Sport Management

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Sport Management program prepares students for ever-widening professional careers in the sport management industries. Our program provides students with fundamental and advanced-level courses taught by expert, experienced faculty in this dynamic and academically-rigorous subject area. In conjunction with advisors, students may tailor their degree program to best suit their career goals and professional development. Optional internships are available to sport management students during their third and fourth years of study.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Sports Marketing/Sales
Team/League Sponsorship, Ticketing
Professional Sports Organizations
Collegiate Sport Management and Marketing
Broadcasting/Communications
Sports Information Director/Media Relations
Event Management
Sport Agent
Director of Athletics
Associate Athletic Director/Compliance

Sport Management (BS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will have knowledge of the global and complex sports industry.
  • Graduates will have knowledge of integration of the special nature of sports, management and marketing theory, and administrative principles.
  • Graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in the management and leadership dimensions of sport.
  • Graduates will be able to analyze and synthesize information/data and present their findings in a coherent manner.
  • Graduates will be regular contributors to sport management and/or related fields.
  • Graduates will exhibit an understanding of the necessity for personal integrity, ethical behavior, cultural awareness and lifelong learning.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Sport Management | Dr. Michael Fraina | sportmgmt@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2786

Fall 2023

Subject to revision

Liberal Arts and Sciences (60-62 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
EGL 310 Technical Writing 3
The Arts (GE) 3
ECO 304 Sports Economics 3
Communication- Written and Oral: SPE 130, SPE 202, SPE 330, or SPE 331 (GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
MTH 110 Statistics (GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning (GE) 6-8
ECO 156 Macroeconomics OR 3
ECO 157 Microeconomics (GE) 3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (GE) 3
SOC 122 Introduction to Sociology 3
PSY 304, PSY 311, PSY 330, or PSY 331 3
SOC 309 Sport in Society 3
Liberal Arts & Sciences Electives 9

Required: Business and Sport Management (51 credits)
BUS 101 Accounting I 3
BUS 102 Accounting II 3
BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices 3
BUS 202 Business Law I 3
BCS 102 Computer Concepts and Applications 3
SMT 110 Introduction to Sport Management 3
SMT 215 Sport Information Management 3
SMT 220 Media and Sport 3
SMT 225 Sport Marketing 3
SMT 304 Sport Finance 3
SMT 311 Sport Law 3
SMT 320 Athletic Administration 3
SMT 340 Sport Facility Management 3
SMT 370 Research in Sport Management 3
SMT 409 Strategic Sport Management 3
SMT 420 Current Topics in Sport OR 3
SMT 440 Sport Management Internship I 3
SMT 485W Senior Seminar in Sport 3

Electives (9 credits)
BUS/BCS/SMT/PED (200 level or higher), or RAM 303 6
PED 3
Total Credits: 120-122

Curriculum Summary

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 120-122

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.

As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses will be developed in accordance with the guiding principles and criteria outlined below. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

EGL 310 Technical Writing

A detailed study of the fundamentals of writing technical reports and other technical communications. Topics emphasized include the elements of a technical report, the interpretation of statistics and data, and the composition of letters, memos, and informal reports containing technical information. Assignments and student exercises are drawn from the student's technical area. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

ECO 304 Sports Economics

An analysis and in-depth study of the economics and economic impact of professional and amateur sports. Topics include team and league structures, labor relations, stadium financing, consumer demand for sports, and the role and impact of public and private subsidies. The student should be able to: identify and explain the economic principles and problems associated with sports team ownership, stadium economics, as well as the impact and effects of radio and television broadcast rights on sports economics. Prerequisite(s): ECO 156 or ECO 157

SPE 130 Public Speaking

This course prepares students in the following areas of effective expository and persuasive public speaking: audience analysis; topic selection; appropriate use and documentation of supporting material; organization and outlining techniques; aspects of delivery which include appropriate eye contact, posture, use of notes, elements of voice such as rate and volume, and the use of presentational visual aids. Group discussion and problem solving exercises will also be provided, and students will engage in peer feedback throughout the course.

