Sports Management

SPMT 100 SPORTS MANAGMENT MAJOR PREP

Fall, 1 credit hour

A requirement for all sports management students, this course is designed to help prepare sports management students for success in the major, as well as, college as a whole. The course will introduce students to critical reading, critical thinking and academic writing and the expectations of each throughout the program. In addition, topics such as college success strategies, learning/study techniques and available resources will be covered. One hour lecture per week.

SPMT 101 FOUNDATIONS OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of sports management issues, trends and career opportunities. The course will examine marketing, financial, ethical, and legal management principles and apply those principles to amateur, professional and lifestyle sport settings. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Business (BSAD 100) or permission of instructor

SPMT 202 SPORT IN SOCIETY

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course examines sports using the sociological perspective. The course will focus on current and past issues within the sociology of the sporting landscape. Students will utilize critical thinking skills, past research and theories to examine the role of sports as a key social institution that influences and is influenced by the larger society. Three hours lecture per week.

SPMT 203 LEADERSHIP FOR SPORT PROFESSIONALS

Fall, 3 credit hours

This course will first introduce students to theories, approaches, and styles of leadership, as well as, the role that ethics and ethical decision making play in shaping leader behavior. Students will analyze leadership practices within different sport settings. Case studies of sport leaders from multiple sport levels and structures will be used to examine best practices in sport leadership. Critical issues in sport leadership such as gender and ethnicity will be examined as well. Students will also begin to explore their own leadership thoughts and tendencies and emphasis will be placed on the promotion of personal leadership development with a focus towards successful sport leadership. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Sport Management (SPMT 101) or permission of instructor

SPMT 240 SPORTS GOVERNANCE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is an examination of governance structures within professional and amateur sport organizations. Students will explore policy elements and issues within scholastic, amateur, campus recreation, intercollegiate athletics, professional sport (North American and International), and Olympic sport. This course will examine the mission, structure and function of sport governing bodies such as the NCAA and NAIA in Intercollegiate Athletics, Players Associations in Professional Sports, and the IOC, NOC’s and OGOC’s in Olympic sport.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Sport Management (SPMT 101) or Introduction to eSports Management (ESPT 100), OR permission in instructor

SPMT 241 LEGAL ISSUES IN SPORT

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce students to legal applications within the sport industry. Through the use of case studies, this course provides an in-depth look at amateur and professional sports legal issues, such as; due process, anti-trust, free speech, duty of care, care owed to athletes and spectators, injuries, assumption of risk, contributory negligence, Title IX, contracts, tort law, and the growing instance of violent acts at or as a result of sporting events.

Prerequisites: Business Law I (BSAD 201) or permission of instructor

SPMT 242 SPORTS FINANCE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course deals with the importance of finance and accounting theory within the sport industry. Students will explore elements that influence the financial world then apply such elements to the specific sport business world. Revenue and expense categories for professional and collegiate sports teams will be differentiated and evaluated in terms of league policies and current economic conditions. From case studies, this course will examine business structure, sources of capital and financial management in the unique business environment of professional and college sports.

Prerequisites: SPMT 101 Foundations of Sports Management or permission of instructor

SPMT 300 SPORTS MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM

Fall/Spring, 1-3 credit hours

The Sports Management Practicum course offers students curriculum opportunities to engage in practicum experiences after their sophomore year for earned credit. The practicum course provides opportunity for a student to observe a working sports management professional perform his/her duties and allow students the opportunity to participate in a limited role in performing tasks under supervision of practicum supervisor. Students may earn a maximum of three upper level credits through the practicum course. The three credits may be earned in one semester or split between semesters. One credit of practicum is equal to 40 hours of supervised work. Practicum supervisors and students may never exceed the hour requirement for a practicum course enrolled for. Students must fulfill all expectations and requirements of the practicum course to pass.

Prerequisites: Junior Standing in the program, Minimum G.P.A. of 2.0, completion and acceptance of all practicum applications, forms, and contracts.

SPMT 306 SPORTS OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course familiarizes students with the scope and functions of operating and maintaining sport and recreation facilities. The course will provide the framework for students to learn the management, organizational tasks, and laws and guidelines required for successful and safe operation of stadiums, golf courses, aquatic centers, ski areas, playing fields, ice arenas and other sport and recreation venues. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Human Resource Management (BSAD 310), Leadership for Sport Professionals (SPMT 203), Principles of Management (BSAD 301) or permission of instructor

SPMT 307 SPORTS MARKETING

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course examines the various techniques and strategies used in meeting the wants and needs of consumers in the sports industry. The course also makes a comparison between sports marketing and traditional marketing. Students will learn about the importance of market research and segmentation in identifying the right sports consumer. Students will also learn about how data-based marketing can be used to connect them with the sports consumer and the development of sponsorship and endorsement packages. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Financial Accounting (ACCT 101) and Expository Writing (ENGL 101), or junior level status, or permission of instructor.

