Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Sports & Fitness Management
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Sports & Fitness Management major at Franklin College allows students to embark on a strategic journey that combines sports administration and leadership principles. It offers customizable options, enabling students to tailor their studies to their specific career aspirations through either a fitness management or a sports management track. The fitness management track focuses on expertise in anatomy, physiology, and conditioning, preparing leaders in wellness, while the sports management path hones skills in modern marketing, public relations, and social media, fostering adaptable professionals. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships, an event planning practicum, opportunities to study abroad, and a research experience that culminates in the creation of a business plan. The overarching goal is to equip students to shape the future of sports and fitness industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Sports & Fitness Management is interdisciplinary and comprehensive, drawing from business, exercise science, and journalism courses. Core coursework includes classes such as Principles of Accounting, Sport Psychology, Sports Ethics and Risk Management, and Sports in Society, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills crucial for the industry. Students delve into areas like event planning, fitness program development, and sports data analysis. Elective courses and minor options in business, coaching, fitness, psychology, sports communication, or strength and conditioning allow students to further customize their education to align with their specific career goals. The curriculum includes an event planning practicum and a senior independent project or internship.
Research Focus: Franklin College's Sports & Fitness Management program integrates a "research experience" that culminates in students creating their own business plan. This project-based learning approach serves as a form of applied research, requiring students to investigate market needs, analyze industry trends, and develop strategic solutions. Beyond this, students have opportunities to explore "research ventures within the exercise science department," where the faculty emphasize evidence-based practice and conduct independent research on human subjects. Past research topics in exercise science have included testing physiological effects of training masks and assessing responses to virtual reality gaming, indicating a strong foundation for analytical inquiry that can be applied within the sports and fitness context.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College prioritizes hands-on experience and industry engagement for its Sports & Fitness Management students. A significant highlight is that 100% of students complete an internship, with opportunities available as early as sophomore year. Indiana's status as a renowned sports hub provides numerous internship placements. Students gain practical experience through an "event planning practicum" and by interacting with industry professionals through internships and networking opportunities. The curriculum is designed to impart skills directly applicable to roles like sports team management, fitness facility operations, and sports media, ensuring graduates are competitive in the job market.
Global Perspective: The sports and fitness industries have a strong global dimension, and Franklin College's program actively encourages a global perspective. Students have "opportunities to study abroad" to explore global health and sports in various countries, with past programs in Ireland, Greece, and South America. These experiences allow students to investigate the history of sports, intern with international organizations like the Special Olympics (e.g., in Costa Rica), or examine the role of sport in social and cultural contexts, such as the racial divide in South Africa. This international exposure broadens students' understanding of diverse sports management practices, fitness trends, and the global impact of athletic and wellness initiatives.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Sports & Fitness Management is a dynamic and comprehensive program that prepares students for diverse and thriving careers within the sports, recreation, and wellness industries.
Sports Event Coordinator/Manager: Graduates are well-equipped to plan, organize, and execute various sporting events, from local tournaments to large-scale competitions. This involves logistics, budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, and ensuring a smooth experience for participants and spectators.
Fitness Manager/Director: These professionals oversee the operations of fitness centers, health clubs, or corporate wellness programs. Responsibilities include managing staff, developing and implementing fitness programs, overseeing sales and marketing, ensuring facility maintenance, and maintaining client satisfaction.
Sports Marketing Coordinator/Specialist: Graduates work to promote sports teams, athletes, events, or brands. This involves developing marketing strategies, managing social media, securing sponsorships, creating promotional campaigns, and analyzing market trends to enhance brand awareness and engagement.
Athletic Director (High School/Collegiate): While often requiring experience, this degree provides a strong foundation for aspiring athletic directors who oversee athletic programs at schools or universities. They are responsible for managing budgets, hiring coaches, scheduling events, and ensuring compliance with league and institutional regulations.
Sports Agent/Player Representative: For those interested in representing athletes, this role involves negotiating contracts, endorsements, and managing various aspects of an athlete's career. It requires strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of sports law and finance.
Corporate Wellness Director: With a focus on fitness management, graduates can design and implement wellness programs for corporations, aiming to improve employee health, productivity, and morale. This might involve fitness challenges, health screenings, and educational workshops.
Sports Facility Operations Manager: These professionals manage the day-to-day operations of sports venues, stadiums, or arenas. Their duties include facility maintenance, scheduling, security, concession management, and ensuring a safe and efficient environment for events.
Coach (Various Levels): While sometimes requiring additional coaching certifications, the program's blend of sports psychology, ethics, and leadership prepares graduates for coaching roles at the youth, high school, or collegiate levels, focusing on team management, player development, and strategic planning.
Sports Media Specialist/Sports Information Director: Graduates can work in sports journalism or public relations, creating content, managing media relations, and disseminating information for sports organizations, teams, or events. This includes writing press releases, managing social media, and coordinating interviews.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: With the fitness management track and potential minor in strength and conditioning, graduates can work with athletes and individuals to design and implement exercise programs aimed at improving physical performance, preventing injuries, and optimizing training outcomes. This often involves additional certifications.
