Sport Management
Why pursue a sport management degree at North Central College?
Sports managers are responsible for overseeing business operations across multiple organizational departments. Leaders in the field analyze and solve managerial problems regarding people, organizations and markets. Our program is designed to prepare you for a wide range of career paths, with a extensive curriculum and practical experience in sports you’ll need to succeed. At North Central, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in on-campus organizations, off-campus internships, or on-the-field projects. A sport management degree offers a lasting career with a diverse skillset and the opportunity to transform sports organizations.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Developing long-term plans for organizational success
- Developing innovative solutions for day-to-day challenges
- Applying business concepts to a sports environment
then a degree in SPORT MANAGEMENT might be for you.
Why study sport management at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Applied Sport Sales
- Budgeting and Finance in Sport
- Contemporary Sport Studies
- Full Immersive Internship Experience
- Sport Facility and Event Management
- Sport Law, Ethics, and Organization
- Sport Marketing
Beyond the Classroom
As a sport management major, you can:
- Research with faculty, administrators and professionals who have firsthand experience in sports.
- Interact with industry experts on topics such as sport entrepreneurship, running youth sports clubs and leagues, risk management, rules and governance changes and so many more.
- Join the SportxNC, an organization for students interested in networking, increasing their marketability, discussing current sport topics, organizing events and taking on leadership roles on special projects and committees.
- Volunteer, intern and job shadow in Naperville and the Greater Chicago area, one of the most vibrant sport communities in the country.
- Intern in a variety of areas such as hospitality and fan services, sales, event management, tourism or sports facility operations.
- Work with nearby organizations like the Chicago Bears, Chicago Fire, Chicago Bulls, Kane County Cougars, Game Day USA, the Chicago Marathon, Premier Sport Tourism, the City of Naperville, and more.
Sport Management, B.A.
The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.
-
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the sport industry. Attention given to the diverse career opportunities in sport; key skills required for success in the industry and as a North Central College Sport Management student; the intersection of sport and business and sport as a global endeavor.
-
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the broad scope and significance of sport in modern society. Attention given to the relationship between athletes, sport fans and sport organizations; the intersection of sport history and current events; and the future of sport. Students use social scientific methods to investigate issues in sport.
-
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Introduces essential marketing, promotion and sales principles as currently applied in the sport industry. Topics include sport consumer behavior, market segmentation and selection, strategic market planning and analysis, marketing information management, integrated marketing communications, external relations and sponsorship cultivation and activation. Trends, issues and problems influencing the industry are also examined.
-
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
4.00 credit hours
Basic theory in finance, budgeting and economics are explored. Financial decision-making, including cash management; ratio analysis; asset management; short, intermediate and long-term financing are a course focus. Different types of budgets are reviewed with students learning the budget preparation and approval process. Accounting trends and economic theory are also applied to sport settings/organizations.
-
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
4.00 credit hours
Exposure to and analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sport industry. Topics may include negligence, liability, and risk management; employment law, contract law, and negotiations; regulatory agencies and governance structures; theories of ethics, concepts of morality, personal philosophy regarding social responsibility, and professional code of ethics; the application of federal legislation, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and social issues such as sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance enhancing drugs, drug testing, and hazing. Students are provided a synopsis of applicable case law to support the issues and legislation presented.
-
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the entire sales process with hands-on training and experience. Students learn best practices for ticket sales, corporate sales, client management and customer service. Current trends and issues are also discussed.
-
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
4.00 credit hours
A complete investigation into sport facilities, venues, and events. Introduces students to the development of a venue, the event bid and creation process, financing and ownership structures of facilities and events, operational aspects of facilities and events, evaluation of the customer experience, and recent trends in facility/event management. Students will further develop their understanding of accessibility in sport, risk management, emergency planning, volunteer services, and budgeting. A Community Engaged Learning Experience is built into this course.
-
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
4.00 credit hours
The culminating experience for all majors and minors in the Sport Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework and experiences. Students plan and manage an event.
-
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
2.00 credit hours
Students engage with their internship cohort and reflect on the internship experience. Course includes reflections of the internship experience, group discussions of discipline related topics and a culminating project.
-
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
10.00 credit hours
A full-time immersed experience in service to a community partner in the student's interest area. The agency is selected through cooperation between the student, the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator and an agency supervisor. Students must apply one term in advance through the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator.
Note:
Students must also choose a minor from another NC department to complete the major.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Sport Management, Digital Marketing Track, B.A.
The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.
Sport Management Core Courses
-
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the sport industry. Attention given to the diverse career opportunities in sport; key skills required for success in the industry and as a North Central College Sport Management student; the intersection of sport and business and sport as a global endeavor.
-
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the broad scope and significance of sport in modern society. Attention given to the relationship between athletes, sport fans and sport organizations; the intersection of sport history and current events; and the future of sport. Students use social scientific methods to investigate issues in sport.
-
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Introduces essential marketing, promotion and sales principles as currently applied in the sport industry. Topics include sport consumer behavior, market segmentation and selection, strategic market planning and analysis, marketing information management, integrated marketing communications, external relations and sponsorship cultivation and activation. Trends, issues and problems influencing the industry are also examined.
