A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in physical education and sports science denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of physical education and sports science gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in physical education and sports science or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in physical education and sports science comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in physical education and sports science allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field. For example, a student working towards a Master's in physical education and sports science with a specialization in Sports Training may take the Graduate Certificate in Sports Leadership to augment their expertise.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in physical education and sports science provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in physical education and sports science. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in physical education and sports sciences includes
Graduate Certificate in Physical Education (Generalist)
Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management
Graduate Certificate in Sports Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Sports Business
Graduate Certificate in Sports Management
Graduate Certificate in Sports Marketing and Public Relations
