Sport Management

Through enrollment in Graceland’s sport management program, our students learn the skills they need to turn their passion for the game into a career they’ll love.

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Become a Leader in the Sports Industry

As one of our most popular majors offered within our C.H. Sandage School of Business, Graceland’s sport management program will prepare you for an exciting career in the sports industry. Whether you’re looking to focus directly on sport management or are curious about sport administration or even sport marketing, our classes and curriculum, hands-on learning, and internship opportunities will set you up for success both on and off the field.

Offerings
Major, Minor
Field of Study
Business
Format
Lamoni Campus
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Graceland prepared me for a career in sports by allowing me to gain valuable work experience while on campus and also through internships. I wasn't just learning in the classroom with textbooks but also through real life experiences.
Alex Weikel – Preparation, Sport Management '04 Director of Ticket Operations, Miami University RedHawks Sport Management
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Graceland was the right choice for paving a successful path for my future. The community is reflective of the ‘Power of Together’. Faculty put in the effort to connect, teach, and understand all students. Personally, I had faculty push and motivate me beyond my limits in the classroom and on the court. In choosing my next path after graduation, professors took the time to sit down with me and explore all the opportunities and possibilities available. Graceland has so many resources which provide success; you just have to want it.
Christacia Dawkins '19 United States Army Sport Management
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At Graceland you are not just another enrollment number, you’re a person who is cared for in a supportive and inclusive community, which allowed me to fully express and develop myself inside and outside the classroom. The people at Graceland that are at the heart and core of the University.
Ellena Finneran '20 Teacher, PE Direct Sport Management
Sport Management Education Requirements: Curriculum
  • BA Degree – Sport Management Major

    Our sport management major is more than just talking about the big game. At Graceland you’ll learn the solid business fundamentals of economics, marketing and management along with coursework around the legal and ethical issues in sports, psychology of sports and communications.

    In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Sport Management must complete a concentration of 36 s.h. in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Sport Management including:

    Courses Required for General Education

    Recommended in addition to required courses for Sport Management:

    • Additional internship hours beyond the required 3 s.h. are strongly recommended.

    Other Recommendations: Leadership Academy Certificate

    Courses Offered
    • ACCT2310Financial Accounting
      ACCT2310 Financial Accounting - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.

    • BUAD3310Principles of Sales
      BUAD3310 Principles of Sales - 3 s.h.

      Principles of Sales is designed to expose students to the many functions of modern sales and sales management including topics such as the selling process, the buying process, creating value in buyer-seller relationships, prospecting, sales call planning, communicating the message, negotiating for win-win solutions, promoting trust, closing the sale, as well as how to motivate, compensate and train sales people.

    • BUAD3320Principles of Management
      BUAD3320 Principles of Management - 3 s.h.

      Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.

    • ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics
      ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

      Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    • ECON3220Economics of Sports
      ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

      An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    • MATH1280College Algebra
      MATH1280 College Algebra - 3 s.h.

      Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    • MATH1360Statistics for Critical Thinking
      MATH1360 Statistics for Critical Thinking - 3 s.h.

      A critical thinking approach to data analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    • PHED3130Sports Psychology (also PSYC3130)
      PHED3130 Sports Psychology (also PSYC3130) - 3 s.h.

      An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.

    • PSYC3130Sports Psychology (also PHED3130)
      PSYC3130 Sports Psychology (also PHED3130) - 3 s.h.

      An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.

    • SOCI4100Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100)
      SOCI4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) - 3 s.h.

      Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    • SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management
      SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    • SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
      SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

      A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    • SPMT3300Sport Marketing
      SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

      An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    • SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management
      SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

      This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    • SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100)
      SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

      Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    • SPMT4500Seminar in Sport Management
      SPMT4500 Seminar in Sport Management - 3 s.h.

      Students investigate a variety of topics in sport management and present their research and findings to the seminar. Oral presentations and research papers are required for each round of topics. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

    • SPMT4700Internship in Sport Management
      SPMT4700 Internship in Sport Management - 1-3 s.h.

