Sport Marketing
Bachelor of Science
Fall
- SPORT MANAGEMENT 110 - Intro to Sport Management ............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 100 - Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Second Language I ............ 3cr.
- THEO 111 – Theological Foundations or CORE 100 - First Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101 – First Year Co-Curricular Prog. I............ 0cr.
Spring
- SPORT MANAGEMENT 195 - History of American Sport ............ 3cr.
- COMM 101 – Oral Communication............ 3cr.
- Second Language II ............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 101 – English Composition or ENGLISH 105 - Rhetoric............ 3cr.
- THEO 111 – Theological Foundations or CORE 100 - First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 102 – First Year Co-Curricular Prog. II............ 0cr.
Fall
- SPMG 232 – Sociology of Sport............ 3cr.
- ECON 200 – Microeconomic Principles............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective Elective............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives Elective (PHIL 200 or Higher) ............ 3cr.
- Second Language III (201, if needed)
Spring
- SPMG 250 – Professional Development in Sport............ 3cr.
- ECON 201 – Macroeconomic Principles............ 3cr.
- MGMT 200 – Organizational Management............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- MATH 116 – Elementary Statistics or MATH 156 – General Statistics............ 3cr.
Fall
- SPORT MANAGEMENT 322 - Facility and Event Management ............ 3cr.
- SPMG 360 – Sport Finance & Economics............ 3cr.
- ACCT 200 – Introductory Financial Accounting............ 3cr.
- MARKETING 300 - Principles of Marketing ............ 3cr.
- BAIS 220 – Management of Infor Tech............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Course............ 3cr.
Spring
- SPMG 310 – Sport Marketing............ 3cr.
- SPMG 410 – Sport Ethics............ 3cr.
- BLAW 300 – Legal Environment............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205 – Literature & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Marketing Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- SPMG 448 – Legal Issues in Sport............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspective Elective............ 3cr.
- Sport Management Elective ............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
- Marketing Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- SPMG 495 – Internship in SPMG............ 9cr.
- Sport Management Elective ............ 3cr.
- Sport Management Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 499 – Core Capstone............ 0cr.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Sport Marketing major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Recent graduates are employed in intercollegiate athletics, specialized sport management and marketing firms, high school athletic administration and commercial sport, as well as with traditional businesses.
Recent Employers
Cincinnati Reds, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Major League Soccer, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Indianapolis Colts, Total Quality Logistics, Milwaukee Bucks, FC Cincinnati, Flying Pig Marathon
Exclusive Access to Alumni Community
Our alumni network grows each year, and students have exclusive access to connecting with former students working across the globe in the sport industry.
Facility and Event Management (SPMG 322)
Planning and managing athletic, physical education, recreation and other sport facilities. Basic concerns in developing and organizing events in sports areas.
History of American Sport (SPMG 195)
The course provides an overview of the history, as well as the social, political, cultural, technological and economic trends that have shaped the sport industry in the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on the period from 1800 to the present.
Sociology of Sport (SPMG 232)
Impact of sport on society. The social structures. The integration of sport with other social institutions.
Legal Issues in Sport Management (SPMG 448)
Basic legal principles affecting the management of physical activity and sports programs. Liability, negligence and risk assessment.
Sport Marketing (SPMG 310)
Course explores marketing plans, current trends, sponsorships, event fundraising, public relations, promotions using the marketing mix applied to the sport industry.
Sport Ethics (SPMG 410)
Course is designed to provide an examination and discussion of ethical, managerial, and moral issues related to individuals who work and participate in the area of sport and physical activity.
Annual Sport Management Symposium and Career Fair
Students will participate in an annual symposium focusing on professional development and networking opportunities as well as a sport-specific career and internship fair
Conference Case Study and Undergraduate Research Competitions
Students will have the opportunity to attend and participate in conference case study and undergraduate research competitions
Faculty-led Study Abroad
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a faculty-led study abroad trip. Past locations have included Australia, Belgium, France, and England.
Student Clubs
- Sports Business Club: Club members meet throughout the academic year to hear guest speakers from the sports industry, attend facility tours and networking socials, and more. Each year, the club plans a trip to a city in the region to explore the sport organizations in that area. Past trips include Cleveland and Indianapolis with future trips planned to Chicago, Louisville, and more.
- Women in Sport: Women in Sport is a chapter of the Sport Business Club. Members participate in guest speaking presentations, networking socials, watch parties, and additional activities supporting women in the sport industry and beyond.