SPMT 308 SPORT EVENT MANAGEMENT

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course will focus on the fundamentals of sports events management at multiple levels – recreational, college, and professional. Components will include program planning, organization, budgeting, marketing, risk management, staffing, conducting the event, program evaluation, and other factors associated with successful management of sport events. Students will be responsible for the management of at least one college sport event on campus. Three hours lecture per week. This course is designed to run con-current with Sports Marketing (SPMT 307).

Prerequisites: Sports Operations and Facilities Management (SPMT 306) or permission of instructor

SPMT 311 SPORTS INFORMATION

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce students to the working elements of an effective sports information office in a college setting. Students learn the techniques and strategies used by sports information professionals for effective
communication including writing, publications, wed site design and management, digital sports photography, and social media. Students also are introduced to the various technologies and software widely used in sports information.

Prerequisites: (SPMT 101) Foundations of Sports Management, or permission of
instructor

SPMT 312 SPORTS ENTREPENEURSHIP

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course evaluates the skills, attitude, and commitment necessary to successfully operate an entrepreneurial venture. Students will assess their personal strengths and entrepreneurial capabilities as well as explore and identify opportunities for small business ventures within the sport marketplace. Students will assemble the key components of a business plan and will learn to evaluate idea feasibility and financial requirements.

Prerequisites: BSAD 100, AND SPMT 101, SPMT 241, SPMT 307, OR ESPT 100 and BSAD 203; OR permission of instructor

SPMT/ECON 313 ECONOMICS OF SPORT

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course utilizes economic theory to assess market outcomes in the professional and collegiate sport industry. Fan decisions to attend games will be evaluated according to economic principals such as scarcity and demand. Further, fan responsiveness to ticket prices will include price elasticity, marginal revenue and price discrimination considerations. Students assess sport media markets, management decision making, and league structure in terms of market outcomes. The impact of stadium subsidies on economic impact is reviewed. This course content will aid students in interpreting current events and sport management decision making through the application of economic principles.

Prerequisites: (FSMA 210) Introduction to Finance

SPMT 315 INTERNATIONAL STUDY ABOARD

Offered every two years, 3 credit hours

This course provides students a short-term study abroad opportunity and will provide theoretical and professional insight and a first-hand experience in international sports. The course meets during the spring semester, and shortly the spring semester is complete, students travel to various cities in Europe while exploring the European Model of Sport. Students will attend lectures from European sport executives, conduct workshops, and tour sports facilities and attend sporting events. Lectures will cover structure and characteristics of international sports, marketing, event and facility management, and international sports governance.

Prerequisites: 45 credit hours or permission of instructor

SPMT 320 GLOBAL SPORT PERSPECTIVES

Spring, 3 credit hours

Global sport study introduces students to structure and critical issues of the sport business environment from a global perspective. International sport governance, globalization of professional sport, international sports mega-events, and global media technology will be assessed to recognize trends and create sport management strategy. The impact of social changes and global market expansion will be demonstrated in a review sport culture, and commerce.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing in SPMT program or permission of instructor

SPMT 330 PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE

Spring, 3 credit hours

In this course, students will explore the psychological variables that impact athletic participation and performance. Through the integration of cognitive, sociocultural, behavioral, and clinical research and practice, students will gain understanding of sport and exercise participants, different sport and exercise environments, group processes, and ways to improve performance, growth, and well-being of sport and exercise participants.

Prerequisites: Introductory Psychology (PSYC 101) or Foundations of Sports Management (SPMT 101)

SPMT 410 ORIENTATION TO CULMINATING EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Fall/Spring, 1 credit hour

This course prepares the student for their internship or senior project in sport management. Through participation in this course, creating a mock internship and fulfilling the paperwork process will provide the student with the practical experience necessary to successfully apply for and complete their capstone internship. Alternatively, if the student chooses the senior project route, the course will provide them with the collaboration with their advisor and classmates that will create the foundation for, and plan of, what is to be accomplished in satisfaction of the requirements for completion of the senior project. One hour lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Senior level status in SPMT and completion of required Sport Management courses through semester six, or permission of instructor

SPMT 411 SPORTS PUBLIC RELATIONS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course focuses on the application of media relations, communications, sport marketing, and demographical concepts in a sport organization. Students will develop a sport public relations campaign that will utilize various broadcast, electronic, and print media. Students will learn how to generate and run focus groups, as well as generate media packets, press releases, and presentation of their public relations campaign. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Sports Operations and Facility Management (SPMT 306), Sports Marketing (SPMT 307), Sports Event Management (SPMT 308), or permission of instructor

SPMT 412 SPORTS SALES AND SPONSORSHIPS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

In this course students will learn techniques and strategies for enhancing and expanding sport sales and sponsorships. Students will examine the sports sales process and compare the strengths and disadvantages of various selling strategies and methods. Sponsorship opportunities will be reviewed and students will learn key elements of sport sponsorship sales, implementation and evaluation. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: SPMT 307 Sports Marketing; OR ESPT 100 Introduction to eSports Management and 45 Credits earned; OR permission of instructor

