Sport Management Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Sport Management program equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the dynamic sports industry. The 3-year Advanced Diploma program combines fundamental business principles with advanced sport industry knowledge and applications, offering over 400 hours of practicum experience and opportunities for hands-on learning with leading industry organizations. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in professional sports teams, amateur sports organizations, and other sectors of the sports industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: The Sport Management program at Niagara College is a 3-year Advanced Diploma designed for sports enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into a career in the dynamic sports industry.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in amateur or professional sports organizations.
• Program Highlights:
• Focuses on the increasing role of amateur and professional sports in social, physical, and economic health.
• Combines fundamental business skills with advanced sport industry knowledge and applications.
• Offers over 400 hours of sport management practicum experience, locally or internationally.
• Provides opportunities for hands-on experiential learning with leading industry sport organizations like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program is delivered over 3 years, with 6 terms in total.
• Course Schedule:
• Term 1 (Fall):
• COMM1510 - Communication Foundations (3 credits)
• MATH1206 - Mathematics of Finance (3 credits)
• MICR1583 - Spreadsheet Applications (3 credits)
• SPRT1180 - Introduction to Sport Management (3 credits)
• SPRT1271 - Leadership in Sport (3 credits)
• General Education elective 1 course (3 credits)
• Term 2 (Winter):
• COMM1520 - Communication Skills for the Emerging Professional (3 credits)
• MKTG1104 - Marketing for Sport and Recreation (3 credits)
• SPRT1203 - Sport Finance (3 credits)
• SPRT1252 - Negotiations and Law for Sport (3 credits)
• SPRT1268 - Governance of Sport Organizations (3 credits)
• SPRT1210 - Sport Sponsorship (3 credits)
• Term 3 (Fall):
• SPRT1305 - The Sport Consumer (3 credits)
• SPRT1322 - Sales and Promotions in Sports (3 credits)
• SPRT1390 - The Global Economy in Sports (3 credits)
• SPRT1301 - Media and Sport (3 credits)
• SPRT1361 - Ethics in Sport (3 credits)
• General Education elective 1 course (3 credits)
• Term 4 (Winter):
• COMM1530 - Industry Reports (3 credits)
• MATH1310 - Statistical Concepts (3 credits)
• SPRT1406 - Human Resource Management in Sports (3 credits)
• SPRT1414 - Sport Event Management (3 credits)
• SPRT1439 - Sport Facilities Management (3 credits)
• General Education elective 1 course (3 credits)
• Term 5 (Spring):
• ENTR1360 - Entrepreneurial Recreation and Sports (3 credits)
• SOCL1350 - Sociology of Sport (3 credits)
• SPRT1370 - Sport Management Research (3 credits)
• SPRT1380 - Contemporary Issues in Sport (3 credits)
• SPRT1175 - Sport Tourism (3 credits)
• SPRT1207 - Global Sport Business (3 credits)
• Term 6 (Winter):
• PRAC1200 - Work-Integrated Learning Module-Sport Management (10 credits)
• Module Descriptions:
• Leadership in Sport: Develops leadership skills and explores different leadership styles within the sports context.
• Sport Finance: Explores financial management concepts and their application in sports organizations.
• Negotiations and Law for Sport: Focuses on negotiation skills and legal aspects relevant to the sports industry.
• Governance of Sport Organizations: Examines the structure, functions, and governance of sports organizations.
• Sport Sponsorship: Covers the principles and practices of sport sponsorship, including securing and managing sponsorships.
• The Sport Consumer: Analyzes the behavior and motivations of sports consumers.
• Sales and Promotions in Sports: Develops sales and promotional skills for the sports industry.
• The Global Economy in Sports: Explores the global economic landscape of the sports industry.
• Media and Sport: Examines the relationship between media and sport, including media coverage and its impact.
• Ethics in Sport: Discusses ethical issues and dilemmas within the sports industry.
• Human Resource Management in Sports: Covers human resource management principles and practices as applied to sports organizations.
• Sport Event Management: Focuses on the planning, organization, and execution of sporting events.
• Sport Facilities Management: Explores the management of sports facilities, including operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Entrepreneurial Recreation and Sports: Introduces entrepreneurial concepts and opportunities within the recreation and sports industry.
• Sociology of Sport: Examines the social and cultural aspects of sport.
• Sport Management Research: Develops research skills and methodologies relevant to sport management.
• Contemporary Issues in Sport: Discusses current trends and challenges facing the sports industry.
• Sport Tourism: Explores the intersection of sport and tourism, including the development and management of sport tourism destinations.
• Global Sport Business: Examines the global business landscape of the sports industry.
• Work-Integrated Learning Module-Sport Management: Provides practical experience through a work placement in a sports organization.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Assignments:
Written assignments, case studies, and research projects.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on various sport management topics.
• Practicum: Hands-on experience through a work placement in a sports organization.
• Assessment Criteria: Assessment criteria will vary depending on the specific course and assignment, but may include:
• **Knowledge and understanding of course concepts.

• **Critical thinking and analytical skills.

• **Communication skills (written and oral).

• **Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• **Teamwork and collaboration skills.

• **Professionalism and ethical conduct.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Traditional lectures to deliver key concepts and information.
• Discussions: Class discussions to encourage student participation and critical thinking.
• Case studies: Real-world case studies to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
• Guest speakers: Industry professionals share their experiences and insights.
• Experiential learning: Hands-on activities and projects to enhance practical skills.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members with a strong background in sport management and related fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• Problem-Based Learning:
The program utilizes problem-based learning pedagogy to facilitate learning and provide mentorship to future sport management professionals.
• Integration of Workplace Concepts: The program integrates workplace concepts into the academic classroom setting to prepare students for real-world careers.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Sport Management program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the sports industry, including:
• Assistant Athletic Director
• Campus Recreation Coordinator
• Data Management Analyst
• Facility Manager
• Intramural Coordinator
• Marketing, Promotions, or Sponsorship Coordinator
• Sales Executive
• Social Media Coordinator
• Sport Administrator
• Sport Event Coordinator
• Sports Recruiter or Scout
• Varsity Coordinator
• Career Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various sectors of the sports industry, such as:
• Professional sports teams
• Amateur sports organizations
• Sport governing bodies
• Sport marketing agencies
• Sport event management companies
• Sport facilities
• Sport tourism organizations
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the Sport Management program are well-prepared for successful careers in the dynamic and growing sports industry.

Other:

• Industry Partners: The program has strong partnerships with leading industry sport organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.
• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements, which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
• Computer/Technology Requirements: Students are required to have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets specific technical specifications.
• Program Requirements: Students are responsible for all costs associated with program requirements, including textbooks, field trips, and learning materials.
• Scholarships and Awards: Niagara College offers a variety of scholarships and awards to help students fund their education.
• Accessibility: The program is committed to providing accessible learning opportunities for all students.