Sport Management Major Revamps Curriculum, Introduces New Pre-Professional Tracks
The sport management major is excited to announce new program offerings. In keeping with the evolution of the sport industry, adjustments to both the core curriculum and the introduction of pre-professional tracks will be available to students beginning in Fall 2018.
All sport management students will now take Data-Driven Decision-Making and Sport Sales as part of their core classes. These courses, developed by faculty and offered for the first time during Fall 2017, further the program emphasis on practical experience. The Data-Driven Decision-Making class completed an industry project with the DeSales Intramural program, while the Sport Sales class gained sales experience with Erik Hansen, vice president of sales for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
In addition to the core changes, the sport management major will be instituting tracks to better prepare students for key careers in the field. The Athletic Administration and Athletic Communications tracks are aimed to serve students interested in careers at the high school and collegiate levels of sport. With more than 1,100 NCAA member-institutions, as well as NJCAA and NAIA schools, there are thousands of job opportunities in these areas.
Additionally, a Coaching track will be offered for the many students with an interest in pursuing coaching at all levels upon graduation. This track will give students a clear advantage, considering all new PIAA coaches, whether paid or volunteer, are required to complete the Principles of Coaching course.
"The combination of the adjustments to the core curriculum and the new tracks will better prepare our students for the current job market," notes Dr. Martin Brett, sport management chair. "The changes were made after consulting our industry partners and these courses allow us to better integrate their expertise and practical experiences into the classroom."
