Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

Little research has been done on student-athletes after graduation. The question driving this study was do athletes use their degree after graduation in lieu of academic clustering, fraud, emphasis on winning and athletic identity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not student-athletes undergraduate degree and career alignment was greater, less, or similar to the average collegiate body. Data was collected from 65 former male student-athletes from a Midwest Division I Mid-Major University over the 2009 through 2015 athletic seasons. Two sports were evaluated, Football (n= 54) and Men’s Basketball (n= 14). Degree fields were determined by Roster and Media Guides found on the institutions athletic website. Various social media tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and other business websites were used to determine the career of each individual. Degree and career alignment was determined by comparing the career to the institutions Career Center, Career Exploration tool, “What can I do with this major” to each individuals degree. This document contains information about the types of areas and employers specific to that major. Results gathered suggests that student-athletes degree and career alignment scores less than the general bachelor degree achieving population. A unique aspect to this study is the focus on the revenue sports of football and men’s basketball.

Advisor

Ray Schneider

Second Reader

Nancy Spencer

Semester

Spring

Year

2016

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Sport Administration

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