Sports Management

Emphasis of Program

The Education Department now offers programs in health education, physical education - teaching, physical education with emphases in recreation and sport management, coaching, and adapted PE. Students gain a broad knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and bio-mechanical aspects of human movement and become aware of the many fitness and leisure time activities promoting lifelong wellness.

Career Opportunities

Students in the sports management field are prepared for the “business” of sports management. This exciting field offers a wide variety of career opportunities including working for professional sports teams, university sports marketing departments, retail sporting goods stores, fitness clubs, YMCA’s, collegiate athletic conferences, the NCAA and a host of other sports areas.

Activities

Within the sports management curriculum, our students gain hands-on experience organizing, managing, and evaluating various sporting events. Students participate in sports marketing projects in collaboration with SMSU athletics and community events such as the Marshall YMCA Triathalon. Our students are given the opportunity for field trips to places such as the Xcel Center in St. Paul, the National Sports Center in Blaine, and the pro sports teams- Canaries, Storm, SkyForce, and Stampede- in Sioux Falls, SD. Sports Management students are encouraged to gain experience through internships, fields practicums, the WHP Major’s Club, athletics, youth sports, after school programs, Special Olympics, and the SMSU Fitness Center.

Facilities and Services

Facilities include: an exercise science lab, indoor tennis courts, computer lab, a dance studio, gymnastics room, wrestling room, 25 yard pool and the diving well, three racquetball courts, free wireless online access , seven indoor basketball/volleyball courts, indoor field house with running track and a fitness center with free weights and exercise equipment. Outdoor fields are used for softball, basketball, football, intramurals, and soccer. The nature trail is used for running, walking, and cross-country skiing. The new SMSU Regional Event Center provides additional recreation and sport opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities

Incoming students may be eligible for a number of academic and leadership scholarships through the Office of Admission. These scholarships are awarded based on a student’s past academic performance including ACT score, GPA, class rank, and leadership activities. The PE and Health programs also offer an annual scholarship to a returning student who has demonstrated good academic performance, leadership ability, and participation in the major’s club.

About SMSU

Founded in 1963, Southwest Minnesota State University has earned a reputation for excellence. Located on a beautiful interconnected and accessible campus, Southwest Minnesota offers three master’s programs in addition to over 50 undergraduate programs. The faculty and staff at Southwest Minnesota State set it apart and make it an outstanding small university offering the equivalent of a private school education at a fraction of the cost.

The Faculty

Frankie Albitz, Assistant Professor
Ed.D., University of South Dakota
M.S., Oklahoma State University
Frankie.Albitz@smsu.edu

Ellen Radel, Professor
Ed.D., University of South Dakota
M.Ed., University of Toledo
Ellen.Radel@smsu.edu

Marilyn Strate, Associate Professor
M.S., Wayne State College
Marilyn.Strate@smsu.edu

Curriculum

See the "Catalog" link in the menu to the left.