Certificate in Critical Sport Studies

Our students become critical thinkers who analyze race, gender and class in relation to sports, and are poised to enjoy careers with sports teams, sporting goods merchandisers, fitness and recreational centers, and in media and law.

Critical sport studies examines sports and their social, cultural, historical and economic contexts. Students in this certificate program analyze race, gender and class as they relate to sports. Students also participate in co-curricular activities to further their understanding of the development, focus, functioning and future of sport in society. 

  • Examine social and cultural issues in sports today
  • Learn about a rapidly growing field of study
  • Understand how sports can support social and cultural change

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Experience an interdisciplinary curriculum that approaches sport studies holistically, with classes offered in a variety of departments, including classics, communication, ethnic studies, journalism, philosophy and psychology

Learn from the only critical sport studies certificate program in Colorado

Be well prepared for a variety of career opportunities

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our diverse and increasingly global 21st-century society with targeted training in sport studies.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities in combination with the skills you learn in your major area of study

 

Sports team manager, media relations professional, journalist, broadcast production manager and marketing manager are are common opportunities to apply this certificate

 

Work for professional sports teams, sporting goods merchandisers, fitness and recreational centers, media companies or in law

Academic Plan & Requirements

The certificate in critical sport studies is open to all degree-seeking undergraduate students pursuing any major at CU º£½ÇÉçÇø, but is especially attuned to students in cultural studies, the humanities, social sciences and professional fields such as business and law. 

A total of 18 hours of coursework is required to complete the certificate. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the interdisciplinary course offerings based in: 

  • Cultural studies
  • Political science
  • History
  • Study abroad
  • Journalism
  • Philosophy
  • Communication
  • Writing and rhetoric

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