SPE 202 Interpersonal Communications

An Introduction to effective interpersonal communication skills covering areas such as effective and active listening, feedback techniques, the effects of self-concept and perception in daily communications, and non-verbal and cross-cultural communication. These skills will be developed through class lectures, group exercises, and individual activities and assignments. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

SPE 330 Professional and Technical Speech

A course designed to prepare students to develop and deliver oral presentations in a professional, business, scientific, or technical context, stressing methods of presenting information specific to students’ disciplines. Students use audio-visual materials or technology to enhance their presentations. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

SPE 331 Advanced Oral Communications

This course is designed to develop effective and professional communication in the areas of communication theory, advanced presentation skills, and voice and diction. A major component of the course provides students with a personalized voice and diction diagnostic profile which informs each student of specific speech characteristics they present that deviate from Standard Eastern Dialect. Particular attention is given to New York Regional Dialect and foreign accent reduction. The course also introduces various theoretical systems of communication. There is a strong focus on the development and effective application of presentational skills in both public and group/team environments with an emphasis on professional settings. All aspects of the course contain written components which include student readings and reports as well as comprehensive speech outlines. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MTH 110 Statistics

Basic concepts of probability and statistical inference. Included are the binominal, normal, and chi-square distributions. Practical applications are examined. Computer assignments using Minitab form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

ECO 156 Principles of Economics (Macroeconomics)

This course is designed to introduce classic macroeconomic issues such as unemployment, inflation, national income and economic growth. The course will provide a unified framework to address these issues and to study the impact of different policies, such as monetary and fiscal policies, on the aggregate behavior of the economy. Analytical tools will be used to understand the experiences of the United States and other countries, and to address how current policy initiatives affect their macroeconomic performance.

ECO 157 Principles of Economics (Microeconomics)

This course introduces students to fundamental economic concepts and theory, including demand, supply, and the formation of equilibrium prices in product and resource markets. Students will learn a specific set of analytical tools as well as how to apply them to current policy issues. In addition, the course offers an introduction to applied fields such as industrial organization (market structures), labor economics, international trade, and market failure.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

This course is designed to present basic psychological concepts and to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior. Core topics include methods of psychological research, the biological bases of behavior, principles of learning, memory and cognition, personality, and psychopathology. Other selected topics to be covered would include the following: motivation and emotion, life-span development, social psychology, health psychology, sensation and perception, intelligence, human sexuality, statistics, and altered states of consciousness.

SOC 122 Introduction to Sociology

This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the field of sociology. In addition to learning about the central concepts and major theoretical sociological perspectives, students study human behavior in groups, the organization of social life, the impact of social institutions on individuals, and the process of sociological research. Great emphasis is also placed upon development of students’ “sociological imagination” – specifically, the ability to understand the ways that our individual lives are shaped by larger social forces and institutions. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for SOC 122 and 122W or SOC 122*D SOC 122W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. SOC 122*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement.

PSY 304 Multicultural Psychology

Reflecting the 21st century global theme of acculturation, PSY 304 will focus on the ways in which the study and practice of psychology intersect with race, culture, and diversity. Topics include racial/ethnic/religious group differences, cultural norms, gender and sexual orientation issues, family, structure, and identity development. Primary focus will be given to the ways that race and culture contribute to disparities in access to mental health treatment as well as differences in beliefs about mental illness and its treatment. Consistent with an applied psychology approach, the student will develop an understanding of how diversity issues affect the workplace, i.e., discrimination in hiring/firing practices, affirmative action laws, multicultural competence, and sensitivity training. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.

PSY 311 Organizational Behavior

This upper-division course presents the concepts of organizational behavior and structure as well as topics relating to motivation content and process theories; group communications and dynamics; decision making; causes and resolutions of organizational conflicts; and factors pertaining to influence, power and politics in organizations. Note: Students cannot get credit for PSY 311 and 311W; PSY 311W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Note: Offered at the discretion of the Psychology Department. Prerequisite(s): BUS 109 or PSY 101.

PSY 330 Organizational Training and Development

An upper level offering, this course will provide a greater understanding of the theory, research, techniques, and current and future issues in the field of organizational training and development through an experimental learning approach. Topics shall include training systems, needs analysis, organization intervention, program evaluation, adult learning theory, cognitive issues, conditions for learning transfer, instructional techniques and current social and organizational issues in training. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.

