Sport Studies Programs

Lavon Williams, Associate Professor, Chair
Kathleen A. Tritschler, Professor
Robert Malekoff, Assistant Professor
Mary G. Broos, Instructor
John Jensen, Instructor
Craig A. Eilbacher, Visiting Instructor

Programs in the Sport Studies Department include majors in sports medicine, exercise and sport studies, and sport management. A major in physical education with teachers' certification is currently under development (for more information contact Lavon Williams). In addition to the majors, the department currently offers concentrations in sport administration, sport marketing and dance. Concentrations in coaching, and health and fitness are forthcoming. The department also offers an elective physical activity program.

The Sports Medicine major is designed to develop students who are grounded in the liberal arts and have a comprehensive didactic and clinical background in the study of the human body and the specific theories and practices of the field. A major in Sports Medicine brings with it the opportunity to pursue a career in athletic training, aerobics/group exercise instruction, teaching, coaching, gym or fitness center management or ownership, pharmaceutical sales, emergency technician, or biomechanics.

With the completion of the Sports Medicine major, students may seek a masters' degree in athletic training and then pursue the NATABOC certification. This program offers a route for athletes both to play intercollegiate sports and to major in sports medicine and obtain athletic training experience. The Sport Studies department recommends that students, who are interested in health profession careers, including physical therapy, medical school, and as a physician assistant, pursue a double major with Health Sciences. The courses taken while completing a double major in sports medicine and health science will strengthen the background of students wanting to pursue graduate or professional degrees in related fields. Because each profession has different course requirements for application to graduate school, sports medicine majors interested in pursuing these fields should consult with the Health Professions Advisory Committee early in their Guilford career to assure that they fulfill all necessary requirements to attend the graduate program of their choice.

The Exercise and Sport Studies major is a pre-professional program of study that prepares students for a wide variety of exercise, sport, and health science careers. Examples of ESS careers include fitness or wellness director, personal trainer, and strength & conditioning coach. The major also prepares students to pursue graduate study in one of the ESS sub-disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, sport sociology, sport nutrition, and physical education; or to pursue graduate study in a related field such as health education, health promotion, or nutrition. This major may provide partial preparation for application to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant professional programs (see Anne Glenn x2234 in Health Science or Craig Eilbacher x2203 in Sports Medicine for admission requirements to these professional programs).

Sport Management, an interdisciplinary major conducted in cooperation with the Departments of Accounting, Business Management, and Economics, requires 40 credits emphasizing the practical application of knowledge through field experiences and classroom case studies. The Sport Management major is closely related to traditional business operations, including marketing and promotion, and facility and event management.

All sport studies major programs contain strong interdisciplinary and field-based components with significant opportunities for practical experiences. Students may double-major in any of the department majors by completing all requirements for the two majors.

Degrees Offered

The Bachelor of Science degree is offered in sports medicine, exercise and sport studies, and sport management.

Major Requirements

The Sports Medicine major consists of 48 credit hours. Required major courses are: BIOL 114, 341, 342; SPST 210, 211, 245, 311, 312, 332, 372, 373, and 420.

The Exercise and Sport Studies major consists of 44 credit hours. Required major courses are: SPST 310, 311, 312, 332, 420, 432; BIOL 114, 341, 342; PSY 224; and SPST 210, or 211 or 212.

The Sport Management major consists of 40 credit hours. Required major courses are: SPST 234, 332, 420, 432, 485; ACCT 201; BUS 324; SPST 232, 247, or 340; ECON 221 or 222; and ENGL 282 or BUS 310.