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:
Other Recommendations: Leadership Academy Certificate
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.
Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.
The Strategic Sales Management course emphasizes the strategic leadership aspects of sales and revenue generation. It includes sales forecasting, customer relationship management, sales team management, and negotiation strategies. Students learn to align sales efforts with overall business objectives, maximizing revenue while maintaining strong customer relationships.
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
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.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
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.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.
The Strategic Sales Management course emphasizes the strategic leadership aspects of sales and revenue generation. It includes sales forecasting, customer relationship management, sales team management, and negotiation strategies. Students learn to align sales efforts with overall business objectives, maximizing revenue while maintaining strong customer relationships.
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
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.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
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.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A minor in Sport Management consists of 18 semester hours from the following courses:
Any two of the following:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A minor in Esports consists of 17-18 semester hours selected from the following courses:
This course provides a comprehensive overview, with hands-on experience, of Social Media Marketing. The most basic objectives of the course are to provide students with a broad introduction to social media marketing concepts and techniques using the latest online tools combined with practical "real world" application. There will be an emphasis on strategic use of tools, effective design and contemporary marketing techniques. Students will build and maintain real world marketing campaigns.
A focus on the practice of studying and managing marketing metrics data in order to enhance decision making for marketing efforts including calls-to-action (CTAs), blog posts, channel performance, and thought leadership pieces, and to identify opportunities for improvement and maximize marketing outcomes. Students will learn how marketing analytics professionals serve as liaisons between those who make marketing decisions and those who work with the data.
Explore the fundamental aspects of operating systems, including process management, memory allocation, and file systems. Acquire practical skills in managing Linux servers, automating tasks with shell scripting, and troubleshooting system issues. Build expertise in essential system administration tools, while learning best practices for secure and efficient server management. Prerequisite: CSIT1100.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
Knowledge and understanding of the techniques and theory of coaching interscholastic athletics, including professional ethics in coaching.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course provides a comprehensive overview, with hands-on experience, of Social Media Marketing. The most basic objectives of the course are to provide students with a broad introduction to social media marketing concepts and techniques using the latest online tools combined with practical "real world" application. There will be an emphasis on strategic use of tools, effective design and contemporary marketing techniques. Students will build and maintain real world marketing campaigns.
A focus on the practice of studying and managing marketing metrics data in order to enhance decision making for marketing efforts including calls-to-action (CTAs), blog posts, channel performance, and thought leadership pieces, and to identify opportunities for improvement and maximize marketing outcomes. Students will learn how marketing analytics professionals serve as liaisons between those who make marketing decisions and those who work with the data.
Explore the fundamental aspects of operating systems, including process management, memory allocation, and file systems. Acquire practical skills in managing Linux servers, automating tasks with shell scripting, and troubleshooting system issues. Build expertise in essential system administration tools, while learning best practices for secure and efficient server management. Prerequisite: CSIT1100.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
Knowledge and understanding of the techniques and theory of coaching interscholastic athletics, including professional ethics in coaching.
An application of the theories and principles in psychology to the athlete, the athletic environment, and to coaching practices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students wishing to earn the Data Analytics for Sport Marketing certificate must complete the following 18 credit hours with Graceland University.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course covers the theory of communication, communication strategies in sports, including the use of social media and publicity, and issues in sport communication.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course covers the theory of communication, communication strategies in sports, including the use of social media and publicity, and issues in sport communication.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
JUMP TO
