COURSE CURRICULUM

The coursework in the Sports Business program is designed to give students a practical and industry-focused understanding of how the global sports sector operates. Students begin with foundational courses such as Introduction to Sports Management, which provides an overview of the structure, operations, and career opportunities within the sports industry. Sports, Media, and Society explores the relationship between sports and media, examining how sports influence culture, public perception, and communication in modern society.Students also take specialized business-oriented courses like Sports Sales and Sports Sponsorship Marketing, which focus on revenue generation, brand partnerships, and marketing strategies used by professional sports organizations. Event Sales, Service and Promotion prepares students to manage sports-related events, develop customer experiences, and understand the business side of live sporting events.Courses such as Exploring Economics and Statistics Through Sports help students apply analytical and quantitative methods to real-world sports data, strengthening their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Hospitality Service and Experience Management introduces students to customer service and operations within sports venues and related industries.A unique feature of the program is its experiential and global learning opportunities. Behind the Scenes with Chicago Sports Organizations allows students to engage directly with professional teams and understand day-to-day operations. The Chicago Cubs Summer Consulting Project provides real consulting experience with a major sports franchise. The International Business of Sports in London expands students’ understanding of global sports markets and international business practices. Additionally, The Business of Esports introduces students to the rapidly growing competitive gaming industry.Leadership in Sports: Lessons for Coaching in the Workplace focuses on leadership development and team management skills applicable both in sports and business environments.Overall, the curriculum blends theory, analytics, marketing, leadership, and hands-on experiences to prepare students for careers in sports management, marketing, consulting, event operations, and global sports business.