PSY 331 Industrial / Organizational Psychology

Students will explore how the science and practice of psychology is applied in the world of work and organizations. Among the topics that will be examined are the history and research methodology of industrial/organizational psychology, job analysis, employee selection, performance evaluation, training, work motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, group dynamics, and organizational development. The course will highlight emerging trends in the modern workforce and examine how these changes will impact research and practice in today's organizations. Students will examine the factors influencing cross-cultural diversity and globalization, the theoretical and practical implications of these workforce trends, and how current organizational theories and practices apply to cultures outside of the United States. Implications for the full range of topics discussed in the course will be examined including how cultural diversity and globalization affect employee selection procedures, group dynamics, preferences for leadership, training needs, work motivation, and organizational development. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.

SOC 309 Sport in Society

This course analyzes the role of sport in society, especially American society. Particular attention is given to the significance of gender, race, ethnicity, and social class in sports. The course is organized around lectures, film, and discussion. Students are also expected to conduct their own research project. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for SOC 309 and SOC 309*D SOC 309*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): SOC 122 or SOC 223 and EGL 102.

BUS 101 Financial Accounting

Students will study the underlying framework of financial accounting systems and apply these concepts in preparing, interpreting and analyzing accounting information in the contemporary corporate business environment. Students will record business transactions, and prepare and analyze financial statements for service and merchandising companies. Students will demonstrate an understanding of accounting systems and controls, financial assets, plant assets, current and long-term liabilities, and equity.

BUS 102 Managerial Accounting

Students will examine managerial accounting concepts and theories which assist managers in planning, directing, and controlling activities in service, merchandising, and manufacturing entities. Students will apply product costing methods (e.g., job-order costing and process costing), calculate and interpret variances, apply cost-volume-profit strategies to short-term decision making, and prepare operating budgets and performance evaluation reports. Prerequisite(s): BUS 101 with a grade of C or higher

BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices

This introductory course covers management principles pertaining to human resources, individual behavior in organizations, employee motivation and performance, and business ethics. Topics also include managing and the manager’s job; planning and decision making; employee performance appraisal and feedback; leadership and influence processes; interpersonal relations and communication; and managing work groups and teams.

BUS 202 Business Law I

An introduction to the nature and sources of law; the role the legal system; the law of torts and crimes; the law of contracts; and real and personal property.

BCS 102 Computer Concepts and Applications

This is an introductory course in the use of personal computers in today's society. Students will receive instruction in basic computer concepts and terminology, the fundamentals of the Windows operating system and have hands on experience at the beginning to intermediate level using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Internet will be used to supplement textbook and lecture materials. Note: Computer Systems students cannot use BCS 102 to meet a BCS/CSC Elective requirement.

SMT 110 Introduction to Sport Management

An investigation into the scope of the sport industry; a growing major business enterprise in the United States and in much of the world. Functions of management, skills and attributes required of a sport manager, and roles of a manager are examined and researched. Attention focuses on how the managerial process relates to sport organizations and their products. Students become acquainted with career opportunities in the sport management field. Note: Students must achieve a C or higher in this class to continue on in any course to which it is a prerequisite.

SMT 215 Sport Information Management

The effective management of information is essential to successful business and athlete development in sport related fields. Sport information directors use software to track stats at every level, including high school, college and professional, and then transmit these stats to national organizations. Computer-aided facility, management, financial, operational and accounting systems for the running of sport franchises and fitness clubs, salary capology, and handicap computational systems are just a few of the other applications for information management that will be addressed in this class. Prerequisite(s): BCS 102

SMT 220 Media and Sport

The course will begin by tracing the history of sport media in the United States beginning with the reporting of early American sports via newspapers, through the radio and television ages, the role cable television played in expanding sports viewership, ending with an analysis of regional sports networks, social media and the on-line streaming of sports. The course will examine the role the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 has played in shaping modern media rights contracts including its influence on rights fees and coverage. Additional topics include managing talent and production staff, examining commercial pressures on both athletes and sport properties, and the global sport media expansion so the students can examine current problems while analyzing possible solutions. Prerequisite(s): SMT 110 with a grade of 'C' or higher

SMT 225 Sport Marketing

An investigation into the decisions necessary to plan, develop, implement and control integrated sports marketing programs. Attention will be directed towards each major element of the marketing industry--advertising, promotion, public relations and sponsorships. The emphasis will be on the marketing of professional and collegiate athletes. Included will be the use of marketing for teams, leagues and special events. The course will also focus on negotiations, contracts and the role of the media. Prerequisite(s): SMT 110 with a grade of 'C' or higher

