Full Course List for Master of Sport Science Program

SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major issues in the world of sports. All primary issues impacting contemporary sports are covered, including performance- enhancing drugs; human growth hormones; gender inequity; race and ethnicity; youth, adolescent, and adult programs; media involvement; economics; management structures; and globalization. This course is a core requirement in all majors. This course includes the Graduate Orientation Module and students are given an extra week to complete the course. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 566 Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming (3 semester hours)

This course is a study of the psychological and sociological aspects of health and fitness programming and the application of this knowledge to the development of effective motivational and behavioral modification strategies. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 568 Sports Psychology (3 semester hours)

This course involves the study of human psychological behavior and its influence in sports and exercise settings. It is designed to provide a student with information gleaned from research in Sports Psychology as well as practical knowledge to become a more effective Sports Management professional, coach, or fitness instructor. This course requires a class paper.

SAB 571 Sports Coaching Methodology (3 semester hours)

This course develops a theoretical base for teaching sports and sports skills and thus has a practical application. The course includes the development of a coaching philosophy, with an emphasis on ethics in coaching and establishing a successful coaching style. A review of the impact of contemporary trends and issues in coaching is included. Managerial skills common to all coaching activities are discussed. This course requires a class paper.

SAD 546 Seminar in Sports Medicine (3 semester hours)

This course provides an overview of the Sports Medicine profession. It is designed to educate athletic trainers, fitness professionals, and sports coaches on how to assess and manage sports injuries. This course requires a final exam.

SAD 548 Advanced Assessment in Sports Medicine (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to enhance a student’s assessment techniques for evaluating athletic injuries and illnesses. It considers the connection between structure and function, with anatomy being the structure upon which biomechanical and physiological function is based. Particular emphasis is placed upon the development of a sound systematic and methodical evaluation technique to assess abnormal biomechanics (pathomechanics) and abnormal physiology(pathology). Such a technique is critical for making decisions on how best to manage and rehabilitate the injured or ill athlete. This course requires a final exam.

SAD 556 Issues in Nutrition and Health (3 semester hours)

This course covers the principles of sound nutrition as they relate to the athlete as well as to the average individual in our society. In addition, it covers physiological aspects: how nutrition affects the body in terms of optimal health. This course requires a final exam.

SAD 562 Scientific Principles of Resistance Training (3 semester hours)

This course provides study of resistance training, including physiological and psychological aspects, basic concepts and principles, types of programs and training, and benefits for specific populations. The information necessary to understand and successfully design any resistance- training program is presented in this course. This course requires a final exam.

SAD 581 Adaptive Athletics and Sports (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the history of disability sport and to bring awareness of the organizations, competitions, and sports opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Coaching, training, and event management for athletes with disabilities will also be examined. This course requires a final exam.

SAD 591 Treatment Procedures in Sports Medicine (3 semester hours)

This course is a study of modalities, including the physiological effects, rationale, principles, and methods of applying physical agents, therapeutic exercises, evaluation, and treatment planning in the practice of Sports Medicine. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 523 NCAA Compliance (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compliance issues. It will present an overview of rules, eligibility, bylaws, and practices and procedures of the NCAA. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 524 NCAA Rules and Procedures (3 semester hours)

Examining and analyzing the bylaws, policies, and procedures of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is at the heart of this course. Students will be introduced to specific cases to develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the NCAA, what it is, and how it functions. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 530 Food and Beverage Service Management for Sport Clubs (3 semester hours)

The course covers the origin, production, storing, marketing, and control of food and beverages in the hospitality industry. Topics integral to the successful management of restaurant and food service organizations are also covered. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 533 Sports Club Management (3 semester hours)

This course covers the scope of club services, which includes personnel, small business operations, recruitment, leadership, and risk management. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 534 Membership and Marketing for Sport Clubs (3 semester hours)

This course reviews the study of marketing as it applies to the sports and leisure industry. It also examines the role of marketing in strategic planning. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 535 Introduction to Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (3 semester hours)

This is a survey of the concepts and issues related to leisure, parks, recreation, and tourism in American society. The effects of recreation and leisure on social, individual, and environmental aspects of our society will be examined. This course requires final exam.

