SPMT200 Foundations of Sports Management (3 semester hours)

Sports management is evolving at a rapid pace. This course provides an overview of the sports industry and teaches the basics of sport management to future sport managers. Students will explore the sports industry in different segments that will help guide them to what area of expertise they might choose as a career path. Topics will include ethics, finances, high school and youth sports, marketing and legal issues. This course also examines specific industries involving management such as the fitness industry, facility management, sporting goods, and event management.

SPMT213 Principles of Sports Marketing (3 semester hours)

This course focuses on the promotions, public relations, advertising, and other marketing functions involved in the multi-billion-dollar sports industry. The course provides research, case analysis, and other opportunities to learn about the effective principles, theories, practices, and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications.

SPMT230 Integrated Communication in Sports (3 semester hours)

An introduction and overview of the field of sport communication; specific topics include models of sport communication, print and electronic media, sport advertising, public relations, media relations, and employment opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to critically assess the communication efforts of sports organization as well as construct their own communications in the field of sport. These goals will be accomplished through writing and discussion assignments, reflective reading worksheets, and a final paper.

SPMT279 Social Issues in Sports (3 semester hours)

Students use analytical techniques to examine the scope and effect of sport on society. They will explore sociological concepts on how sports and sport participation impact the lives of individuals and groups in a society. Students explore several significant contemporary issues. These contemporary sport sociology issues will include drug abuse, race, ethnicity, gender inequity, ethics, gambling, and violence. To increase their sociological understanding of sport, students will identify and discuss sociological perspectives about the components of sport and physical activity.

SPMT299 Externship in Sports Management (3 semester hours)

This course is an introduction to on-site sports management. It requires a minimum of 100 hours of on-site game, team, event, or organizational management, and students will assist in planning, organizing, and executing approved sports or entertainment events.

SPMT316 Sports and Recreation Facility Management (3 semester hours)

This course prepares students with an interest in pursuing a career in the fast growing industry of sports facility or event management. During the course, students will acquire professional skills that can be applied in a wide variety of career positions. A range of topics includes facility financing, alcohol management, crowd management, and box office management. Upon completion students will have basic fundamentals to comprehend the field of facility and event management.

SPMT326 Ethics in Sports (3 semester hours)

Students will examine morality and ethical issues pertaining to sport. During this course, students will become involved with discussions on sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance-enhancing drugs, gender equity in sport, deviant behavior in athletics, and issues related to youth sports participation. Students will be required to examine their current rules, morals, and philosophies to their career aspirations and reflect on them in an ethical as well situational manner. Students will be immersed in ethical situations through the use of videos and relevant current event articles.

SPMT410 Applied Concepts in Sports Finance (3 semester hours)

Applied Concepts in Sports Finance will provide students with a vast overview of the financial and contemporary economic issues related to sports, athletes and the sport industry. The course will examine the market power in sports, impact of teams and facilities on neighborhood economics, issues relating to a professional sports lockout as well as the relationship among academics, athletics, and the economy. Contemporary topics will include sports franchises, agents, contracts, sports industry financing, and financial and legal issues.

SPMT440 Sports Event Management and Planning (3 semester hours)

Sports Event Management and Planning involves a comprehensive overview of the development and implementation process involved with managing a successful sporting event. The student will examine detailed event criteria including time line, budget analysis, sponsorship, event location, staff and consumer management, as well as the development of television and talent contracts. The course shall provide the knowledge necessary to cultivate, organize, and execute any sporting event from a managerial standpoint.

SPMT450 Sports Governance (3 semester hours)

This course will focus on the policies, structure and politics that shape sport at the regional, national and international levels. With a focus on the Olympic movement, the course will also examine the organization and development of amateur and professional sport, including the need for Paralympic Games, Gay Games and Special Olympics. The student will analyze the different membership guidelines, organizational goals, and administrative roles of the many governing bodies as well as learn about the historical politics and boycotts, the international development of sport and the bidding process for an international event.

SPMT455 Ticket Sales Management (3 semester hours)

This course provides training in all aspects of ticket sales including prospecting and qualifying, creating and presenting sales proposals, overcoming objections, and closing sales. Specific techniques such as networking and role playing will be used to prepare students for careers in sport ticket sales. The material is designed to expose students to the standards, principles and practices that can be applied to the ticketing industry at any level by combining knowledge of ticket sales strategies with management of ticket office operations.

SPMT491 Senior Seminar in Sports Management (3 semester hours)

This senior capstone class is the final course in the degree sequence for students majoring in Sports Management. In this dynamic and interactive course, learners will review, assess, and then apply many of the concepts they have researched during undergraduate studies through the analysis and application of optimal solutions to the problems presented. Real-life, hands-on tools for career exploration will also be examined through lively discussions, including an investigation of the job market in sports management, as well as how to properly network and prepare for a job interview. Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 106 hours toward your program.

SPMT499 Internship in Sports Management (3 semester hours)

This course is designed as a culminating experience for sports management majors. Students will develop practical and leadership skills in a pre-approved, professional setting, including (but not limited to) interscholastic or intercollegiate recreation or athletic programs, community recreation agencies, sport businesses, sports facilities, amateur athletic organizations, and/or professional sports teams. Students are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work, including a comprehensive project.