Doctor of Education in Sports Management (Ed.D.)

Course Descriptions

Courses identified with an (e) following the course number (e.g., SAR 674(e)) are available as an eBook.

SAB 622 Structure and Function of the Olympic Games (3 sem. hrs.)

The structure and function of the Olympic movement, starting with the International Olympic Committee and moving through the national governing bodies to international sports associations, is the focus of this course. It emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Olympic Movement and various political, social, and economic impacts on the Games. This course requires a final exam.

SAB 651 Current Issues in Olympic Movement (3 sem. hrs.)

The impact of contemporary issues on the Olympic Movement, whether they are governmental, intellectual, societal, cultural, political, or economic, is the focus of this course. Through selected readings, factors such as race, gender, religion, nationalism, drug use, commercialism, and violence and their influence on the Olympic Movement are taken into consideration. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 657(e) Psychology of Elite Performance (3 sem. hrs.)

This course examines the psychological factors that are most critical to elite sport performances. Special emphasis is focused on the physical, mental, and emotional variables related to optimal performance conditions. Theory and practice for athletes and coaches will be discussed. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 659 Group Dynamics in Sports and Exercise (3 sem. hrs.)

In-depth study of the influence of teams on the individual performance and the influence of individuals on team performance in sports settings. Particular focus on interpersonal aspects such as cohesion and leadership. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 660(e) Sports in America: Current Issues (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to give individuals a sociological perspective on sports in American society. It will examine politics, economics, education, the mass media, gender, race, and financial compensation as each relates to sports. This course requires a final exam.

SAB 661 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to examine current issues in sports by researching and reviewing available professional sources. This course is required in the doctoral program core. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 667 Olympism (3 sem. hrs.)

This course examines the growth and development of the modern Olympic Games through the eyes of their founder, Pierre de Coubertin. The International Olympic Committee has published selected writings by de Coubertin that include the search for a vision, the events leading up to the Olympic renewal, historical perspectives of the Olympics, the philosophical and educational dimensions of Olympism, and the Olympic Movement. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 670 Selected Readings in Sports Coaching (3 sem. hrs.)

This course will provide students an opportunity to conduct a series of literature reviews about an approved sports coaching topic. The selected topic should include literature reviews pertaining to the concepts and/or issues faced by coaches while performing their coaching responsibilities. The focus of this course is to enhance the student’s research and composition abilities while gaining in-depth knowledge regarding the profession of sports coaching. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 671 Advanced Coaching Theories (3 sem. hrs.)

This course allows students to select sports coaching readings from a preselected reading list in order to complete a series of book reports. These sports coaching readings will consist of topics such as leadership, communication, management, skill acquisition, and risk management. The focus of this course is to enhance the student’s knowledge concerning the profession of sports coaching. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 622 Structure and Function of Professional and Amateur Sports Organizations (3 sem. hrs.)

The course provides an analysis of professional and amateur sports organizations from a philosophical, historical, and operational perspective. It takes an in-depth look at the management and business practices of this industry. It is designed for leaders in the industry who will manage effective and efficient sports organizations. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 634 Ethics in Sport (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is concerned with the study of Sports Management ethics and the manner in which ethics can be applied and implemented in an individual’s personal and professional life. We will be reminded that “whereas ethics are precepts of right and wrong in our behavior and judgments, the word morality often refers to a way of life, to beliefs, attitudes, motives, and values individuals learn and exhibit in a social context.” This course requires a class paper.

SAM 640 Labor Relations in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course provides an in-depth examination of areas of labor relations that are particularly relevant to sports. The growth and development of unions within the sports industry is explored, with an emphasis on labor-management agreements currently utilized in professional sports. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 644 Sports Marketing Research (3 sem. hrs.)

This course examines marketing research pertinent to the successful operation of sports enterprises. It includes the study of research design, data analysis, and the presentation of results. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 660 Financial Aspects of Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves an in-depth study of the financial challenges facing contemporary sports administrators, including an examination of financial data analysis, sources of funding, budgeting and financial accountability, inventory management and production control processes, profit distribution, taxation, and accounting processes. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 662 Sports Entrepreneurship (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves the study of entrepreneurship for those with a serious interest in owning their own businesses. Students prepare a comprehensive business plan for starting or acquiring a business. The process of operating a business is also explored. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 672(e) Personnel Training and Development (3 sem. hrs.)

