Combine passion with profession.

If you have a genuine passion for sports, SCC's Business Sport Management degree allows you to turn that passion into a fulfilling career.

The sports industry is continuously growing, with increasing global interest and investment. Studying sport management puts you in the middle of this dynamic and expanding sector, offering numerous career paths with opportunities for professional growth.

Work in an industry you love by managing the business and organizational functions vital to a successful operation from the front office.

Program location

  

Skills you'll learn

• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Marketing
• Risk Management

Key classes

• Introduction to Sport Management
• Contemporary Issues in Sport
• Sport Promotion & Marketing
• Sport Program Administration
• Safety and Risk Management

Where this can take you

• Athletic Coach
• Athletic Director
• Business Development Coordinator
• Director of Operations
• Facility Operations Manager
• Marketing Coordinator
• Operations Manager

Did you know

The sports industry is a major source of employment, supporting millions of jobs across different sectors including event management, marketing, media, facilities management, hospitality, and more. This includes not only jobs directly related to sports teams and leagues but also those in supporting industries such as sports media, sports technology, sports medicine, and sports tourism.

Industry job opportunities include:

Event Management: As the sports industry continues to expand, there will be an increasing demand for professionals skilled in event management. This includes roles such as event planners, venue managers, logistics coordinators, and operations managers responsible for organizing and executing sporting events, tournaments, and competitions.

Sports Marketing and Sponsorship: With the rise of digital media and evolving consumer behavior, there is a growing need for individuals with expertise in sports marketing, sponsorship, and branding. Jobs in this field may include brand managers, marketing analysts, digital marketing specialists, sponsorship sales executives, and partnership managers, who work to promote and monetize sports-related content, events, and products.

Sports Analytics and Technology: The use of data analytics and technology in sports has become increasingly prevalent, driving demand for professionals with skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and sports technology. Opportunities in this area may include roles such as sports data analysts, performance analysts, sports scientists, and technology developers, who leverage data-driven insights to enhance athlete performance, fan engagement, and business operations.

 

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

 

The Sport Management Pathway of the Business Administration Associate of Applied Science degree will provide students with the training necessary for one of many careers in the rapidly growing sport and recreation industry. This program will prepare students to work with professional teams, marketing firms, finances, colleges and universities, community recreation departments, health clubs and fitness centers. Students will complete an internship where students will experience the sport industry firsthand through engaging with these work-based learning opportunities. Students will be placed with local, regional, or national organizations within the sport industry and gain real world experience to apply to their future careers.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

---

Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
BUS-102	Introduction to Business	3
CSC-110	Introduction to Computers	3
SPT-101	Introduction to Sport Management	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
ENG-131	Business English	3
ENG-105	Composition I	3
Take WBL-155 as 1 Credit
WBL-155	Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management	1-2
Take 1 of 4 Courses
MAT-712	Business Math	3
MAT-110	Math for Liberal Arts	3
MAT-120	College Algebra	3
MAT-156	Statistics	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	16 - 17

---

Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
SPT-109	Safety and Risk Management	3
SPT-107	Sport Promotion and Marketing	3
MGT-170	Human Resource Management	3
HUM-287	Leadership Development Studies	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
MGT-101	Principles of Management	3
MKT-150	Principles of Advertising	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15

---

Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
SOC-114	Conflict Resolution in the Workplace	3
ADM-188	Project and Event Management	3
SMM-108	Social Media Engagement	3
ACC-142	Financial Accounting	3
ECN-130	Principles of Microeconomics	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
SPC-101	Fundamentals of Oral Communication	3
SPC-112	Public Speaking	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	18

---

Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
ACC-146	Managerial Accounting	3
BUS-290	Employment Search/Workplace Success	1
BUS-932	Business Internship	3
ECN-120	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
SPT-102	Contemporary Issues in Sport	3
SPT-108	Sport Program Administration	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	16

BUS-102 - Introduction to Business

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An overview of contemporary business principles touching on all the major functional areas of business and trends that are shaping today's business environment. Understanding the fundamental pillars of the business environment -- globalization, technology and ethics -- is a crucial component in this course.

CSC-110 - Introduction to Computers

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an introduction to computer concepts. The student will use the Windows operating system, presentation software, electronic spreadsheet software, database management software and word processing software. Microcomputer hardware and software as well as the processing concepts associated with each will be discussed. The course will also include information on file management, the Internet, virus protection and e-mail basics as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment. Lab time outside of class is required to complete projects.

ENG-131 - Business English

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course teaches the fundamentals of written communication with focus on the elements of effectively written business documents. The emphasis is on the development of writing skills through a) exercises in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling and b) application of these skills in a variety of written business documents. Prerequisite: Meet minimum placement test score requirements or a minimum grade of C- in ENG-013. No Waivers.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

SPT-101 - Introduction to Sport Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

As an introduction to the field of sport management, this course examines various facets of sport management as they relate to the ever-changing and expanding sport industry. Topics such as basic principles of sport management, marketing, law, finance and ethics will be introduced. This course will also explore career opportunities available in the field of sport management.

WBL-155 - Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Lecture: 0.5-1

Lab: 1-2

Credit: 1-2

Students in this course will explore the fields of Business, Finance, Marketing and Management while developing research skills, professionalism and building occupational knowledge. Students will visit workplaces in this employment sector to learn about specific jobs, professional requirements and develop a basic knowledge of an organization's structure and values.

MAT-712 - Business Math

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides a study of math fundamentals and their application to business situations. Topics covered include banking procedures, payroll and taxes, weights and measurements, fractions and percentages, commissions, discounts, mark-ups/mark-downs, borrowing and interest, and insurance copays and deductibles. Microsoft Excel and traditional methods will be used to make common business decisions.

