Course Descriptions

SM230 INTRODUCTION TO SPORT MANAGEMENT (4). The purpose of this class is to provide an overview of the sport industry that introduces the student to the basic fundamental knowledge and skill sets required of the sport manager to solve sport business problems. Focus will also be placed on understanding career options in the sport industry and preparing for employment. Identifies necessary competencies for Sport managers.

SM233 SPORT FINANCE AND SALES (4). An analysis of financial, sales and economic concepts applied to sport environments. Sport enterprises will be viewed as economic systems which must respond to changes in supply, demand, and market trends. Fundraising for various constituencies will also be explored. Prerequisite: SM230. 

SM235 SPORT MARKETING (2). An introduction to the exciting field of sports marketing and its role in society. The subject includes: marketing through sport sponsorships, endorsements, naming rights, licensing, marketing and management, marketing of sports segmentation, distribution product decisions, pricing, promotion and emerging issues in sports marketing. Prerequisite: SM230. 

SM237 DIGITAL SPORT MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS (4). This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the role of digital media, communications and public relations in the sport industry. The primary aim is to familiarize students with media relations, experience with photography, video streaming, production and marketing, creating, writing, editing, and publishing athletic publications and website as well as knowledge of statistical programs, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, or other design/video production software, public relations, and community relations in sport 252 organizations and how these areas are integrated into the field of sport and the engagement of interdisciplinary thinking. Prerequisite: SM230. SM333  

SM240 E-Sports(2)- In this course, students will survey the Esports industry. Topics such as video game types and genres, the history of the games and organizations that drive Esports, positions in the Esports industry, as well as practical advice for starting and managing Esports teams will be discussed.  This course introduces students to the business model framework in application of the Esports industry – the essential foundation of how to create value via solving problems and fulfilling consumers’ wants and needs. Students explore financial, legal & ethical, marketing, and operational issues surrounding the eSports industry. Finally students explore career opportunities in eSports management.

SM333 MORAL AND ETHICAL REASONING IN SPORT (2). This course will provide philosophic theory that has proven effective in the ethical and moral development of athletes. Strategies will be presented to aid the students in the development of a consistent value system based on justice, responsibility, and beneficence. Prerequisite: SM230, Junior or Senior standing. 

SM385 STRATEGIC SPORT MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM (4). Students develop and refine intermediate sport management skill competencies and proficiencies in a variety of formal classroom and experiential settings. Students are called upon to probe, question, and evaluate all aspects of their assigned preceptor’s external and internal situation. Taught through extensive hands-on learning, students grapple with sizing up their preceptors standing in the marketplace and its ability to go head-to-head with rivals, learn the difference between winning strategies and mediocre ones, and become more skilled in spotting ways to improve the preceptors operational strategy. Students are assigned to commit 160 hours to their respective preceptors. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. 

SM387 SPORTS EVENT PRACTICUM (2). This course is designed to examine aspects related to the Super Bowl/College Football Playoff/other travel site. Students will have the changed to experience Super Bowl/College Football week, the NFL/CFP Experience (interactive theme park) and game-day from behind the scenes. Students will have the change to gain an understanding of what it takes to plan, organize, and execute a true sports mega-event. Primary areas of study include event management, organizational structure, operations and public relations. May be repeated four times for credit. Prerequisite: SM230. 

SM430 FACILITY AND EVENT MANAGEMENT (4). Provides the requisite knowledge to become an event and facility manager. Preparation for becoming an effective manager of the unique environment specific to the athletic arena. Student will also be 253 required to perform field experience in event management. Prerequisite: SM230.

SM440 LEADERSHIP IN SPORT (4). This capstone course focuses on the leadership principles for directing programs and facilities in sport management. This course is an analysis of effective management strategies and the body of knowledge associated with pursuing a career in sport management. The course will introduce students to sport management career opportunities in the sport industry, and it encourages students to see sport principles as they apply to management, leadership style, communication, and motivation. Prerequisites: SM230 and junior or senior standing.

SM445 LEGAL ASPECTS AND GOVERNANCE OF SPORT (4). An analysis of the legal process and governing organizations within the sport enterprise. Preparation for dealing with the legal ramifications and the governance organizations of the sporting world.

SM470 INTERNSHIP (12). An internship is an intensive career oriented work experience related to the student’s academic studies, professional and educational goals. It is also an opportunity to gain practical experience in one’s major field of study, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, and make useful contacts in a professional field. The experience is ideally unique to the student and must be supervised by a qualified supervisor. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.