Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences

This course exposes the student to legal cases from the individual perspective of the player, coach, fan, owner, agent, and medical staff, in addition to leagues and administrative bodies, dealing with captivating subjects as varied as drug testing, gender discrimination, player violence and criminal conduct, breach of contract, player eligibility, product liability, endorsement contracts, and television broadcasting.

This course prepares students with an interest in pursuing a career in the fast growing industry of sports facility or event management. During the course, students will acquire professional skills that can be applied in a wide variety of career positions. A range of topics include facility financing, alcohol management, crowd management and box office management. Upon completion students will have basic fundamentals to comprehend the field of facility and event management.

Students will examine morality and ethical issues pertaining to sport. During this course, students will become involved with discussions on sportsmanship, fan behavior, performance-enhancing drugs, gender equity in sport, deviant behavior in athletics, and issues related to youth sports participation. Students will be required to examine their current rules, morals, and philosophies to their career aspirations and reflect on them in an ethical as well situational manner. Students will be immersed in ethical situations through the use of videos and relevant current event articles.

Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine the scope and effect of sport on society. They will explore sociological concepts on how sports and sport participation impact the lives of individuals and groups in a society. Students will explore several significant contemporary issues. These contemporary sport sociology issues will include drug abuse, race, ethnicity, gender inequity, ethics, gambling, and violence. To increase their sociological understanding of sport, students will identify and discuss sociological perspectives about the components of sport and physical activity.

Introduction to the purposes of financial accounting statements and the recognition, measurement, and disclosure concepts and methods underlying financial statements. Focus is on using and interpreting financial statements and on understanding the impact of transactions and events on financial statements and financial ratios. Students must have access to Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel software,

Pre Reqs: College Algebra(MATH110)

This course provides an understanding of the corporation, each of the business functions (to include accounting, finance, marketing, technology, management, and planning), and the relations between and among functions in the operation of the firm.

This course focuses on the actual tasks and activities of the entrepreneur-from researching venture feasibility, to launching the venture, to managing growth. Covered are descriptions of real entrepreneurs in action, facing the challenges that entrepreneurs must deal with, and making good and even some not-so-good decisions. This study relates the excitement of the entrepreneurial adventure.

This course examines human characteristics and their bearing on the management and resultant performance of organizations. It includes a review of theory and research on personality, motivation, values, stress, leadership skills, power bases, and communication. It is designed to provide an understanding of the attitudes and behavior of subordinates and superiors, as well as important insights regarding one's own responses to the organization.

Students in this course will examine how gender and sexuality are impacted within sport and sports organizations. The relationship between sexuality, masculinity, femininity and sport has been a slow evolving process throughout history. This course is broken down into three main topics: masculinity in sport, media representation in sport, and transgressing femininities in sport. The visibility of professional athletes in the media has opened doors of opportunity for both male and female athletes. Students will discuss the equality of sports coverage based on gender along with career opportunity in sports organizations. The ratio of male to female athletic administrators is severely lopsided even in this modern era. This course will examine why and what the future holds for gender issues in sport.

Sports management is evolving at a rapid pace. This course provides an overview of the sports industry and teaches the basics of sport management to future sport managers. Students will explore the sports industry in different segments that will help guide them to what area of expertise they might choose as a career path. Topics will include ethics, finances, high school and youth sports, marketing and legal issues. This course also examines specific industries involving management such as the fitness industry, facility management, sporting goods, and event management.

Sports Finance will provide students with a vast overview of the financial and contemporary economic issues related to sports, athletes and the sport industry. The course will examine the market power in sports, impact of teams and facilities on neighborhood economics, issues relating to a professional sports lockout as well as the relationship among academics, athletics, and the economy. Contemporary topics will include sports franchises, agents, contracts, sports industry financing, and financial and legal issues

This course focuses on the promotions, public relations, and advertising and other marketing functions involved in the multi-billion dollar sports industry. The course provides research, case analysis, and other opportunities to learn of the effective principles, theories, practices, and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications.

This course places an emphasis on managerial competencies, the strategic importance of human resource management, and the implications of organizational justice used in the sports industry. This course also examines human resource practices such as job design, staffing and career considerations, leadership, and performance appraisal.

Athletic programs administration focuses on the coach, and their administrative responsibilities of their profession. Coaching goes beyond knowledge of the game, strategies to win or practice design. Coaches and administrators, much like managers in the business world, are decision makers and resource allocators. They make sure player to player and coach relations are operating smoothly. Their duties also include fundraising, facility management, scheduling and maintaining budgets much like any business manager. This course examines the key concepts and skills to becoming an effective sports manager that includes program promotion, leadership, personal organization, public relations and risk management.

An introduction and overview of the field of sport communication; specific topics include models of sport communication, print and electronic media, sport advertising, public relations, media relations, and employment opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to critically assess the communication efforts of sports organization as well as construct their own communications in the field of sport. These goals will be accomplished through writing and discussion assignments, reflective reading worksheets, and a final paper

Sports Event Management and Planning involves a comprehensive overview of the development and implementation process involved with managing a successful sporting event. The student will examine detailed event criteria including timeline, budget analysis, sponsorship, event location, staff and consumer management, as well as the development of television and talent contracts. The course shall provide the knowledge necessary to cultivate, organize, and execute any sporting event from a managerial standpoint

This course will focus on the policies, structure and politics that shape sport at the regional, national and international levels. With a focus on the Olympic movement, the course will also examine the organization and development of amateur and professional sport, including the need for Paralympic Games, Gay Games and Special Olympics. The student will analyze the different membership guidelines, organizational goals, and administrative roles of the many governing bodies as well as learn about the historical politics and boycotts, the international development of sport and the bidding process for an international event.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

This senior capstone class is the final course in the degree sequence for students majoring in Sports and Health Sciences. In this dynamic and interactive course, learners will review, assess and then apply many of the concepts they have researched during undergraduate studies through the creation of a customized graduation portfolio. This portfolio can be used for future career or academic goals and serve as a tangible job aid that houses previously acquired knowledge. Real life, hands on tools for career advancement will be examined and then applied, including the creation of a professional resume. An investigation of the job market in the field of sports and health will also take place through case study analysis and lively, career focused discussions. Alternative career paths for sports and health sciences degree holders will also be explored. Student must have SENIOR standing to register.