SAM 537 Recreation Programming & Administration (3 semester hours)

This course explores concepts and applications of effective recreational sport programming and administration. Information concerning careers in recreational sport management will be presented. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 538 Inclusive Recreation Services (3 semester hours)

Including people of all abilities in all aspects of community has become fully grafted into the collective social consciousness of America in the 21st century. Accordingly, recreation service providers must respond to this societal phenomenon by offering programs and services that address and meet the needs of all consumers. This course is designed to increase awareness of, and sensitivity to, the recreation and leisure service needs of persons with disabilities. Specific attention is given to facility design geared for accommodation, as well as the programmatic and administrative strategies needed for successful and effective implementation of recreation and leisure services that seamlessly integrate persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 541 Sports Administration for Coaches (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to introduce managerial and administrative concepts to athletic coaches. These concepts are integral to the successful development of an athletic program. Information concerning the practical application of business models and theories pertaining to the athletic administration and sports coaching professions will be presented. Also, business techniques associated with the survival and growth of an athletic program will be examined. This is a core requirement for Sports Coaching majors (it replaces SAM 543 in the Sports Coaching curriculum.) This course requires a final exam.

SAM 542 Sports Business and Personnel Management (3 semester hours)

This course involves the study of the principles of personnel management, including staffing, training, creating a favorable work environment, labor relations, compensation, benefits, laws, position descriptions, and employee evaluations. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 543 Sports Administration (3 semester hours)

The purpose of this course is to demonstrate to the prospective sports manager the importance of a basic understanding of administration theory and practice. The course will help students understand the sports manager’s position and the environment in which he or she performs. This course is a core requirement for all majors, with the exception of Sports Coaching majors (coaching majors will be required to take SAM 541 in lieu of SAM 543). This course requires a final exam.

SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3 semester hours)

This course includes an in-depth study of sports marketing and its influence on the accomplishment of objectives in the world of sports. It involves a thorough review of the product, be it tangible or a service, and details bringing the product to market. Topics include advertising, promotions, public relations, location, pricing, sponsorships, licensing, market segmentation, and the role of research. This course is a core requirement for all degree-seeking students. Prerequisites: SAB 561 and SAM 543. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 545 Sports Finance (3 semester hours)

This course involves a study of the basic financial considerations a Sports Management professional must understand to function effectively. It includes the financial challenges facing the profession, sources of funding, budgeting and financial statements, the concept of economic impact analysis, and the pros and cons of using public-sector funds. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 550 Fundraising in Sports (3 semester hours)

This course is a study of the concepts of sports fundraising. It provides a framework within which development staff, managers, and directors can operate and develop fundraising programs. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 551 Public Relations in Sports (3 semester hours)

Understanding the fundamentals of public relations and how they uniquely apply to sports in today’s world is the primary focus of this course. The vital role public relations plays in sports management cannot be overlooked in our contemporary sports environment, which can be both the beneficiary and the victim of our immediate access to information through social media, internet blogs, and the host of other electronic transfers of information. An examination and analysis of all these elements provides the basis for this in-depth inquiry into the crucial contributions public relations makes to the world of sports. This course requires a class paper.

SAM 582 Sports Facilities (3 semester hours)

This course involves the study of the principles, guidelines, and recommendations for planning, constructing, using, and maintaining indoor and outdoor sports, physical education, recreation, and fitness facilities. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 586 Sports Law and Risk Management (3 semester hours)

This course introduces the fundamental tenets of the law and familiarizes students with legal structure and basic legal terminology. Various types of law are examined, as is the impact each has on the sports industry. A thorough review of risk management as it interfaces with legal liability issues in the sports industry is provided. This course requires a final exam.

SAM 592 Introduction to the Business of Sports Agents (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to examine the role of the sports agent in the world of sports. An emphasis is placed on NCAA rules and state regulations surrounding recruitment by agents and the potential pitfalls an athlete could face. A thorough understanding of the sports agency profession is provided, including the techniques necessary to operate successfully in the profession. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 510 Sports Biomechanics (3 semester hours)

This course is a comprehensive study of human movement as it relates to sports and exercise. It covers how the study of biomechanics can promote human performance and prevent injury. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 511 Sports Performance Enhancement (3 semester hours)

The course is designed for sports coaches to study human movement as it relates to sports activities. Coaching techniques and methodology are addressed as regards to analyzing skills and improving sports performance. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 520 Exercise Physiology (3 semester hours)

This course is a study of various factors that affect human performance, including regulatory mechanisms, adaptations, and changes that occur as a result of physical activity. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 525 Sports Conditioning and Strength (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to study the fundamental principles of training and nutrition in sports and exercise. It is intended to develop knowledge of the anatomical and physiological systems challenged by sports conditioning and strength training, and to develop an awareness of fitness and nutrition programming. Ideas can be used to enhance individual and team performance in sports. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 526 Personal Training (3 semester hours)

This course will combine sports science and entrepreneurial principles toward the design and implementation of a personal training business. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 575 Professional Writing and Applied Research (3 semester hours)

This course will introduce the exciting world of research design and statistics 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 are reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are covered, with an emphasis on their application to sports. This is a required course for master’s students selecting the Thesis-Option academic track. This course requires a class paper.