      An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of sport management. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.

    ACCT2310Financial Accounting BUAD3310Principles of Sales BUAD3320Principles of Management ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics ECON3220Economics of Sports MATH1280College Algebra MATH1360Statistics for Critical Thinking PHED3130Sports Psychology (also PSYC3130) PSYC3130Sports Psychology (also PHED3130) SOCI4100Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports SPMT3300Sport Marketing SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) SPMT4500Seminar in Sport Management SPMT4700Internship in Sport Management
    Course Descriptions
    ACCT2310 Financial Accounting - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.

    BUAD3310 Principles of Sales - 3 s.h.

    Principles of Sales is designed to expose students to the many functions of modern sales and sales management including topics such as the selling process, the buying process, creating value in buyer-seller relationships, prospecting, sales call planning, communicating the message, negotiating for win-win solutions, promoting trust, closing the sale, as well as how to motivate, compensate and train sales people.

    BUAD3320 Principles of Management - 3 s.h.

    Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.

    ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

    Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

    An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    MATH1280 College Algebra - 3 s.h.

    Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    MATH1360 Statistics for Critical Thinking - 3 s.h.

    A critical thinking approach to data analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    PHED3130 Sports Psychology (also PSYC3130) - 3 s.h.

    An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.

    PSYC3130 Sports Psychology (also PHED3130) - 3 s.h.

    An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.

    SOCI4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) - 3 s.h.

    Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

    A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

    An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

    This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

    Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    SPMT4500 Seminar in Sport Management - 3 s.h.

    Students investigate a variety of topics in sport management and present their research and findings to the seminar. Oral presentations and research papers are required for each round of topics. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

    SPMT4700 Internship in Sport Management - 1-3 s.h.

    An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of sport management. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.

  • Sport Management Minor

    A minor in Sport Management consists of 18 semester hours from the following courses:

    Any two of the following:

    Courses Offered
    • ACCT2310Financial Accounting
      ACCT2310 Financial Accounting - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.

    • ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics
      ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

      Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    • ECON3220Economics of Sports
      ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

      An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    • SOCI4100Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100)
      SOCI4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) - 3 s.h.

      Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    • SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management
      SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    • SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
      SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

      A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    • SPMT3300Sport Marketing
      SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

      An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    • SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management
      SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

      This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    • SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100)
      SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

      Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    ACCT2310Financial Accounting ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics ECON3220Economics of Sports SOCI4100Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports SPMT3300Sport Marketing SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100)
    Course Descriptions
    ACCT2310 Financial Accounting - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.

    ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

    Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

    An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    SOCI4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SPMT4100) - 3 s.h.

    Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

    A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

    An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

    This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

    Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

  • Data Analytics for Sport Management Certificate

    Students wishing to earn the Data Analytics for Sport Marketing certificate must complete the following 18 credit hours with Graceland University.

    Courses Offered
    • CSIT1100Principles of Computing
      CSIT1100 Principles of Computing - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming through extensive practice developing software in the Python language. Fundamental terminology and topics such as integrated development environments, variables, data types, control structures, functions, and objects will be covered. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation

    • DSCI1500Beginning Data Science and Data Analytics
      DSCI1500 Beginning Data Science and Data Analytics - 3 s.h.

      Introduction to the basic methods of analysis in Data Science and Data Analytics. This course introduces students to the basic statistical methods, coding applications, problem solving, and data integrity issues common to the field.

    • DSCI4700Capstone for Data Analytics Certificates
      DSCI4700 Capstone for Data Analytics Certificates - 3 s.h.

      The course covers the basic aspects of a complete data analytics project. Students will use data sets obtained from community partners. Students will work in teams with each team producing a problem definition in conjunction with the client, conducting the proposed analysis directed at providing insight into the problem, and disseminating the results of the analysis in written and oral form.

