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If you value healthy living combined with the enjoyment of leisure and sport experiences, then why not turn your passion into a career? Want to avoid working at a desk for the rest of your life? Are you a people person? Do you enjoy being active at work? The Leisure and Sport Management major at Middle Tennessee State University offers specializations in recreation administrationoutdoor recreation, and sport management. Leisure and Sport Management students prepare for their careers through an applied and experiential course of study.  Leisure and Sport Management prepares students for diverse career opportunities in various sectors of the industry and  our alumni are pursuing careers ranging from National Park Service Ranger to Community Recreation Center Director to University Athletic Directors and everything in between. 

To learn more about the LSM degree, click on the DEGREES tab. The mission, vision, and value statements; forms and manuals, and accreditation statistics can be found under the INFO tab. 


What We're Doing

Paige Ciuffo

Alum credits MTSU for getting foot in door with Nashville Predators

Graduate Paige Ciuffo, a longtime employee of the Nashville Predators credits the University for helping her get her start in the sports industry. As a student, Paige made her first connection with the team after a Preds’ employee spoke to one of her classes. By early 2006she was interning in the team’s marketing department, and later that summer she was hired on with the organization as a Fans Relation Coordinator. Now, nearly 14 years later she’s still with the Nashville-based team and works as Senior Manager of Corporate Activations. “The education I received at MTSU guided me to real-life experiences and networking within the sports industry to get my foot in the door,” she said. “Students get the opportunity to experience the real world and make life-changing connections with prominent people in the sports industry. MTSU prepares students to step out of the classroom and directly into an office or on the field.”

Randy Crawley

MTSU leads Leisure and Sports Management alum to dream job with Metro Parks

A 2008 graduate of the Leisure and Sport Management program, Nashville native Randy Crawley is now a facility coordinator with Metro Parks and Recreation. Crawley began working with Metro Parks while he was a junior at MTSU, and it’s a job that has now turned into a lifelong career. “MTSU had a really big shaping on my career. I would say MTSU provided me with the lens to look at things through an industry level as opposed to just a pastime.” Crawley said he is working his dream job and has no intentions to ever leave Metro Parks and Recreation. “My dream has been in parks. Getting paid to have fun and make sure other people have a high quality of life. I’m going to retire parks,” he said. And his advice to students is simple, “Do what you love, because chances are, if you’re doing what you love, chances are you’ll be good.”


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The exciting Leisure and Sport Management program offers a range of career opportunities in the areas of outdoor recreation, sport, and community recreation management. This ever-changing field requires skilled, versatile professionals with expertise in program design and delivery, personnel management, and agency administration. Students have access to real world experience ranging from internships at state parks to study abroad experiences in Argentina. Potential careers include work in:  

Outdoor Recreation

  • National and State Park Service Ranger
  • Summer Camp Director
  • Environmental Educator
  • Climbing Gym General Manager
  • Wilderness Leadership Instructor (e.g., NOLS, OB) 

Sports Management

  • Athletic administration
  • Coaching (all levels)
  • Community/public relations
  • General management
  • Community and Recreational sport
  • Youth sport 

Recreation Administration

  • Recreation Center Director
  • University Campus Recreation Director
  • Community Athletic League Director
  • Day Camp Director
  • Older Adult Recreation Programmer 
  • Community Parks Superintendent

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Arnold Air Force Base
  • LSU Campus Recreation
  • Climb Nashville
  • Metro Nashville YMCA
  • Tennessee State Parks

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.

Undergraduate

The Leisure and Sport Management program is a major leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a general core accredited through the Council on Accreditation: Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Students may choose courses from tracks in recreation administration, outdoor recreation, and sport management.  View the upper division form.

The Leisure and Sport Management program does not require a minor; however, possible choices include Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Communication Disorders, Driver and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, or Recreation.

Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program – BS 

The LSTS Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program allows eligible students to take selected courses that will count towards a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Leisure and Sport Management and Masters of Science (M.S.) in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management. LSTS majors who have completed 75 hours of coursework and who have a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply for the ABM. Once accepted, students work with their advisor to identify four graduate classes that may substitute for four undergraduate classes, at no additional cost! These two graduate courses (6 credits) may then transfer toward a Masters of Science in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management (students must earn a B or higher in all graduate classes and have cumulative UG GPA 3.25). ABM students who earn a grade of B or higher in their graduate courses and who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 are eligible to be admitted to LSM Masters Program without taking the GRE. The M.S. in LSM requires 30 credit hours (thesis track) or 36 credit hours (internship track) of coursework. Students must apply & meet the specified requirements.

Graduate

The department also offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management and two concentrations from which to choose: Recreation and Leisure Services and Sport Industry. A Ph.D. is available in Human Performance within which one can specialize in leisure studies.

Other programs offered by HHP

Other undergraduate majors offered by the Health and Human Performance Department that lead to a B.S. include  Athletic Training; Exercise Science; Community and Public Health with a concentrations in Public Health; Physical Education; and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, Recreation, and Somatic Movement Education, and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

In addition, an M.P.H. is offered with a major in Public Health, which has two concentrations: Health and Physical Education.

Other specializations under the Ph.D. in Human Performance are exercise science, health, and physical education.

Leisure and Sport Management, B.S.

Department of Health and Human Performance 
615-904-8478
Rudy Dunlap, program coordinator
Rudy.Dunlap@mtsu.edu

The major in Leisure and Sport Management (LSM) requires 64 hours and provides knowledge, skills, and experiences for students interested in preparing for positions in the leisure and sport management professions. The major requires a general core accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Recreation, Parks, Tourism, and Related Professions. Specializations in LSM include sport management, outdoor recreation, and recreation administration. A minor or advised electives of approximately 15 credit hours may also be chosen.

Accelerated Bachelors/Masters (ABM) Program

High achieving students majoring in Leisure and Sport Management who intend to pursue a master's degree in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management may apply to participate in the Accelerated Bachelors/Masters (ABM) pathway. The pathway allows undergraduate students an opportunity to complete select requirements for both the bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously. Upon successful completion of the ABM pathway, students may submit an application (including application fee) to the graduate program.  Additional application requirements will be waived, and the student will be admitted to the program automatically. For more information about the ABM pathway, see the Graduate Catalog.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Leisure and Sport Management, B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hours
Major Requirement64 hours
Electives15 hours
TOTAL120 hours

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Major Requirements (64 hours)

  • LSTS 3010 - Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies

    3 credit hours

    Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.

  • LSTS 3380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society. For LSTS majors only.

  • LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work. LSTS majors only.

  • LSTS 4660 - Research and Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.

  • LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship.

  • MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Concepts of the management functions of planning, organizing, and controlling with an emphasis on behavioral science concepts as applied to managing people in organizations.

  • MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Survey of the functions, processes, and institutions involved in the distribution of consumer and industrial goods and services. Decision making in marketing management introduced.

  • EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisites: Senior standing, EXL Scholars Program participant. Culminating experience for students in the EXL Scholars Program. Students will develop an e-portfolio of experiential and service-learning experiences and will participate in discussions of their EXL experiences.

LSM Upper-Division Electives (15 hours)

  • ACTG 3000 - Survey of Accounting for General Business  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ACTG 3000 - Survey of Accounting for General Business

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: A college-level math course; ENGL 1010; sophomore standing. Accounting cycle given minor emphasis; financial statement analysis and managerial uses of accounting given major emphasis. May be used for general business minors or M.B.A. candidates who have had no previous accounting courses. (Not open to Accounting majors and students with credit in ACTG 2110 and ACTG 2120.)

  • MGMT 3810 - Human Resource Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the College of Business. An introduction to the management of human resources, including strategic human resource management, diversity and inclusion, employment law, talent acquisition and management, compensation, training and development, employee and labor relations, performance management, and health/safety/security.

 

  • LSTS 3150 - Foundations of Sport Industry  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    LSTS 3150 - Foundations of Sport Industry

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the dynamics of the sport industry field. Discusses theoretical foundation and subsequent application and addresses the various aspects of the sport industry profession. Provides a clear understanding of the role of sport industry professional, specifically the sport industry, ethical concerns, risk management, marketing, economics, and the supervision of sporting industry.