SAR 580 Exercise Testing and Prescription (3 semester hours)

This course is a concentrated study of the principles of exercise testing and prescription for healthy and diseased states. The prerequisite for this course is SAR 520. This course requires a final exam.

SAR 587 Management Strategies in Health and Fitness (3 semester hours)

The study of the basic concepts, theories, and organization of management as applied to the field of health and fitness. Topics include organizational structure and function, program development and administration, human resource management, financial management, inventory control, information management, insurance issues, and legal considerations in health and fitness. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 508 Coaching Baseball (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to provide the foundations of coaching baseball to help current and future coaches accomplish the development of successful baseball programs. Coaching baseball has numerous challenges on and off the field. This course provides an in-depth analysis of all of the critical aspects of the competitions of baseball. It utilizes insight from some of the best baseball minds to put the coach-practitioner in a position to succeed. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 513 Coaching Basketball (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to individuals who intend to coach basketball at secondary, collegiate, and professional levels. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and teaching the fundamental skills, techniques, drills, and team strategies. Planning, preparation, and administration of the various phases of the season, practices, and competitions, along with the development of coaching philosophy and program evaluation plan for future improvement, will be covered. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 532 Coaching Football (3 semester hours)

This course is a study of the science and art of coaching football. All phases of coaching are addressed, from the Xs and Os, to the philosophy of leadership, responsibility, and teaching. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 564 Coaching Soccer (3 semester hours)

This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to individuals who intend to coach soccer at the secondary, collegiate, and professional levels. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and teaching the fundamental skills, techniques, drills, and team strategies. Planning, preparation, and administration of the various phases of the season, practices, and competitions, along with the development of coaching philosophy, and program evaluation plan for future improvement will be covered. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 566 Coaching Softball (3 semester hours)

This course covers the philosophical foundations of coaching softball and the technical aspects of coaching the game. The philosophical foundations include setting priorities, identifying personal standards, player and coach value systems, and organizing, building, and marketing the team. The technical portion of the course includes individual skills, team strategies, motivating players, and preparing for competition in tournaments and playoffs. This course requires a final exam.

SCS 578 Coaching Volleyball (3 semester hours)

This course examines the practical side of coaching volleyball. By illustrating the importance of scouting, practice preparation, and physical training, it attempts to address some of the major areas of volleyball coaching. The major areas of volleyball are broken down into the following categories: coaching priorities and principles, program building and management, innovative and effective practice sessions, individualized skills and team tactics, and game-winning strategies. This course requires a final exam.

SPT 597 Directed Individualized Study (3 – 6 semester hours)

Individualized study is directed by a qualified graduate 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 Chief Academic Officer prior to registration.

SPT 598 Internship (9 semester hours)

One of the most unique aspects of the master’s degree program is the experiential component called the Internship. In a internship a student works with a sports industry professional who provides the knowledge, advice, and skills which assist the student in career development. Master’s students must work 450 supervised clock hours. To be eligible to register for the internship, a student must have completed all core courses, must be in full-standing, and must have a 3.0 GPA. *The Internship is required for all Sports Health & Fitness majors and dual majors. These students must have completed all core and all required courses before registering for the internship.

SPT 599 Thesis (9 semester hours)

The formal development of an original research project is under the direction of a faculty committee. The thesis includes two 90-minute oral presentations which may be scheduled at the Daphne, Alabama, campus or done by videoconference. The thesis experience includes the planning and presentation of an oral proposal defense and an oral final defense of a completed research manuscript. The oral presentations may be augmented by the use of PowerPoint or other computer applications.

A master’s student may take 600-level courses after the completion of the three core courses (nine credit hours) in the master’s program. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher and will pay the doctoral tuition rate per credit hour for the 600-level course. Credit at the 600-level earned by a master’s degree student will count as elective credit in the master’s program.

SAB 622 Structure and Function of the Olympic Games (3 semester hours)

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 634 Ethics in Sport (3 semester hours)

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.

SAB 657 Psychology of Elite Performance (3 semester hours)

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 final class paper/project.

SAB 659 Group Dynamics in Sports (3 semester hours)

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

SAB 660 Sports in America Current Issues: Sport and Public Policy (3 semester hours)

This course examines some of the most compelling policy issues affecting the sports world from an interdisciplinary perspective including economics, history, urban planning, not-for-profit administration, public health communications, political science, and philosophy. This course requires a final paper/project.

SAB 670 Selected Readings in Sports Coaching (3 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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 class paper/project.

SAM 640 Labor Relations in Sports (3 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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 Personnel Training and Development (3 semester hours)

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 semester hours)

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.

SAR 672 Computer Analysis in Sports (3 semester hours)

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 674 Research Statistics in Sports (3 semester hours)

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 class paper/project.