The United States Sports Academy is expanding its undergraduate offerings with the introduction of new minors available to first-time students enrolling for the Fall 2023 semester. The minors will cover a diverse range of study including business administration, analytics in sports, nutritional science, sports media and communication, marketing, women’s studies in sports, and project management.
Each of the new minors is twelve credit hours and will be integrated into the student’s curriculum as electives. For questions about the undergraduate minors, contact dean of undergraduate studies Dr. Vandy Pacetti-Donelson at vpacettidonelson@ussa.edu .
Nutritional Science: This minor is designed for students who are interested in exploring the relationships between nutrition, exercise, and human health. The program will provide students with a strong foundation in the science of nutrition, including the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients in human physiology and metabolism. Upon completion of the program, students will have a deep understanding of the science of nutrition and its relationship to human health and performance. Students in this program will learn about the guidelines and recommendations for optimal nutrition and physical activity, including those established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Sports Coaching: This minor is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of coaching in various sports. The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful coaches, team managers, and high-performance directors. The program covers a wide range of topics, including sports psychology, physiology, nutrition, injury prevention, and sports management, among others.
Analytics in Sports: This minor will provide students with a solid foundation in the theories and methods of data analytics as they apply to the sports industry. This program will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret and make decisions based on this data. Students will begin with foundational courses in statistics and data analysis, including topics such as probability theory, regression analysis, and data visualization. They will also take courses in programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as Python or R, and database management.
Esports Management: The minor in esports management is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the growing and dynamic field of esports. This program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the esports industry and the skills necessary to manage esports teams, events, and organizations.
Women’s Studies in Sport: This minor focuses on providing students with a critical understanding of the historical, cultural, and social contexts of women’s participation in sports. The minor includes courses in feminist theory, women’s history, gender and sexuality studies, and women’s health and wellness. Students will also learn about the specific challenges and opportunities facing women in sports, including issues related to representation, access, and discrimination.
Business Administration: This minor is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the principles and practices of business. Students will learn about the fundamental concepts of accounting, finance, marketing, management, and operations. They will gain a broad perspective on the different functions of business and how they interact with each other.
Marketing: This minor provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively market businesses, organizations, teams, and events emphasizing today’s digital age. Students will learn the basic principles of marketing, including market research, segmentation, targeting, positioning, and consumer behavior. In addition, this minor covers essential areas of marketing such as digital media, social media, and brand management.
Sports Media and Communication: The academic minor in sports media and communication is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of media and communication. This minor emphasizes effective communication strategies that are essential to the success of teams, athletes, and organizations. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of sports media and communication, including media relations, public relations, strategic communication, sports journalism, and digital communication. Students will learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of working in the sport industry, such as managing public perception of athletes and teams, navigating media coverage, and leveraging social media.
Project Management: An academic minor in project management for sports management focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage projects related to sports events, facility management, and athletic programs. The minor will complement a major in sports management, providing students with a solid foundation in project management principles and techniques. The minor includes courses in project management fundamentals, risk management, scheduling and budgeting, and project communication. Students will also learn about the specific challenges of managing sports projects, such as coordinating with vendors, managing multiple stakeholders, and dealing with unexpected events.
