Concordia University Chicago FAQS
BASICS INFO
Are any courses taken with SMWW?
No, all classes are taken with CUC. SMWW courses are not offered for graduate level credit, and therefore cannot be transferred into a graduate program.
How is SMWW involved with CUC?
SMWW founder and president, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, created the curriculum for the master's and doctorate Sports Leadership programs. You will take one class with Dr. Lashbrook in the program (Sports Administration with CUC). Dr. Lashbrook invites all CUC students to his Sunday Worldwide live interactive audio chats via Zoom. In addition, CUC students are invited to join Dr. Lashbrook at SMWW Conferences including: NFL Combine, Winter Baseball Meetings, NHL Draft, MLS Draft, and Basketball in Las Vegas.
Is the degree from CUC or SMWW?
The degree is from Concordia University Chicago.
Is this an accredited program?
Yes, the Sports Leadership programs are accredited through the Illinois State Board of Education, the Higher Learning Commission, the North Central Association, the National Council for Accreditation of Teach Education, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
I am looking to take the NFLPA Agent exam and need a master's degree. Will this program work for this requirement?
Yes, many people have taken our Master's in Sports Leadership program and subsequently took the exam upon completion.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee when you apply and enroll via the SMWW application.
Where do I get my letters of recommendation?
Employers and past professors are a great start. Dr. Lashbrook can also write you one.
Where do I send my transcripts? My resume? My test scores?
All admissions file documents should be sent to the CUC Office of Graduate Admission:
Office of Graduate Admission and Student Services
Concordia University Chicago
7400 Augusta Street
Addison Hall, Office 158
River Forest, IL 60305
Tel: 708-209-4093
Fax: 708-209-3454
Email: grad.admission@CUChicago.edu
What is included in the admission file?
- For the master's degree: application for admission (online), objective statement, official transcripts from any university/college a degree was earned, and two letters of recommendation. NO GRE!
- For the MBA in Sports Leadership: application for admission (online), objective statement, official transcripts from any university/college a degree was earned, resume, and two letters of recommendation. NO GRE!
- For the doctorate: master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completed online application, submission of rationale statement and personal goals, official transcripts from any university/college a degree was earned, two letters of recommendation, resume, and a writing sample (preferably from your master's program if taken within the last 3 years). NO GRE!
All documents should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission and SMWW at info@SMWW.com.
Are the application requirements different for international students?
Yes, international students (anyone outside of the USA) must submit the standard admissions requirements above and are also required to submit the following to be considered:
- English Language Proficiency OR prove you have taken English 112
International applicants who have earned an advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or students from an international English-speaking university (in which the lingua franca is English) don’t need to submit English language scores. Otherwise, applicants must demonstrate one of the following:- Letter from school declaring English is the official language of the university
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 72 (internet-based)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.0
- Foreign transcript evaluation
Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia approved international credentialing service. Concordia accepts course-by-course evaluations from WES (World Education Services) and ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). - Declaration of finances
Submit a certified document pledging financial support for the first year of study and verifying the same for the following year(s) of study.
How long does it take for an international student to receive an admission decision?
International students must qualify for regular admission to a degree program prior to enrollment. All documents must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the start date.
What happens once CUC receives all of my admissions documents?
You will hear back via email within one week. You should expect a letter from the school in the mail in the coming weeks. You will then be sent an email from your Concordia advisor. This email will explain your next steps, how to register for courses, buying books, and setting up your CUC Portal.
What if my GPA is not up to CUC standards?
You can still apply for the program, but may be required for additional information, a high GRE/MAT test score, etc. The following are a few options for you to consider:
- Full Admission
To be considered for Full Admission, candidates must present a cumulative grade point average above 2.85 or have earned a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. - Probationary Admission
To be considered for Probationary Admission, one or more of the following special conditions may exist:- A cumulative GPA between 2.25 and 2.84 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Holding a master's degree with a cumulative GPA below 3.0
- Credentials/documents that raise cause for reservation for admission
Students admitted on probationary status must earn a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework within their first semester of enrollment to continue in the program.
