HLES - Sport Management
Sport management is an area of expertise that caters to the successful operation of a variety of sport organizations and operations including professional sport organizations, intercollegiate athletics, community sport, recreational sport, sport facilities, national and international amateur sports organizations, sport and the law, and sport marketing and sponsorship.
History
The first degree program in sport management was established at Ohio University in 1965, and the second at the University of Massachusetts in 1971. Prior to these structured programs, sport management functioned without the support of higher education. Today, well over 400 United States and Canadian colleges and universities take part in the preparation of management personnel for sport organizations.
Program
The Sport Management program at UWF prepares students for the delivery and management of sport as leaders and administrators and for further study in graduate school. Students will serve in an internship of their choice, giving them real world experiences in professional preparation.
In addition to the general studies required by the university, the course of study for Sport Management consists of three main sections. The first section includes common prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, courses in physical activities, and courses with a business emphasis. The second section includes major related courses that focus on specific areas of expertise including business communication, marketing and advertising, sport and exercise psychology, and public relations. The third section includes major required courses that focus on the more detailed study of sport management including Organization & Administration of Professional Programs, Sport Facility & Event Management, Sport Media & Information, Sports Marketing, and Sport Law & Risk Management. For more specific requirements, visit the UWF Catalog.
Related Pages
Forms
- Please note: You cannot register yourself for an internship or field experience. After your paperwork has been turned in and approved, the HLES Office will register you.
Internships
The student internship is a crucial part of a complete professional education in many academic fields including Sport Management. The experiences and knowledge that students gain during this period of time may influence their future career and lifestyle. The sport management internship at UWF will take place during the spring semester of the student’s senior year. The student intern is considered a member of the agency’s professional staff and will have the accompanying responsibilities and privileges. A minimum of 360 total hours is required, equivalent of 6 credit hours. (Please see "Forms" above for all Internship requirements)
Selected List of Internships Sites:
- Pensacola Sports Association
- Local YMCA
- MLB Cincinnati Reds
- MLB Boston Red Sox Spring Training Camp
- University of Florida Athletic Department
- University of West Florida Athletic Department
- Pensacola Junior College Athletics
- Naval Air Base Fitness Center
- Minor League Professional Hockey Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Minor League Professional Baseball Pensacola Pelicans
- Sport Authority Retail Store
- City and County Park and Recreation Departments
- Local Tennis and Golf Clubs
Careers
Students who graduate with a degree in sport management may be employed in the following areas:
- Collegiate Athletics in marketing, information, and administration
- Youth sport program management
- Professional sports management
- College and recreational sports
- Commercial sport organizations and teams
Other commercial and community sport facilities such as:
- YMCAs
- Health and athletic clubs
- Country clubs and resorts
- Sport management/marketing firms
- Sporting goods operations
- Sport information and media
- Public relations organizations
Career Opportunities:
- Athletic Director positions in municipal and athletic departments
- Youth sport program director
- Manager in professional and amateur organizations
- Director of activity centers such as: YMCAs, sport camps, and private organizations
Contact:
Dr. Charlie Song
Program Coordinator
850.473.7352
Building 72 Room 248
email: csong@uwf.edu