Health & Human Performance

Leadership in sports Organizations will introduce the students to the challenges of leading a sports organization. The course is designed to provide insight into the needs of effective leaders and how they interact with various stakeholders. The course will examine various leadership styles and how they may be applied to real-world situations. 

The Sports Law and Risk Management course will broadly study the legal regulations and principles governing the sports industry. It will cover various sports law issues and focus on their application to amateur, scholastic, and intercollegiate athletics. Topics covered include Title IX, contracts, negotiations, transgender policies, liability and insurance, and human resources. 

This course delves into the complex ethical issues surrounding sports, exploring the intersections of morality, culture, and competition. Drawing on philosophical frameworks, legal considerations, and sociocultural perspectives, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical dimensions of sports and hone their ability to navigate ethical challenges in both professional and amateur contexts. 

This course explores the intersection of sports with society and culture from a sociological perspective. Students will examine how sports influence and are influenced by social structures, cultural norms, identities, and institutions. 

The International Model of Sport course will examine sports throughout the United States and the world, including those that are more popular internationally. It will examine international governing bodies and sports organizations, as well as international competitions and venues. The culminating experience will conclude with a study abroad experience that allows students to experience sports in another culture. Students will meet with professionals in sports management, tour venues, and attend sporting events. 

Understanding research is a necessary skill in academics and beyond. This course will allow students to read, understand, and conduct scholarly research by providing an introduction to various research methods, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, research design, and procedures. 

Work experience related to the student's graduate degree, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site. 

The Sports Governance and Policy course will establish the theoretical knowledge base related to governance and policy that sports administrators need to operate their organizations. Students will examine the governance structure related to amateur, scholastic, intercollegiate, and professional sports. Additionally, students will examine current issues faced by sports organizations and strategies for addressing these issues. 

The Facilities Planning and Management course is designed to introduce students to the planning, design, and operation of athletic facilities. Topics will include construction planning, budgeting, risk management, staffing, and event planning. The course will also include practical application of facility management techniques. Evaluation of various athletic facilities will be highlighted. 

In today's dynamic sports industry, sports brands play a crucial role in any marketing plan. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate this landscape. Students will explore various contemporary sports marketing plans and analyze their effectiveness. Additionally, students will conduct a brand audit for a sports organization and apply it to a real-world scenario. 

The Sports Finance course will examine the basic financial principles and practices managers must follow to manage a sports organization effectively. This course includes basic accounting principles, financial statements, budget preparation, return on investment analysis, and financial planning. The course will also address the importance of fundraising for sports organizations. 

This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and techniques used in coaching today's athletes. Students will learn the difference between transformational and transactional relationships and their impact on athletes' success. They will also examine motivational strategies, goal setting, competitive success, culture development, and accountability. Students will learn best practices for coaching athletes at various levels. 

Coaching Psychology is a course designed to help students understand the psychological and emotional impact of sports on athletes. Students will be provided with a broad overview of psychological theories and research related to sports. Topics include emotional intelligence, coping, social support, and group dynamics. Additionally, the psychological development of athletes across different age groups will be explored. 

This course is designed to prepare future coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate athlete development. Students will be introduced to the Long-Term Athlete Development Model, a seven-stage framework for participation, training, competition, and recovery for athletes at all stages of life. Students will leave the course with the ability to provide developmentally appropriate training and competition programming for all ages. 

Athletics Performance and Conditioning for Coaches is a course designed to introduce students to resistance and cardiovascular training theories and principles. Students will learn best practices for exercising and working out related to athletes of various ages. Training program development and assessment will be an integral part of the course.