This course reviews various forms of personnel training and development. On-the-job and off-the-job training programs, personnel evaluation procedures, and needs assessments are also examined. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 682 Facilities Planning in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course examines the principles, guidelines, and recommendations for the planning, construction, maintenance, and management of sports facilities. It is designed to provide students with an awareness of the facilities appropriate to sports programs, ranging from colleges to ultramodern fitness centers. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 686 Research in Olympism (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to study special aspects of the administration and operation of the Olympic Games. The historical significance of the Seoul Summer Olympics is examined. International students who are Sport Management majors may elect to take this course in place of SAM 586 Sports Law and Risk Management. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 688 Sports Journalism (3 sem. hrs.)

This course will introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of those employed in the field of sports journalism and to the importance of sports journalism to the media. The objectives of sports journalism from a business and editorial standpoint and towards different demographic audiences will also be analyzed. This course requires a class paper.

SAR 672 Computer Analysis in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to statistical analysis using the SPSS statistical software. This is an applied course in which the student will learn how to use SPSS to computer basic statistics, such as analyses of variance and linear regression. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 673 Information Systems and Analysis in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a study of how to use and manage informaiton systems in business and sports. This course is an elective in the doctoral program. This course requires a final name.

SAR 674 Research Statistics in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is an overview of statistical methods utilized in sports and exercise science. Emphasis will be placed on computer software-based analysis. Topics include hypothesis testing, normal distributions, t tests, analysis of variance, chi-square, nonparametric techniques, correlation, and linear regression. This course requires a final exam.

700 Level Courses

SAB 700 Current Literature in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to examine current issues in sports by researching and reviewing available professional sources. This course is required in the doctoral program research core. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 768 Psychology of Human Behavior (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a focus on the theoretical study of human behavior patterns in sports and exercise settings. It is designed to provide students with information about research in the field of sports psychology as well as with practical knowledge to allow them to become more effective fitness instructors, athletes, athletic administrators, physical educators, or coaches. This course includes selected topics in organizational behavior. This course is required in the doctoral program general core. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 791 Selected Readings in Sports Theory (3 sem. hrs.)

The goal for this course is to conduct database searches on an approved topic in sports theory. In this course students will present a comprehensive analysis and application of the approved topic within the scope of sports theory. It is advisable to compile readings and research on topics that may relate to one’s dissertation topic. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 730(e) Sports Leadership Principles (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to provide an examination of effective leadership. Students will examine general concepts of leadership (theories, principles, traits, skills, etc.) that are necessary to every sports organization. The course is designed to give individuals a practical look at numerous aspects of leadership. Success in a leadership position is often related to an individual’s preparation, experience, and knowledge. This course is required in the doctoral program general core. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 735 Strategic Planning for Sports Organizations (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to provide an analysis of strategic planning, including the development of vision and mission statements and the use of environmental scans, gap analysis, action planning, and benchmarking. A variety of strategic issues in sports will be explored. An understanding of the policies and mechanics of strategic planning in sports will be examine and analyzed. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 736 Communication for Leadership (3 sem. hrs.)

This course will assist sports professionals with improving the communication process. Effective communication is needed to lead a sports organization successfully. Problems that may occur in a sports organization as a result of people failing to communicate properly are identified. A variety of communication skills are explored. This class requires a final exam.

SAM 737 Leadership: Theory and Practice (3 sem. hrs.)

This course explores a variety of contemporary notions of leadership, including traditional theories, salient models, new domains, and the importance of understanding change. The course will allow you to explore how leadership theory can inform and direct the way leadership is practiced. Included are leadership topics, research finds, questionnaires, case studies, and everyday applications. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 744 Advanced Sports Marketing (3 sem. hrs.)

The objective of this course is to expose students to advanced topics in the study of sports marketing. Specific topics in the course include advanced sports marketing theory related to consumer behavior, advertising, sponsorship, e-commerce, and global marketing. The information acquired in this course will equip students for a career in sports marketing or a related field. This class requires a final exam.

SAM 786 Legal Aspects of Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

An in-depth examination of areas of the law that are particularly relevant to sports. Specifically, developments in negligence law, contract law, and constitutional law as they apply to sports are considered, and recent developments and trends are studied. This course is designed to build on previous studies of law and sports to provide students with opportunities for in-depth study and appreciation of the legal aspects of sports and the most significant current impacts of law on sports. This course is required in the doctoral program general core. This class requires a final exam.

SAM 787 Legal Concepts in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

This course provides an in-depth examination of areas of the law that are particularly relevant to Sports Medicine professionals including a study of the legal concepts, issues, cases, and decisions that affect the Sports Medicine profession. This class requires a final exam.

