4. Division of Academic Affairs

4.1. Master of Sports Science Degree Programs

The United States Sports Academy offers a Master of Sports Science (M.S.S.) degree with majors in sports coaching, sports management, sports studies, sports medicine and sports fitness. The master’s degree program consists of 33 semester-hours. A dual-major is also available by combining two majors.

The curriculum is designed to enable recent college graduates, working professionals and sports enthusiasts to achieve their personal, educational and professional objectives in a sport specific environment. Each program is flexible to provide meaningful educational and technical preparation.

Each master’s program has a thesis, mentorship or non-thesis option, and students must choose one of the three. The thesis option allows students to pursue research activity in preparation for more advanced study. The mentorship is practical field experience wherein students get to engage in hands-on, sport related activities in the sport industry. The non-thesis option allows students to take three elective courses to broaden their base of theoretical knowledge of the subject.

4.2. Delivery Options

Students may take course work through a variety of delivery options to best meet their needs. These options may, in some cases, be combined to provide maximum flexibility. The master's degree courses may be taken entirely online, in residence (summer only), or through a combination of the two.

4.2.1. Summer Resident Study Options

Under the guidance of on campus faculty members, students study in a traditional classroom setting. Resident study allows a student to combine classroom instruction with practical work or applied research. This is designed to meet the specific needs of the individual.

4.2.2. Two Summers Plus Residential Option

The two summers plus residential option is ideal for teachers and coaches. It provides a means by which students may complete the master’s degree in just over a year. The student completes four courses in residence the first summer, completes a mentorship or four distance-learning courses over the ensuing fall and spring semesters, and returns to residential study the following summer, during which they complete four more courses and the comprehensive exam.

4.2.3. Directed-Individualized Study

Three to six semester-hours of directed individualized study may be taken as electives towards the Master of Sports Science in sports studies degree. Course work of this nature is under the direct supervision of a graduate faculty member and must conform to all the rules governing such study. No more than three semester-hours of directed individualized study may be taken in any one semester. Directed individualized study offers the student another opportunity to do research on topics of personal interest.

4.2.4. Distance-Learning Options

Distance-learning offers the student the opportunity to earn master's degree course credits through a combination of independent and practical study. Students may complete all or some of their master's course work through the distance-learning option. Distance-learning at the Academy is computer- mediated and asynchronous. This means that the professor and student do not have to be in simultaneous contact with each other for learning to take place or assignments to be completed.

For most online courses, distance-learning students at the Academy receive a log on and password for the electronic, web-based courses and the required textbook(s) for each course. Each student is assigned a professor for each course. Course requirements include completion of written assignments, participation in threaded discussions, quizzes, a course paper in the student’s area of interest and a final examination. The Academy Library and its extensive reference data base system can be accessed through the Academy web site. There are specific time limits (16 weeks plus extensions) that apply to completion of distance-learning courses. Those 16 weeks include one week built into the course time for shipping and handling of materials.

Prior to beginning online courses at the Academy, students are required to take SPT 101 Introduction to Academy Online Learning. There is no cost for this course.

SPT 101 Introduction to Academy Online Learning (0 sem. hrs.) This student orientation course is an introduction to the United States Sports Academy and serves as a tutorial on the Academy’s system of online learning. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Technical requirements: Go to http://www.ussa.edu/ussanet/index.asp and visit the “Technical Requirements and Browser Test Page” to find the computer requirements necessary for students to be successful in distance-learning.

4.3. Affiliated-Credit Options

The Academy is a member of the Southern Regional Educational Campus (SREC). The SREC is made up of colleges and universities from 16 Southern states and it offers 1,250 courses and 60 degree programs through the SREC web portal. The Academy was among the first independent colleges and universities in Alabama selected for participation in the SREC consortium. Academy courses that are now offered through the SREC Electronic Campus can be found at http://www.electroniccampus.org.

The Academy has an articulation agreement with Nichols College in Massachusetts, which offers the Academy’s courses as part of an MBA program. Interested students should contact the Academy’s Department of Student Services at studentservices@ussa.edu.

