The degree is based on a quarter system with students completing the plan of study in 24 months. Students complete fifteen 10 week courses for a total of 45 credit hours. The courses consist of:
Course Descriptions:
SMT 601 -- Sports Industry Management
This course provides detailed overview of the sports industry and its management and business practices. Students will study organizational theory, human resources, decision making, policy development, planning, governance and the management functions necessary to provide them with the appropriate skills and knowledge for the effective management of sport organizations.
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SMT 602 -- Sport Law
The law as it applies to the sports industry including both amateur and professional environments is examined in this course. Designed to foster understanding of the legal system, the course covers tort law, contracts, risk management, and labor management relations including the collective bargaining process, antitrust and arbitration decisions.
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SMT 603 -- Sport Marketing and PR
The course provides a study of marketing, sponsorship and public relations concepts with an application to the sports industry. Students will cover topics including licensing, merchandising, sponsorships, ticketing, consumer behavior, market segmentation and pricing. The role of research in marketing and practices of mainstream marketing will also be examined.
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SMT 604 -- Sport Media & Technology
A study of the use of technology and the media in the sports industry. Emphasis is placed on the techniques and methods utilized, including ticketing systems, broadcasting networks, online coaching, interactive television and the development and production of sports products.
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SMT 605 -- Economic Issues in Sport
Students explore general fiscal and economic principles as they apply to public and private sport organizations. Economic analysis is utilized to study economic impact, media rights, ticket sales, concessions plus the effects of free agency, player salaries, revenue sharing, salary caps and government subsidization of stadiums.
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SMT 606 -- Contemporary Issues in Sport
The purpose of this course is to expand the student’s understanding of issues prevalent in the sports industry. Discussions will cover topics including drugs, violence, religion, the media and globalization. Students will develop an awareness of alternate perspectives and examine in detail current problems while analyzing possible solutions.
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SMT 621 -- Leadership in Sport Management
Students will discuss the process of leadership and leadership development in sports organizations. Leadership styles, qualities, philosophies and the ability to adapt to different situations are addressed. Information on recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating personnel are examined as are current sporting issues and their impact on sport leadership.
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SMT 623 -- Sports Facilty Management
The course will encompass the range of sport facilities including arenas, stadiums, athletic tracks, swimming pools and golf courses. Students will learn the skills required to manage these facilities and the main components of facility management, including budgeting, scheduling, organizing and maintenance.
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SMT 625 -- Sport Promotion and Sales
Promotions and sales within the context of sport management. This provides a comprehensive study of promotions and marketing practices in the industry. Analysis of sport sponsorship, retention strategies and evaluation methods, plus fundraising and promotion of sports services and products to the sports consumer.
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SMT 626 -- Globalization of Sport
An analysis of the impact of globalization on the Sport Industry. Students will be introduced to managerial, human resource and cultural differences that impinge upon the sports industry. An oversight of the different governance structures employed throughout the industry overseas will also be examined.
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SMT 627 -- Sports Tournaments and Events
The organizing, planning and running of sporting events is crucial to any sport manager at any level. Issues of staffing, volunteers, location, security, medical and risk management considerations are just a number of areas that this course will cover. Students will be expected to organize and run their own sporting event.
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SMT 628 -- Coaching and Managing
Through this course, students will gain a detailed understanding of coaching at the school, college and professional level. The management and organizational structures, coaching theories, periodization of training and issues pertinent to coaching including drugs, overtraining, ethical considerations and eating disorders will be addressed.
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SMT 630 -- Sports Industry Practicum
The practicum is designed to develop greater breadth and depth of student's understanding and experience within the industry. The practical application of the knowledge and skill acquired in classes will help students to extend their expertise by working in a sport management related organization.
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SMT 698 -- Research Design & Techniques in Sport
An examination of research designs, methodology and techniques used in developing the research project or thesis. Historical, empirical and experimental methods will be discussed plus skills related to writing reviews and critiques of literature. Students will learn to design an original study and begin to develop the outline for their final Masters work.
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SMT 699 -- Project/Research Thesis
The course requires the preparation of a substantial research and writing project/research thesis planned and completed under the guidance of a graduate faculty advisor. It is the culminating work of the Masters program and hence is expected to include research design, organization, analysis, evaluation, literature review, plus the student’s conclusions pertaining to the research findings.
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