SMGT500 Foundations of Sports Management
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the fast-paced world of sports management. Through a blend of theoretical concepts, practical applications, case studies, and connection to industry, students will gain understanding of the multifaceted nature of sports management and develop strategies for effective leadership and decision-making within the field.
Students will examine the various sectors of sports management, including professional sports teams and leagues, collegiate athletics, youth and amateur sports, sports management research, sports marketing and sponsorship, sales, facility management, event planning, sports media, and legal and ethical considerations in sports management. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging trends and challenges facing the sports industry, such as globalization, technology, and ethical considerations.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, simulations, and discussions. These activities move from theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and build practical skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
SMGT504 Law and Ethics in Sports Management
Successful sports management often requires engaging questions about personnel, compliance, financial management, and equity. This means it is important for sports industry professionals to have a firm grasp on applicable laws and ethical considerations. Good choices come from ensuring compliance with the law and consistency while also being sensitive to the needs and perspectives of all parties involved in the decision-making process. This class equips sports management professionals to do just that by providing a survey of the legal concepts and ethical challenges that are likely to arise in the profession. The course will cover contract law, intellectual property, appropriation, workers’ rights and compensation, Title IX, tort law, and risk management while also engaging ethical principles in sports like fairness, integrity, responsibility, and respect.
STR510 Foundations of Strategic Communication
This course is a unique, engaging learning experience that represents the first course in the Master’s in Strategic Communication program. This course is designed to give you an overview of the larger field of strategic communication by covering a wide range of topics relevant to the field. We will explore the interdisciplinary literature on communication theory, to understand and embrace the relationship between strategic communication theory and practice, and to apply theoretical frameworks to strategic communication challenges. You’ll engage in real-time application of strategic communication theory and skills, and prepare to advance within your current organization or transition into a new career path.
ORG562 Leadership Communication
This course will equip you with the necessary tools to navigate organizational change and give direction effectively. This course will examine leadership communication in the context of organizational change. Leadership is analyzed using the concept of citizenship, with a focus on the communication skills needed to help construct effective experiences for an organization, team, or community, whether in the role of doer, follower, guide, manager, or leader. You will also evaluate organizational theory and practice that links to how early- to mid-20th century management theories have shaped 21st-century organizations through change. In addition, you will reflect on the diversity of perspectives that exist within the modern workplace and how these can impact leadership.
MBA530 Financial Management
An analysis of the theory and practice of Financial Management, this course expands on the topics covered in MBA 430. The course focuses on how firms properly acquire and invest funds in a corporate setting. Specific topics include capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, derivatives, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy.
SMGT540 Capstone Experience
This course simulates a senior sports management context, where you will apply what you have learned throughout the graduate studies curriculum. This fast-paced, deadline-driven course provides an opportunity to demonstrate specific skills and knowledge in sports management. In addition, you will be assessing crucial industry capacities in areas such as teamwork, time management, stakeholder relations, critical thinking, creativity, and project coordination. Working in assigned groups, you will partner with unique clients in a variety of industry areas to identify a sports management problem, analyze related proprietary data, and develop evidence-based recommendations that will be presented to the client and the class. This course focuses on the application of sports management skills relevant to the current context of the industry. Upon completion of the course, you will be an innovative thinker and problem-solver for future sports management projects.