SAM 788 Principles of Management in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

In this course, the administrative components of Sports Medicine are explored. Topics include advanced concepts of legal liability, financial management, scheduling, supervision, documentation, and general administration. This class reuqires a final exam.

SAM 789 Seminar in Sports Medicine Management Issues (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is an advanced study of historical foundations, contemporary trends and issues, organizational planning, and risk management in the field of Sports Medicine. Topics include an in-depth case analysis of the role of Sports Medicine, traditional and non-traditional settings in Sports Medicine, and the impact of health-care reforms on the profession of Sports Medicine. This class requires a class paper.

SAR 674(e) Research Statistics in Sorts (3 semester hours)

This course is an overview of the methods of statistics utilized in sports and exercise science. Emphasis will be placed on computer software utilization for analysis. Topics include hypothesis testing, normal distributions, t-tests, analysis of variance, chii-square, nonparametric techniques, correlation, and linear regression. This course is required in the doctoral program research core. This class requires a final exam.

SAR 710 Advanced Exercise Physiology and Scientific Principles in Fitness and Health (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of exercise physiology and the scientific principles used to evaluate physiological components. Through selected readings, past and current research will be evaluated and considered for future research and application in the health and fitness industry. Topics include nutrition, bioenergetics, cardiorespiratory physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and endocrinology. Prerequisite: Masters Level Exercise Physiology This class requires a class paper.

SAR 715 Contemporary Issues in Health and Fitness (3 sem. hrs.)

The health and fitness industry is dynamic. Constantly new research is changing the way we think about health and fitness programs and design. Through selected readings, current “hot topics” in the health and fitness industry will be evaluated. Topics include nutritional, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. Prerequisite: Masters Level Exercise Physiology This class requires a class paper.

SAR 720 Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 sem. hrs.)

The focus of this course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the physiological principles, mechanisms, and program design necessary to plan, evaluate, and modify exercise programs. Particular attention will be given to periodization techniques. Through selected readings, past and current research will be evaluated and considered for future research and application in the health and fitness industry. Topics include speed, power, strength, hypertrophy, agility, bioenergetics, program design, and periodization techniques. Prerequisite: Advanced Exercise Physiology and Scientific Principles in Fitness and Health This class requires a class paper.

SAR 776 Research Methodologies

This course will introduce research design methods to sports professionals employed in a variety of settings. The format and techniques for writing a scholarly research paper will be presented. Various types of research commonly used in Sports Management are reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are covered, with an emphasis on their application to sports. This course is required in the doctoral program research core. This class requires a final exam.

SAR 790 Selected Readings in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

The goal for this course is to conduct library database searches on an approved sports topic. This course is a comprehensive analysis and discussion of selected aspects of sports. It is advisable to compile readings and research on topics that may relate to one’s dissertation topic. The focus of this course is to support a student’s specific research interests. This course requires a class paper.

SPT 797 Directed Individualized Study (3-6 sem. hrs.)

Individualized study is directed by a qualified graduate or National Faculty member in a specific interest area. It is designed to provide flexible alternatives, and it is personalized to the individual student. This course may involve scholarly research, data collection and reporting, preparation of educational materials, or the design and application of policy and programs. It requires the permission of the Director of Doctoral Studies prior to registration.

SPT 798 Doctoral Degree Mentorship (6 sem. hrs.)

This entails 300 contact hours of supervised work in Sports Management in schools, colleges, universities, businesses, industries, or Sports Medicine settings. It is recommended that the Academy Doctoral Degree Mentorship Handbook be purchased two months prior to registration. The Academy Mentorship Office must receive a notarized contract before a student will be granted permission to register for this course. A prerequisite for this course is completion of the first 15 semester hours of the degree program. The mentorship is required in the doctoral program general core. This class requires a paper.

SPT 799 Dissertation (12 sem. hrs.)

The dissertation represents the formal development of an original piece of research under the direction of a faculty project director and two readers. The dissertation experience includes two 90 minute oral presentations at the Daphne, Alabama campus. The plan for a Sports Management research project and associated data collection procedures is presented at the time of the oral proposal defense. A final oral defense of the completed research manuscript is scheduled following data collection and statistical analysis. Both oral defenses shall be augmented by the use of PowerPoint technology. This course is a required in the doctoral program research core. This class requires a paper.

SPT PRTD Doctoral Portfolio

The Portfolio was developed to enhance the student’s program of study through a more personal and individualized educational experience by enriching the program with personal experiences related to areas of sport education. The Portfolio will help to expand the student’s research experience, increase the breadth of training, and expand their scholarly credentials by blending practical life experiences and professional work history within their program of study.