Date of Graduation
8-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Sociology and Criminal Justice
Advisor/Mentor
Song Yang
Committee Member
Anna Zajicek
Second Committee Member
Shauna Morimoto
Keywords
Academic Clustering, College Athletics, Student-athletes
Abstract
This study explores the topic of academic clustering within the football and men's and women's basketball teams at the University of Arkansas. Given the prominence of collegiate sport in America, this paper examines a relatively understudied topic regarding student-athletes and education. Using a mixed methods approach, the topic of academic clustering is analyzed statistically, as well as through in-depth interviews with student-athletes and academic advisors in the athletic department. Statistical analysis shows significant over- and under-representation of student-athletes in certain University colleges (e.g., Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, Walton College of Business, and College of Engineering), the presence of academic clustering within the women's basketball team, and a significant relationship between race and choice of major by college. Qualitative findings attempt to explain these statistical findings, as well as highlight a possible unwanted consequence of these findings.
Citation
Rowland, M. B. (2014). Academic Clustering of Student-Athletes: A Case Study of Football and Basketball Programs. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2150
Included in
Educational Sociology Commons, Exercise Science Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Higher Education Commons