CURRICULUM

YEAR 1: 24 CREDIT HOURS

• FALL

  GSLD 6000 - LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL SPORT - 3 HOURS

  An examination of leadership from both a theoretical and practical viewpoint. Characteristics and competencies of leaders throughout the world are analyzed and evaluated as each student begins to develop a personal leadership style. Particular attention is focused on gender, race, and ethnicity in sport, sport culture and professional networking as well as introducing change, creating a vision, encouraging communication, and building a team.

  GSLD 6100 - STRATEGIC THINKING AND PLANNING FOR GLOBAL SPORT LEADERS - 3 HOURS

  Development and implementation of the strategic thinking and planning process, focusing on the development of priorities based on allocation of resources and energy to complete tasks in an organized and structured schedule so that all stakeholders are working toward common established goals with defined and intended outcomes and results.

• WINTER

  GSLD 6200 - INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SPORT - 3 HOURS

  Provides insight to the vast array of stakeholders that leadership needs to interact with on a daily basis: coaches, athletes, parents, alumni, corporate partners, ticket purchasers, fans, government officials, university administrators, faculty, etc.

• SPRING

  GSLD 6300 - LEADING EXTERNAL FUNCTION IN GLOBAL SPORT - 3 HOURS

  Comprehensive study of the external functions found within a global sport organization from an integrated viewpoint including sales, analytics, research, marketing, fundraising, corporate sales, recruiting, media relations, and public relations. Emphasis is placed on the connectivity of each function and the development of synergies through collaboration and networking.

  GSLD 6400 - RESEARCH METHODS I FOR GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP - 3 HOURS

  An overview of quantitative and qualitative methods for research design and analytics in global sport leadership. Included are the research process, formulating the research question, research design options, data collection via the scientific method, creation of the literature review in a research paper, analyzing data, creating the research paper abstract, and the research report.

• MAY

  GSLD 6500 - INTERNATIONAL MODEL OF SPORT LEADERSHIP - 3 HOURS

  Investigation, networking, and analysis of multiple international sport models and how they influence one’s leadership style/philosophy. A practicum that requires travel abroad (approximately ten days) for hands-on learning opportunities.

• SUMMER

  GSLD 6600 - EFFECT OF GOVERNING BODIES ON SPORT LEADERSHIP - 3 HOURS

  Examines the relationship of how governing bodies such as NCAA, USOC, IOC, Federal, State, and institutional regulations, etc. affect the analysis and ultimately the decision-making processes of sport leaders and demonstrates how historical, political and societal changes influence decisions of governing bodies. This background provides sport leaders with information to develop efficient and effective programs within the constraints of governance structures.

  GSLD 6700 - SPORT AND SOCIETY: IMPACT ON LEADERSHIP - 3 HOURS

  Analysis of the effect of sport on society and society on sport and the impact of both on sport leadership; explores race, gender, socio-economics, and commercialization. Sport is observed from a globalization viewpoint and the relationship between sport and politics, nationalism, and social protest is included.

YEAR 2: 24 CREDIT HOURS

• FALL

  GSLD 6800 - LEADING INTERNAL FUNCTIONS OF SPORT - 3 HOURS

  Comprehensive study of internal functions of global sport organizations from an integrated viewpoint including fiscal operations, personnel management, facilities design and operation, procurement, policy development, and technology to assist the sport leader with decisions regarding financial and human resources.

  GSLD 6900 - ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR FOR SPORT LEADERS - 3 HOURS

  Identifies and analyzes components of sport organizational behavior and leadership responsibilities. Areas of emphasis are individual and group dynamics, strategies and structures that guide organizations, decision-making, and team building. Individual motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational culture are examined through the viewpoint of a sport leader.

• WINTER

  GSLD 7000 - SEMINAR IN GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP - 3 HOURS

  Uses current and past case studies to pinpoint important concepts in Sport Leadership that have been studied throughout the course. This class aggregates topics from the curriculum and pulls together many of the areas in the study of real life situations. Students are expected to develop their own case studies and elaborate on the concepts and strategies that were used. Each student is required to evaluate the case study from a leadership perspective.

• SPRING

  GSLD 7100 - SPORT BRANDING AND MARKETING - 3 HOURS

  Comprehensive examination on building an athletic brand through positioning, audience segmentation, and brand message and focus on creating a comprehensive and integrated brand strategy that can drive actionable and measurable outcomes in various cultures.

  GSLD 7200 - RESEARCH METHODS FOR GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP II - 3 HOURS

  Expands on the foundation of Research Methods for Global Sport Leadership I by creating qualitative and quantitative research designs and interpreting the results to solve problems for sport organizations. Visual display of both methods is explored to provide students with multiple options for presenting research findings.

• MAY

  GSLD 7300 - IMMERSION IN SPORT: PRACTICUM - 3 HOURS

  Domestic or international onsite observations of leadership styles and practices of successful sport executives, programs, facilities, and events that contribute to the development of a global sport leader. Requires approximately ten days of travel.

• SUMMER

  GSLD 7400 - LAW AND NEGOTIATION FOR SPORT LEADERS - 3 HOURS

  Emphasizes worldwide legal doctrines and theories that impact legal and business issues that affect the regulations and governance of sport. Develops the concept of negotiation to provide sport leaders the expertise to settle differences while avoiding disruptive argument and obtaining the best possible outcome for the leader and/or his or her organization.

  GSLD 7500 - INTERPRETING AND APPLYING ANALYTICS IN SPORT - 3 HOURS

  Discusses alternative methods of statistics and analytics used for decision making throughout the sport industry including: mixed method approaches, single subject design, statistical process control, participatory and user-centered research, and more. Includes critical assessment of published research.

YEAR 3: 12 CREDIT HOURS

• FALL

  GSLD 7600 - DOCTORAL CAPSTONE FOR GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP I - 6 HOURS

  Application of knowledge and focus areas in the program to complete comprehensive literature review, opinion pieces, and presentation of a research-based initiative in global sport leadership to be included in the culminating digital portfolio.

• SPRING

  GSLD 7700 - DOCTORAL CAPSTONE PROJECT IN GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP II - 6 HOURS
  
  

  Continuation of GSLD 7600 to complete the Doctoral Capstone digital portfolio that includes a personal leadership philosophy that uses the best practices worldwide with support from writings, research, personal interactions, and experiences to justify each leadership principle. Particular attention is focused on developing a personal growth plan for the future to include engagement and connection with particular attention to role models, mentors, and associates. The conclusion of the research focus initiated in GSLD 7600 is incorporated in the Doctoral Capstone project. This compilation of material results in creation of a digital portfolio that encompasses all aspects of learning from the course content as well as the leadership style of the student.