Program Curriculum

Sport Finance and Budgeting

This course will explore conceptual and theoretical aspects of financial accounting management practices associated with the organization and operation of intercollegiate and interscholastic programs. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding budgeting methods, using financial analysis ratios, non-profit sector financing, and public financing.

Revenue Generation in Athletics

This course will examine the application and effectiveness of the predominant forms of revenue generation being utilized at both the intercollegiate and interscholastic levels. Students will gain an appreciation for the intricacies of these strategies and acquisition techniques used for various types of private fund-raising campaigns, corporate sponsorships programs, ticket sales efforts and in other areas such as trademarks, licensing and special promotions.

Facility Operations and Systems Management

The course will examine facility and event management within interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics. The course will examine the process of planning or renovating a new facility through a feasibility study. Management systems will include capacity management, booking and scheduling, bidding on events, maintenance and security, and ADA compliance. Issues of volunteer recruitment and management, event evaluation, and sustainability will be addressed.

Strategic Athletic Marketing and Communications

This course focuses on development of marketing and communication strategies associated with interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics; specifically, market and customer analysis, market segmentation, and marketing mix tactics. Topics will cover the strategies used to market the teams and maintain a relationship between the athletic department and media.

Athletic Governance and Compliance

This course focuses on the structure and operations of interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic governing bodies. The class will discuss the role compliance serves in the management of athletic administration and how rules and regulations impact practices and procedures of athletic administration. Emphasis will be placed on discerning regulations, eligibility, practice, procedures, and bylaws by proactive oversight.

Sport and the Social Context

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major sociological issues in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic administration. All primary issues impacting athletics are covered, including but not limited to gender and sex, race and ethnicity, disability, religion, media involvement, and globalization.

Managerial Strategies in Athletics

The focus of this course is on the application of leadership and management theory to issues in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, including organizational behavior, strategic planning, and effective human resources management. Emphasis will be placed on the issues, forces, and problems impacting decision-making. The course will utilize case studies and draw from current events and trends to connect theories with practice.

Risk Management and Policy Development in Sport

This course is designed to focus on applying knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks in athletics. Emphasis will be placed on administering civil law concepts to common scenarios within interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, students will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures addressing areas of liability within sport organizations. Students will be able to identify proper safety guidelines and standards within a diverse set of sport contexts based on relevant case law, statutes, federal law, and industry standards.