-
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
4.00 credit hours
Basic theory in finance, budgeting and economics are explored. Financial decision-making, including cash management; ratio analysis; asset management; short, intermediate and long-term financing are a course focus. Different types of budgets are reviewed with students learning the budget preparation and approval process. Accounting trends and economic theory are also applied to sport settings/organizations.
-
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
4.00 credit hours
Exposure to and analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sport industry. Topics may include negligence, liability, and risk management; employment law, contract law, and negotiations; regulatory agencies and governance structures; theories of ethics, concepts of morality, personal philosophy regarding social responsibility, and professional code of ethics; the application of federal legislation, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and social issues such as sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance enhancing drugs, drug testing, and hazing. Students are provided a synopsis of applicable case law to support the issues and legislation presented.
-
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the entire sales process with hands-on training and experience. Students learn best practices for ticket sales, corporate sales, client management and customer service. Current trends and issues are also discussed.
-
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
4.00 credit hours
A complete investigation into sport facilities, venues, and events. Introduces students to the development of a venue, the event bid and creation process, financing and ownership structures of facilities and events, operational aspects of facilities and events, evaluation of the customer experience, and recent trends in facility/event management. Students will further develop their understanding of accessibility in sport, risk management, emergency planning, volunteer services, and budgeting. A Community Engaged Learning Experience is built into this course.
-
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
4.00 credit hours
The culminating experience for all majors and minors in the Sport Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework and experiences. Students plan and manage an event.
-
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
2.00 credit hours
Students engage with their internship cohort and reflect on the internship experience. Course includes reflections of the internship experience, group discussions of discipline related topics and a culminating project.
-
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
10.00 credit hours
A full-time immersed experience in service to a community partner in the student's interest area. The agency is selected through cooperation between the student, the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator and an agency supervisor. Students must apply one term in advance through the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator.
Digital Marketing Courses
-
ARTD 107 - 2D Design: Explorations in Image Making
ARTD 107 - 2D Design: Explorations in Image Making
4 credit hours
A foundations course focused on process, study and application of core concepts of visual design — visual elements, principles of design and creative process. Course objectives include creative problem solving through acquisition of technical skills and introduction to a variety of materials.
-
ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to digital imaging, computer graphics and graphic design to communicate messages using digital visuals. Emphasizes hands-on computer experience with digital image manipulation techniques, drawing and editing tools that allow students to create computer based graphic arts, design and page layout.
-
ARTD 275 - Photography II: Digital
ARTD 275 - Photography II: Digital
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the basic tools and programs used in the electronic imaging process of digital photography. Students develop their imagery, artistic statements and concepts through the use of DSLR cameras and software.
-
MEDI 200 - Digital Media Writing
MEDI 200 - Digital Media Writing
4.00 credit hours
Digital media writing introduces students to writing on different types of platforms including the web, applications and social media. Students learn to write in a variety of different genres including blog writing, online news and public relations. The course also hones writing and research skills for digital writing.
-
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Explores the growing impact of Digital Marketing as an important component within the Promotion Mix. It examines methods for designing effective web-based marketing strategies using a range of digital tools. Emphasis is placed on social media, mobile marketing trends, e-commerce, search engine optimization, email marketing and online display advertising. Students develop the skills needed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies across product categories and industries.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Sport Management, General Business Track, B.A.
The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.
Sport Management Core Courses
-
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the sport industry. Attention given to the diverse career opportunities in sport; key skills required for success in the industry and as a North Central College Sport Management student; the intersection of sport and business and sport as a global endeavor.
-
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
SMGT 201 - Contemporary Sport Studies
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the broad scope and significance of sport in modern society. Attention given to the relationship between athletes, sport fans and sport organizations; the intersection of sport history and current events; and the future of sport. Students use social scientific methods to investigate issues in sport.
-
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
SMGT 210 - Sport Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Introduces essential marketing, promotion and sales principles as currently applied in the sport industry. Topics include sport consumer behavior, market segmentation and selection, strategic market planning and analysis, marketing information management, integrated marketing communications, external relations and sponsorship cultivation and activation. Trends, issues and problems influencing the industry are also examined.
-
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
SMGT 220 - Sport Budgeting and Finance
4.00 credit hours
Basic theory in finance, budgeting and economics are explored. Financial decision-making, including cash management; ratio analysis; asset management; short, intermediate and long-term financing are a course focus. Different types of budgets are reviewed with students learning the budget preparation and approval process. Accounting trends and economic theory are also applied to sport settings/organizations.
-
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
4.00 credit hours
Exposure to and analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sport industry. Topics may include negligence, liability, and risk management; employment law, contract law, and negotiations; regulatory agencies and governance structures; theories of ethics, concepts of morality, personal philosophy regarding social responsibility, and professional code of ethics; the application of federal legislation, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and social issues such as sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance enhancing drugs, drug testing, and hazing. Students are provided a synopsis of applicable case law to support the issues and legislation presented.
