1. Coaching Theory and Strategy
2. Sports Administration
3. General

This degree is designed for those who are interested in sports management, coaching, and administration. The core curriculum includes the social contexts of sport in historical and modern society, fundamentals of the sports industry, and specific focuses in sports law, marketing, promotion, public relations, finance, and economics. Students are provided with an opportunity to concentrate in an area of specific interest, to include sports administration for the aspiring collegiate, community, or high school athletic official; coaching theory and strategy for those interested in leading and coaching teams; management for those interested in general sports management opportunities and business administration for those interested in running the front office.

-Apply qualitative and quantitative research practices to sports management, issues and problems including the development and assessment of research proposals; analyze and communicate the findings from data; and summarize and communicate conclusions.
-Evaluate cultural and economic dynamics that have impacted the emergence and development of sports and the sports industry in contemporary society.
-Analyze economic decision making as it relates to sports in contemporary society.
-Apply advanced finance theory and concepts to sports and sports-related enterprises.
-Apply marketing and public relations strategies to sports-related enterprises.
-Discuss the context of sports in contemporary society and business through an analysis of the historical and cultural evolution of the sports industry and enterprise.
-Analyze and apply relevant business, legal, and ethical issues to the field of sports management.

Comprehensive Exam: Each student will answer 3-5 questions: Two or three based on a practical application of learned concepts and two based on theoretical aspects of learned concepts.   The questions will be tailored to the student and will include questions related to core courses and questions related to the student’s area of concentration.  The exam is proctored and must be completed in a 6-hour time frame.

Comprehensive Exam Objectives:
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research practices to sports management, issues and problems including the development and assessment of research proposals; analyze and communicate the findings from data; and summarize and communicate conclusions.
- Evaluate cultural and economic dynamics that have impacted the emergence and development of sports and the sports industry in contemporary society
- Analyze economic decision-making as it relates to sports in contemporary society.
- Apply advanced finance theory and concepts to sports and sports-related enterprises.
- Apply marketing and public relations strategies to sports-related enterprises.
- Discuss the context of sports in contemporary society and business through an analysis of the historical and cultural evolution of the sports industry and enterprise.
- Analyze and apply relevant business, legal, and ethical issues to the field of sports management.

Comprehensive Exam Results:
In 2008, approximately 98%  passed the exam and 2% failed.  19% passed "with distinction".

Practicum (alternative to Comprehensive Exam): To achieve and demonstrate learning, a practicum and integration seminar is offered to students in this degree as an alternative to the comprehensive exam. This option can be undertaken by any student seriously interested in the integration and application of theory and practice. This option is an additional 3 hour course over the required 36 hours to equal 39 graduate credits. Students selecting this option are exempt from comprehensive exams. The course requires that the student:
• Identify and obtain approval for an organization or project of interest.
• Select and obtain an approval for a workplace mentor.
• Complete a 120 hour practicum in the approved organization under the guidance of the mentor.
• Keep a log of work completed to be signed by the mentor.
• Submit a 25 page integrative applied research paper using Kolb’s experiential learning cycle as the basis for reflection on that experience. The experiential or practical component of the class aims to apply learning in an aspect of interest related to the degree and concentrations of the student’s areas of specialization.

Practicum Results:
In 2008, there were no students who selected this alternative.
In 2009,  100%  of students have passed the practicum course. 

Not Applicable