Program Features
Our strong industry connections and focus on practical skills mean you'll be well-prepared to succeed after graduation. Our alumni are making an impact in professional sports, collegiate athletics, sport media and more.
Live in the Sport Management and Marketing LLC residence hall with other first-year students who share your passion for sports. You'll build a strong community while living, learning and exploring the sports industry together.
One of the fastest-growing career fields in the country involves the advertising and promotion of sports, and Xavier's location in Cincinnati, Ohio centers you in the middle of a spirited, sports-crazy community.
Learn from experts who have lived and breathed the sports industry. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and academic knowledge to the classroom, offering mentorship and real-world insights.
Alumni Making an Impact
Before he was organizing national sporting events and working with athletes like Peyton Manning – Ryan May was wanting to learn everything he could at Xavier.
Corey Hawthorne works with various community groups, non-profits, artists and major corporations to host some of the most elaborate and memorable events not only in the Cincinnati region but also nationally.
Read about Fritschner’s Xavier experience and how he positioned himself for success in a competitive professional landscape.
Learn how Dr. Dominique Kropp is shaping the next generation of sports professionals through engaging teaching methods and a focus on student success.
Longtime Xavier professor and current advisory board member Doug Olberding returns to campus as head of Flying Pig Marathon.
FAQ
Do you have questions about the sport marketing major? Our FAQ section covers everything from career paths to skills and more.A sport marketing degree opens doors to a dynamic and exciting range of career opportunities. With a strong foundation in marketing, advertising, and consumer behavior, graduates can pursue roles in various sectors of the sports industry.
- Sports Marketer: Develops and executes marketing campaigns for sports teams, leagues, or brands.
- Public Relations Specialist: Manages media relations, crisis communication, and brand reputation for sports organizations.
- Social Media Manager: Creates and manages social media content to engage fans and build online communities.
- Advertising Account Executive: Develops and manages advertising campaigns for sports clients.
- Event Coordinator: Plans and executes sports events, such as games, tournaments, and promotional activities.
- Sponsorship Manager: Builds and maintains relationships with sponsors for sports teams and events.
- Digital Marketing Specialist: Utilizes digital channels to promote sports products and services.
- Market Research Analyst: Gathers and analyzes data on sports consumer behavior and trends.
- Broadcast/Media Coordinator: Manages media relations and production for sports events.
- Sales Representative: Sells tickets, merchandise, or sponsorships for sports organizations.
Sport marketing focuses on promoting and selling sports products and services. It involves creating strategies to attract and retain fans, building brand awareness, and generating revenue. If you're interested in advertising, promotions, sponsorships, and fan engagement, sport marketing might be the right fit.
Sport management is broader, encompassing the overall operations of sports organizations. It includes areas like finance, human resources, facility management, and event planning. If you're drawn to the business side of sports, such as managing budgets, staffing teams, or overseeing facilities, sport management could be your path.
Essentially, sport marketing is a subset of sport management. Both programs at Xavier University provide a strong foundation in the sports industry, but they offer different areas of specialization and career paths.
Xavier's sport marketing major equips students with a robust skill set for the sports industry. Students develop expertise in areas such as:
- Marketing strategy: Developing effective plans to reach target audiences.
- Brand management: Building and maintaining strong brand identities for sports teams and products.
- Digital marketing: Utilizing online platforms to engage fans and drive sales.
- Public relations: Managing media relations and crisis communication.
- Event management: Planning and executing successful sports events.
- Consumer behavior: Understanding fan motivations and preferences.
- Data analysis: Using data to inform marketing decisions.
- Communication: Effectively conveying messages to diverse audiences.
- Creativity: Developing innovative marketing campaigns.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
- Problem-solving: Identifying challenges and finding effective solutions.
- Financial management: Understanding budgeting and financial planning.
- Negotiation: Building strong relationships and reaching agreements.
- Ethical decision-making: Making responsible choices in a competitive industry.
- Leadership: Inspiring and motivating teams to achieve success.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant. Learn more about the University Scholars Honors Program.
Sport Marketing Program at Xavier University
Graduates of Xavier University's Sport Marketing program earn a Bachelor of Science in Sport Marketing and go on to work in a variety of sport or sport-related settings, including with professional sports teams but also in many other exciting settings. Recent graduates are employed in intercollegiate athletics, specialized sport management and marketing firms, high school athletic administration and commercial sport, as well as with traditional businesses.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."