  • THM 3100 - Introduction to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the structure and scope of the travel/tourism and hospitality industry, the largest national employment base in private industry. The tourism and hospitality industry encompasses lodging, travel, tourism, recreation, amusements, attractions, resorts, restaurants, and food and beverage service. Provides knowledge and skills for industry standards to ensure students prepared to complete in this multifaceted industry.

 

  • LSTS 4110 - Youth Sport Programming and Administration  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    LSTS 4110 - Youth Sport Programming and Administration

    3 credit hours

    Explores and examines youth sport history, philosophy, developmental stages of youth, administration and programming for youth, and current issues and events necessary to deliver youth sport activities within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations. Addresses the various learning stages of youth sport and the impact these experiences can have on youth.

  • LSTS 4580 - Seminar in Recreation and Tourism Impacts

    3 credit hours

    Increases awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.

 

  • LSTS 4250 - Legal Issues in Sport and Leisure  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    LSTS 4250 - Legal Issues in Sport and Leisure

    3 credit hours

    Introduces student to the principles, dynamics, and realities of the sport agent industry. Provides insight into the history and legal foundations of sports representation, the evolution of the industry, the business of competition for clients, common pitfalls of both representatives and clients, a wide array of ethical issues, the laws that govern the industry, the structures and language of contracts, negotiation tactics, and sport-specific information.

  • LSTS 3570 - Outdoor Pursuits Education

    3 credit hours

    Concentration on developing student's ability in adventure-based recreation and education. Emphasis placed on learning how to implement an outdoor pursuit experience for oneself and others. Both on- and off-campus experiences will be conducted and may involve day/overnight camping, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, ropes courses, and orienteering.

 

  • ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology  3 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology

    3 credit hours

    The application of behavioral principles, motivational research, personality factors, social/psychological findings, cognitive processes, dysfunctional behavior knowledge, and psychometric assessment procedures to the arena of sports. Introduces students to this discipline and provides knowledge to help enhance their own performances and the performances of others.

  • ATHC 4690 - Psychology of Coaching and Officiating

    3 credit hours

    The applications of psychological principles to the coaching, officiating, and playing of athletics at various levels. Emphasis will be on the motivation of and communication with and between all participants in athletic competition at a variety of levels.

OR

  • LSTS 3370 - Principles of Outdoor Recreation

    3 credit hours

    Concepts, principles, and practices in various types of park, recreation, and tourism settings. Emphasis on overall and critical subsystems of the outdoor recreation management system primarily in public land settings.

Electives (9 hours)

  • Advisor approved

Internship (12 hours)

  • LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

  • LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

  • LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Management

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

Minor/Advised Electives (15 hours)

Curriculum: Leisure and Sport Management

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 6 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Mathematics 3 credit hours

 

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - World Literatures  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - World Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • LSTS 3010 - Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies

    3 credit hours

    Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.

  • MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Concepts of the management functions of planning, organizing, and controlling with an emphasis on behavioral science concepts as applied to managing people in organizations.

  • Minor or advised elective courses 12 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work. LSTS majors only.

  • LSTS 3380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society. For LSTS majors only.

  • LSTS 4660 - Research and Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.

  • LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship.

  • LSM UD electives 9 credit hours
  • LSM advisor-approved elective 3 credit hours
  • MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Survey of the functions, processes, and institutions involved in the distribution of consumer and industrial goods and services. Decision making in marketing management introduced.

Subtotal: 30 Hours

Senior

  • EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisites: Senior standing, EXL Scholars Program participant. Culminating experience for students in the EXL Scholars Program. Students will develop an e-portfolio of experiential and service-learning experiences and will participate in discussions of their EXL experiences.

  • Advisor-approved electives 6 credit hours
  • Minor or advised elective courses 3 credit hours
  • LSM UD electives 6 credit hours

 

  • LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation  12 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

  • LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration  12 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

  • LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Management

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

Subtotal: 28 Hours

Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.

