concordia university chicago phd sports leadership

• MA Sports Leadership
• MBA in Sports Management
• Doctoral PhD Health & Human Performance
• PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership
• EdD Leadership: Sports Leadership
• Call (503) 719-7805

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• MA Sports Leadership
• MBA in Sports Management
• Doctoral PhD Health & Human Performance
• PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership
• EdD Leadership: Sports Leadership
• Call (503) 719-7805

Home » About Us

• Fitness and Health Promotion
• Human Movement Science
• Sports Nutrition
• Sports Performance Training
• 100% online graduate level courses
• 30 credits in the program comprised of 10, 8-week courses
• Affordable tuition rates, guaranteed throughout the entire program
• Guaranteed small class sizes, generally 12 to 18 students
• Human Movement Science students achieve the NASM CES credential
• Sports Performance Training students achieve the NASM PES credential
• Fitness and Healthy Promotion students achieve the NASM CPT credential at completion
• Sports Nutrition students complete their Certification with the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN)
• Concordia University is a regionally-accredited institution qualified to offer federal financial aid to students

Founded as a teachers’ education college in 1864, Concordia University Chicago today is a comprehensive liberal arts and graduate university in River Forest under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Daniel Lee Gard.

With more than 5,000 full-time students, Concordia offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs and more than 60 areas of study through its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Graduate and Innovative Programs.

The College of Graduate and Innovative Programs has been specifically structured and staffed to meet the needs of today’s graduate level students who:

• seek a nationally respected, advanced degree program that fully recognizes their undergraduate accomplishments.
• require non-traditional and flexible scheduling and teaching options, including extensive on-line and correspondence learning opportunities.
• prefer curricula content that is immediately applicable to demanding, real world workforce demands.
• appreciate the unique advantages of being assigned a personal “concierge” who provides tailored degree and course evaluation advice, in addition to guidance in selecting financial support and scheduling alternatives.
• value the importance of being able to balance family and work responsibilities with their pursuit of an advanced degree.

Our graduate degree programs, many of which are among the nation’s largest, prepare leaders with master’s degrees in fields as diverse as community counseling and gerontology, to religion, social services and a range of specialized studies within education, including educational technology.

The College’s post masters programs include doctoral programs in early childhood education, school leadership, organizational leadership and higher education, and sports management …and a combined certificate and MBA program for school business managers – the first program of its kind in the nation.

In addition to its thirty-nine innovative graduate programs, the College further provides a broad range of on and off-campus programs benefiting the workforce professional through the Institute of Professional Studies.

The College’s accelerated degree program for adults, serving highly motivated adults with at least two years of full time work experience who need a non-traditional college attendance option, responds to the requirements of students balancing their studies with work and family responsibilities.

Through our program, these students can complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational management, guided by faculty and staff who are sincerely dedicated to their success as individuals.

In addition to degree programs, the College further offers certificate programs for working professionals in human resource management, information technology management, organizational processes, piano pedagogy and athletic coaching.

Also available through the College is correspondence study providing undergraduate college instruction for credit consistent with approved standards for such work.

Finally, our unique 60+ College Program – a non-degree track program for those aged sixty and older – enables eligible seniors to audit virtually any course Concordia offers for personal enrichment and the pursuit of special interests.

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Educational Leadership Specialization

Prepare for effective school administrative leadership with district-wide responsibilities in public and nonpublic school settings.

The Concordia University Chicago Leadership PhD program with a specialization in educational leadership is at the forefront in providing educators with quality, relevant and current graduate education, which enhances the leadership of public and nonpublic teachers and administrators as they positively impact schools.

We are reflective professionals who provide quality, relevant, and current education for our graduate candidates in leadership. We prepare our candidates to be teacher and administrator leaders guiding public and nonpublic schools in the service of students so that they may become effective citizens in a global society.

Program Competencies and Outcomes

Demonstrate instructional leadership.

Competency:  Analyze instructional programs and student performance data to support success for all students.

