B.A. in Sports Management
The B.A. in Sports Management prepares the next generation of sports industry professionals by equipping them with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to create inclusive and equitable sports environments.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management curriculum focuses on the diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, mental health, business, and intended as well as unintended impact of sports on marginalized groups and the larger society. Students can specialize in one of four concentration areas: health and well-being, leadership and equity, coaching, or an individualized track. Our students and social justice centered program assists students in developing knowledge and skills that contribute to a holistic approach to sport and wellness, emphasizing health and fostering inclusive environments.
The flexible and individualized curriculum employs multiple experiential learning strategies that include an emphasis on real-world projects in the classroom along with 6 credit hours of required field placements ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the diverse workplace and overall success after graduation. Our curriculum offers courses in a variety of modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online) to provide the flexibility our students need.
The Sports Management program is rooted in strong academics, active learning through community engagement, and field placement internships. Our graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields and with diverse populations at the interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional level, as coaches, athletic administrators, scouts, and managers. Students can also pursue advanced degrees in fields such as social work, sports medicine, kinesiology, physical therapy, and business.
What will I learn?
The overall goals of the Sport Management program are to prepare students to:
- Understand the psychosocial impact and processes associated with sports participation and the societal contributions of sports to the diverse community.
- Navigate the legal aspects of the sports industry and how they relate to intramural, recreational, interscholastic, and intercollegiate athletics.
- Develop strong written and oral communication abilities, tailored for diverse stakeholders including athletes, sponsors, media, and fans.
- Apply sport management and leadership theories and practices in diverse sporting contexts to promote a collaborative environment in sport settings.
Concentrations
Students must declare one of the following concentrations: Coaching, Health, Leadership, or Individualized and complete the requirements as outlined. All students take a common core of courses that provides them with a strong foundation in sports management theory and practice focusing on ethical-decision making and reflective practices.
Students in the coaching track will develop competencies including program planning, child and/or adolescent development, principles in coaching, and officiating. Students leave with the requisite skill set to help optimally develop and support a diverse group of athletes.
Students in the health track develop skills in health competencies and critical-thinking, health communication, nutrition science, and systems-approaches to support a holistic approach to sports management.
Students in the leadership track develop skills in effective communication, organizational development, and management skills to support and lead inclusive sports environments.
Students in the individualized track work with their advisor to develop a tailor-made, individualized curriculum that supports each student's unique interests and skill development. Suggested areas of focus for this track include social work, human anatomy and physiology, pre-med, finance, public relations, marketing, and communications.
Contact Information
CEHHS Office for Student Success
2150 Social Science Building (SSB)
[email protected]
313-593-5090