    • ECON2100Introductory Economic Data Analysis
      ECON2100 Introductory Economic Data Analysis - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.

    • ECON3220Economics of Sports
      ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

      An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    • SPMT3300Sport Marketing
      SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

      An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    CSIT1100Principles of Computing DSCI1500Beginning Data Science and Data Analytics DSCI4700Capstone for Data Analytics Certificates ECON2100Introductory Economic Data Analysis ECON3220Economics of Sports SPMT3300Sport Marketing
    Course Descriptions
    CSIT1100 Principles of Computing - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming through extensive practice developing software in the Python language. Fundamental terminology and topics such as integrated development environments, variables, data types, control structures, functions, and objects will be covered. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation

    DSCI1500 Beginning Data Science and Data Analytics - 3 s.h.

    Introduction to the basic methods of analysis in Data Science and Data Analytics. This course introduces students to the basic statistical methods, coding applications, problem solving, and data integrity issues common to the field.

    DSCI4700 Capstone for Data Analytics Certificates - 3 s.h.

    The course covers the basic aspects of a complete data analytics project. Students will use data sets obtained from community partners. Students will work in teams with each team producing a problem definition in conjunction with the client, conducting the proposed analysis directed at providing insight into the problem, and disseminating the results of the analysis in written and oral form.

    ECON2100 Introductory Economic Data Analysis - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.

    ECON3220 Economics of Sports - 3 s.h.

    An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.

    SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

    An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

  • Course list - Sport Management
    Courses Offered
    • SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management
      SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    • SPMT2100Introduction to College Athletics Administration
      SPMT2100 Introduction to College Athletics Administration - 3 s.h.

      This course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and practices associated with college athletics administration. Students will explore the organizational structure, regulatory frameworks, and key responsibilities involved in managing athletic programs within institutions of higher education. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the unique challenges, ethical considerations, and strategic planning essential for effective leadership in college athletics. Pre or Corequisite: SPMT1200.

    • SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports
      SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

      A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    • SPMT3100Sport Policy and Governance
      SPMT3100 Sport Policy and Governance - 3 s.h.

      This course will introduce students to a variety of ways to understand sport policy and governance - essential for any career in sports management. Through lectures, discussion on past and current issues, and class assignments, students will learn the big picture perspective of sport policy and governance structures while further developing tangible abilities to serve as well-informed sport managers in a variety of sport organizations.

    • SPMT3200Sport Communication
      SPMT3200 Sport Communication - 3 s.h.

      This course covers the theory of communication, communication strategies in sports, including the use of social media and publicity, and issues in sport communication.

    • SPMT3300Sport Marketing
      SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

      An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    • SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management
      SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

      This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    • SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100)
      SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

      Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    • SPMT4500Seminar in Sport Management
      SPMT4500 Seminar in Sport Management - 3 s.h.

      Students investigate a variety of topics in sport management and present their research and findings to the seminar. Oral presentations and research papers are required for each round of topics. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

    • SPMT4700Internship in Sport Management
      SPMT4700 Internship in Sport Management - 1-3 s.h.

      An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of sport management. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.

    SPMT1200Introduction to Sport Management SPMT2100Introduction to College Athletics Administration SPMT2300Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports SPMT3100Sport Policy and Governance SPMT3200Sport Communication SPMT3300Sport Marketing SPMT3410Sport Facility and Event Management SPMT4100Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) SPMT4500Seminar in Sport Management SPMT4700Internship in Sport Management
    Course Descriptions
    SPMT1200 Introduction to Sport Management - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to the field of sport management, including history of sport, leadership, management process, marketing and communication, and legal and ethical aspects in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    SPMT2100 Introduction to College Athletics Administration - 3 s.h.

    This course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and practices associated with college athletics administration. Students will explore the organizational structure, regulatory frameworks, and key responsibilities involved in managing athletic programs within institutions of higher education. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the unique challenges, ethical considerations, and strategic planning essential for effective leadership in college athletics. Pre or Corequisite: SPMT1200.

