Bachelor of Science
in Sport Management
Richard W. Riley College of Education
Program Overview
Sport managers must understand the business of sport.
Whether professional, collegiate, amateur or recreational, all sport entities operate as businesses or use business
practices. The sport management major (SPMA) at Winthrop University prepares future leaders who are seeking
employment in the sport industry. Winthrop’s program
provides a strong theoretical foundation, as well as a variety of experiential learning experiences.
Local Sport Opportunities
Charlotte, N.C., (only minutes north of Winthrop) is
home to a number of professional teams, including the
NFL’s Carolina Panthers; the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats;
the Charlotte Knights, a AAA affiliate of the MLB’s
Chicago White Sox; and the American Hockey League’s
Charlotte Checkers, an affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina
Hurricanes. Charlotte is also home to teams for Major
League Lacrosse and the Indoor Lacrosse League. Sport
venues in the Charlotte metropolitan region include
Bank of America Stadium, Time Warner Cable Arena,
BB&T Ballpark, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bojangle’s
Coliseum, Memorial Stadium, Giordana Velodrome,
Manchester Meadows and Winthrop Coliseum.
For more information, contact
Christi DeWaele, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program
Coordinator, Sport Management
Department of Physical Education,
Sport and Human Performance
218A West Center
Rock Hill, SC 29733
803/323-3376
dewaelec@winthrop.edu
www.winthrop.edu/coe/sportmanagement
Bachelor of Science in
Sport Management
03/14
Richard W. Riley College of Education
Internships and Field Experiences
Internships and field experiences are the primary
method of gaining a position in the sport management field. The Winthrop sport management program
requires an internship (480 hours for 10 credit hours)
and field experience (120 hours for 3 credit hours) for
graduation. Students accept internships in a variety
of settings in the sport industry. Opportunities have
included the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats,
Charlotte Knights, Charlotte Motor Speedway, South
Atlantic Conference, Family Circle Cup, Upward Stars,
Greenville Drive, collegiate athletic departments, community recreation departments and sport agencies.
Program Courses
The sport management major at Winthrop is an interdisciplinary degree between the Department of Physical
Education, Sport and Human Performance in the Richard
W. Riley College of Education and the College of Business
Administration. Sport management majors have a wellrounded curriculum as they have a foundation of courses in
accounting, management, marketing and human resources.
Sample Classes
Sport Law
Student Organizations
Student organizations provide opportunities for candidates to participate in a variety of volunteer services
and shared experiences/activities. In addition to the department’s honorary organization, Phi Epsilon Kappa
(PEK), students may join:
SPORT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (SMA):
The purpose of SMA is to provide professional development and networking opportunities to students
enrolled in the SPMA program. The focus is on developing professional friendships and relationships that
will last a lifetime.
Sport Budget and Finance
Sales and Relationship Marketing
Career/Job Opportunities
Career opportunities in sport management are broad
because of the breadth and depth of the sport industry.
Common position titles in sport management are athletic director, facility manager, event coordinator, ticket
sales representative, director of community relations,
general manager and director of corporate sales.
Administration of Sport Organizations
Global Perspectives in Sport
Sport Marketing
Risk Management in Physical Activity and Sport
Sport Event and Facility Management
Accreditation
The B.S. in sport management program is nationally
accredited by the Commission on Sport Management
Accreditation (COSMA).