An analysis of the rate of academic clustering and the types of majors chosen by divisions I, II, and III intercollegiate athletes

Abstract

ABSTRACT While research has consistently shown that Division I athletes, especially those in revenue-producing sports, demonstrate a propensity to cluster into a limited number of academic majors [Fountain, J. J., & Finley, P. S. (2009). Academic majors of upperclassmen football players in the Atlantic coast Conference: An analysis of academic clustering comparing white and minority players. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 2, 1–13, Fountain, J. J., & Finley, P. S. (2011). Academic clustering: A longitudinal analysis of a Division I football program. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 4, 24–41; Sanders, J. P., & Hildenbrand, K. (2010). Major concerns? A longitudinal analysis of student-athletes’ academic majors in comparative perspective. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 3, 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1123/jis.3.2.213], there has been little research conducted pertaining to the academic choices of Division II and III athletes. This study compared the rate of academic clustering and the types of academic majors chosen by athletes from Divisions I, II, and III institutions. Academic majors of 3015 athletes participating in eight different intercollegiate sports across 39 institutions were obtained through athletics department websites. Results indicate that academic clustering was less frequent among Division III teams. Further, Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences with respect to the types of majors chosen based on level of competition, gender, and type of sport. Results are discussed in terms of NCAA policies designed to foster academic success and the NCAA's 2015 comprehensive GOALS study.