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Sport Studies Department

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Studying the significant role that sports play in many cultures, Guilford students have turned this learning field into a wide range of rewarding career paths.

Guilford’s Department of Sport Studies focuses on both the study of human movement and on the exercise and sport industry. From physical therapy to sports psychology to sports management, Guilford students develop a broad cultural perspective of sport.

Through the investigation of theories and best practices in the field, students develop practical skills and knowledge as well as the ability to think critically and creatively. An emphasis on both clinical and liberal arts provides a breadth of experience as well as the moral and ethical foundations necessary to assume leadership roles in post-graduate endeavors.

Sport Studies majors have expanded their skill sets and career opportunities through internships with such organizations as the New York Giants, the Women’s Sports Foundation and Orthopedic Trauma Specialists, among many others. They have attended graduate programs at Campbell, Elon, Northern Georgia and Appalachian State universities and enjoy successful careers with Comcast, Major League Soccer and at various college and universities.

Guilford's Master of International Sport Management program is designed for students who are ready to be leaders in the fast-paced sport industry — and those who are passionate about working in international sport. It will appeal to experienced sport-management professionals, as well as undergraduates who want to advance their comprehension of sport-management practices as they begin their careers.


College Catalog

For more information about courses for the Sport Studies Department, visit the online, searchable College Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog also includes academic department and major information, academic regulations and resources, admission standards and requirements, and tuition, fees, and financial aid information.

Majors and Minors

"I have not only become a better student, athlete, and leader but a better human being. I am more compassionate and understanding than I ever thought I could be; much of that is due to the positive sense of community that Guilford encourages on campus."

Tess Stryk '16
Sport Management, German Language and Society double major
  • Exercise and Sport Sciences (ESS): The bachelor of science in Exercise and Sport Sciences offers two tracks: Health and Fitness (60 credit hours) or Sport Medicine (56 credit hours). Many ESS majors interested in pursuing a health profession, such as physical therapy, double major in ESS and Health Sciences.
  • Master's Degree in International Sport Management: The Guilford College MISM is designed for students who are ready to be leaders in the fast-paced sport industry — those who are passionate about the potential to work in both domestic and international sport. The program will appeal to experienced sport-management professionals, as well as current undergraduates who want to advance their comprehension of sport-management practices as they begin their careers.
  • Sport Management: The bachelor of science in Sport Management requires a minimum of 40 credit hours. It focuses on traditional business operations related to the sport industry.
  • Sport Administration: The minor in Sport Administration requires a minimum of 16 credit hours. This course of study focuses on the administration of athletics, recreation and sport.
  • Sport Marketing: The minor in Sport Marketing focuses on the promotion and marketing of athletics, fitness, recreation and sport. It requires a minimum of 16 credit hours.

Sport Studies Department News and Events

College Announces Master of International Sport Management
College Announces Master of International Sport Management

Highlights include 12-month completion; an international focus that culminates in a study-abroad experience; and a virtual platform that combines asynchronous coursework with once-a-week live classes that students can attend in person or online.

Why Guilford? Derrien Phillips '22 [VIDEO]
Why Guilford? Derrien Phillips '22 [VIDEO]

Meet Derrien Phillips '22, a Sport Management major and football player from North Carolina. In this video, find out why Derrien chose Guilford College, what's…

Wheels for Roots
Wheels for Roots

Hannah Arnett ’21, an Exercise and Sport Sciences major, Biology minor, and Honors student is heading into the world driving a refurbished school bus. Find out how it will help her reach her career goals.

Balancing Act
Balancing Act

Harrison Kiser ’20 has spent his life playing sports, and at Guilford he found a way to channel that passion into his academic career.

Grand Slam Into the Future
Grand Slam Into the Future

Charles Noble ’16 shares how Guilford helped him gain the skills and relationships he needed to live out his dream. Now, he’s helping the amputee community as a prosthetist at Hanger Clinic.

Kick-Starting Her Career
Kick-Starting Her Career

Exercise and Sport Sciences and Health Science double major Kelsey Reilly ’20 shares her incredible athletic and academic Guilford experience and her plans to attend the Medical University of South Carolina after graduation.

Practicing Positivity
Practicing Positivity

Exercise and Sport Sciences and Health Sciences double major Meredith Dunzweiler ’13 credits her Guilford experience with giving her the tools she needs to save lives and pursue her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

The Game-Winning Play
The Game-Winning Play

Sport Management major Rachel Lippert ’20 was looking to reinvent her career with a new education. Guilford gave her so much more.

Inspired in India
Inspired in India

Professor of Exercise and Sports Sciences Lavon Williams and Professor of Business Management Michael Dutch were keen to create a particularly hands-on, collaborative learning experience in India as part of the Guilford Edge curriculum.

An All-Around Guy
An All-Around Guy

Amir Abdur-Rahim ’22 has his priorities in order. As a Guilford Christian Ministry leader, he puts God first. He also places importance on family – his mother having recommended Guilford to him.

A Symphony of Studies
A Symphony of Studies

Noah Dabney ’23 has found strength in diversification. A gifted guitarist and cellist from Radford, Va., Noah was studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio when he had a change of heart.

Coast-to-Coast Confidence
Coast-to-Coast Confidence

Lizzy Barnes ’21, an Exercise and Sport Science and Health Sciences double major, is pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Southern California. Read more about her acceptance to this competitive program.

Versatility Personified
Versatility Personified

A Sport Management Major with a Business minor, Brandon Rothfuss ’15 continues to excel in sports and life. Learn about his job with the NBA Grizzlies and check out his advice for undergraduates.

Representation Where It Matters
Representation Where It Matters

Alina Santos '22 turned an internship at Cone Health into a job as Cardiac Mobility Specialist, which she will continue as she applies to Physician Assistant (PA) school.

A World of Opportunity
A World of Opportunity

In fall 2022, five students became the first cohort to begin one of Guilford’s newest graduate programs, the Master of International Sport Management.

Contact Us

Wonjun Choi
Wonjun Choi

Visiting Assistant Professor for Sport Management

Craig Eilbacher
Craig Eilbacher

Professor for Sports Medicine

Trina Pratt
Trina Pratt

Part-time Lecturer for Sport Studies

Brenda Swearingin
Brenda Swearingin

Professor of Sport Studies

Michael White
Michael White

Visiting Assistant Professor for Sport Studies

Lavon Williams
Lavon Williams

Part-Time Lecturer of Sports Studies