4.4. Mentorship, Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Depending upon their majors, master’s students are afforded the opportunity to select an experiential track, a thesis track or a non-thesis track (class only) as a learning experience in the master's degree program. The experiential track is a practical or a “learning by doing” approach called a mentorship. The research track requires the development and defense of a research-based thesis. The non-thesis track has only additional elective classes without a practical or research component.

4.4.1. Master’s Mentorship Program

The Academy's Mentorship program enables the student to get in-depth training under the direct supervision of a leader in the student's chosen field. Mentorship study provides many opportunities for valuable practical learning experiences since the student can select, within the established guidelines, both the site and the type of experience desired. The flexibility of Mentorship study is particularly important for the teaching or working professional who seeks career advancement but prefers to remain employed while pursuing a degree. It is also a requirement for the Master of Sports Science degree in sports fitness and in some circumstances, sports medicine.

Students are responsible for the selection of the mentor and Mentorship site within Mentorship guidelines and are thus able to determine the type of experiential training they would like to receive. All outcomes must be reviewed in writing by the designated mentorship faculty advisor and be approved by the Chief Academic Officer of the institution prior to commencing work.

The mentorship bears nine semester-hours of credit which requires the student to log 450 contact (clock) hours of work in the approved educational situation. The structure of the mentorship allows students to complete the program in as little as one semester and as much as one full calendar year. In the event that the 450 contact-hour requirement has not been satisfied after 12 months, students may apply for up to two 30 day extensions. Each extension necessitates a $50 extension fee.

Master's students must complete four or more of their program of study courses before enrolling in any mentorship field experience hours. Students who have not maintained a cumulative 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) will not be allowed to register for a Mentorship. Students must purchase the Academy Mentorship Handbook and complete the six steps in the Mentorship approval.

No contact hours may be accrued until an official Mentorship Contract has been notarized and the student has officially registered for the SPT 598 Mentorship course.

Each student is required to sign a three-party Mentorship contract. The parties involved include the student, the mentor organization and the Academy. Once the contract is fully executed, registration for Mentorship can occur on any workday throughout the semester. Students should have their own liability insurance.

To ensure quality experiences, established guidelines require that the duties and responsibilities for the Mentorship be completely apart and different from the student’s regular workplace. In addition, the mentor cannot be the student’s regular immediate supervisor. A terminal degree or master’s degree with experience are preferred for a mentor supervising a student, although consideration will be given to a potential mentor who has the appropriate educational background and/or experience and is able to demonstrate a record of contribution to the profession. Students have the responsibility to find their own Mentorship sites (with the assistance of the Academy). All Mentorships are subject to review and approval by the Chief Academic Officer.

The Mentorship has long been considered the “heart and soul” of the Academy. Experiencing a mentorship is an excellent opportunity to work side by side with experts in the sport profession. Students should attempt to procure mentorships in their local areas. If this is not possible, students should contact the Mentorship Office for information pertaining to other Mentorship opportunities around the country or abroad. In all cases, the Academy’s Mentorship contract must be executed as written.

4.4.2. Thesis

As an alternative to a nine semester-hour mentorship or non-thesis option, a Master of Sports Science student in sports management, sports coaching or sports studies may choose to do a six-hour thesis, SPT 599, plus a single three credit-hour course, SAR 575, “Professional Writing and Applied Research.” A thesis is an original piece of student research. The thesis manuscript may vary in length, depending upon the topic being researched. A faculty thesis committee consisting of a chair and one member from the faculty supervises each thesis student.

Two oral defenses of approximately 90 minutes in length must be scheduled and performed on campus in Daphne, Alabama. The first defense is the thesis proposal defense which is a presentation covering the first three chapters of the thesis manuscript. These chapters include an introduction and a review of literature and methodology. Once the thesis proposal defense has been approved, the thesis student is granted permission to carry out a data collection including human subjects, if approved. Under no circumstances may a data collection be conducted prior to the thesis proposal defense. The second defense is an oral presentation covering the entire thesis experience with a presentation of research findings. Special emphasis on the results and the summary and conclusions chapters is made during this defense.

All thesis manuscripts, once successfully completed, are sent to Proquest, Inc. for professional binding; please consult Section 5 Master’s Degree Fees and Costs for details on thesis binding, microfilming and optional copyright fees. Students who will be pursuing doctoral work at the Academy or elsewhere should seriously consider choosing the thesis option. All thesis hours are graded as Pass or Fail.

