College of Leadership and Public Service

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Sports Management (SPM)
The sports management program is one of the university's best examples of interdisciplinary cooperation.  The program prepares students for a wide variety of sports-related positions, employing several innovative combinations of courses from sports management and business.  The coursework provides both a comprehensive theoretical background and a range of practical experiences that are designed to enable graduates to provide leadership in today’s increasingly sophisticated amateur and professional athletic and wellness programs.

The sport and fitness industry is one of the top three industries in almost every state.  As the field has evolved into an integral component of American culture, the role of leaders has become increasingly complex.  Effective leaders need to be grounded in a comprehensive awareness of sport – its historical and cultural development, its sociological and psychological foundations, its role in the American economy and its business characteristics.

Graduates of the program are well positioned to pursue a variety of career opportunities in sports and fitness-related enterprises, or to pursue further education at the graduate level.  Graduate study is not a requirement for entry into many careers; however, access to and progress within specialized careers is generally enhanced by completion of graduate level academic work in business, law or sports management.

Major
The major can be pursued with one of four concentrations:  marketing and sports information, human resource management, financial management, or individualized.  Each concentration has three components: the sports management core, the business core and a concentration composed of 18 credit hours.  A minor is not required with the sports management major.

Students interested in preparing for a career in the field of fitness should consult the Sport, Exercise and Wellness.

Sports Management Core

Business Core

Concentration Options
Sports management majors choose one of the following concentrations to complete the major.

Concentration in Finance
Six courses from the following, selected in consultation with the director of the sports management program:

*Electives:

Concentration in Human Resource Management
Six courses from the following, selected in consultation with the director of the sports management program:

*Electives:

Concentration in Marketing and Sports Information
Six courses from the following, selected in consultation with the director of the sports management program:

Individualized Concentration
The student, in consultation with the director of the sports management program, will determine six courses totaling 18 or more credits that will form a coherent package designed to enhance the student’s ability to pursue a specific career goal.

Minor
Students seeking a minor in sports management must complete the following courses:

Unless coupled with an appropriate major, the minor will not ordinarily provide sufficient preparation for a career in sports management. 

Course Descriptions
114 Introduction to Sports Management 3 hours F
This course introduces students to the sports industry, the wide range of career opportunities involving sport and the economic impact of sports in America. It includes theoretical and applied foundations of sports management and an increased awareness of career opportunities in the sports industry. Topical areas include a history of the profession, the need for management and organizational skills, current trends and future issues.

241 Sport and Society 3 hours TBA
This course is designed to introduce students from a variety of specialty areas to the relationship between sport and society, the influence of sport upon the individual and an understanding of individual cognitions, emotions and behaviors of sport participants.

275 Field Experience 1-2 hours TBA

347 Sport Finance 3 hours S
Students are introduced to key concepts and tools needed by managers of sports enterprises to effectively control the financial functions of their organization. Topics include budget development and management, payroll management, management of cash flow and accounts receivable, analysis of financial reports and statements, capital investment decision making, and sources of capital.

375 Sport Marketing and Sales Promotion 3 hours F12
This course is an analysis of the relationship among sport promotions, sales management and public relations strategies the sport manager uses. Students develop promotional strategies and applied exercises associated with real-life sport organizations in an effort to enhance the public relations and sales management efforts of the organization.

386 Sports Agency 3 hours S
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the business of a sports agent.  The course covers league information about the NBA, NFL, and NHL as it relates to the process of doing business with such entities.  Students will become aware of the resources necessary to operate a sports agency business and learn how to become a certified professional sport agent. 

450 Internship 1-12 hours F,S
Students will complete supervised work experience in amateur or professional sport agencies and community sport organizations. Students assume leadership roles in various job-related activities and perform tasks in support of the organization under an experienced supervisor and faculty adviser.
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

460 Independent Study 1-4 hours F,S
The focus of this experience is on individualized research, observation, fieldwork and/or specialized study in the field of sports management. Independent study is arranged individually between student and faculty adviser according to department guidelines.
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

482 Seminar in Sports Management 3 hours S
This course is intended as a senor integrative experience for sports management majors. It involves a comprehensive analysis of an operating sports enterprise.

499 Selected Topics – Advanced 1-3 hours TBA
Experimental courses of interest to faculty and students are offered under this course number and title. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics.