The Sport Management major is designed to inspire students to make a meaningful impact in the sport industry. The curriculum allows students to learn and apply their skills in areas such as sustainability and diversity, coaching and athlete development, sport marketing & finance, sport analytics, administration, facilities and event management, and legal issues. Students who graduate majoring in sport management leave with the knowledge and skills to become successful professionals in the ever-evolving world of sport. Our strategically designed curriculum empowers students to:
I. Analyze legal issues in sport.
Students start with a foundational understanding of risk assessments and sports governance structures, essential for navigating the complexities of sport law. They analyze sport law and ethical standards to manage rights and draft sport contracts, including sponsorship agreements. Students develop negotiation plans and strategies for arbitration and dispute resolution. This enables them to handle detailed contract terms and navigate complex negotiations.
II.Organize, administer and manage sport organizations and events.
Students develop expertise in organizing and managing sports organizations and events, starting with the creation of strategic visions that align sport programs with organizational goals. They evaluate organizational performance and design management strategies for sport programs to coordinate and evaluate event logistics. Furthermore, they build skills in recruiting and professional development. This comprehensive approach implements best practices in organizational management to boost revenue and operational efficiency.
III. Conduct sport business analyses and communication.
Students acquire skills in effective communication, professional writing, and presentations. This emphasizes the use and visualization of data to enhance sport business communications. They develop analytical skills to inform decision-making. Proficiency in software and the application of theoretical concepts and frameworks further empower students to transform raw data into actionable sports business strategies.
IV. Implement effective marketing, sales and finance strategies.
Students develop and implement marketing and sales strategies based on consumer behavior and modern marketing concepts. Students learn to use financial statement analysis and budgeting methods to manage operations effectively. Their training covers comprehensive financial planning and the nuances of management and funding differences between public and private sports entities, preparing them for diverse fiscal environments in the sports industry.
V. Evaluate human behavior in the field of sport.
Students gain insights into the behavior of sport personnel across different levels and demographics by studying psychological and sociological aspects of sport. This prepares students to successfully collaborate with and inspire others in performance contexts. They learn to conduct ethical decision-making, resolve ethical dilemmas, and implement effective leadership techniques. Students also develop strategies to create accessible sport organizations and programs that ensure high quality sport experiences for all.
VI. Contextualize the historical and cultural significance of sports.
Students analyze the impact of sports on individuals, communities, and societies to understand their historical and cultural significance. This knowledge informs their decisions in event and product design, organizational management, and broader business practices. They also examine contemporary issues in sports, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about ongoing and emerging developments.¿
The 18-credit sport management minor is designed to give students majoring in other disciplines such as business, communications, labor relations, and psychology an opportunity to learn about the sport industry. Students will be exposed to such areas as marketing, administration, law, psychology, and sociology as they relate to the business of sport.
Programs of Study and Courses for Liberal Arts and Sciences Students 
