3 credits
Spring 2026 Distance Learning Lecture Upper Division
This course introduces the foundations and principles of sport management, focusing on the leadership, administration, business practices, and operation of sport organizations at all levels. This course offers students the opportunity to gain information and an understanding of the various practices and procedures associated with sport management and the sport industry. Students are presented with an overview of the business of sport, including a variety of different career opportunities in a multitude of sport settings as they explore the value of professional management within sport organizations. Finally, this course uses a semester-long major project that allows students to use the skills and knowledge gained from lectures, readings, and discussions to develop a comprehensive business plan integrating the various modules and topics from the semester into a cohesive administrative plan.
Learning Outcomes1Describe the career possibilities in sport management, as well as the skills and strategies necessary to be successful in the field.
2Explain the development of the sport business industry and the defining characteristics of the modern sport business industry.
3Identify concepts of management theory and how these concepts help managers and sport organizations succeed.
4Explain the central role that leadership plays in sport organizations and how leadership theories apply to management.
5Identify the characteristics, similarities, and differences among various sport management sites (community, interscholastic), intercollegiate, professional, and international sport).
6Recognize the unique characteristics of sport marketing and how a marketing plan is linked to an organization's mission, values, and strategy.
7Recognize the necessary steps in managing a facility and a corresponding risk management plan.
8Demonstrate the components and workings of sport media and its interaction with the sport industry, including the increasing influence of social media and the internet within the sport industry.
9Describe the basic principles of economics as they pertain to the sport industry and be able to describe the business structure of sport organizations.
10Discuss the social and cultural significance of sport in our society.
made by Purdue students.