Your Time to Shine

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.

Program Information

Format & Locations

Campus

Degree type

Undergraduate

Credential type

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS)

Exceptional Experience

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

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

View all Baker scholarships

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4+1 Bachelor’s to MSSM Dual Degree Program

Students who earn an undergraduate degree in sports administration from Baker may be able to earn their Master of Science in Sport Management online in one additional year. Because we have aligned our bachelor’s in sports administration and MSSM curriculum, we will waive 12 credit hours of core MSSM courses. This means you can finish your master’s degree completely online in one year.

Requirements

Satisfy the graduation requirements for the undergraduate program.
Earn a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
Earn a B- or higher in the undergrad courses eligible for the equivalency waiver (The Law of Sports, Sports Management, Facility and Event Management, Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport).

Talk to your academic advisor for more information.

Course Work and Requirements

SA 141 – Introduction to Sports Administration 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the sports management profession and related career opportunities in amateur athletics, professional sports teams and leagues, facilities and event management, sport merchandising, and the health and fitness industry. Students will be introduced to management, marketing, finance, and legal principles relevant to the profession as well as current industry trends.

SA 285 – Sports Marketing 3 hrs.
This course examines the business of the sports industries, focusing on the theoretical and applied foundations of sports marketing, sports advertising, and public relations. Students will gain practical experience producing marketing plans and analyzing case studies relevant to marketing strategy. Topics will include discussion and analysis of trends in marketing, including the role of branding and social media. Prerequisites: BS 141.

SA 325 – Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport 3 hrs.
Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport provide an in-depth approach to generating revenue for sport organizations, including the use of strategic partnerships with sponsors and media outlets as well as implementation of fundraising initiatives, special events, and sales tactics. Topics include strategies for securing sponsorships, sponsorship activation, and managing sponsor relations. Fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and customer relations will also be discussed. Prerequisite: SA 141.

SA 335 – Facility and Event Management 3 hrs.
The purpose of this course is to study current developments and trends in design, construction, finances, and management of new and renovated sport and recreational facilities. Principles and theory of effective facility and event management will be taught through lecture, facility tours, and practical experience as students will have opportunities to apply their skills by assisting in the management of sporting events. Prerequisites: SA 141 and junior status.

SA 340 – Sports Leadership 3 hrs.
This course will explore leadership skills required of a professional in sports administration. Students will explore and analyze leadership theory and practice from a variety of perspectives. Topics include thorough discussion of leadership principles, as well as skills, attributes, and styles of leadership. Interviews with leaders in the field and case studies will be utilized to lend clarity to best practices related to leadership. Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 351 – The Law of Sports 3 hrs.
This course examines the legal environment in which professional sports and amateur athletics operate, focusing on the areas of contract law, labor law, antitrust law, intellectual property law, and constitutional law. Course topics include the legal history of the sports industries, the legal structure of professional sports, the basic agreements controlling sports, the functions of the sports agent, the operation of sports labor unions, management issues in professional sports, and the legal aspects of amateur athletics. Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 388 – Sports Management 3 hrs.
This course provides an understanding of administrative philosophies and organizational procedures related to sports management. Students will analyze challenges stemming from organizational issues, environmental conditions, and the dynamics of workforce. Issues related to the basic management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating (controlling) will be highlighted. The goal of the course is to strengthen students’ managerial potential by helping them develop the skill set needed to analyze, diagnose, and respond to both fundamental and complex problems found in sport organizations. It also provides opportunities for students to enhance their managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills. Prerequisites: Junior status.

SA 390 – Sports Administration Internship 3-12 hrs.
This course involves completing at least 120 clock hours and at least eight weeks in a professional work setting where the student has the opportunity to observe and participate in an organization’s activities. The student’s work experience will be under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and will be designed to provide a practical experience in the field of sports administration. Credit earned in this course will count toward the maximum of 12 credit hours of internship credit a student may earn during their undergraduate experience at Baker. Prerequisites: SA 141 and permission of the instructor. R; P/NC

SA 496 – Senior Seminar in Sports Administration 3 hrs.
This course has been designed to provide the student with an in-depth seminar relating to careers and professionalism in the field of sports administration. It includes a discussion of current research and issues in this field, interdisciplinary interactions, and career opportunities. Students will prepare a portfolio of materials and current practices relating to professions in this field as well as a projection of the future directions expected. Prerequisite: Senior status in the program or permission of the instructor.