Sport Management

Sport Management is a four-year program of study designed to prepare students for employment in wellness, sport, and sports-related enterprises. Students enrolled in the major focus on business skills such as financial management, marketing, and legal questions associated with the field as well as a solid foundation of philosophy, principles, and objectives of the sport and wellness industry.

The major requires an internship experience that serves to complement the classroom learning and provide valuable on-the-job experience. The internship is designed to allow students to gain professional experience in sport industry. The field experience will provide an opportunity to apply theories, concepts, and terminology into a practical experience in the field of sport management.

Off-site positions in professional sports, intercollegiate sports, health and fitness clubs, arenas and stadiums, sport marketing and management firms, and other sport entities should be used to fulfill this requirement. Students are required to complete satisfactory work under the direct supervision of a qualified professional. The internship is directed and evaluated by a faculty member with supervision of an on- site professional.

Mission of the Sport Management Major

The mission of the Wilmington College Sport Management program is to provide students with a practical learning environment, rich in educational and hands-on experiences, focused on developing wide-ranging leadership and technical skills that are relevant to the diverse careers in the sport management industry.

Coaching Minor

The coaching minor offers a program of study designed to prepare students for a variety of coaching positions. Internships are available. The coaching minor helps prepare the student to meet Ohio Department of Education standards for a Pupil Activity Supervisor permit. This certification is needed to direct, supervise, or coach a pupil activity program in Ohio.

Degrees

Courses

SM130: FIRST AID AND CPR

Credits 1
An investigation of the immediate assistance administered in the case of injury or sudden illness before the arrival of trained medical personnel. Includes national certification in first aid and child and adult CPR.

SM230: INTRODUCTION TO SPORT MANAGEMENT

Credits 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

Credits 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.

SM235: SPORT MARKETING

Credits 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.

SM237: DIGITAL SPORT MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

Credits 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.

SM240: INTRODUCTION TO ESPORTS MANAGEMENT

Credits 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

Credits 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 benefiecence.

SM385: STRATEGIC SPORT MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM

Credits 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.

SM387: SPORTS EVENT PRACTICUM

Credits 2
This course is designed to examine aspects related to the Super Bowl/College Football Playoff/other trave 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.

SM430: FACILITY AND EVENT MANAGEMENT

Credits 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 pursing 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.  

SM440: LEADERSHIP IN SPORT

Credits 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.

SM445: LEGAL ASPECTS AND GOVERNANCE OF SPORT

Credits 4
Skill
W
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

Credits 1 6
Designed for students to explore career interests and develop professional skills. The course provides firsthand exposure to a sport management setting. The student will be exposed to a variety of sport management areas which may include: sales, sponsorship, fundraising, event planning, marketing, community and public relations, and sports media and information. Experiences may take place in public and private organizations, schools and athletic settings. A total of 12 credit hours of SM 470 or placement in SM495 Capstone Field Experience is required. SM470 Internship may be taken for 1-6 credit hours and the course may be repeated up to 4 times, not exceeding 12 total credit hours. An internship is an intensive career-oriented work experience related

SM495: CAPSTONE FIELD EXPERIENCE

Credits 12

This capstone course is a comprehensive, experiential learning experience in sport management. The course provides students with an opportunity to explore their career interests and apply classroom knowledge and skills in a professional setting.  The experience must be supervised by an approved supervisor and the course instructors.

A total of 12 credit hours of SM470 or placement in SM495 Capstone Field Experience is required. SM470 Internship may be taken for 1-6 credit hours and the course may be repeated up to 4 times, not exceeding 12 total credit hours.