Sport Leadership and Management

About this Composite Major

The Sport Leadership and Management program prepares individuals for careers in various aspects of the sports industry; it caters to students with a passion for sports who aspire to pursue rewarding careers in various sports industry sectors. The program blends coursework in business, management, marketing, finance, and leadership with a focus on the unique dynamics of athletic environments. Here are key aspects of the program:

Sport Leadership and Management programs offer a mix of classroom and practical coursework tailored to the sports industry. Students study topics such as sports marketing, sports law, facility management, event planning, sports finance, ethics in sports, sports psychology, and organizational leadership.
Emphasize hands-on experience through internships, practicums, or fieldwork opportunities with sports organizations, teams, leagues, or sports facilities. This practical experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and build professional networks within the sports industry.
Can pursue diverse career paths within the sports industry, including roles in sports marketing and promotion, facility and event management, sports administration, sports media and broadcasting, sports analytics, athlete representation, sports sponsorship and fundraising, and sports entrepreneurship.

Overall, the Sport Leadership and Management program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in the dynamic and rapidly evolving sport management and administration professions.

Career Opportunities

There are multiple career opportunities with a degree in Sport Leadership and Management including:

Collegiate Coaches
Athletic Director/Activities Director
Sports Information Director
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Umpire, Referee, or other Sport Official
Scouts
Exercise/Fitness Director or Coordinator
Recreation Director
Agent
Athletic Account Manager
General Manager

Meet a Student

The Sport Leadership and Management major is unique with how we focus on all aspects of coaching including the front office jobs, the legal side of sports, and even different techniques of coaching. Over the summers working with the President of the VCBA has given me a lot of insight towards not only coaching but also how money is raised towards programs and how a program keeps players invested. Getting a glimpse of the coaching life has only made me want to pursue this program and job more. Along with giving my knowledge of the sport to these young players, this job has shown how I can impact their futures outside of sport. The impact the players and I have on each other make this work that much more worth while. - Brooks Brown. Fargo, ND

"What I have loved about the Sports Management program at VCSU is how supportive the professors and advisors are. They truly want to see you succeed not only in the classroom but in the field as well. The program has not only taught me about business and analytical training but also the importance of leadership and how to apply these skills in a professional/amateur sports setting."-Bayli Heap, Nephi, Utah

- VCSU women’s basketball player Bayli Heap dribbles down the floor after a rebound.

"VCSU has prepared me for real-world situations. Moving from Arkansas to North Dakota has been an adjustment, but for the type of work I’m considering being adaptable is important, especially if I plan to coach on the collegiate level for a few years. It’s also shown me the importance of creating relationships with individuals and getting out of my comfort zone. I plan to stay on the college level as a coach for a few years to continue to learn and grow as a coach. I eventually want to transition to a high school football coach and teach. I would love to coach at my high school in the future someday." -Dalvin Simmons, Little Rock, Arkansas

- VCSU student Dalvin Simmons coaches on the sideline at a VCSU football game.

Get Involved in the Major

The Kinesiology and Human Performance Club empowers students by providing invaluable opportunities such as attending professional conferences, crafting resume materials, preparing for exams like the GRE and PRAXIS, navigating the application processes for professional graduate programs, and studying for certifications and credentialing exams. The club is dedicated to cultivating students' growth and achievement within their discipline, fostering success in both academic and professional environments.

- A student team manager takes statistics during a VCSU volleyball game in Grachian Gym.

Contact Information

Department Chair

Dr. Rachelle Hunt, rachelle.hunt@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7260

Faculty Contact

Barbara Mattson, barbara.mattson@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7585

Department Location

Gaukler Family Wellness & Physical Education Center, 149

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ²
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ²
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Digital Literacy
Select one of the following:
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ²
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ²
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
ANTH 111	Introduction to Anthropology
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology ¹
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
ART 182	Art With a Smartphone
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: Required
²: CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
HPER 109	Exercise Techniques and Program Design	3
HPER 127	Introduction to Kinesiology	3
HPER 207	Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries	2
HPER 210	First Aid & CPR	1
HPER 225	Leadership in Sport	3
HPER 240	Principles of Nutrition	3
HPER 335	Legal Aspects of Sport	3
HPER 350	Sport Ethics	2
HPER 425	Sport Psychology	3
HPER 438	Organization and Administration for Kinesiology	3
HPER 487	Field Experience	2
Total Credits		28

Students Choose from One of the Following Concentrations:

Sport Leadership Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
HPER 215	Motor Behavior	3
HPER 258	Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance	3
HPER 259	Kinesiology	3
Choose 2 courses from 301-305		4
HPER 301	Philosophy and Application of Football Coaching
HPER 302	Philosophy and Application of Basketball Coaching
HPER 303	Philosophy and Application of Volleyball Coaching
HPER 304	Philosophy and Application of Baseball and Softball Coaching
HPER 305	Philosophy and Application of Track and Field Coaching
HPER 307	Philosophy and Application of Coaching	2
HPER 309	Sport Nutrition Concepts	3
HPER 384	Fitness Assessment and Prescription	3
HPER 415	Sport Governance and Policy	3
HPER 445	Foundations in Coaching Methodology	3
HPER 455	Sport Finance	3
Total Credits		30

Sport Management Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
BUSI 214	Business Communications	3
COMM 314	Public Relations	3
COMM 360	Group Dynamics	3
COMM 415	Sports Information	3
MGMT 302	Principles of Management	3
MRKT 301	Principles of Marketing	3
MRKT 310	Digital Marketing	3
MRKT 370	Advertising and Promotions	3
MRKT 375	Consumer Behavior	3
MRKT 414	Social Media Management	3
Total Credits		30

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 28 Hrs
Total Concentration Requirement 30 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

Plan of Study - Sport Leadership Concentration

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 127	3	HPER 207	2
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 210	1
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	MATH 104, 107, or 210 (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 109	3	HPER 215	3
HPER 258	3	HPER 259	3
Art & Music (Gen Ed)	3	Humanities/Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 240	3	HPER 225	3
HPER 350	2	HPER 309	3
Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2	HPER 384	3
HPER 302 or 304	2	HPER 335	3
Elective	3	HPER 301, 303, or 305	2
Elective	3
	15		14
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 307	2	HPER 425	3
HPER 415	3	HPER 455	3
HPER 438	3	HPER 487	2
HPER 445	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
Elective	2
	16		14
Total Credits 121

Plan of Study - Sport Management Concentration

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 127	3	HPER 207	2
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	HPER 210	1
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	MATH 104, 107, or 210 (Gen Ed)	3
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 109	3	COMM 314	3
BUSI 214	3	MRKT 301	3
Art & Music (Gen Ed)	3	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3	Humanities/Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 240	3	COMM 415	3
HPER 350	2	HPER 225	3
MRKT 310	3	HPER 335	3
Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	2	MGMT 302	3
Elective	3	MRKT 375	3
Elective	3
	16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 360	3	HPER 425	3
HPER 438	3	HPER 487	2
MRKT 370	3	MRKT 414	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
Elective	2	Elective	3
	14		14
Total Credits 121

Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Learning Outcomes

Students will create projects that demonstrate managerial, fiscal, and leadership concepts as related to sport management.
Students will apply fundamental marketing, communication, and/or public relation concepts to the sport industry.
Students will demonstrate the significance of lifelong recreational activities in the sport and fitness industry.
Analyze and critique the moral and ethical issues related to sport as it exists in the sports management setting.