Preparing students to become the coaches, teachers, and sport industry leaders of tomorrow.
Overview
We offer two sport-related majors: Sport Studies and Sport Management. Further, in combination with the bachelor degree in Sport Studies, McPherson College offers PK-12 Licensure for students interested in teaching physical education and health in either the elementary or secondary environments.
These student-focused, career-oriented majors help prepare students to become the coaches, teachers, and sport industry leaders of tomorrow. Creating a firm content base, emphasizing knowledge translation, and practical application are keys to each major, which includes a Senior Capstone experience that allows students to gain real-world experience in their chosen professions.
For students pursuing graduate studies beyond McPherson College, the academic rigor of the Sport Studies and Sport Management majors will prepare students to apply to many graduate programs in the country focusing on coaching, leadership, and sport management.
Majors
Sport Studies
To prepare students for careers in coaching and teaching, the Sport Studies major emphasizes three essential areas: pedagogy, the human body, and sport culture. Pedagogy refers to the method and practice of teaching, whereby students will develop their pedagogical foundation through courses focused on teaching and coaching. Understanding the human body will prepare students to help individuals reach maximum performance by focusing on all the aspects of a properly functioning human body, which includes human anatomy, physiology, motor behavior, and nutrition. Lastly, learning about sport culture allows students to comprehend the impacts of sport and physical education on American society, and how sport and physical education have developed into their present forms.
Sport Management
To prepare students for careers in the public, non-profit, and commercial sectors, the Sport Management major emphasizes two key areas: business and sport culture. Sport management’s foundation is based on sound business principles and content knowledge. Students will acquire that foundation by completing courses in many aspects of business, including management, accounting, economics, finance, marketing, law, and organizational behavior. In order to contextualize sport in American culture and beyond, students will learn the impact of sport in society and how sport developed into its present form. Lastly, business and sport will intersect in the four senior-level courses: Sport Management, Sport Marketing, Sport Finance, and Governance and Policy in Sport.
Faculty & Staff
Jamie Fuqua B.S.
- Assistant Professor of Health Science
- "As an educator on topics of health, wellness, and the healthcare industry, I strive to create a learning environment of exploration and reflection, while helping students develop skills such as adaptability and resilience. My hope is to create a strong foundation of knowledge for the students to build upon as they pursue their individual career goals."
Min Jung Kim Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor of Sport Management
- "Throughout my journey as an educator, a researcher, and an athlete, I have learned to strive for excellence and contribute to society with the knowledge I have attained from learning. My goals for all students include learning and creatively applying fundamental concepts and being prepared to work in the sport industry. I believe it is my responsibility to help students navigate their goals ultimately."
Elliot Koester
- Assistant Professor of Health Science
- "My teaching philosophy is to create an atmosphere that encourages student learning and engagement. My goal is to bring enthusiasm to the classroom where students learn practical concepts that will be useful for the future."
Austin McCulloch Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor
- Department Chair
Katharine O'Connor MOT
- Assistant Professor of Health Science
- "My teaching philosophy is grounded in providing a stimulating educational environment where building relationships with students is at the forefront. I believe this helps enhance the students’ level of motivation, desire to learn, and overall learning ability. I want students to understand their potential in the classroom while building skills that go beyond the classroom, allowing true reflection and thinking for their future careers."
Kara Voss M.Ed.
- Assistant Professor of Sports Studies
