Dordt University

Dordt University - Sports Management Degree Guide

Two Sport Management Degree Options at Dordt

Dordt University appears in our ranking of the 50 Best Bachelor’s in Sports Science Degree Programs (Campus).

At Ribbens Academic Complex, the School of Education grants a B.S. in Health & Human Performance for Dordt University Defenders to study how athletes efficiently train for sports competition from a well-rounded Christian worldview. Chaired by Dr. Craig Steimsma, the 124-credit, four-year curriculum splits into five emphases: Exercise Science, Recreation, Health, Elementary or Secondary Physical Education, and Pre-Physical Therapy. Each 15-week semester, undergrads complete personalized daytime courses like Biomechanics and Coaching at a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Majors might also enter the Kuyper Honors Program, take the Ukraine Research Experience, intern at CrossFit Phos, compete on NAIA Great Plains Athletic Conference teams, and volunteer with Special Olympics.

Since 2018, the Exercise Science Department has delivered an M.Ed. in Sport Leadership where Dordt University post-grads can prepare for education careers heading K-12 school or collegiate athletic programs with ethical Christian values. Directed by Dr. Craig Heynen, the 33-credit, HLC-accredited pathway has an evening or online format on Canvas for full-time working teachers or coaches to advance. Expect 15-week semester or eight-week summer courses titled Learner Development, Sport Psychology, Educational Research, and Interscholastic Sports. Students complete six real-world practicum credits at settings like Sioux Center High, Boyden-Hull Elementary, Tulane University, and MOC-Floyd Valley Middle. Other opportunities include working at the 2,000-seat DeWitt Gymnasium, utilizing the Recreation Center, joining the Defender Gold Club, and coaching the Basketball Camp.

About Dordt University

Dordt University originated in 1953 when the Christian Reformed Church formed the Midwest Christian Junior College for faith-based teacher preparation. In August 1955, President Rev. B.J. Haan welcomed an inaugural class of 35 to its four-classroom building. In 1956, its name was changed to Dordt College after the historic 17th-century Synod of Dort in Dordrecht, Netherlands. In 1965, Dordt College switched to a four-year model for Bachelor of Arts degrees. On March 26, 1969, Dordt completed its candidacy period for regional accreditation. In 1982, President John Hulst formally adopted the “Educational Task of Dordt College.” In 2004, Dordt invested $9 million to erect the All Seasons Center with an NHL-sized rink. One decade later, Dordt College notably scored the most points at the NAIA National Basketball Tournament. On May 13, 2019, the Dordt University name was chosen to signify growing master’s.

Endowed for $41.0 million, Dordt University now employs 80 full-time faculty teaching 1,569 Defenders from 26 countries online or at the 24-building, 150-acre Sioux Center campus near Crown Pointe Vernon Park with 50+ clubs like Swing Dance Team for 99.7 percent career outcomes. In 2019, Dordt received the CASE District VI Innovative Uses of Technology Bronze Award. In 2017, Dordt accepted the NCEES Education Excellence Award. Dordt University had the 2012 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ A.O. Duer Award recipient too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Dordt the sixth-best Midwest institution. On Niche, Dordt boasts America’s 59th best Christian schooling, 118th top education college, and 130th best small classes. Forbes placed Dordt University 356th overall with the 121st best liberal arts education. Money magazine declared Dordt the 196th top value with $197,000 ROI.

Dordt University Accreditation Details

On December 19, 2012, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) Institutional Actions Council decided to reaffirm the Level III accreditation for Dordt University through the next 2022-23 evaluation visit under the fourth president, Dr. Erik Hoekstra. Located 540 miles east via Highway 20 in Chicago, this huge 19-state Heartland Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to review Dordt’s seven associate, 44 bachelor’s, and four master’s programs.

Dordt University Application Requirements

Getting into Dordt University is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because 1,022 of the 1,355 Fall 2018 applicants were successful for 75 percent acceptance odds. First-year Defenders pursuing the B.S. in Health & Human Performance must have completed at least 17 units of high school courses. Three years of English plus two years of math and foreign language are required. The Class of 2022 had a median grade point average of 3.51. The middle 50th percentile had SAT scores of 1040-1300. Mid-range admitted ACT composite scores were 21-29. The Kuyper Honors Program requires a minimum 28 ACT score or equivalent. Transfers typically hold 30+ non-remedial credits graded C or greater from accredited universities. Foreign learners prove English competency with 79 TOEFL iBT or 6.5 IELTS score. Master of Education entrants must fulfill 24 prerequisite bachelor’s credits, including Educational Psychology, with GPAs over 3.0. Current PreK-12 state certification plus 500 or more hours of teaching/coaching experience are needed.

Dordt University offers convenient rolling admission year-round for domestic undergrads. Non-U.S. residents must apply before April 1st for Fall and October 1st for Spring enrollment. Note the priority financial aid window is October 1st to December 1st. The Chicago Semester program closes on March 1st each year. April 1st is the last day to qualify for student employment. Incoming M.Ed. in Sport Leadership cohorts should abide the June 10th preferential deadline. Accordingly, submit the Dordt Application online for free. Forward official transcripts to 700 Seventh Street NE in Sioux Center, IA 51250. Report standardized test results using SAT/TOEFL code 6171 or ACT code 1301. Attach other materials, such as the supplemental data form, 1-3 references, work/volunteer history, teaching certificate, and personal essay. Contact (800) 343-6738 or admissions@dordt.edu with questions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2019-20, Dordt University is billing full-time B.S. in Health & Human Performance majors $31,770 annually. Taking under 12 credits would cost $1,310 apiece. Overload credits above 18 are $500 each. Undergrads pay the $280 activity fee every semester. Residing at the Sioux Center campus’ dorms like Covenant Hall adds $5,010 for semester room and board. The Campus Store budgets $600 to $1,140 for textbooks each term. Miscellaneous expenses average $3,500 yearly. Traditional annual bachelor’s attendance equals $45,070 on-site or $36,420 if commuting. The Master of Education in Sport Leadership charges $330 per credit. Online M.Ed. cohorts can graduate for only $10,890.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Office of Financial Aid on the De Yager Campus Center’s 2nd Floor connects 79 percent of full-time Dordt Defenders to median tuition assistance of $17,932 each for $20.55 million combined. Institutional funds include the Adelene Haverhals Scholarship, Albert Boersma Scholarship, Baccam Soccer Scholarship, Carol Wilson Freshman Scholarship, Excellence in Athletics Scholarship, Frank Folkertsma Football Scholarship, Halpert Baseball Scholarship, Huisman Minority Scholarship, Maple Leaf Award, Rooster Booster Scholarship, and Tim & Connie Bloemhof Scholarship. The Transfer Academic Scholarship gifts $2,500 to $11,000 annually to undergrads with 30+ credits and GPAs over 2.8. The $13,000 Presidential Scholarship has a December 1st deadline for freshmen meeting the 1300 SAT and 3.5 GPA minimum. Federal resources, such as the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Work-Study Grant, require FAFSA forms coded 001859. Hawkeyes could also pursue the Iowa Grant, National Guard Educational Assistance Grant, Horatio Alger Scholarship, Teach Iowa Scholarship, and more.

Continue reading about Dordt University at the Exercise Science Department website.

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