Sport Management (MSS)
Credential: Master of Sport Science
Location: Online
Program Director: Health Hooper, PhD
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.
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).
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will:
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.
Curriculum Structure and Degree Requirements
| Curricular Structure |
Credits |
| Biblical and Theological Foundations Course |
3 |
| Sport Management Courses |
27 |
| Elective Courses |
6 |
| Program Total |
36 |
Biblical & Theological Foundation Course (3 credits)
This chart outlines how prior college-level credits in Bible and theology, as represented on a transcript, apply to the Biblical and Theological Foundations course requirement.
| 15 or less credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 503 Foundations for Integration |
| 16-29 credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 504 Perspectives on Integration |
| 30 or more credits of Bible and theology |
Requirement satisfied
|
Sport Management Courses (27 credits)
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 | 3 |
| SPM 504 | Evangelism and Discipleship in Sport | |
| 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 |
Elective Courses (6 credits)
A variety of electives will be offered on a rotating basis to address the need for career specialization.
Admission, Retention, & Graduation
Admission Requirements
Admission into a master's degree program is consistent with the general admissions policy and practice of LBC | Capital. Admission criteria is located in the Admissions Information section of the catalog.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information.
| Graduate Program |
Program Credits |
# of Transfer Credits |
Min. Grade of Transfer Credits |
| Sport Management (MSS) |
36 cr. |
9 graduate credits |
B
|
Academic Advising
Students in this program are supported by the Student Success Coach and Program Director. The Student Success Coach will monitor student progress and provide encouragement to students throughout their studies. The Program Director is available to meet with students to discuss academic questions and progress, explore questions related to course content, provide career advice and help prepare students for their capstone experiences in the program. The Program Director and Coaches are available for in-person or video conference, phone, or email meetings.
Retention
Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC | Capital students.
Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a degree:
• Satisfactory completion of all required course work
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations
• Adherence to biblical standards and an ethical lifestyle
Faculty
Program Director: Health Hooper, PhD
Dr. Heath Hooper has been in Higher Education now for 12 years. He serves as the Dean of the Ledbetter College of Business and Professor of Sport Management at Shorter University. Dr. Hooper is additionally very involved in his local community as he serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the local Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce and as the 2022 President of the Board for the Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth and the 2024 Chairman of the Rome Floyd Chamber Board.
Dr. Hooper resides in Rome, GA with his wife and together they have two children, Ty (7) and Lilliann (3).
Education:
PhD Education in Sport Management, North Central University, Minneapolis, MN
Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration, Concordia University-Irvine, Irvine, CA
Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration, Reinhardt University, Waleska, GA