Sports Media Studies : BS - SPME

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Sports Media Studies : BS - SPME Web Site

Catalog Program Description:

The Bachelor of Science in Sports Media Studies program prepares students for dynamic careers at the intersection of sports, media, and communication. This interdisciplinary program combines foundational knowledge in communication studies, sports management, and media production with specialized courses in sports media. Students will develop practical skills in multimedia content creation, gain insights into the business of sports, and explore the societal impact of sports media.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with a strong foundation in sports media. They will possess advanced communication skills, proficiency in multimedia production and content creation, and a deep understanding of the complex relationship between sports, media, and society. Additionally, graduates will gain practical experience through internships, develop critical thinking abilities, and acquire knowledge of the business and ethical aspects of the sports media industry.

Course Requirements
See the Core Curriculum Requirements42
Required Courses in the Major18
COMS 1307Mass Communication in Society 3
or COMS 1315 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
HHPS 110Introduction to Sport Analytics in Sport Management3
HHPS 320Legal & Ethical Issues in Sport and Recreation Management3
SPME 390Multimedia Sports Writing3
SPME 450Modern Sports Media Analysis and Production3
SPME 499Sports Media Internship3
Choose 9 Hours from the Following COMS Courses9
COMS 301Computer Mediated Communication3
COMS 303Images with Messages3
COMS 317Interpersonal Communication3
COMS 406Nonverbal Communication (Body Language)3
COMS 444Communication and Compliance Gaining3
COMS 3301Podcast Production3
COMS 4353Social Media3
Choose 9 Hours from the Following HHPS Courses9
HHPS 210Sport Psychology3
HESM 300E-Sports: Convention, Event and Trade Show Planning3
HHPS 305Programming and Events in Sport and Recreation3
HHPS 350Social Issues in Global Sport Economy3
HHPS 400Management of Sport & Recreation Organizations3
HHPS 420Marketing for Sport & Recreation3
Minimum 18 Hours Required in the Minor18
Electives Required to Meet Minimum Program Hours24
Total Hours120

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Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
ENG 1301 College Reading & Writing 3
HIST 1301 History of the United States through Reconstruction 3
CID 1300 The Student and The University 3
US Lang, Phil, Culture (040) 3
US Creative Arts (050) 3
 Hours15
Spring
ENG 1302 Written Argument/Research 3
HIST 1302 History of the United States Since Reconstruction 3
COMS 1307
Mass Communication in Society
or Fundamentals of Public Speaking
3
PSCI 2305 United States Government and Politics 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
Lower level minor course 3
Elective 3
Core Degree Pathway (090) 3
HHPS 110 Introduction to Sport Analytics in Sport Management 3
Core Science (030) 3
 Hours15
Spring
PSCI 2306 Texas Government and Politics 3
MATH 1314 College Algebra 3
Choose from required HHPS courses 3
Core Science (030) 3
Choose from required COMS courses 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
Social and Behavioral Science (080) 3
Lower level minor course 3
Choose from required COMS courses 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
Choose from required HHPS courses 3
Upper level minor course 3
Choose from required COMS courses 3
SPME 390 Multimedia Sports Writing 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
SPME 450 Modern Sports Media Analysis and Production 3
HHPS 320 Legal & Ethical Issues in Sport and Recreation Management 3
Choose from required HHPS courses 3
Lower level minor course 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
SPME 499 Sports Media Internship 3
Upper level minor course 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Upper level minor course 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120

HHPS 100 - Foundations of Sport & Recreation Management
Hours: 3
Foundations of Sport and Recreation Management. An introductory course that includes the history, philosophy, principles, issues, challenges and opportunities in the sport and recreation industry, both in the private and public sectors.

HHPS 110 - Introduction to Sport Analytics in Sport Management
Hours: 3
Provides students with a basic understanding of how data is used in decision making in a variety of sports contexts. Topics include data management, data visualization, and the use of data analysis within decision making in sports management and sport recreation.

HHPS 205 - Governance & Ethics in Sport & Recreation
Hours: 3
This course focuses on the study of ethical problems in the sport and recreation industry and the governance structures in place that a) perpetuate these problems and b) can be used to address them. Students will improve their problem solving skills, developing strategies to manage the impact of ethical issues in sport and recreation.

HHPS 210 - Sport Psychology
Hours: 3
Sport Psychology. An overview of the principles of psychology as applied to sport or recreational activity for enhanced interactions and performance.

HHPS 301 - Therapeutic Recreation
Hours: 3
The history, purpose, and trends of therapeutic recreation. (Blended/W)

HHPS 302 - Sport Tourism Management
Hours: 3
Comprehensive study of the sport travel and tourism industry. Covers all aspects of sport tourism including economics, finance, and marketing

HHPS 305 - Programming and Events in Sport and Recreation
Hours: 3
Exploration and examination of the foundations and basic sport programming skills, methods, and techniques necessary to deliver sport and recreational activities within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations.

HHPS 310 - Facility and Venue Management
Hours: 3
An examination of the history of sport and recreation facilities, along with appropriate procedures for the planning and operating of current and future sport and recreation facilities. Planning, organizing, coordinating, and managing of sport and recreation venues and facilities will be the focus. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 316 - Organizational Strategy & Implementation in Sport Management
Hours: 3
This course provides Sport & Recreation Management students with hands-on experience in applying organizational strategy within sport and recreation contexts. Each year, students will collaborate with a selected sport organization on campus to identify and address specific issues or initiatives, such as enhancing campus culture, increasing attendance at events, or boosting community engagement. The course emphasizes rapid problem identification, strategic planning, and implementation to deliver actionable solutions within the semester. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110, and 305. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 317 - Group Exercise Instruction
Hours: 3
Examination of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for national certification in group exercise training. Participants will practically apply classroom knowledge during interactive teaching sessions for group exercise. Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA.

