This introductory-level course provides an overview to the structure of the sport industry and highlights the scope and variety of potential career opportunities. The value of professional management to sport organizations will also be emphasized. Attention will be given to the issues facing sport organizations and the use of management techniques to solve business-related problems. The development of effective communication skills and networking skills, will be stressed through class presentations and projects and assignments.

This course examines the role of sports in North American culture and in a global context. The pervasiveness of sport in all areas of society will be investigated from a sociological perspective. Analysis of current issues impacting informal, organized, and professional sport will be considered. Attention will also be given to common characteristics within sport and society, including societal values and sport, social problems and sport, deviance, violence, politics, religion, the economy, mass media, ethnicity, nationality, and others.

This course provides the student with basic knowledge and understanding of sport marketing and promotions for intercollegiate, recreational, and professional sport. Marketing’s relationship to products and sponsorships, licensing, public relations, media, and special events will be emphasized. Students will get hands-on experience with database management and survey research.
Prerequisites: SMGT 251 and MKTG 202

This course is designed to provide the prospective sport manager with an overview of the major financial issues facing sport managers and the sport industry. An analysis of the following areas will be undertaken: sources of revenue for sport organizations and leagues, a comparison of public and private sector funding in sports, and investment of public resources into private sporting facilities. Also, budgeting and investment comparisons will be discussed.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251, FIN 203

The internship requirement is considered to be one of the most critical components of the Sport Management Program. Students will undertake a 12 - 15 week, full-time (40 hours per week) supervised internship during the summer following the junior year, or during the fall or spring semesters of the senior year. This opportunity is expected to enhance the student’s academic experiences via a required industry analysis paper, a research project, weekly logs and a portfolio, as well as provide additional work experience and networking opportunities. Internship experiences may take place in any of the varied sport industry settings. Students may obtain internships in any region of the country and in some cases may receive financial compensation.

Prerequisites: SMGT 352, SMGT 367, SMGT 368 and/or SMGT 459

The application of legal principles is considered in relation to professional and amateur sports. Emphasis is placed on tort liabilities and risk management. Specific topics include negligence, duty of care, intentional torts, crowd management, contracts and constitutional law. Actual court cases relating to these principles are examined. Prerequisites: SMGT 251 and MGMT 338

The sport management seminar is designed to provide an overview of the current and critical issues faced by sport organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the issues confronting sport managers as they operate businesses while also presenting the students with an understanding of the basic tenets of sport policy and governance. The course will use case studies to explore and analyze current issues and concepts from earlier course work in the field. A senior thesis, focusing on the student’s area of interest, will be required. Students will be introduced to research methodologies and encouraged to apply statistical analysis to their work. Students will be guided through the process of designing individual works, conducting tests/measurements, and analysis and interpretation of results. The seminar is designed and recognized as a writing intensive course.
Prerequisites: SMGT 352, SMGT 367 and SMGT 368

The practicum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain first hand experience in the business of sport. The course is structured to include weekly interaction and discussions with the professor which will focus on the student’s experiences and the practical application of management principles. Students are required to undertake 8 - 10 hours per week (throughout the semester) in an industry setting of their choice.
Prerequisites: SMGT 251 and SMGT 352

This course is designed to introduce the student to the management issues faced by administrators within collegiate and high school athletics departments. Students will develop an understanding of issues such as governance, scheduling, NCAA and conference compliance, gender equity and Title IX, conference membership issues, departmental structure, and organizational goals in athletics, legal issues, and operating procedures.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251 or SMGT 352

An investigation of the functions of sport (arts and entertainment) managers in the design, operation, and financing of facilities. Students will examine the issues pertaining to management of public and private arenas, stadiums, theaters and multipurpose facilities. Management of temporary facilities for special events will also be considered.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251 or SMGT 352

This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of effective communication in the sport industry. The nature and function of communication will be examined in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communications, public relations, mass media relations, public speaking, and innovative technology. This class is designated as a writing intensive course.

This course is designed to provide hands-on, practical involvement with a major sport event. Students will be assigned to committees for which they will plan, organize, publicize and manage all aspects of event operations during the semester. A required component of the course will include a commitment to work the actual event.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251 or SMGT 352

This course is designed to offer hands-on, practical experience in creating and implementing a sponsorship and sales plan. Groups will create marketing surveys, develop sponsorship proposals, identify and contact potential buyers, conduct negotiation and sales, learn activation techniques, and evaluate sponsor packages.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251 or SMGT 352

This course emphasizes coaching concepts and strategies necessary to the coaching profession and crucial in the development of quality coaches and sport educators. Planning, preparation, demonstration, explanation, evaluation, and feedback are important skills for coaching and in building a successful athletic program. Students will examine coaching and teaching philosophies and techniques as well as the management skills required for success. Additional emphasis will be placed on recruiting, tryouts, pre and post-season development, conditioning, practice planning, scouting, game management, motivation, and ethics. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a level Coaching Certification.
Prerequisite: SMGT 251 or SMGT 352

This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in sport management.