4.4.3. Non-Thesis

As an alternative to the mentorship or thesis tracks, the non-thesis track offers students the opportunity to take only classes in completing their degrees. Students opting for this track will take eleven courses instead of eight courses and will select electives in their majors or related areas in conjunction with their advisor to complete their degree.

4.5. Majors: Master’s Degree

The Master of Sports Science degree (M.S.S.) is offered in the following majors. Each major requires 33 semester-hours.

• Sports Coaching
• Sports Fitness
• Sports Management
• Sports Medicine
• Sports Studies

Sports management, sports coaching, sports studies, sports fitness and sports medicine are offered in the two summers plus residential program, provided sufficient numbers of students (a minimum of 10) register for the courses one month prior to the start of summer classes. Alternatively, all courses are available through web-based distance-learning.

4.5.1. Dual-Majors

The Academy offers a dual-major in any two disciplines. The number of hours required for a dual-major will vary between 42–48 hours depending upon the combination. The dual-majors are designed to provide students with a wider scope of education.

4.5.2. Core Courses

The following are the three core courses required in all majors:

• SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports
• SAM 543 Sports Administration
• SAM 544 Sports Marketing

The core courses and one other course from the student’s major (a total of 12 credit hours) must be completed with a 3.0 GPA before a student is eligible to take a mentorship.

4.5.3. Department of Sports Coaching

The graduate program in sports coaching is designed to prepare a student for leadership in the career of coaching. Program objectives are established to prepare each student for the multiplicity of demands involved in the control and operation of individual and team sports (See Addendum D).

4.5.4. Department of Sports Fitness

A student interested in pursuing a degree in sports fitness may be accepted from a variety of backgrounds. Generally, undergraduate majors with a strong background in exercise physiology, physical education, biology, health sciences and business are most suitable, although successful experience in the field may substitute for a person without a suitable academic major.

The sports fitness major is versatile in that it offers individuals opportunities to pursue exercise and physical fitness careers in corporate, private, public and not for-profit organizations. The program also examines issues in health and physical fitness, such as obesity.

The sports fitness program requires 24 hours of coursework (eight courses) and a required nine semester-hour mentorship consisting of 450 contact hours in a sports fitness setting (See Addendum G).

4.5.5. Department of Sports Management

The graduate curriculum in sports management is designed to prepare students for a number of career and leadership opportunities in sports and recreational management. Program objectives prepare the student for the demands in the operation of sports programs at various levels. Sports management students may prepare themselves for careers as athletic directors, sports facilities managers, sports information directors, sports front office administrators, sports community relations directors, etc. (See Addendum C).

4.5.6. Department of Sports Medicine

A student interested in pursuing a degree in sports medicine may be accepted from a variety of backgrounds. Undergraduate majors with backgrounds in allied health fields, sport medicine and the medical sciences are most suitable. Students should note that NATA Certification is no longer available through an apprenticeship program; hence students entering the program should have national or state certification requirements completed before applying.

The graduate program in sports medicine is designed to give students the tools required to assume career leadership positions in sports medicine at the high school, college or professional levels.

The sports medicine major includes 24 hours of course work (eight courses) and a required nine-semester hour mentorship consisting of 450 contact hours in an allied health or sports medicine operation. Students in sports medicine (except those certified by the NATA) must take a Mentorship. Thesis or non-thesis tracks may only be taken by those already certified by the NATA (See Addendum F).

4.5.7. Department of Sports Studies

The graduate curriculum is designed to prepare students for further study in sport at a higher level or prepare students to develop and build their own kinds of sport business. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 33 semester-hours, but often students may take additional courses to gain the full scope of the role of sport in society. In the sports studies curriculum, students works with their advisors to select courses from any major to build their own concentration (See Addendum E-1).

4.5.8. Master’s Elective Courses

Students must take elective courses in their major area and have their choices approved by their advisors before registering for an electives.

Master’s students may choose any 600 level courses in their majors as electives, provided they pay the doctoral tuition rate. Master’s students should also note that any 600 level course used at the master’s level cannot be used at the doctoral level. 600 level classes may only be attempted after the completion of the core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher.

