Bachelor's in Sport Management

Turn your passion for sports into a business career

Bachelor of Business Administration - Sport Management (120 credits)

Develop strong skills in critical business areas of sports including accounting, marketing, economics, finance, IT and statistics through the bachelor’s in sport management at Davenport University. The business-focused sport management degree at Davenport gives you the flexibility to land jobs in sport management or put your BBA to work in any industry — sports-related or not.

At Davenport, you can rest assured knowing you're attending one of the best colleges for sport management and receiving a sports degree that prepares you for a variety of careers in sport management and beyond.

You can earn your sport management degree on the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids or 100% online through Davenport’s pioneering Global Campus.

What can you do with a sport management degree?

As a sport management major, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of jobs in sport management as well as for leadership positions in organizations and businesses in any industry. With this versatile sports degree, you can work in marketing, athletic administration, sales, event operations, facility management, community relations, social media and more at any level of sports — from high school to the Detroit Lions. And since you’re earning a BBA, you’ll also be prepared to work for companies like Amway, Meijer, PepsiCo, Quicken Loans and Steelcase or even the Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler. That’s the benefit of earning your sport management degree from an accredited business school and one of the best colleges for sport management.

Explore classes for Davenport’s sports degree

Throughout your courses in Davenport’s sport management degree, you’ll study the global sports industry, advertising, special event operations, esports, sponsorship, facility management, sports analytics, law and sports governance. In your senior year of your sports degree, you’ll explore an area of sports or business that you’re passionate about through your capstone project.

See Full Course List

Foundations of Excellence		36 Credits
ACES100 or OPEN	Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.	3
COMM120	Presentation Techniques This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
DATA275	Introduction to Data Analytics The basics of data analytics are introduced including descriptive, predictive and prescriptive statistics, regression analysis, and data visualization. The instructional approach is an application-based introduction to data analytics practices such as data cleaning, data organization for analysis, and exploratory data analysis. A key component of instruction is an emphasis on hands-on practice with data analysis projects and presentation of results to multiple audiences. Techniques examined emphasize applicability in multiple organizational sectors including business, healthcare, and technology. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): STAT220	3
ECON200	Microeconomics This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125	3
ECON201	Macroeconomics This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125	3
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
ENGL110	Advanced Composition This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
ENGL311	Professional Writing This course develops the written and presentation skills necessary for success in professional, supervisory, or managerial positions. Emphasis on communication in both on-paper and digital media is included. Students also learn to use a variety of formats, styles, and delivery systems to achieve the clear, concise, and professional communication required to communicate in global markets. To stress the importance of workplace communication, students create a major professional document as a team. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL110 and COMM120	3
PSYC101	Introductory Psychology	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
STAT220	Introduction to Statistics This is the basic statistics course in which students learn to collect, analyze, present and interpret data. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied in problem-solving and decision-making situations. Analysis of large, real-world data sets will be performed using statistical software. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3

Foundations of Business		32 Credits
ACCT201	Accounting Foundations I This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Grade Note(s): A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Co-requisite(s): BITS 211	4
ACCT202	Accounting Foundations II	4
BITS211	Microcomp Appl Spreadsheet Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125	3
BUSN210	Professional Ethics This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
CISP111	Requirements Planning/Develop This course surveys the main components of the business systems cycle. The five phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) (systems planning, system analysis, systems design, systems implementation, and system operation and support) will be investigated. Students will look at how many of the typical business needs are incorporated into a business system. These may include invoicing, accounts receivable, order entry, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, manufacturing, and sales/marketing. Participation in a group project, site visit, or case study will give students a sense of group dynamics in real-world systems development projects. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
FINC211	Corporate Finance This course covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance. Students will be introduced to various methods of company analysis, the term structure of interest rates, the relationship between risk and return, time value of money principles, security analysis, cost of capital and capital structure, and capital budgeting techniques. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT201	3
GPMT287	Principles of Project Mgmt Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111	3
LEGL334	Legal Aspects of Sport Mgmt	3
MGMT211	Management Foundations This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3
MKTG211	Marketing Foundations This course explores the role of marketing in society and in the success of an organization. Students learn and apply the strategies, tactics and terminology used by market-oriented businesses. Through critical thinking exercises and case analysis, students become familiar with the primary tools of marketing including market segmentation, product, pricing, marketing communication, research, and marketing channel strategies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3

