Sport Management (MSS)
Credential: Master of Sport Science (MSS)
Program Overview
The Sport Management (MSS) is designed to expand and enhance the skills of students at all levels of experience in the industry of sport management. This graduate level leadership program will provide a strong biblical foundation for those who serve in public, private or Christian organizations. Through a solid foundation of core courses, all students will expand their knowledge base and advance in understanding while being challenged personally and professionally. In addition, the student will participate in an internship experience as well as select electives in a specific area of interest to become an expert in their field, expand their professional network and contribute meaningfully to their community.
The program has been developed with the professional competencies required to meet certification guidelines for graduate programs with the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
Highlights of the program include the following:
• Online delivery of the program provides flexibility while allowing students to work at a pace that fits their life stage
• Full time and part time student options are available
• Students travel through the curriculum as part of a cohort, which provides a collegial community with other Christians in the sport industry
• Support and resources allow students to navigate an industry that challenges biblical values and establish a stronger Christian presence in the field of Sport Management.
• Electives that address current trends and focus on expanding career areas will prepare graduates for career advancement
• The capstone field experience offers the student an opportunity to practice concepts learned in their classes, specialize in a chosen career area and expand their professional network
Program Mission Statement
The Master’s in Sport Leadership program provides a strong biblical foundation with an exceptional education experience in sport leadership studies to enhance the student’s competencies, while providing networking opportunities to prepare students to lead in the sport industry.
Program Outcomes
As a result of this program, the student will do the following:
1. Integrate a biblical foundation of leadership starting with personal spiritual formation and transitioning to a broader organizational level of leadership principles and practices.
2. Demonstrate content knowledge of the core components of sport management including technical, interpersonal, and conceptual skills in leadership, management, marketing, communications, administration, legal and financial principles.
3. Analyze current issues in sport, using critical thinking skills and displaying sensitivity to the issues while applying biblical principles to implement solutions.
4. Apply legal topics relating to the supervision and management of sport including tort law, risk management, contract law, employment law, ethics, and discrimination.
5. Collaborate effectively with faculty and professionals in the sport industry, identifying current and emerging trends while contributing to the ongoing advancement of sport
6. Demonstrate the effective use of technology and communication skills including written, oral, digital, and social media.
Location: Online
Degree Requirements
Advanced Standing
Four Bible & Theology Foundation courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Bible & Theology Foundation
Bible and Theology competencies will be met through four credits of coursework during the graduate program unless Advanced Standing criteria is met.
Sport Management Core
These courses address foundational and current topics in core areas of sport management. The student will complete a 6-credit capstone internship of their choosing.
| SPM 500 | Biblical Principles and Practices of Personal Leadership | |
| SPM SPM 510 | Leadership and Administration of Sport | 3 |
| SPM 530 | Financial Management in Sport | 3 |
| SPM 540 | Current Legal and Ethical Issues in Sport | 3 |
| SPM 550 | Sport Marketing and Promotions | 3 |
| SPM 560 | Sport Communication Technology | 3 |
| SPM 590 | Internship | 6 |
Electives
A variety of electives will be offered on a rotating basis to address the need for career specialization.
| SPM 570 | Facility and Event Management | 3 |
Application, Admission, Retention, & Graduation
Academic Advising
Students will be assigned an advisor to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Advisors are available for in-person and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and advisor regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met.
Admission Requirements
1. Applicants must complete an online application form with the application fee. To apply online, go to the following link: https://www.lbc.edu/capital/admissions/. Applicants follow the process for the application which outlines the process for gathering documentation outlined below.
2. Applicants must produce transcript(s) that verify that they have earned a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.
3. Students must have earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate studies to be admitted. Applicants who are otherwise qualified but lack the requisite GPA average may be granted provisional admission. If granted provisional admission, the applicant must earn a 3.0 or greater GPA by the conclusion of the first 12 credits.
4. Personal interview with the Program Coordinator
5. Transferring students: The MSS Sport Management program will review applications from prospective students who express interest in transferring from other graduate programs. Prospective students expressing interest in transferring from other programs will be reviewed by the MSS program director and admissions committee prior to a formal invitation to interview.
Faculty
Dr. Tom Randolph, EdD, Sport Management
Mrs. Amanda Zuschmidt, MEd, Sport Management