Sports Administration

SA 141 – Introduction to Sports Administration 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the sports management profession and related career opportunities in amateur athletics, professional sports teams and leagues, facilities and event management, sport merchandising, and the health and fitness industry.  Students will be introduced to management, marketing, finance, and legal principles relevant to the profession as well as current industry trends.

SA 285 – Sports Marketing 3 hrs.
This course examines the business of the sports industries, focusing on the theoretical and applied foundations of sports marketing, sports advertising, and public relations. Students will gain practical experience producing marketing plans and analyzing case studies relevant to marketing strategy. Topics will include discussion and analysis of trends in marketing, including the role of branding and social media. Prerequisites: BS 141.

SA 325 – Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport 3 hrs.
Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport provide an in-depth approach to generating revenue for sport organizations, including the use of strategic partnerships with sponsors and media outlets as well as implementation of fundraising initiatives, special events, and sales tactics. Topics include strategies for securing sponsorships, sponsorship activation, and managing sponsor relations. Fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and customer relations will also be discussed. Prerequisite: SA 141.

SA 335 – Facility and Event Management 3 hrs.
The purpose of this course is to study current developments and trends in design, construction, finances, and management of new and renovated sport and recreational facilities. Principles and theory of effective facility and event management will be taught through lecture, facility tours, and practical experience as students will have opportunities to apply their skills by assisting in the management of sporting events. Prerequisites: SA 141 and junior status.

SA 340 – Sports Leadership 3 hrs.
This course will explore leadership skills required of a professional in sports administration. Students will explore and analyze leadership theory and practice from a variety of perspectives. Topics include thorough discussion of leadership principles, as well as skills, attributes, and styles of leadership. Interviews with leaders in the field and case studies will be utilized to lend clarity to best practices related to leadership.  Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 351 – The Law of Sports 3 hrs.
This course examines the legal environment in which professional sports and amateur athletics operate, focusing on the areas of contract law, labor law, antitrust law, intellectual property law, and constitutional law. Course topics include the legal history of the sports industries, the legal structure of professional sports, the basic agreements controlling sports, the functions of the sports agent, the operation of sports labor unions, management issues in professional sports, and the legal aspects of amateur athletics. Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 388 – Sports Management 3 hrs.
This course provides an understanding of administrative philosophies and organizational procedures related to sports management. Students will analyze challenges stemming from organizational issues, environmental conditions, and the dynamics of workforce. Issues related to the basic management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating (controlling) will be highlighted. The goal of the course is to strengthen students’ managerial potential by helping them develop the skill set needed to analyze, diagnose, and respond to both fundamental and complex problems found in sport organizations. It also provides opportunities for students to enhance their managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills. Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 390 – Sports Administration Internship 3-12 hrs.
This course involves completing at least 120 clock hours and at least eight weeks in a professional work setting where the student has the opportunity to observe and participate in an organization’s activities. The student’s work experience will be under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and will be designed to provide a practical experience in the field of sports administration. Credit earned in this course will count toward the maximum of 12 credit hours of internship credit a student may earn during their undergraduate experience at Baker. Prerequisites: SA 141 and permission of the instructor. R; P/NC

SA 496 – Senior Seminar in Sports Administration 3 hrs.
This course has been designed to provide the student with an in-depth seminar relating to careers and professionalism in the field of sports administration. It includes a discussion of current research and issues in this field, interdisciplinary interactions, and career opportunities. Students will prepare a portfolio of materials and current practices relating to professions in this field as well as a projection of the future directions expected. Prerequisite: Senior status in the program or permission of the instructor.