Methodist University - Sport Management

Graduates with a concentration in Sport Management (SMA) will have the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective entry-level managers and administrators in the business of sport. Students who choose a concentration in Sport Management are qualified for entry level management positions within professional sports teams and businesses affiliated with sport, sporting goods manufacturers, recreation facilities, and health and fitness clubs.

Sport Management students gain valuable experience working with minor league and semi professional teams within the Fayetteville area throughout the academic year. Many students work closely with these teams in developing marketing and sponsorship plans, promotional campaigns, ticket sales, and customer relations activities.

Sport Management students have the opportunity to complete internships with organizations such as the Dartfish, Hall of Fame Productions, NBA Charlotte Bobcats, NFL Carolina Panthers, NHL Carolina Hurricanes, NIFL Fayetteville Guard, CPL Fayetteville Swamp Dogs, SPHL Fayetteville Fire Antz, Beasley Communications, and many other organizations affiliated with sports.

Sport Management Requirements

Requirements for the concentration in Sport Management: 22 s.h. — SMA 101, 170, 270, 280, 321, 322, 370, 421, 422, and BUS 354.

Sport Management Courses

SMA 101 INTRODUCTION TO SPORT MANAGEMENT (3 s.h.)
Investigation of career opportunities in the Sport Management industry and the qualifications and responsibilities associated with them. This course is offered every fall semester.

SMA 170, 270, 370 INTERNSHIP I, II, III (1 s.h. each)
Experiential learning in all aspects of Sport Management is acquired through these internships at a Sport Facility, organization, or businesses affiliated with sport and entertainment. The student is assigned duties and responsibilities approved by the faculty member and the assigned field site supervisor. Supervision and evaluation is conducted by the faculty member and the field site supervisor. Written reports and evaluations are required at the completion of each phase of instruction. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for each internship. This course is offered every semester. All students who are participating in a paid internship are subject to random drug testing prior to and during employment according to the Reeves School of Business Drug Policy. PGM and PTM 170, 270, and 370 internships will be accepted for students changing their concentration to sport management.

SMA 280 SPORT MANAGEMENT OBSERVATIONS (1 s.h.)
Designed to give students an opportunity to observe actual operations of sport-related businesses prior to engaging in a more lengthy internship experience. This course is designed for sport management students only. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. This course is offered as needed.

SMA 321 SPORT SOCIOLOGY (3 s.h.)
With particular emphasis on American culture, the study of sport from a social perspective taking into account factors of race, gender, religion, nationalism, history, and philosophy as they relate to the growth and development of the sport experience. This course is offered every fall.

SMA 322 EVENT/FACILITY MANAGEMENT (3 s.h.)
Exploration of the sport facility and equipment management. Introduction to facility operations and conversion. Investigation of event management techniques. This course is offered every spring semester.

BUS 354 SPORT LAW (3 s.h.)
A study of the law as it applies to professional and amateur sport organizations and participants. Analysis of contract law, tort law, constitutional law, administrative law, antitrust law, collective bargaining, and arbitration as it relates to sport. Introduction to the case method of problem solving techniques. Class presentations on current legal issues are required. Prerequisite: BUS 352. This course is offered in the fall semester, odd numbered years.

SMA 421 SPORT MARKETING (3 s.h.)
Designed to give the student an introduction to sport marketing. Prerequisite: MKT 351. This course if offered every fall semester.

SMA 422 SPORT ADMINISTRATION (3 s.h.)
Designed to give the student an introduction to sport administration including an international and global approach. Prerequisite: BUS 343. This course is offered every spring.

SMA 485 SPECIAL TOPICS: SPORT MANAGEMENT (1-3 s.h.)
Study of special topics of critical, contemporary concern in Sport Management. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. This course is offered as needed.

SMA 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPORT MANAGEMENT (TBA)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Requires approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, the department chair, and the school dean before approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit to be determined.