The Department of Sport Management has secured approval for a new undergraduate certificate in Sport Leadership and Branding. The 15-credit certificate launches in the spring 2022 semester.
The new credential will be available to all students. However, it is particularly designed to support the educational needs of varsity student-athletes in the new Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) marketplace.
“Key to supporting student-athletes is educating them on personal leadership, branding and NIL-related concepts,” Dr. Mark Vermillion, interim associate dean and department chair in Sport Management, said. “The purpose of the new certificate is to support student-athletes and the athletic department by providing essential educational resources, support and content associated with student-athletes’ development in these key areas.”
The new certificate builds on the ALTITUDE student-athlete development program launched in fall 2021 by Wichita State Athletics in partnership with Opendorse. Students who complete various facets of the ALTITUDE program may secure academic credit toward the Sport Leadership and Branding certificate.
The new certificate includes nine credits of required courses in leadership, personal branding, and sport and entertainment agencies. The other six hours of electives include options in sport marketing, technology in sport management and an applied leadership experience.