- Provisional Admission (available only to US residents and citizens)
To be considered for Provisional Admission, candidates must present credentials that generally satisfy full admission requirements – but need to satisfy additional admission requirements such as special program prerequisites. All admission requirements must be satisfied by the end of the candidate's first semester of enrollment to continue in the program.
What if I am missing a piece of my admissions file and I want to start school sooner than later?
US citizens and residents ONLY have the option to start taking classes as a "PENDING STATUS" student. Master's may enroll in an eligible program with Pending Status if all of the required documentation has not been received at the time the student wishes to register for the course. Students admitted under Pending Status may register for courses in their initial term of admission only. To register for subsequent terms, pending students must be unconditionally admitted to the graduate program. Students entering with Pending Status are not eligible for any form of financial assistance from the university. Doctoral and international students are not eligible to enroll with Pending Status.
MASTERS INFORMATION
Where do I apply?
You must apply on the CUC website under MA Sports Leadership — https://capp.cuchicago.edu/graduate/apply/smww/
How long does it take to complete?
The fastest you can go through the program is 12 months. CUC suggests you follow the course template schedule and take one course every 8 weeks or 2 courses a term (16 weeks) which is 18 months.
What are the costs for the master's degree?
- $460 per credit hour
- $18 technology fee per credit
- 33 credits = $15,675 without books
How long is each course?
They are all 8 weeks.
Is this program completely online?
Yes
Do I ever need to be on campus?
There is no residency requirement, which means no trips to campus.
MBA SPORTS LEADERSHIP
Where do I apply?
You must apply on the CUC website under MBA Sports Leadership – and make sure to check the SMWW partnership program. https://capp.cuchicago.edu/graduate/apply/smww/
How long does it take to complete?
You can take it in 1 year accelerated online, or two years online. On-campus options are also available for the MBA program (both 1 and 2 years).
What are the costs for the MBA degree?
- $710 per credit hour
- $18 tech fee per credit hour
- 48 credits = $34,800 tuition without books
What is the MBA course breakdown?
- MBA core courses account for 36 credits (12 courses)
- Sports Leadership Specialization courses account for 12 credits (4 courses)
How long is each course?
They are all 8 weeks.
Is this program completely online?
No, you can take the MBA online or on campus. You can also choose to take the core classes on campus and the Sports Leadership Specialization courses online.
SPORTS LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
Students have the option to receive a graduate certificate at CUC in Sports Leadership. This is 4 courses (Economic of Sports, Sports Finance, Essentials of Sports Law, Diversity in Sports) from the MBA program.
- $710 per credit hour (+$18 tech fee)
- 12 credits
- 100% Online
Is this available for international students?
At this time, international students cannot get this certificate.
What is the difference between the MBA in Sports Leadership and the master’s in Sports Leadership?
The MBA is your basic Business MBA program with electives in Sports Leadership.
- 4 elective courses (Economic of Sports, Sports Finance, Essentials of Sports Law, Diversity in Sports)
- MBA is much more expensive ($710 v $460) per credit hour
DOCTORATE INFORMATION
What are the costs for the doctoral degree in Sports Administration and Leadership?
- $711 per credit hour
- $18 per credit tech fee per credit hour
- 61 credits (EdD) = $44,286
- 67 credits (PhD) = $48,642
What is the difference between the EdD and the PhD?
The PhD is research based and the EdD is practitioner based. The program is the same for both, until the end when you are divided into your respective clusters. The PhD is roughly one year longer than the EdD.
For the EdD, Practitioner Track (10 hours)
- RES 7810 Methods of Action Research Inquiry (3)
- RES 7600 Survey Research (3)
- RES 7900 Research Design (4)
For the PhD, Researcher Track (16 hours)
- RES 7900 Research Design (4)
- RES 7605 Quantitative Analysis (3)
- RES 7700 Qualitative Research (3)
- RES 7800 Mixed Methods Research (3)
How long is each course?
They are all 8 weeks at both the master’s and doctorate levels. For the doctoral program, a research course and dissertation are a full semester (16 weeks).
Is this program completely online?
Yes
Do I ever need to be on campus?
No. There is no residency requirement, which means no trips to campus.