[ ARCHIVED CATALOG ] 2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
    Oct 10, 2024  
[ ARCHIVED CATALOG ] 2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sport Business, B.A.


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

Technology Competency Skills


Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills                                             

Technology is threaded through our personal, professional, and educational interactions. To successfully manage these interactions - specifically relating to education and employment - our students must have the ability to navigate and operate essential computer functions, beyond social media. Demonstrating competency of basic technology skills is essential for the success of all Saint Leo University students.

Saint Leo University requires undergraduate students to demonstrate technology competency prior to degree conferral. These technology competency skills can be satisfied through a waiver exam, microcredential module, or academic course (COM-140 or equivalent, earning a grade of C or better within 10 years). Students should meet with their advisors to discuss options and establish a plan to satisfy the graduation requirement.

Technology Competency Skills Microcredential:

A self-paced, online module designed to develop and reinforce computer competencies and literacy. The module introduces general computer operations using current computing technologies and software. Selected topics include the Internet, security and safety, digital communication practices, operating systems, as well as creating and evaluating documents, worksheets, and presentations. Guidelines for selecting computer hardware and software are addressed. Satisfactory completion of this microcredential meets the Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills graduation requirement. Upon completion the microcredential, students will earn a digital badge. This badge can be shared as confirmation of demonstrated skill and ability. This course is not covered by financial aid.

Technology Competency Skills Waiver Exam:

Students may take the technology competency skills waiver exam to satisfy the Saint Leo University technology competency skill requirement. The Waiver Exam tests your knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows, and the Internet. The exam is Pass/Fail and you must receive a minimum score of 74% to pass. 

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.)