What is Sport Administration

The evolution of cities, more than any other factor, influenced the development of organized sport and recreational athletic pastimes in America.

SPAD students register golfers for the 2006 annual golf outing

Nearly all contemporary major sports evolved, or were invented, in the city. It was the place where sport became rationalized, specialized, organized, and professionalized. The urban area has long been the primary site of facilities - of billiard parlors and bowling alleys, of gymnasiums, ballparks and racetracks, and of both amateur sport clubs and professional teams. Urban centers like Louisville abound in career opportunities ranging from professional teams, to recreational leagues and health spas, to sporting goods dealers and manufacturers.

The academic field of Sport Administration is relatively new. The first master's programs were developed after requests from professionals in the sport industry stated there was a need for people trained in the unique aspects of managing sport. Currently there are about 260 colleges and universities in the United States offering sport management or sport administration degree programs. UofL's program is one of the first sport administration programs in the U.S. and has program approval by the NASPE/NASSM Sport Management Program Review Council since 1995.

About the CEHD Program

The College of Education and Human Develoment's SPAD Program prepares undergraduate and graduate students for a variety of management positions in the sports industry. The goals of the faculty and the program are to create an active learning environment for each student and to encourage students to demonstrate a commitment to education, community involvement, and their fellow students. A strong foundation in education, community service, and peer networks is invaluable to students as they prepare to enter the sport industry. Exceptional theoretical and practical knowledge gained through the SPAD Program will also provide students with the foundation to become the next generation of leaders, decisions makers, and managers in the sport industry.

Career Opportunities

The SPAD Program has placed graduates into administrative positions throughout the sport industry. A few organizations in which our graduates have held internships/jobs are: Detroit Pistons, Seattle Sonics, Cincinnati Reds, Louisville Bats, Louisville Fire, Churchill Downs, Greater Louisville Sports Commission, Palm Beach Sport Commission, USA Triathalon, Salt Lake City Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympics - 2002, USA Track & Field, RCA Championships, Japanese Jr. Golf Association, United States Golf Association, Greater Cleveland Sport Commission, YMCA, Host Communications, Disney Sports Attractions, Kentucky Derby Festival, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Hillerich & Bradsby (Louisville Slugger), and the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center.

SPAD graduates have also found careers with numerous colleges/university athletic departments including: University of Louisville, Arizona State University, Bellarmine University, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, University of Wisconsin, University of Miami, Auburn University, Vanderbilt University, Hanover College, University of Dayton, and University of Indiana/Purdue-Indianapolis. In addition, an increasing number of students are pursuing careers as high school athletic directors throughout the State of Kentucky.