• Candidates demonstrate an understanding of a variety of instructional research methodologies and can analyze the comparable strengths and weaknesses of each method.
• Candidates are able to use qualitative and quantitative data, appropriate research methods, technology and information systems to develop a long-range plan for a district that assesses the district’s improvement and accountability systems.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to use and promote technology and information systems to enrich district curriculum and instruction, monitor instructional practices and provide assistance to administrators who have needs for improvement.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to allocate and justify resources to sustain the instructional program.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to facilitate and engage in activities that use best practices and sound educational research to improve instructional programs.
• Candidates demonstrate an ability to assist school and district personnel in understanding and applying best practices for student learning.
• Candidates understand and can apply concern for diversity, human development theory, and proven learning and motivational theories to the learning process.
• Candidates understand how to use appropriate research strategies to profile student performance in a district and analyze differences among subgroups.

Demonstrate Ethical Supervision Leadership

Competency:  Evaluate school climate, culture and professional staff to assure provision of support for success of all students.

• Candidates demonstrate knowledge of adult learning strategies and the ability to apply technology and research to professional development design focusing on authentic problems and tasks, mentoring, coaching, conferencing and other techniques that promote new knowledge and skills in the workplace.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to use strategies such as observations and collaborative reflection to help form comprehensive professional growth plans with district and school personnel.
• Candidates develop individual professional growth plans that reflect commitment to life-long learning and best practices.

Demonstrate Effective, Practical and Ethical Management Leadership Skills

Competency:  Plan for the effective use of fiscal, human and material resources to promote the success of all students within a safe, effective and efficient learning environment.

• Candidates demonstrate the ability to use research-based knowledge of learning, teaching, student development, organizational development and data management to optimize learning for all students.
• Candidates demonstrate effective organization of fiscal, human and material resources, giving priority to student learning and safety while demonstrating an understanding of district budgeting processes and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to organize a district based on indicators of equity, effectiveness and efficiency and can apply legal principles that promote equity.
• Candidates demonstrate an understanding of how to apply legal principles to promote and provide safe, effective and efficient facilities.

Demonstrate the Ability to Communicate Effectively with Parents and Other Community Members

Competency:  Engage the outside community in support of ensuring the success of all students.

• Candidates demonstrate the ability to facilitate the planning and implementation of programs and services that bring together the resources of families and the community to positively affect student learning.
• Candidates demonstrate an ability to use public information and research-based knowledge of issues and trends to collaborate with community members and community organizations to have a positive effect on student learning.
• Candidates apply an understanding of community-relations models, marketing strategies and processes, data-driven decision-making, and communication theory to craft frameworks for school, business, community, government and higher education partnerships.
• Candidates demonstrate an ability to develop and implement a plan for nurturing relationships with community leaders and reaching out to different business, religious, political and service organizations to strengthen programs and support district goals.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to involve community members, groups and other stakeholders in district decision-making, reflecting an understanding of strategies to capitalize on the district’s integral role in the larger community.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to collaborate with community agencies to integrate health, social and other services in the schools to address student and family conditions that affect learning.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to conduct community relations that model effective media relations practices.
• Candidates develop and implement strategies that support the involvement of families in the education of their children, reinforcing among district staff the confidence that families have the best interests of their children in mind.

Understand Diverse Populations

Competency:  Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the needs of all students to assure educational success within the schools and the district.

• Candidates employ current knowledge of rules and regulations governing education for sub populations (i.e., special education, talented and gifted, ELL, ethnic subgroups).
• Candidates demonstrate respect for the rights of others with regard to confidentiality, dignity and honesty.
• Candidates assess data and determine needs for serving sub-populations to assure school success and appropriate achievement.
• Candidates support programs and services that celebrate and support the diverse nature of the schools and the district.

Understand the Larger Context

Competency:  Collaborate with relevant entities beyond the school to support the success of all students.

• Candidates demonstrate the ability to use appropriate research methods, theories and concepts to improve district operations.
• Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the complex causes of poverty and other disadvantages and their effects on families, communities, children and learning.
• Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the policies, laws and regulations enacted by local, state and federal authorities affecting a specific district.
• Candidates can explain the system for financing public schools and its effects on the equitable distribution of educational opportunities within a district.
• Candidates demonstrate the ability to work with political leaders at the local, state and national level.
• Candidates can apply an understanding of how specific laws at the local, state and federal level affect school districts and residents.
• Candidates advocate positions in response to proposed policy changes that would benefit or harm districts and explain how proposed policies and laws might improve educational and social opportunities for specific communities.

See Academic Catalog for curriculum details on this specialization

Admission Counselor

Connect with your admission counselor.

