciplinary inquiry into the social, ethical and cultural influence of sports in society.

Courses explore the significance of sports in modern history, including relationships between sports and identity, community, politics, media, business and education. Students analyze the ethical and philosophical issues of participating in and watching sports. Students also explore how playing fields become places of connection and conflict, expanding opportunities or reinforcing inequalities based on race, gender, sexuality, religion and socioeconomic class.

Students who complete the program have knowledge and understanding of the multifaceted nature of sports and its wide-ranging impact on cultures and lives.


Program Requirements

The certificate in sports, cultures and ethics requires a minimum of 18 credit hours, of which at least 12 must be upper division. At least six upper-division hours must be in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. All courses for the certificate must be passed with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale).
Required Courses -- 6 credit hours
Electives (choose four) -- 12 credit hours
Additional courses related to sports, cultures and ethics that are not on the elective list may be used with the approval of the certificate directors.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Interpretation of how playing fields become places of connection and conflict, expanding opportunities or reinforcing inequalities based on race, gender, sexuality, religion and socioeconomic class
  • Evaluate the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts relevant to ethical and justice issues in sports

Career Outlook

Students who combine the certificate in sports, cultures and ethics with their major program of study will become more marketable to employers.

Students who complete this undergraduate certificate often decide to pursue employment in sports business, sports journalism, sports law, education, sports governance and administration, coaching or the sports sciences. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Coaches and Scouts


  • Growth: 9.2%
  • Median Salary*: 44890
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Historians


  • Growth: 3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64540

History Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.3%
  • Median Salary*: 79400

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 55960

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 83770

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.7%
  • Median Salary*: 78780

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 82530
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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