Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Sport and Recreation Management, B.S.


Program Information


David Shonk, Interim Director
Phone: (540) 568-6585
Emailshonkdj@jmu.edu
Location: Godwin Hall, Room 359
Websitehttp://www.jmu.edu/hartschool

Professors
D. Shonk, J. Wallace-Carr, S. West

Associate Professors
B. Carr

Assistant Professors
A. Hallmon, S. Manjunath, K. Songkeng

Lecturers
A. Bosley, G. deBrun, A. Hayslett, B. Swartz

Mission

The mission of the sport and recreation program is to develop a community of learners through quality education that integrates theory, practice, and personal growth in the hospitality, sport and recreation industries.

We are dedicated to the development of future leaders in sport and management professions through a course of study that maximizes the potential of individuals and society.

Sport and recreation management is committed to providing:

  • An outstanding undergraduate program based on the criteria of relevant professional associations, which will enable graduates to be successful in their professional endeavors.
  • A program that builds upon the strong liberal studies background provided through General Education.
  • The opportunities that challenge students to think critically, to use technology and to appreciate the global community.
  • The research and development projects that push back the boundaries of knowledge and promote effective practice in sport and recreation management.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this degree will be employed in professional sport organizations, semi-professional sport organizations, collegiate athletics, sport marketing agencies, sport broadcasting venues, facility management in both sport and recreation, community recreation agencies, commercial recreation agencies, theme parks, military recreation as well as hotels, resorts and other hospitality and entertainment venues.

Careers in sport and recreation management are plentiful. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

  • Fitness/Health Club Manager
  • Sportscaster
  • Aerobics Instructor
  • Sports Agent
  • General Manager
  • Athletic Coach
  • Athletic Director
  • Sports Event Coordinator
  • Media Relations Specialist
  • Sports Information Specialist
  • YMCA Youth Leader
  • Recreation Professional
  • Sports Marketing Specialist
  • Community Center Director
  • Corporate Fitness Leader
  • Director of Stadium Operations
  • Director of Ticket Operations
  • Professional Sports Scout
  • Promotion Director
  • Youth Programs Director
  • Campus Recreation Director
  • Athletic Contract Manager
  • Sports Camp Director

Co-Curricular Activities

In order to enhance the educational, experiential, networking and professional opportunities for our students, sport and recreation management (SRM) offers and encourages involvement in a wide variety of co-curricular activities and SRM-related conferences and organizations. Co-curricular activities also include required practicum and internship experiences for which academic credit is given. Below is a list of SRMs most prominent activities:

Conferences and Events

  • Sports Events Marketing Experience (SEME)
  • Sports Industry Networking and Career Conference (SINC)
  • MIT Sloan Analytics Conference
  • National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Annual Conference and Recreational Sports Expo
  • National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) National Conference
  • Association of Outdoor Recreation Education Annual Conference

Professional Organizations

  • National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
  • National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)
  • North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
  • North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS)
  • Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education
  • Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE; formerly American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) 
  • Sport Marketing Association (SMA)

JMU Clubs and Organizations

  • Phi Epsilon Kappa
  • Sigma Rho Mu
  • SRM Major’s Club (SLAM)
  • Women in Sport and Recreation Management
  • Sports Clubs

Practicums and Internships

SRM requires its students to complete a practicum and an internship. Both count as academic credit hours. These are opportunities for the student to gain valuable experience by working in his/her field of choice in a sport or recreation-related agency. The opportunities are almost endless.

While enrolled in SRM 482 , students may only take one additional course (three or four credit hours). The additional course must be approved in advance by the site supervisor and the director of SRM.

Degree and Major Requirements


Degree Requirements Credit Hours
General Education  1 41
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3
Scientific literacy requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3-4
Sport and Recreation Management required courses 36
Sport and Recreation Management elective courses 9
General Business Minor for Sport and Recreation Management OR Entrepreneurship Minor 2 18
University Electives

Total

9-10

120

Footnotes


1 The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
2 Successful completion of these courses with a 2.0 GPA will qualify the student for a general business minor; however, it is the responsibility of the student to complete the necessary paperwork in the College of Business  to apply for the minor.

Major Requirements Total: 36 Credit Hours


Elective Courses


Any nine credit hours of Sport & Recreation Management (SRM) courses at the 300 or 400 level that are not required for the SRM major may be used to satisfy the elective requirement; or any nine credit hours in the Sport Communication or Coaching Education minor may be used to satisfy the nine elective hour requirement in SRM; or any course with permission of a Hart School adviser.    

Electives Total: 9 Credit Hours


Minor Requirements


General Business Minor or Entrepreneurship Minor


No more than 30 credit hours may be taken in the College of Business . Students in sport and recreation management must declare either the business or entrepreneurship minor through the College of Business .

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 Successful completion of COB 242  will substitute for ACTG 244 .

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 Successful completion of COB 242  will substitute for ACTG 244 .

Recommended Schedule for Majors


First Year


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Third Year


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Fourth Year


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Program Total: 120 Credit Hours