4.6. Master of Sports Science Curriculum Planner

Sports Fitness 33 Semester-Hours	Sports Coaching 33 Semester-Hours
Core Courses 9 Semester-Hours
SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3) SAM 543 Sports Administration (3) SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3)	SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3) SAM 543 Sports Administration (3) SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3)
Major Courses 12 Semester-Hours
SAD 556 Issues in Nutrition and Health (3) SAR 520 Exercise Physiology (3) SAR 525 Sports Strength & Conditioning (3) SAR 580 Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)	SAB 568 Sports Psychology (3) SAB 571 Sports Coaching Methodology (3) SAR 525 Sports Strength & Conditioning (3) SAD 546 Seminar in Sports Medicine (3)
Thesis, Non-thesis or Mentorship
Mentorship: 450 Contact Hours (9), Plus 1 Elective (3)	Mentorship: 450 Contact Hours (9), Plus 1 Elective (3) Thesis: (6), SAR 575 (3), Plus 1 Elective (3) Non-Thesis: 4 Elective Courses (12)

 

Sports Management 33 Semester-Hours	Sports Medicine 33 Semester-Hours
Core Courses 9 Semester-Hours
SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3) SAM 543 Sports Administration (3) SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3)	SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3) SAM 543 Sports Administration (3) SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3)
Major Courses (Each course 3 Semester-Hours)
SAM 542 Sports Business & Personnel (3) SAM 545 Sports Finance (3) SAM 551 Public Relations in Sports (3) SAM 582 Sports Facilities (3) SAM 586 Sports Law and Risk Mgmt (3)	SAD 546 Seminar in Sports Medicine (3) SAD 548 Advanced Assessment in Sports Medicine (3) SAD 591 Treatment Procedures in Sports Medicine (3) SAR 525 Sports Strength and Conditioning (3)
Thesis, Non-thesis or Mentorship
Mentorship: 450 Contact Hours (9) Thesis: (6), SAR 575 (3) Non-Thesis: 3 Elective Courses (9)	Mentorship: 450 Contact Hours (9), Plus 1 Elective (3)

 

Sports Studies 33 Semester-Hours

Core Courses 9 Semester-Hours

SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3) SAM 543 Sports Administration (3) SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3)

Major Courses (Each course 3 Semester-Hours)

Elective (3) Elective (3) Elective (3) Elective (3)

Thesis, Non-thesis or Mentorship

Mentorship: 450 Contact Hours (9), Plus 1 Elective (3) Thesis: (6), SAR 575 (3), Plus 1 Elective (3) Non-Thesis: 4 Elective Courses (12)

4.7. Guidelines for Using the Curriculum Planner

1. Students must take SAB 561 and SAM 543 first.
2. To determine the courses required in their degrees, students should select the major heading and read down. Each major consists of 33 semester-hours.
3. All students are required to complete one of the following:
Mentorship (and any elective if indicated)
• Thesis (6), SAR 575 (3) (and any elective if indicated)
• Non-Thesis/Non-Mentorship (three electives)
4. Students must complete the core courses (nine semester-hours) and three additional semester-hours with a 3.0 GPA before they can enroll in the Mentorship course. Students must complete all of their courses, including SAR 575 as their last course, before they can enroll in a thesis.
5. Dual-majors, a combination of two degree programs, are available and range from 42 to 48 semester-hours. Students should consult their Academic Advisors for details.
6. In order for a course to be used toward degree completion by a conditionally-admitted student, all information must be on file. No more than 12 semester-hours can transfer into a degree program.
7. Students who are NATA certified and can show proof of their certification, may take three elective courses in place of the mentorship. Students should consult their Academic Advisors or Departmental Chair for details.

4.8. Master’s Academic Course Descriptions

SAB 561 Contemporary Issues in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major issues involved in the world of sport. All primary issues impacting contemporary sport 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 for all majors.

SAB 563 Psychological Aspects of Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a study of the psychological and sociological aspects of sports medicine. Emphasis will be given to the applications of this knowledge to the counseling of athletes coping with sport injuries and to the development of motivational strategies for rehabilitation and return to physical activity.

SAB 566 Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming (3 sem. hrs.)