Major		40 Credits
FINC235	Financial Analysis for Bus Mgr This case study-based course examines the fundamentals of financial analysis from a business manager’s perspective, focusing on the analysis of financial information when making strategic business decisions. Topics covered include the practical interpretation of financial statements along with the utilization of various analytical techniques including ratio, common-size and trend analysis. Critical thinking and problem solving will incorporate the analysis of competitor and industry financial information. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211, MGMT211 and MKTG211	3
HRMG213	Human Resource Management This course is an overview of the responsibilities of a human resource management department in a business setting. The elements of job analysis, recruitment, selection, training and assessment, are described. Additionally, compensation and benefits administration, labor relations and the legislative and legal decisions affecting human resource policy are explored. Various workplace situations are examined through the use of problem solving exercises and discussion. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211 or MGMT211	3
MKTG212	Professional Selling This course introduces the theory and practical application of professional selling techniques with a focus on customer needs, behavior, and relationship building. Students learn the theory, practice, and procedures of successful selling while examining the personal attributes necessary for a successful sales career. Student presentation skills are enhanced through sales role-playing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): MKTG211	3
MKTG322	Digital Marketing	3
SPMG275	Athletic Leadership & Coaching	3
SPMG290	Sophomore Sport Mgt Internship Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This sophomore-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. The internship experience must be associated with one of the following sport venue businesses: sport team operations, venue planning, arena operations, sport apparel retailing and manufacturing, sport marketing and promotion. 150 hours of career-related work time shall be required for the 3 credit course pursued. Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership between the student and the site and reported via weekly reports filed by the student in the academic course. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the internship emplo	3
SPMG364	Sport Operations/Facility Mgmt This course focuses on the fundamentals of operating a sport venue facility. Emphasis is placed on examining various quality management techniques and the development of performance measurements associated with venue and event operations. Project management skills are developed within the framework of sport venue and event planning, scheduling, and controlling. Operational topics are explored through both a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211 and MGMT211	3
SPMG370	Sport Analytics Students will learn how to use historical data to predict trends or inform sport decisions. The class will cover the theory, development, and application of sport data and analytics for the purpose of outperforming opponents. Specific topics in analytics include sport organization management, ticket sales, in-game strategy, and sport fantasy league applications. This course is designed for students of all majors who have an interest in sport analytics. Prerequisite(s): STAT 220	3
SPMG390	Junior Sport Mgmt BBA Intern Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This bachelor-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. The experience should be related as closely as possible to the student's major field and individual interest. The course is variable credit (3, 4, 5 or 6) with each credit requiring 50 hours of career-related work time at the internship site (3 credits= 150 hours; 6 credits= 300 hours). The course may be repeated for up to a total of 6 credits. Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership between the student and the site and reported via weekly reports filed by the student in the academic course. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for se	3 - 6
SPMG421	Sport Governance & Regulation This course examines the governance of professional and amateur sport activities by the various governing agencies. Students become familiar with the agencies, their authority, organizational structure, and functions. The role and influence of sports commissions and other governmental bodies on sport governance is also explored, along with the sanction and appeal processes utilized by the agencies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL334	3
SPMG445	Global Sport Industry Students are introduced to the international dimensions of sport management. Governance with emphasis on the environmental dynamics of sport leagues and specific sporting systems is explored. Critical thinking skills are enhanced with the use of case situations and group discussions related to the organizational, social, and cultural differences of the global sports community. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL110 and MGMT211	3
SPMK350	Sport Communication&Promotion In this course, students explore the use of communications, promotion and public relations to achieve sport marketing objectives. The focus is on building relationships and enhancing image perceptions among a wide variety of stakeholders, including community, industry, media journalism, customers and employees. Promotional techniques such as sport licensing, merchandising, sponsorships and endorsements will be examined in depth. Students plan an integrated sport communications campaign, incorporating traditional mass media, targeted electronic media and public relations (including the use of press releases), applying an understanding of ratings/shares to optimize media spending, and utilizing desktop publishing to create graphic communication concepts. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL311 and MKTG211	3
BUSN495	Business Planning Capstone Students will demonstrate their ability to make strategic and tactical decisions that are grounded in research information, data and financial analysis through the development of an integrative, comprehensive and cohesive business plan for an organization with international growth potential. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): This course must be taken in the last semester	4

Open Electives or the BBA Honors Specialty		12 Credits

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

300

Complete 2 internships for 300 hours of real work experience

100%

Earn your sports degree fully online through our Global Campus

Ranked #1 in the nation by Sports Management Degree Guide

Why pursue a sports degree at Davenport University?

Davenport’s sport management degree provides you with a wide range of courses and hands-on experiences (including two internships) so you’re ready for work in the real world of sports — and business. We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and hold a specialized International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accreditation.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Business-focused sports degree

Prepare for a range of careers in sport management — and for a range of careers, period — through the BBA in sport management.

Real-world experience

Gain experience through your sports degree with 2 internships with teams like the Detroit Lions and venues like Little Caesars Arena.

Credit for work experience

Earn credit that applies to your sport management degree for work experience in sports, from the high school level to the pros.

Meet sports leaders

Network with professional and collegiate sports leaders through guest lectures and field trips to minor and major league venues.

Industry-informed sports degree

Receive a relevant sports degree with a program informed by an advisory board of 15 leaders associated with sports in the region.

Study abroad

Gain exposure to the international sports industry through a three-week study abroad experience offered through your sports degree.

"What I loved most about my experience at Davenport as a sport management major was how relatable the class content was to the industry itself. The sport management classes are ones I continually relate to in my everyday job at the Phoenix Suns, and I am very happy to have pursued this degree at DU."

- Skylar Hoke, BBA Sport Management, 2015

Clinical Sales Associate, Intuitive