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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
… and many more exciting career paths!
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.
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:
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.
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