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

SAB 568 Sports Psychology (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves the study of human psychological behavior and its influence in sport and exercise settings. It is designed to provide the student with the information gleaned from research in the field of sport psychology as well as practical knowledge to become a more effective sport management professional, coach or fitness instructor.

SAB 571 Sports Coaching Methodology (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a study of the development of a theoretical base for teaching sport and sport skills with 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 will be discussed.

SAB 595 Sports Coaching Clinic (1 sem. hr.)

This course requires a minimum of 15 hours attendance and/or participation in a coaching clinic organized by a recognized sport governing body and a research paper which outlines at least two of the following four topics: student philosophies in coaching; sport specific coaching philosophies; discussion of at least five different sessions in the coaching clinic and an evaluation of the clinic sessions.

SAD 546 Seminar in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

An overview of the sports medicine profession designed to educate athletic trainers, fitness professionals and sport coaches on how to assess and manage sports injuries.

SAD 548 Advanced Assessment in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to enhance the student's assessment techniques in the evaluation of athletic injuries and illnesses. This course 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 to best manage and rehabilitate the injured or ill athlete.

SAD 556 Issues in Nutrition and Health (3 sem. hrs.)

This course covers the principles of sound nutrition as it relates to the athlete as well as to the average individual in our society. In addition, the course covers the physiological aspects of how nutrition affects the body in terms of overall optimal health.

SAD 562 Scientific Principles of Resistance Training (3 sem. hrs.)

This course provides the 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.

SAD 587 Management Strategies in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

The study of the basic concepts, theories and organization of management as applied to the field of sports medicine. Topics emphasized include organizational structure and function, program development and administration, human resource management, financial management, inventory control, information management, insurance issues and legal considerations in sports medicine.

SAD 591 Treatment Procedures in Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a study of modalities including the physiological effects, rationale, principles and methods of applying physical agents, therapeutic exercises and evaluation and treatment planning in the practice of sports medicine.

SAM 542 Sports Business and Personnel Management (3 sem. hrs.)

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

SAM 543 Sports Administration (3 sem. hrs.)

The purpose of this course is to demonstrate to the prospective sport manager the importance of a basic understanding of administration theory and practice. The course will help the student understand the sport manager’s position and the environment in which they must perform. This course is a core requirement for all degree seeking students.

SAM 544 Sports Marketing (3 sem. hrs.)

This course includes an in-depth study of sport marketing and the influence it has in accomplishing objectives in today’s world of sport. It involves a thorough review of the product, be it tangible or a service, and details bringing it 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.

SAM 545 Sports Finance (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves a study of the basic financial considerations a sport 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.

SAM 550 Fund Raising in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a study of the concepts of sport fund raising activities that provides a framework for development staff, managers and directors to operate and develop fund raising programs.

SAM 551 Public Relations in Sports (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the field of public relations and its role in sports management. A clear understanding of the differences between public relations and advertising, marketing, publicity and promotion is provided. The basic areas of public relations are covered and an understanding of public relations planning is provided.

SAM 582 Sports Facilities (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves the study of the principles, guidelines and recommendations for planning, construction and the use and maintenance of indoor and outdoor sport, physical education, recreation and fitness facilities.

SAM 586 Sports Law and Risk Management (3 sem. hrs.)

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

SAM 592 Introduction to the Business of Sports Agents (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to examine the role of the sport agent in today’s world of sport. 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 sport agency profession is provided, including the techniques necessary to operate successfully in the profession.

SAR 510 Sports Biomechanics (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is a comprehensive study of human movement as it relates to sport and exercise. The course will cover how the study of biomechanics can promote human performance and prevent injury.

SAR 511 Sports Performance Enhancement (3 sem. hrs.)

The course is designed for sport coaches to study human movement as it relates to sport activities. Coaching techniques and methodology are addressed to learn how to analyze skills and improve sport performance.

SAR 520 Exercise Physiology (3 sem. hrs.)

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 activities.

SAR 525 Sports Conditioning and Nutrition (3 sem. hrs.)

This course is designed to study the fundamental principles of training and nutrition in sport and exercise. The course is intended to develop knowledge of the anatomical and physiological systems challenged by sport conditioning, strength training and an awareness of fitness and nutrition program. These ideas can be used to enhance individual and team performance in sport.