SMT 304 Sport Finance

This course grounds students in the real world of financial management in sport, showing them how to apply financial concepts and appreciate the importance of finance in sport management and operations. Through classroom presentations, discussions and course assignments, the student will be provided with a solid foundation in financial management, managerial economics, and statistics as they relate to the sport industry. The course content will focus primarily on the spectator sport segment of the sport industry (professional sports, collegiate athletics, Olympic sports, sport facilities, events, and sport agencies). Some of the topics that will be covered are capital, budgeting, asset allocation, market structures, financing of venues including subsidies, salary caps and the effect of collective bargaining agreements on sport organizations. Prerequisite(s): SMT 110 with a grade of 'C' or higher and BUS 102

SMT 311 Sport Law

A study of legal issues affecting all aspects of sports, including college, professional and recreational activities. Future professionals within the realm of physical activity and sport need to be aware of the law the many implications it brings to their chosen fields. This class is designed to provide an introduction to various aspects of the law and its influence on sport and physical activity. Prerequisite(s): BUS 202

SMT 320 Athletic Administration

This course focuses on the organization, administration, and management of physical education and sport. Attention will be directed towards intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, professional sports organizations and various recreational programs. Emphasis will be placed on organization and leadership theories and program development. The management and supervision as well as the budgeting and purchasing process in the management of athletic facilities will be discussed. Issues of law, risk management and ethics as they pertain to athletics will be explored. Prerequisite(s): BUS 109

SMT 340 Sport Facility Management

This course focuses on athletic facilities and the complex management involved. Topics include the development, operation, and financing as well as the management and supervision of athletic facilities. Attention will be directed towards public and private arenas, colleges and universities, and health clubs and stadiums. Other topic of special interest and current research will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): BUS 109

SMT 370 Research in Sport Management

This course is an undergraduate class on various aspects of research within the context of sport. The course provides a general overview of social research, covering four broad topics: research design, review of literature, data collection, and data analysis. Upon course completion, students will demonstrate the ability to develop a research proposal for a sport-based study. Prerequisite(s): SMT 110 and EGL 310 both with a grade of C or higher.

SMT 409 Strategic Sport Management

Strategic sport management is a means of applying a variety of business strategies to the context of sports development. Geared for upperclassmen, this course focuses on this growing field by developing and assessing the knowledge and skills associated with senior level managers working in private or public sector sports-related institutions. Students will be expected to leverage the knowledge and skills through individual and/or group projects in anticipation of similar responsibilities in their careers. Prerequisite(s): Senior status and SMT 304

SMT 420 Current Topics in Sport

This course analyzes contemporary issues including topics such as athlete use of performance enhancing drugs, public/private funding of facilities and arenas, gambling (legal/illegal), escalating player/coaches' salaries, violence in sport, legal issues including Constitutional, collective bargaining, antitrust and employment law, NCAA and amateurism, the impact of Title IX, concussion and other sport health issues, media rights and technology, and institutional cheating in sport. Case studies are investigated and students engage in critical thinking and discussions to understand what has created these issues and their implication. Extensive research of current texts and journal articles is required. Prerequisite(s): SMT 320

SMT 440 Sport Management Internship

Supervised work experience in corporate settings, amateur and professional sport agencies, colleges and universities, and community sport organizations. Students assume leadership roles in various job-related activities and perform administrative tasks in support of activities under an experienced agency supervisor and faculty sponsor. No more than 15 credits may be earned from SMT 440 to SMT 443 and SMT 445 to SMT 448. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior level status, Department approval, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and SMT 110 with a grade of C or higher.

SMT 485W Senior Seminar in Sport (Writing Intensive)

In this capstone course, students may use software and case studies that will simulate the management of a professional franchise and other sports organizations, from an operational, marketing and financial standpoint. Decisions will be made, and results analyzed, to determine if the sport business will succeed. Students will be required to prepare operational, marketing and financial plans in addition to an annual budget, and then analyze the results. This is a writing intensive course. Note: SMT 485W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Offered at the discretion of the Sport Management Department Prerequisite(s): Senior level status and SMT 409 and EGL 101 with a grade of C or higher

RAM 303 Research Experience

This hands-on research experience with a faculty mentor is the culminating experience for students enrolled in the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) program. Students will be placed in research experiences on the Farmingdale Campus or off-campus in major universities, research laboratories, businesses, industry, government, horticultural gardens, and other settings that fit their academic interests and career goals.

Last Modified 2/29/24