-
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
SMGT 310 - Applied Sport Sales
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the entire sales process with hands-on training and experience. Students learn best practices for ticket sales, corporate sales, client management and customer service. Current trends and issues are also discussed.
-
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
4.00 credit hours
A complete investigation into sport facilities, venues, and events. Introduces students to the development of a venue, the event bid and creation process, financing and ownership structures of facilities and events, operational aspects of facilities and events, evaluation of the customer experience, and recent trends in facility/event management. Students will further develop their understanding of accessibility in sport, risk management, emergency planning, volunteer services, and budgeting. A Community Engaged Learning Experience is built into this course.
-
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
4.00 credit hours
The culminating experience for all majors and minors in the Sport Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework and experiences. Students plan and manage an event.
-
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
SMGT 490 - Sport Management Internship Seminar
2.00 credit hours
Students engage with their internship cohort and reflect on the internship experience. Course includes reflections of the internship experience, group discussions of discipline related topics and a culminating project.
-
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
SMGT 497 - Sport Management Internship
10.00 credit hours
A full-time immersed experience in service to a community partner in the student's interest area. The agency is selected through cooperation between the student, the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator and an agency supervisor. Students must apply one term in advance through the Sport Management Clinical Coordinator.
General Business Courses
-
ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting
ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to accounting principles and procedures as they are employed in the communication of financial information to various users, such as management, stockholders and government agencies. Topics include accounting for assets, liabilities, owner's equity and other reporting issues.
-
BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and
-
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
4.00 credit hours
An intermediate course in which students develop the skills and strategies for use in written, face-to-face and electronic communication in professional settings. Students learn fundamentals of writing and presenting in professional contexts and may investigate organizational communication practices such as interviewing, performance feedback, training and meeting management.
-
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.
- An additional four credit hour BUSN, ECON, or SMGT elective course
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Sport Management Minor
The Sport Management minor is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required in today's sport industry.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.
A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:
-
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
SMGT 100 - Introduction to Sport Management
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of the sport industry. Attention given to the diverse career opportunities in sport; key skills required for success in the industry and as a North Central College Sport Management student; the intersection of sport and business and sport as a global endeavor.
-
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
SMGT 230 - Sport Law, Ethics and Organization
4.00 credit hours
Exposure to and analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sport industry. Topics may include negligence, liability, and risk management; employment law, contract law, and negotiations; regulatory agencies and governance structures; theories of ethics, concepts of morality, personal philosophy regarding social responsibility, and professional code of ethics; the application of federal legislation, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and social issues such as sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance enhancing drugs, drug testing, and hazing. Students are provided a synopsis of applicable case law to support the issues and legislation presented.
-
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
SMGT 330 - Sport Facility and Event Management
4.00 credit hours
A complete investigation into sport facilities, venues, and events. Introduces students to the development of a venue, the event bid and creation process, financing and ownership structures of facilities and events, operational aspects of facilities and events, evaluation of the customer experience, and recent trends in facility/event management. Students will further develop their understanding of accessibility in sport, risk management, emergency planning, volunteer services, and budgeting. A Community Engaged Learning Experience is built into this course.
-
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
SMGT 450 - Sport Management Senior Capstone
4.00 credit hours
The culminating experience for all majors and minors in the Sport Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework and experiences. Students plan and manage an event.
Elective(s)
An additional four credit hours of Sport Management.
Sport Management Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates sport management career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Recent graduates in sport management interned with:
- Chicago Bears
- Chicago Cubs
- Chicago Fire
- Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Normal CornBelters professional baseball
- Chicago Bandits professional softball
- Sydney Kings Australian professional basketball
- Sport Management Worldwide
- Wheatland Athletic Association
- Neuqua Valley High School
- NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field National Championships
- Windy City Bulls
- Chicago Empire FC
- Kane County Cougars
- Chicago Sky
- Darien Sportsplex
- Chicago Steel
- Golf Invite
- Big Ten Conference
- Chicago Sports Commission
- NFL Draft
- Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)
- Walt Disney World Resort
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in sport management have been accepted at:
- North Central College
- Illinois State University
- Northern Illinois University
- DePaul University
- Lindenwood University
- Campbellsville University
Careers
Recent graduates in sport management include:
- All Physical therapy, Marketing Communications
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs, TrackMan Operator
- Chicago Bears, ticket sales and service
- Tampa Bay Rays, ticket sales
- Chicago Red Stars women’s professional soccer, box office coordinator
- Campbellsville University, head cross country coach
- Chicago Fire men’s professional soccer, marketing coordinator
- Title Boxing Club, assistant manager
- Premier Tourism Marketing, sports marketing manager
- ESPN, associate jr. account manager
- New York Islanders
- Chicago White Sox, New Business Account Representative
- Learfield Sports, Partnership Services Coordinator
- Disney Sports/ESPN Wide World of Sports, sales associate
- Kansas City Royals, Assistant to Dominican Operations
- Vivid Seats, Customer Services
- Fanduel, Customer Services
- Vail Resorts, Product Sales Lead
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