SAR 526 Personal Training (3 sem. hrs.)

This course will combine sport science and entrepreneurial principles in the design and implementation of a personal training business.

SAR 575 Professional Writing and Applied Research (3 sem. hrs.)

This course will introduce the exciting world of research design and statistics to sport 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 sport are reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are covered with an emphasis on application to sport.

SAR 580 Exercise Testing and Prescription (3 sem. hrs.)

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.

SAR 587 Management Strategies in Health & Fitness (3 sem. hrs.)

The study of the basic concepts, theories and organization of management as applied to the field of health and fitness. Topics emphasized 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.

SCS 508 Coaching Baseball

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

SCS 513 Coaching Basketball

This course is designed to provide necessary knowledge and skills for an individual who intends 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 for the various phases of the season, practices and competitions along with the development of coaching philosophy and program evaluation for future improvement will be covered.

SCS 532 Coaching Football

This course is designed to provide entry-level information, fundamentals, principles and management enablers for anyone who would coach and/or instruct basic American football skills.

SCS 566 Coaching Softball

This course covers the philosophical foundation of coaching softball and the technical aspects of coaching the game. The philosophical foundation area includes setting priorities, identifying personal standards, player and coach value systems and organizing, building and marketing the team. The technical portion of the course discusses individual skills, team strategies, motivating players and competing in tournaments and playoffs.

SCS 576 Coaching Tennis

This course focuses on current ideas and practical experiences reflecting coaching trends in tennis. The material presented is a culmination of information researched by both the USTA national coaching staff and the USTA sport science staff. The course is designed to provide the student with practical knowledge in the coaching of a tennis team—be it a high school, college, junior tennis and USTA affiliated tennis league. This course will examine issues regarding establishing a coaching foundation, planning for the overall season, the teaching of tennis skills and strategy, preparing players for competitive match play and the coach’s role in evaluation of players and the program.

SCS 578 Coaching Volleyball

This course examines the practical side of coaching volleyball. By illustrating the importance of scouting, practice preparation and physical training, this course 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, Individual Skills and Team Tactics and Game-Winning Strategies.

SPT 597 Individualized Study (3-9 sem. hrs.)

Individual study directed by a faculty member in a specific area of interest for an individual study direct by a faculty member in a specific area of interest, students must have the prior approval of the Chief Academic Officer to register.

SPT 598 Mentorship (9 sem. hrs.)

Mentorships involve supervised work for 450 clock-hours in sports fitness, sports coaching, sports management or sports medicine in schools, colleges and universities, businesses and industries. It is recommended that the Academy Mentorship Handbook be purchased two months prior to registration. The Academy Mentorship Office must receive a notarized contract in order to receive permission to register for this course. The prerequisite is the completion of the first 12 semester-hours of the degree program.

SPT 599 Thesis (9 sem. hrs.)

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

4.9. 600 Courses (Doctoral and Master’s Students)

Credits at the 600 level earned by a master’s degree student will count as elective credits in the master’s program. A master’s student may take 600 level classes after the completion of nine core hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher, but must pay doctoral tuition per credit.

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

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

SAB 667 Olympism (3 sem. hrs.)

This course involves the study of the history, development and current issues of the Olympic movement. A topic is to be chosen from readings or research material on the Olympics and the Olympic movement.

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

The course provides an analysis of professional and amateur sport 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 deal with issues related to running an effective and efficient sport organization.

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 sport. The growth and development of unions is explored within the sports industry with an emphasis on labor-management agreements currently utilized in professional sport.

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

This course examines marketing research pertinent to the successful operation of sport enterprises. It includes the study of research design, data analysis and the presentation of results.

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

This course involves an in-depth study of the financial challenges facing contemporary sport 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 is a requirement in the doctoral general core.

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 such a business. The process of operating a business is also explored.

SAM 672 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.

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 sport facilities. It is designed to provide students with an awareness of the facilities appropriate to sport programs, ranging from colleges to ultra-modern fitness centers.

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 Sport Law and Risk Management.

SAM 688 Sport Journalism (3 sem.hrs.)

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

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

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

9/2006