MAT-110 - Math for Liberal Arts

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Math for Liberal Arts is a survey course for students who have little background in mathematics. Topics include critical thinking, survey of sets, probability, statistics, logic and personal finance. Additional topics may include voting theory, graph theory and geometry. This course is not intended for Mathematics and Science majors.

MAT-120 - College Algebra

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a study of rational, exponential, logarithmic and polynomial functions and relations, their graphs and related equalities. The study of the curricular functions, graphs and applications is included. This course may be taken concurrently with MAT-134.Prerequisite: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

MAT-156 - Statistics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is an applied course in statistics, designed to introduce students to some of the concepts, symbols, procedures and vocabulary used in the field of statistics. Topics covered in this course include: organizing and graphing data, descriptive statistics, probability, various distributions, the sampling distribution of the mean, estimating a population mean, confidence intervals, inferential statistics (hypothesis testing), comparing two population parameters, analysis of variance, correlation, simple linear and multiple regression, contingency tables and nonparametric statistics, (time permitting). Prerequisites: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

MGT-101 - Principles of Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an intensive examination of the basic fundamentals of organization and management underlying the solution to management problems.

MKT-150 - Principles of Advertising

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A detailed look into the study and practice of advertising with special emphasis placed on allowing students to plan and think more strategically, evaluate alternative courses of action, develop more creative solutions to problems, analyze why people behave the way they do, express themselves and their ideas and persuade others to their point of view by using advertising terms, concepts and procedures. Prerequisite: MKT-110 or MKT-121.

SPT-109 - Safety and Risk Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores issues of safety and risk management as they apply to all levels of sports. Because it is the ultimate responsibility of coaches and administrators to reduce the risks of participation for athletes involved, this course will cover topics such as facilities management, equipment, traveling, athletic training and supervision. 

SPT-107 - Sport Promotion and Marketing

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores and examines general marketing principles while specifically studying marketing and promotion as it relates to the sport industry.  Some of the topics included in this course are marketing research and strategy, branding, sponsorships, licensing, digital marketing and social media. 

MGT-170 - Human Resource Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in human resources management including strategy, legal environment, EEO, and job analysis and job design. Also covered are acquiring human resources, training and developing employees, compensation issues and labor relations.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

SPC-101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Explores communication in a variety of contexts including interpersonal relationships, the workplace, small groups and public speaking. Emphasis on the application and practice of communication theories and skills, particularly public speaking.

SPC-112 - Public Speaking

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.

ADM-188 - Project and Event Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Using a project-based approach, this course is designed for business and management/marketing majors, entrepreneurs, administrative staff, and those that are organized, resourceful and enjoy multitasking. Project management, business/event promotion and critical thinking skills will be developed. Technology will be used to coordinate essential activities including travel and event logistics, budgeting, video conferencing, scheduling and the creation of promotional materials.

SMM-108 - Social Media Engagement

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course explores the history of social networks and introduces students to social media for organizations. It provides students opportunities to implement the use of social media tools as part of a marketing strategy and work with social media analytic tools.

ACC-142 - Financial Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introduction to financial accounting theory and practice with emphasis on the use and interpretation of financial statements.

ECN-130 - Principles of Microeconomics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introductory course in economics emphasizing micro-economic theory and contemporary problems. The major topics will include a description of the United States economy; demand and supply, price, output, and wage determination; domestic problems; international economics and the world economy.

ACC-146 - Managerial Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed as a broad, yet practical course in managerial accounting procedures. After preliminary consideration of the three cost elements of raw materials, labor and factory overhead, the costing concept will be applied to both job-order and process costing. Though the course will focus upon the procedures needed for manufacturers, consideration will also be given to service and merchandising entities. Finally, these procedures will be utilized for managerial decision making through Cost-Volume-Profit analysis, standard costing, analysis of variances and budget analysis. Prerequisite: ACC-131 or ACC-142.

BUS-290 - Employment Search/Workplace Success

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

A discussion of field experience problems and study of new occupational information will be presented. An internship paper covering the experience will be submitted. Corequisite: BUS-932.

BUS-932 - Business Internship

On Job Training: 12

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide the Administrative Professional student with practical experience in a business office prior to completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree. The internship is an extension of the curriculum and provides meaningful experience related to the student's area of interest. The student is overseen by the program coordinator and by an appointed supervisor at the internship worksite. Corequisite: BUS-290.

ECN-120 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introductory course in economics emphasizing macroeconomic theory and policy. The major topics will include economic systems, national income, national output, fiscal and monetary policy, unemployment, inflation, and, as time permits, international trade.

SPT-102 - Contemporary Issues in Sport

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course exposes students to contemporary issues that are relevant to the sport industry.  Current global, national and regional issues will be explored.

SPT-108 - Sport Program Administration

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the practical demands and risks associated with the administration of athletic programs.  The course will examine topics such as facilities, transportation, accommodations and security.  Special emphasis will be placed on community college athletic events. 

Trisha Hopper - Professor - Business

Email: thopper@scciowa.edu
AA, Carl Sandburg College
BA, Western Illinois University
MBA, Quincy University

Renee Smith - Professor - Business

Email: rsmith1@scciowa.edu
AA & AAS, Southeastern Community College
BA, Buena Vista University
MBA, Grand Canyon University

Derreck Calkins - Interim Dean of Career and Technical Education & Workforce Development

Email: dcalkins@scciowa.edu