Southwestern College (KS)

What you'll study

The curriculum combines leadership, core business topics and sport management modules. Core and major courses listed in the program include:

• LEAD500 Leadership Style & Theories — foundations of leadership, tools for research in leadership, application of theory to organizations and development of a personal leadership profile. (3 credits)
• LEAD520 Leadership Coaching — coaching and mentoring theories and teamwork skills, culminating in a personal leadership development plan. (3 credits)
• MBA 505 Business Law & Ethics — legal and ethical contexts for business decisions, including regulatory and global considerations. (3 credits)
• MBA 512 Financial Management, Analysis and Decision Making — financial principles, accounting use for planning and analysis, time value of money, budgeting, capital structure and performance evaluation. (3 credits)
• MBA 530 Marketing Strategies — product/brand, pricing, distribution and promotion strategies with a case-based integrated marketing strategy requirement. (3 credits)
• SPMG500 The Sport Management Industry — overview of the business side of sports and recreation: event planning, facility operations, risk and stakeholder management, financial planning, sponsorships and promotion. (3 credits)
• SPMG501 Emerging Trends in Sport Management — study of current and potential impacts of new trends and technologies in sports management and administration. (3 credits)
• SPMG502 Sports Marketing & Media — sports promotion and marketing to target demographics across sectors of the industry. (3 credits)
• SPMG503 Economics of Sport Management — survey of financial markets, systems and policies affecting sports management and managerial aspects of the industry. (3 credits)
• SPMG504 Leadership in Sport Management — leadership, motivation and organizing applied specifically to sports and recreation organizations. (3 credits)
• SPMG505 Sponsorship & Sales in Sport Management — course title listed in the program requirements. (3 credits)

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a completed graduate application, a current resume, two professional letters of recommendation (one should be from a current or former employer), a one-page personal essay, and an official bachelor’s degree transcript. Official transcripts must be received within eight weeks following the start of class.

Career prospects

The program targets preparation for leadership roles across sport, fitness, coaching development, event and facility management, sponsorship and sport marketing. Graduates should be positioned for operational and administrative positions in teams, clubs, recreational organizations, fitness businesses and related stakeholder or partner roles in the sports industry.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Southwestern College’s site references financial aid, scholarships and grants and also employer tuition reimbursement and military benefits as possible funding routes. Prospective students should consult the university’s financial aid and scholarships pages and the Professional Studies office for specific eligibility and application details.