Holly Kains

• 708-957-5994

Request Information

•   708.340.7664
•   [email protected]

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into a specialized online doctoral degree programs at Concordia University Chicago, students must have earned a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Other admissions requirements are as follows:

Online Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

• Official Transcripts – Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree.
• Letters of Recommendation – Send two letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to comment on your academic proficiency, professional competencies, personal character and potential for doctoral study.
• Professional Resume – Provide a copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae, including relevant work experience, degrees, certifications and skills.
• Writing Sample – Capture your goals and ambition for pursuing the online Doctorate in Business Administration in approximately 2-3 pages, double-spaced, using proper grammar, professional writing style, and correct paragraph composition. This is not your resume; it is an opportunity for you to present who you are, and how your academic and professional background has prepared you to pursue the online DBA.

Online PhD/EdD, Leadership

• Objective Statement – Write a brief statement outlining your education and career goals and explain how earning your PhD or EdD degree online from Concordia University Chicago will help you fulfill those objectives.
• Graduate Exam Scores – Submit an official copy of your current Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores. (Test results must be dated within the prior three years). There is no minimum score required to be accepted.
• Professional Resume – Provide a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, including relevant work experience, degrees, certifications, licensure and skills.
• Writing Sample – Submit a paper that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master’s program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.

International applicants may be required to submit additional supporting materials, such as proof of English language proficiency and a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved credentialing service. For full requirements, visit the Admission & Tuition page.

There is no application fee and no GRE requirement to apply for an online doctorate degree program at Concordia University Chicago.

DBA, Strategic Leadership and Innovation Specialization

Dba, innovation in health care management specialization, phd/edd leadership: higher education specialization, phd/edd leadership: organizational leadership specialization, contact information.

Concordia University Chicago Admission Counselor

708.340.7664 [email protected]

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MBA, General

MBA, Accounting Specialization

MBA, Digital Marketing Specialization

MBA, Finance Specialization

MBA, Health Care Management Specialization

MBA, Leadership and Change Management Specialization

MBA, Project Management Specialization

MBA, Sports Management Specialization

ONLINE DOCTORATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

DBA – Strategic Leadership and Innovation Specialization

DBA – Innovation in Health Care Management Specialization

PhD/EdD, Leadership: Organizational Leadership Specialization

PhD/EdD, Leadership: Higher Education Specialization

CSBO ENDORSEMENT OVERVIEW

Highly rated.

• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• U.S. News & World Report Best Online MBA Programs
• U.S. News & World Report Best Regional University – Midwest
• U.S. News & World Report Best Value Schools – Regional Universities Midwest
• U.S. News & World Report Top Performers on Social Mobility
• U.S. News & World Report Campus Ethnic Diversity

Our Mission

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.

If you would like more information about Concordia-Chicago’s mission, values or values, please  click here .

For more on Concordia-Chicago’s on-campus programs, visit here .

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Exercise science (phd).

The Ph.D. in Exercise Science is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare students to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, and/or research roles in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, human performance and other related disciplines. This doctorate program has a strong research orientation and aims to develop outstanding scholars and researchers who create and disseminate new knowledge about issues arising out of the intersection of physical activity, health promotion, and human performance. 

This doctoral program includes coursework in health, exercise science, research, statistics, and a nine credit hour dissertation requirement. 

General Graduate Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic  catalog .

New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.  Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app .  Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to admission requirements, a master’s degree in Health Science or Exercise Science or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required.

Applicants who have a tangential, but not a directly related master’s degree in Exercise Science, may be considered for provisional acceptance. Students who are provisionally accepted will have to take AES-6250: Advanced Exercise Physiology as their first course and earn a B or higher in order to continue in the program. Students who do not earn a B or higher in AES-6250 will be dismissed from the program. Students seeking provisional acceptance must meet all other admission criteria.

Credit for this course earned toward completion of a master's degree or certificate program cannot be applied toward the Ph.D. in Exercise Science.

Upon completion of the nine required hours of dissertation coursework, candidates must maintain continuous enrollment with  DISS-8000 Dissertation Supervision  until program completion.

Doctoral Graduation Requirements

• Have on file an application as a doctoral graduate student in this program.
• Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
• the credit hours and levels as designated,
• within the specified time limit,
• with grades of C- or higher,
• with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.  
• If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
• Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
• Have on record the dissertation uploaded into ProQuest.
• Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
• Approval of the faculty.
• All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).

Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.

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