[ARCHIVED CATALOG] 2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
    May 08, 2024  
[ARCHIVED CATALOG] 2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sport Business, B.A.


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The sport industry is recognized as one of the fastest growing areas in our country's economy.  According to Plunkett Research Limited, a leading provider of industry sector analysis and research, industry trends and industry statistics, "the estimated value of the entire sport industry in the United States in 2014 was $435 billion", and according to Sport Business Journal "that figure is twice the size of the United States auto industry and seven times the size of the movie industry."  In addition, at a recent global business of sports summit at Georgetown University, it was stated that "the sports industry, valued at over $1 trillion worldwide, is central in global brand-building and economic expansion strategies for emerging growth companies in apparel, mobile technology, sporting venues and more."

Saint Leo is the first undergraduate program housed in a school of business in the nation to be accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).  This new accreditation was first available in 2010. The program is one of only two programs in the nation to earn accreditation in the first year available, and is one of the few housed in a school of business

University Campus Only Course Requirements


University Explorations (42 credit hours)


Common Body of Knowledge (36 credit hours)


SPB majors substitute SPB 430  (which appears in the Major Requirements course listing) for GBA 231  in the Common Body of Knowledge.

General Elective Credits: Complete enough general elective credit hours to fulfill total hours required for degree completion.


Total Credits: 120


Application to Intern


Prior to their last semester of coursework, all sport business majors should contact their advisor to discuss their progress towards eligibility to intern. The internship is considered the key to gaining full employment in the sport business industry, although there are no guarantees this will happen. In order to apply, the student must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. It is not the responsibility of Saint Leo University, the academic advisor, the Department of Sport Business, or the Donald R. Tapia School of Business to find an internship placement for the student. However, if the student has been actively involved throughout his or her academic career, every effort will be made to assist the student in finding the best internship available that fits his or her career goals. It is recommended that interns seek out a paid internship as all internships are 40 hours per week. However, the decision to accept a paying or non-paying internship is solely between the site supervisor and student intern. A full-time position in sport can be used as a full-time internship, provided the employer approves. All internships must meet final approval of the advisor/ Sport Business Department Chair. The internship is scheduled during the student's last semester prior to graduation after all required coursework is completed.

If a student does not qualify for the internship by holding the minimum 2.5 GPA, two options are available:

  • Option 1: The student may retake courses or take other elective courses to reach the 2.5 requirement and then apply to intern.
  • Option 2: In place of the internship, the student can take an established set of sport business or other designated courses equaling twelve credit hours during the last semester prior to graduation. The student will still graduate with a degree in sport business but will not be allowed to enroll in the internship. (Note:  Student may not opt for four courses in place of the internship requirements.)

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