Sport Product Development (MS)

Beginning in Fall 2018, we will begin offering an online MS in Sport Product Development. Dr. Shawn O'Rourke, Chair of Department of Sport Management, is the Program Director and can provide additional information.

The sports industry generates approximately $400 billion in revenue annually. Industry statistics show that U.S. sporting equipment sales at retail sporting goods stores are roughly $60 billion yearly. Sporting goods attract a wide range of consumers and requires a variety of marketing and distribution strategies. Consider a degree in Sport Product Development for a range of career opportunities in the fields of sports, entertainment, arts and recreation.

Program Description

The Sport Product Development program emphasizes the development and management of the sporting goods industry providing the equipment needs in six different areas: competitive team sports, extreme sports, fitness, individual sports, indoor games, and outdoor recreation sports.

The online MS in Sport Product Development program is 33 credit hours (nine courses, plus six-credit internship). After completing the six core courses, you can choose to focus on either product design or retail management.  You will gain knowledge for positions in the sport product industry such as product line management, product development, merchandising, innovation and materials management, and retail, brand, or factory management.

Admission

Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education. In addition, applicants must submit two letters of reference, a resume and a written essay describing their background in sport activities and career goals.

Curriculum

Roadmap

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 Students must choose one elective from the following list: SPD 606, SPD 608, or SPD 612

Learning Goals and Objectives

Learning Goal 1: Knowledge-Observed in Writing

Candidates in the GR Sport Product Development program will demonstrate content and professional knowledge necessary for successful performance in their field.

Students will:

• Objective A:  Demonstrate an understanding of the common principles of sport management; sport leadership; sport operations management; event and venue management; and sport governance.
• Objective B:  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of finance, and the economics of sport as they fit into national and international economies.

Learning Goal 2: Knowledge – Observed Skills and Dispositions

Candidates in the GR Sport Product Development program will demonstrate professional skills and dispositions necessary for successful performance in their field.

Students will:

• Objective A:  Demonstrate the ability to communicate with various public and professional audiences through written texts, oral discussions, and multi-media presentations.
• Objective B:  Demonstrate skill in the application of the basic principles of interpersonal and mass communications through interaction with internal and external sport publics.
• Objective C:  Demonstrate essential management and business related skills in the work place.
• Objective D:  Demonstrate skillful operation of technology and assessment related tools that may be applied to various sport management settings.

Learning Goal 3: Service

Candidates in the GR Sport Product Development program will demonstrate willingness to use their skills to benefit and serve society.  Within the contexts of their work, candidates promote authentic learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to social justice in environments that foster respect for diversity and the dignity of all. 

Students will:

• Objective A:  Understand the critical social, psychological, and philosophical base issues of the sport environment.
• Objective B:  Understand moral and ethical implications of sport policy and strategies.

Learning Goal 4: Professionalism 

Candidates in the GR Sport Product Development program will demonstrate self-reflection as a habit of mind, continuously assessing and refining their professional practice as they construct a rich repertoire of research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective performance ensuring that all students and/or clients have optimal opportunities to learn and grow.

Students will:

• Objective A:  Learn to ask challenging, probing questions and seek thorough, well-rounded answers.
• Objective B:  Act with integrity and fairness to ensure a professional system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success and will model principles of self-awareness, reflective practice, transparency, and ethical behavior.

Learning Goal 5: Leadership 

Candidates in the GR Sport Product Development program will become adept at applying their acquired knowledge in the process of evaluating their own professional performance and decision-making with respect to its impact on students and/or clients, organizations, and wider community.

Students will:

• Objective A:  Demonstrate the ability to assume leadership roles in various professional settings and work effectively with diverse groups and organizations seeking to improve the performance of those they lead.
• Objective B:  Understand and can anticipate and assess emerging trends and initiatives in the sport environment.

Courses