SPMT 413 CONTINUING ISSUES IN COLLEGE SPORTS ADMINISTRATION

Fall, 3 credit hours

Using a seminar format, this course will study the enterprise of college athletics in the United States. Primary focus, discussion and research will center on current contemporary issues in college athletics including but not limited to gender equity & Title IX, graduation rates, recruitment ethics, hazing, drug testing, pay for play, diversity in coaching, financial issues, student-athlete behavior, and academic reform and how these issues impact the function, management and leadership of intercollegiate athletic programs. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Senior level status in SPMT or permission of instructor

SPMT 414 LABOR RELATIONS IN SPORT

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is an examination of labor markets in sport and the infrastructural interests of management (league and teams) and players (players associations, players, agents/attorneys). Students will review collective bargaining agreements and evaluate the impact of salary caps, free agency and athlete compensation frameworks. This course will examine athlete salaries and agent representation and the unique labor markets of Major League Baseball and the National Football League. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Legal Issues in Sport (SPMT 304), Human Resource Management (BSAD 310), or permission of instructor

SPMT 415 SPORTS MANAGEMENT AND BROADCASTING

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course examines different forms of sports media including print, broadcast, and internet and their impact on sports. Students learn the fundamentals of various components of sports media such as writing game and feature stories, writing strategies for broadcast, active voice, internet streaming, shooting on location, anchoring and play by play, and production of the various forms of sports media. Students examine economic, ethical, gender, and race issues in sports media. This experiential course offers students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to sports media activities using the college's athletic program and high school sports programs as their media focus.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Sports Public Relations (SPMT 411) or permission of instructor

SPMT 421 SPORTS MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP

Fall/Spring, 6-9 credit hours

The internship for sport management students provides a structured opportunity to apply theories, concepts, and skills learned in the classroom in a sport management/industry setting. The internship is individualized based on the career interests of the student and the specific needs of the organization. Internship proposals are presented and approved prior to registration for the course.

Prerequisites: 1) SPMT 410 2) A combined G.P.A. of 3.0 in all SPMT courses completed (or permission of program director) 3) Completion and acceptance of SPMT Internship Application

SPMT 422 SPORTS MANAGEMENT SENIOR PROJECT

Fall/Spring, 3-15 credit hours

This course is an alternative to SPMT 421 for students unable to complete a 15-credit internship. Students complete a senior research project specifically addressing a critical issue in a sport management setting or germane to a sports profession. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student submits a research proposal, conducts research, prepares a thesis style report, and presents a defense to a thesis committee. Length and depth of the project dependent upon credit value. 112.5–562.5 project hours per semester.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Orientation to Culminating Experience in Sports Management (SPMT 410), completion of all other professional content courses required for degree, or permission of instructor.

SPMT 430 ADVANCED SPORTS MARKETING AND SALES

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course focuses on identifying and evaluating social media and ticket sales strategies in professional and collegiate sport. Specifically students will learn ticket operation policies, customer relationship management methods, and social media marketing opportunities. Students will design a comprehensive sales and social media program for a selected sport organization and dynamically present his or her new value added strategy. An interview and sales call project will provide valuable insight into "front office" ticket sales, season ticket holder retention, prospecting, and servicing accounts.

Prerequisites: BSAD 100, SPMT 101, SPMT 307, SPMT 308, SPMT 412

SPMT 431 APPLIED SPORTS MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This experiential course builds on the fundamentals of sports media and broadcasting learned in SPMT 415 providing opportunity for the application of principles, best practices, theories and techniques of different sports media components. Each student is responsible for developing and implementing a complete media strategic plan for one of the college's sports team. The plan will include writing game and feature stories, interview segments, location features, play by play and anchor coverage, and a broadcast piece. Students are also responsible for a relevant sports investigative piece for written story and broadcast. In addition, the class as a group is responsible for the creation and execution of a large Sports Center type broadcast show incorporating pieces from their individual projects.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Sports Media and Broadcasting (SPMT 415) or permission of instructor.

SPMT 432 APPLIED SPORTS EVENT MANAGEMENT

Fall/Spring, 3-15 credit hours

This experiential course builds on the fundamentals of sports events management learned in SPMT 308 providing opportunity for the application of principles, best practices, and theories of successful event management. As a group, students are responsible for the total management of a major sporting event available to the public at large. Students have hands-on opportunity for all components of the event including planning, organizing, budgeting, marketing, public relations, leading personnel, risk management planning, conducting the event and event assessment. Students are also required to work and/or shadow two major off-campus events and provide critical assessment of each. Students also apply principles and best practices to a series of case studies throughout the semester.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Senior SPMT standing, Sports Event Management (SPMT 308) or permission of instructor.