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College of Arts & Sciences

Sports Administration

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Allyson Grant

Communication Specialist

Departments of Business & Economics, Psychology, Allied Health

Your Time to Shine

About

From backyard dreams to big stage glory, sports are a business tied to the emotions of millions. Sports are a means of participating in physical activity, building character, and learning lifelong lessons. In today’s world, however, that’s not all. Sports are a business. The sports industry must rely on coaches, administrators, marketing and finance professionals, and others to ensure the success and popularity of athletic programs, products, and services.

At Baker, sports administration students are immersed in active learning and hands-on cultural experiences that prepare them for working at all levels of sports.

Our sports administration major provides students with a background in sport and business. Students complete courses in facility planning, event management, communication studies, sports marketing, and sports law. Students who major in sports administration also earn a minor in business.

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Welcome to the Big Show

Internships with the NFL, NBA, and baseball teams in various leagues are common for Baker students, and grads have turned them into careers with the NFL, Daytona Speedway, and other premier organizations.

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Students Walking On Campus In Front Of Mulvane Boyd Center
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Exceptional Experience

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Hands-On Learning

Students apply what they learn in the classroom to on-site experience working at events like the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Mountain West men’s basketball tournament.

Career Preparation

In their last semester, sports administration majors take on a full-semester clinical experience to apply classroom lessons in a practical sports setting.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Students become well versed in communications, event management, marketing, sports law, and other areas to prepare for successful careers in an exciting, competitive field.

Careers

Our students graduate with a sports administration major and a business minor, ready to hit the ground running in these organizations:

  • Professional sports teams
  • College athletic programs
  • Sports broadcasting agencies
  • Recreation agencies
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Scholarships

The Department of Business and Economics gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Business and Economics
  • KPMG-Cecil Miller Scholarship
  • Carley M. Upp Memorial Scholarship
  • Emma May Poland Scholarship
  • Gessner-Cowherd Scholarship in Business/Finance
  • Mary L. Barton Scholarship
  • Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Awards
    (This award and an accompanying financial prize are presented at spring commencement to two graduating seniors from the Department of Business and Economics who have demonstrated excellence in leadership throughout their academic career.)

Academic Recognition

  • Department of Business and Economics Outstanding Senior
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Sports Administration Course Descriptions

Meet the Faculty

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Kevin Conley, JD, CPA

Associate Professor of Business & Economics

B.A. University of Northern Iowa, J.D. University of Iowa College of Law

Expertise: business law, income taxes

Office: Mabee 308

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Dr. Chad Gerber

Assistant Professor of Sports Administration

B.S. University of Kansas, M.S. University of Northern Colorado, Ph.D. The Ohio State University

Office: Mabee 310A

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Lynsey Payne

Athletic Trainer, Head Dance Coach, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

B.S., M.S. University of Kansas

Office: Mabee 106

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Dr. Judy Smrha

Professor of Business & Economics, Chair of Business & Economics Department

B.A. Mills College; M.A., Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University

Expertise: applied microeconomics, data analytics, sports economics

Office: Mabee 303

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