    SPMT2300 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports - 3 s.h.

    A study of the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of ethics related to sports at all levels. A variety of viewpoints, including financial, regulatory, and societal will be explored.

    SPMT3100 Sport Policy and Governance - 3 s.h.

    This course will introduce students to a variety of ways to understand sport policy and governance - essential for any career in sports management. Through lectures, discussion on past and current issues, and class assignments, students will learn the big picture perspective of sport policy and governance structures while further developing tangible abilities to serve as well-informed sport managers in a variety of sport organizations.

    SPMT3200 Sport Communication - 3 s.h.

    This course covers the theory of communication, communication strategies in sports, including the use of social media and publicity, and issues in sport communication.

    SPMT3300 Sport Marketing - 3 s.h.

    An analysis of the field of marketing from a sports perspective with focus on the elements of and development of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: ECON1320.

    SPMT3410 Sport Facility and Event Management - 3 s.h.

    This course examines the principles of facility operations and management and event planning, execution, and evaluation, within the sport industry. This course provides students an industry-specific understanding of challenges to facility management as well as planning skills to ensure a successful sport event. Topics to be explored include facility design, management, operations, risk management, the sport event planning process, sport marketing, and event execution and evaluation. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: SPMT1200.

    SPMT4100 Social Issues in Sport (also SOCI4100) - 3 s.h.

    Sociological analysis of sport in contemporary American society. Focus is upon sport as a form of social interaction, which reflects, reinforces, and helps create basic societal norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs. The impact of sport is analyzed on the basic societal institutions of family, church, school, government, and economics, from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation.

    SPMT4500 Seminar in Sport Management - 3 s.h.

    Students investigate a variety of topics in sport management and present their research and findings to the seminar. Oral presentations and research papers are required for each round of topics. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

    SPMT4700 Internship in Sport Management - 1-3 s.h.

    An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of sport management. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.

C.H. Sandage School of Business Faculty

As a part of the C.H. Sandage School of Business, our sports management program is instructed by the amazing business school faculty. Additionally, the curriculum of the degree utilizes the knowledge and specializations of seven different faculty members who are committed to helping students become successful and ethical leaders in this exciting field.

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Careers in Sport Management

Graceland students regularly enjoy successful careers in sport management. Our graduates are working in most of the national professional sports leagues in a variety of roles from ticket sales to operations. Having a career in sports as an avid fan goes beyond the pro positions you see on game day — it’s possible to have a rewarding career in sports without utilizing any of your existing or non-existent athletic abilities.

Our Bachelor of Arts in Sport Business Management will set you up for success in any of the following careers:

  • Athletic Director
  • Sports Marketing
  • Event Management
  • Coaching
  • Recreation
  • Public Relations
  • Operations Managementt
  • Sports Agent
  • Sports Data Analyst
  • Sports Psychology

… and many more exciting career paths! 

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Access to Incredible Facilities and Technology

Graceland’s sport management majors will have access to top-of-the-line sports management facilities and technology. This kind of access will allow them to gain hands-on experience in an advanced environment preparing them for a career in the competitive world of sports business and management.

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On Site Sport Management Training in Your Field

An internship is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience and network within the sport management industry. Backed by our Bachelor of Arts in Sport Business Management, you’ll have the Graceland-approved skills needed to get out in the workforce early and continue learning. Thanks to Graceland’s perfect location between Des Moines and Kansas City, you’ll have access to many different internship opportunities with different professional sports organizations, events, and venues such as the:

  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Kansas City Royals
  • Sporting KC
  • Iowa Cubs
  • Des Moines Menace
  • Missouri Mavericks
  • Newton Iowa Speedway
  • Hy-Vee Triathlon
  • Principal Charity Classic
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Tuition & Aid

99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.

As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.

Find out more!
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