In this course, students will critically analyze and consider the successes and challenges facing the NFL. Specifically, students will be tasked with identifying what accounts for its success as both a corporate and cultural institution; what lessons can be drawn from the success of the NFL that could pertain to other industries, whether in professional sports or elsewhere; and importantly, how the NFL is actually run as a business. Students will take a deep dive into a variety of subjects within the business of the NFL have first-hand access to NFL insiders from a variety of sectors within the league, and be tasked with cultivating business, marketing, leadership and general decision-making skills drawn from real-world experiences within the NFL.
The global sports industry is substantial, encompassing various aspects such as sporting events, merchandise, broadcasting, and more. In 2024, the industry's revenue amounted to nearly $470 billion. By 2028, the global sports market is expected to surpass $680 billion. By 2027, the global sports market is expected to surpass $623 billion. However, the influence of sports extends far beyond the field. Fans are both dedicated and passionate supporters who contribute to the industry's success and have a massive following across continents. From local matches to international tournaments, fans engage through attendance, viewership, merchandise purchases, social media interactions, and so much more.
As the market continues to grow, the sports industry has made significant progress toward embracing sustainability practices. Brands are increasingly transparent about their sustainability efforts, businesses are looking to partner with sustainability-focused organizations that have reputable certifications and initiatives, real estate developers and investors are designing environmentally friendly facilities, and athletes and their fan bases are demanding climate action, just to name a few. Despite some progress, there's ample room for growth within emerging sustainability practices in sports. Continued innovation can lead to eco-friendly materials, sustainable event management, ensuring sustainability across supply chains, and greening stadiums, venues, and event infrastructure, which can further minimize resource consumption and pollution and contribute to a healthier planet.
This course introduces the concept of sustainability and its relevance to the sports industry. It examines the environmental, social, and economic impacts of sports activities, events, and organizations and explores the strategies and practices that can enhance the sustainability performance of the sports sector. The course covers topics such as the definitions and dimensions of sustainability and how they relate to sports; the drivers and challenges of sustainability in sports (climate change, stakeholder expectations, governance, and innovation); frameworks and tools for assessing and reporting on sustainability in sports; best practices and case studies of sustainability in sports; and opportunities and benefits of sustainability in sports (fan engagement, athlete activism, business development, and social impact).
This course will be structured in the following main se
This course will examine the data collection process, application, and management practices as it applies to soccer, specifically Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. Using soccer as a platform to explore techniques, students will develop a working knowledge of the practical applications of analysis and models used to make management decisions within an organization and a professional league. With growing global connectivity, and access to data across various international leagues, the ability to embrace in-game analytics to improve team's performance, evaluate talent, develop in-game strategies, and more efficiently manage their roster in order to create financial value for their stakeholders has become an invaluable skill.
In response to the sports industry turning more towards application of analytics and critical thinking skills, Soccer Analytics aims to develop students into managers who can make decisions, based on provided models, regarding both player and team valuations. Students should be able to demonstrate the capability to apply advanced critical thinking skills to sports business issues and have the ability to integrate objective analysis with subjective judgment in a way that adds value to decision processes.
The class will be taught through a combination of lectures, class discussion, group presentations and guest speakers. Each class will include a review of the reading assignments noted in the syllabus, and students are expected to be fully prepared. Students are required to read assignments from the texts as well as additional sources provided by the professor. Students must attend class prepared to engage in discussions; have, articulate and defend a point of view; and ask questions and provide comments based on their reading.
Projects are research intensive and vary according to partners and specialty.
Advanced standing in the Sports Management program, with at least 12 points/credits (4 courses) completed is required. A student may not exceed 6 points/credits (2 courses) of Supervised Projects, or take more than 3 points/credits (1 course) per semester.
Projects are research intensive and vary according to partners and specialty.
Advanced standing in the Sports Management program, with at least 12 points/credits (4 courses) completed is required. A student may not exceed 6 points/credits (2 courses) of Supervised Projects, or take more than 3 points/credits (1 course) per semester.
Projects are research intensive and vary according to partners and specialty.
Advanced standing in the Sports Management program, with at least 12 points/credits (4 courses) completed is required. A student may not exceed 6 points/credits (2 courses) of Supervised Projects, or take more than 3 points/credits (1 course) per semester.
Projects are research intensive and vary according to partners and specialty.
Advanced standing in the Sports Management program, with at least 12 points/credits (4 courses) completed is required. A student may not exceed 6 points/credits (2 courses) of Supervised Projects, or take more than 3 points/credits (1 course) per semester.
This course requires you to experience firsthand a program-related job in a real working environment. You will engage in personal, environmental and organizational reflection. The ideal Internship will provide you an opportunity to gain tangible and practical knowledge in your chosen field by taking on a position that is closely aligned with your coursework and professional interests. Before registering for this course, you must have completed the Internship Application Form in which you will describe your internship sponsor and provide details about the work that you will be doing. This form must be signed by your internship supervisor and approved by your program director BEFORE you register for this course.
To receive instructor approval, the internship:
● Must provide an opportunity for the student to apply course concepts, either at the organizational or team level
● Must fit into the planned future program-related career path of the student
You must identify your own internship opportunities. The internship must involve a commitment to completing a minimum of 210 hours over the semester.
At the end of your course, you will submit an evaluation form to your internship supervisor. The evaluation form should be returned directly to the instructor
Community Leadership and Service Program " CLASP" will expose students to the non-for-profit world and provide them with hands-on experience that will complement their work in the classroom. Students will participate in a variety of project-based work to assist nonprofits to support their needs, advance their mission and successfully drive business objectives.
At the beginning of each semester, students will provide their bios and resumes and complete a brief survey in order to be matched to a nonprofit organization within the sports industry.
Each student will receive an overview of the organization and the project they will be supporting for the course of the semester or school year. Once the matching process occurs, introductory calls will be scheduled and projects will be transferred to the students.
Each project requires a minimum of 40 hours for the semester for full-time students and 20 hours for part-time students.
This 0 credit course is a program requirement and failure to complete the hours of service and supplemental office hours will result in a graduation hold.
PDR is designed to expose incoming students to the program’s professional development and improvement offerings and provide you with industry and career experiences that will complement your work in the classroom, enhance and enrich your experience in the program and prepare you for your next career steps in the sports industry.
The PDR requirements have been divided into 2 categories: Core and Elective.
Each incoming
full-time
student will need to attend/complete a minimum of 40 hours of PDR events in order to graduate, including a minimum of 20 Core hours.
Each incoming
part-time
student will need to attend/complete a minimum of 20 hours of PDR events in order to graduate, including a minimum of 10 Core hours.
You will fulfill the PDR requirements by participating in and attending events such as:
project-based educational work
networking events
career coaching and advising
industry discussions and information sessions and workshops
PDR is designed to expose incoming students to the program’s professional development and improvement offerings and provide you with industry and career experiences that will complement your work in the classroom, enhance and enrich your experience in the program and prepare you for your next career steps in the sports industry.
The PDR requirements have been divided into 2 categories: Core and Elective.
Each incoming
full-time
student will need to attend/complete a minimum of 40 hours of PDR events in order to graduate, including a minimum of 20 Core hours.
Each incoming
part-time
student will need to attend/complete a minimum of 20 hours of PDR events in order to graduate, including a minimum of 10 Core hours.
You will fulfill the PDR requirements by participating in and attending events such as:
project-based educational work
networking events
career coaching and advising
industry discussions and information sessions and workshops