HHPS 318 - Individual Exercise Instruction
Hours: 3
Examination of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for national certification in personal training. Participants will practically apply classroom knowledge during interactive training sessions including performing fitness assessments and creating exercise prescriptions. Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA.

HHPS 319 - Introduction to Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Hours: 3
Students will explore concepts of biomechanics, muscle anatomy, adaptations to exercise, bioenergetics, and nutrition as it applies to the tactical athlete. Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA.

HHPS 320 - Legal & Ethical Issues in Sport and Recreation Management
Hours: 3
Examinion of legal and ethical concepts related to sport and recreation management. Topics will include athletic participation and eligibility, public facility use issues, constitutional due process, and contracts and tort law as applied to participants and spectators. Concepts, models, and techniques to use in managing ethical dilemmas will be explored. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 330 - Athletic Fundraising
Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the principles and strategies of fundraising within the sports industry. Students will explore key topics such as donor relations, sponsorships, event planning, and revenue generation, with a focus on practical applications in collegiate, professional, and community sports organizations. The course also emphasizes the development of effective fundraising campaigns and the ethical considerations involved in sports fundraising

HHPS 350 - Social Issues in Global Sport Economy
Hours: 3
An examination of social and ethical issues which affect sports, the sport industry, and sport managers in today’s global marketplace. Topics include a survey of the cultural, economic, and political structures which compose, and contribute to, an ever-changing and expanding international sport industry. Sport and recreation organizations and the production and consumption of sport products and events will be examined related to their roles in global sport commerce. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 397 - Special Topics
Hours: 0-4
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary

HHPS 400 - Management of Sport & Recreation Organizations
Hours: 3
An examination of the management and operational techniques and strategies for sport and recreation programs. Functions related to the administration and management of sport and recreation organizations will be examined, including planning, leading, organizing, and evaluating sport organizations. Topics include the determination of strategic direction for sport and recreation organizations and effective implementation of strategies. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 402 - Coaching Psychology
Hours: 3
This course examines the psychological principles and techniques that enhance coaching effectiveness and athlete performance. Topics include motivation, leadership, communication, team dynamics, and mental skills training. Students will learn how to apply psychological strategies to improve individual and team outcomes in various sports settings

HHPS 403 - Advanced Topics in Applied Sport Psychology
Hours: 3
This course builds on foundational concepts from introductory sport psychology, offering an in-depth examination of advanced psychological strategies to enhance athletic performance and well-being. Topics include advanced mental skills training, coping with pressure, injury rehabilitation, and the psychological aspects of elite performance. Students will apply theory to practice through case studies and research, preparing them for roles in performance enhancement and athlete support. Prerequisites: HHPS 210.

HHPS 404 - Recreation and Fitness Services
Hours: 3
The study of the recreation and Fitness entertainment industry. Emphasis fitness, wellness, sporting and entertainment venues, tourism attractions, and other public and private sector special events that fitness and wellness providers should plan and manage.

HHPS 410 - Economics & Finance of Sport & Recreation
Hours: 3
An examination of the principles of finance as applied to budgeting, operations, and business decisions in recreation and sport organizations. Topics include financial indicators for strategic planning, strategies for generating income, and the allocation of resources. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 420 - Marketing for Sport & Recreation
Hours: 3
A survey of marketing concepts, advertising, consumer behavior, market research, strategic planning and the marketing of sport or recreation as a consumer product. Prerequisites: HHPS 100. Junior/Senior Standing.

HHPS 448 - Practicum in Sport Management
Hours: 3
This course is designed to give students practical work experience and supervised internal experience in Sport Management. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110, 305, 310. Junior or Senior standing. Instructor Approval required.

HHPS 449 - Practicum II in Sport & Recreation Management
Hours: 3
This course is designed to give students practical work experience and supervised mentorship with a sport or recreation organization. Current job-related topics, networking, and job procurement techniques will be discussed. Site must be approved by the department and internship coordinator.

HHPS 450 - Internship in Sport & Recreation Management.
Hours: 3
This course is designed to give students practical work experience and supervised mentorship with a sport or recreation organization. Current job-related topics, networking, and job procurement techniques will be discussed. Site must be approved by the department and internship coordinator. Prerequisites: HHPS 100, 110, 210, 305, 310, 316, 320, 350, 400, 410, 420. Senior Standing.

HHPS 489 - INDEPENDENT STUDIES
Hours: 1-4
Independent Study. One to four semester hours. Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

HHPS 490 - H - Honors Thesis
Hours: 3
H Honors Thesis. Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite Consent of head. Note: May be repeated when the topic varies.

HHPS 491 - H Honors Readings
Hours: 3
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member.

HHPS 497 - Special Topics
Hours: 0-4
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary

SPME 390 - Multimedia Sports Writing
Hours: 3
This course introduces students to the dynamic world of multimedia sports journalism. Designed for aspiring sports writers, broadcasters, and digital content creators, the class combines traditional sports writing techniques with cutting-edge multimedia storytelling methods. Prerequisites: COMS 1307 or COMS 1315.

SPME 450 - Modern Sports Media Analysis and Production
Hours: 3
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the complex and rapidly evolving world of sports media. Building on foundational knowledge of media studies, students will engage in critical analysis of sports media practices, develop advanced skills in multi-platform sports content creation, and examine the economic, social, and ethical implications of modern sports media.

SPME 499 - Sports Media Internship
Hours: 3
This course provides undergraduate students with practical, hands-on experience in the sports media industry through supervised internships with broadcasting organizations or sports teams. Students will apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world settings, gaining valuable industry experience and professional connections.