Curriculum

Skills for the Game:
What You'll Learn in SMP

Through the Sports Management Program curriculum, students will:

  • Develop a diverse set of foundational management, marketing, and finance skills related to the sports industry.
  • Demonstrate the application of these foundational skills to the sports management field.
  • Practice information literacy through professional written and oral communication skills for the sports industry.
  • Utilize research and critical thinking skills to identify, evaluate, and formulate creative solutions to real-world problems in the sports management field. 
  • Operate in multidisciplinary teams with an understanding of how to navigate conflict, determine individual roles, and foster an environment of mutual respect among members within the sports industry.

As student-athletes, we already have a unique and valuable insider perspective on the sports industry. This program is invaluable because it helps bridge the gap between our athletic experiences and the business of sports. Through the mix of academic learning, and real-world application, SMP allows us to gain the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the sports industry beyond our athletic careers. For student-athletes who want to turn their passion for sports into a career, the Sports Management Program offers a perfect roadmap to do so.

Victoria Gatzendorfer

Women's Gymnastics Student-Athlete

SMP Cohort 1

Curriculum & Program Requirements 

The Sports Management Program consists of four 3 credit courses that must be completed with a C (2.0) or above to complete the program. There are three required courses and one elective course where students can choose from a variety of options that best fit their personal learning goals.

Program Requirements

  1. BMGT383: The Business of Sports (Fall) 3 credits
  2. BMGT483: Sports Management Program Capstone (Spring) 3 credits
  3. BMGT350: Marketing Principles and Organization 3 credits (Business Majors Only)
    OR
    BMGT355: Foundations of Marketing for Non-Business Majors 3 credits (Non-Business Majors)
  4. Elective 3 credits Students will choose an elective from a pre-approved list or submit a petition to count a course that is not already pre-approved.

View the SMP Elective Options

Important Curriculum Notes

BMGT350/355 and the elective can be completed at any time before graduation. Students must enroll in BMGT383 in the fall semester after being admitted to the Sports Management Program. Additionally, SMP students should enroll in BMGT483 the spring semester after completion of BMGT383, unless an exception is granted for study abroad or other extenuating circumstances. 

Only students with a declared Robert H. Smith School of Business undergraduate major who have earned a minimum of 53 credit hours will be eligible to enroll in BMGT350. If you are not a business major, you may enroll in BMGT355 once you are admitted to the Sports Management Program. BMGT355 cannot apply towards a Smith degree and you cannot receive credit for both BMGT350 and BMGT355. It is advised that if you are interested in applying for admission to a Smith undergraduate major, you do not complete BMGT355 until after you receive your admission decision.

Notation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Sports Management Program notation on your transcript, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete all SMP courses with a minimum grade of a C (2.0) or better
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0

Students will earn the notation in the first semester that they meet these requirements.

SMP was a game-changer for my summer internship at the NBA. The program taught me that networking and building connections are truly invaluable in the sports industry. Through SMP, I was able to meet so many inspiring professionals and learn the skills to foster those connections. Those experiences gave me the confidence to jump right into my role at the NBA and make the most of every opportunity. SMP doesn’t just teach you about the industry; it opens doors and connects you with the people who can help you succeed.

Valentyna Breslawec

NBA Summer Intern

SMP Cohort 1

BMGT398O: Experiential Learning in Sports Management

Internships and hands-on experiences aren’t just valuable in the sports industry—they’re essential. BMGT398O: Experiential Learning in Sports Management is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, giving students the tools to turn their knowledge into action and their ambitions into achievements.

This seminar-style course is tailored for students actively participating in internships, research projects, or other hands-on opportunities within the sports industry. Through guided reflection, students deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sports management while refining their professional goals and cultivating critical skills.

Why Take BMGT398O?

The sports industry thrives on experience and connections. BMGT398O ensures you’re not just gaining valuable experience but also maximizing it. By analyzing real-world scenarios and integrating industry concepts, you’ll:

  1. Apply What You Learn: Bridge academic theory with the fast-paced realities of sports management.
  2. Refine Your Career Path: Use your hands-on experiences to investigate career options and define your professional goals.
  3. Build Essential Skills: Develop the communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills crucial for success.
  4. Grow Your Network: Establish meaningful relationships with industry professionals and peers to position yourself for long-term success.
  5. Reflect and Improve: Engage in continuous reflection to assess your personal and professional growth.

Flexible Credit Options to Match Your Goals

Whether you’re seeking a 1-, 2-, or 3-credit option, BMGT398O offers flexibility to align with your internship or project commitments. Credit is earned based on your hours worked during the semester:

  • 1 Credit: 45 hours of work
  • 2 Credits: 90 hours of work
  • 3 Credits: 135 hours of work

Please note: Credit is awarded only for internships or projects completed during the semester of enrollment. Prior experiences cannot be counted.

Set Yourself Apart in Sports Management

BMGT398O isn’t just a course—it’s a stepping stone to a successful career. With sports industry employers looking for professionals who can demonstrate both experience and strategic thinking, this course helps you build a foundation for leadership and innovation in the field.

Take the next step in transforming your passion for sports into a thriving career. BMGT398O ensures you’re not just part of the sports industry—you’re ready to lead it.

How to Apply For BMGT398O

Before applying, you’ll need to find and confirm an opportunity that meets the following guidelines:

  • Student Responsibility: You are responsible for identifying and securing your own experience in the sports industry.
  • Pre-Professional Work Only: Credit is granted for para- or pre-professional roles. Clerical or administrative tasks should comprise no more than 20% of your duties.
  • No Family Ties: The opportunity cannot involve working for, with, or under the supervision of a relative.
  • Credit Timing: Credit is only granted for internships during the semester in which they occur.
  • Non-Duplicate Credit: The same experience cannot count for more than one internship/practicum course.

Work Hours:
1 Credit: 45 hours
2 Credits: 90 hours
3 Credits: 135 hours 

Paid or Unpaid Opportunities: Both are eligible for credit.

Prepare these materials before starting your application to avoid delays:

  1. Student Information: Basic demographic details (submitted via the application).
  2. Provider Information: Organization and supervisor details (submitted via the application).
  3. Opportunity Information: Duration, compensation, work hours, and a short essay (200-600 words) describing how this experience aligns with the sports industry and your goals. We recommend preparing your short essay response before applying.
    1. Short essay prompt: In 200-600 words, please describe how this experiential learning opportunity aligns with the sports industry and how you anticipate it will contribute to your personal and professional development.
  4. Required Documents:
    1. Official Offer Letter (with details about the role, organization, hours, and compensation).
    2. Unofficial Transcript (downloaded from Testudo).
    3. BMGT398O Agreement Form (completed and signed by you and your supervisor, outlining job duties).
  5. Eligibility Confirmation & Agreement: Verification that your submission is accurate and meets all requirements.

Once your materials are ready, complete the application.

Fall Semester : Apply by September 1

Spring Semester: Apply by February 1

While any student who meets the eligibility criteria can apply, seats are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Sports Management Program students. 

After submission, our staff will review your application within 7-10 business days. If accepted, you’ll receive permission to register for the course.

Email us at sportsmanagement@umd.edu with "BMGT398O" in the subject line. We’ll respond to inquiries within 72 business hours.

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