Leisure and Sport Management

Course offerings by semester

LSTS 3000 - Leisure in Your Life
3 credit hours

Issues relative to choices an individual and society make when utilizing "free" time and resources. Increased understanding of the multibillion dollar leisure industry and its effect on our personal and collective lives.

LSTS 3010 - Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours

Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.

LSTS 3150 - Foundations of Sport Industry
3 credit hours

Introduces the dynamics of the sport industry field. Discusses theoretical foundation and subsequent application and addresses the various aspects of the sport industry profession. Provides a clear understanding of the role of sport industry professional, specifically the sport industry, ethical concerns, risk management, marketing, economics, and the supervision of sporting industry.

LSTS 3360 - Camp Administration and Camp Counseling
3 credit hours

Emphasis on the camp counselor, including discussion of techniques and skills appropriate in various camp settings. Day-to-day management of residential, trip/travel, and special emphasis camps examined. Some off-campus experience.

LSTS 3370 - Principles of Outdoor Recreation
3 credit hours

Concepts, principles, and practices in various types of park, recreation, and tourism settings. Emphasis on overall and critical subsystems of the outdoor recreation management system primarily in public land settings.

LSTS 3371 - Principles of Interpretation and Resource Education
3 credit hours

The study of natural, cultural, and historical interpretation and resource education concepts, principles, and practices applicable to various types of recreation and leisure service settings. Emphasis on interpretation and resource education, why and how to interpret and educate about resources, as well as how to effectively manage interpretation and resource education in varied settings.

LSTS 3380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society. For LSTS majors only.

LSTS 3520 - Leadership and Group Processes in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Conceptual and human relationship skills required of effective professionals. Emphasis on understanding group dynamics and processes associated with leading activities, programs, and personnel in leisure, sport, and tourism settings. Key component will be field application of skills. LSTS majors only.

LSTS 3530 - Program and Facility Planning in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: LSTS 3010 or THM 3100. The understanding of participant leisure, sport, and tourism needs and ways organizations create services to respond to them. For LSTS/THM majors only.

LSTS 3540 - Facility Operations in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Theoretical foundations, principles, and subsequent application of these principles will provide a unique vantage point in the understanding of addressing various aspects of facility operations in the leisure, sport, and tourism industry. Provides insight into the facility operations industry; facility administration, event logistics, ethical concerns, ADA requirements, risk management, emergency preparedness, crowd management, safety and security, budget development, sponsorships, scheduling and booking, contract and negotiations, labor union relations, customer service within collegiate, private, public and community entities.

LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work. LSTS majors only.

LSTS 3570 - Outdoor Pursuits Education
3 credit hours

Concentration on developing student's ability in adventure-based recreation and education. Emphasis placed on learning how to implement an outdoor pursuit experience for oneself and others. Both on- and off-campus experiences will be conducted and may involve day/overnight camping, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, ropes courses, and orienteering.

LSTS 4110 - Youth Sport Programming and Administration
3 credit hours

Explores and examines youth sport history, philosophy, developmental stages of youth, administration and programming for youth, and current issues and events necessary to deliver youth sport activities within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations. Addresses the various learning stages of youth sport and the impact these experiences can have on youth.

LSTS 4120 - Community Development through Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Explores and utilizes sustainable practices to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate tourism's potential contribution to, or detraction from, the quality of life for communities. Examines economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political impacts on community tourism development within the community tourism development context.

LSTS 4250 - Legal Issues in Sport and Leisure
3 credit hours

Introduces student to the principles, dynamics, and realities of the sport agent industry. Provides insight into the history and legal foundations of sports representation, the evolution of the industry, the business of competition for clients, common pitfalls of both representatives and clients, a wide array of ethical issues, the laws that govern the industry, the structures and language of contracts, negotiation tactics, and sport-specific information.

LSTS 4470 - Leisure and Aging
3 credit hours

Aging relative to the individual, family, peers, and society with an emphasis on leisure. The holistic approach including physical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and cognitive aspects. Interdisciplinary approach makes this course ideal for the developing or practicing human service professional.

LSTS 4490 - Campus Recreation
3 credit hours

For those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society.

LSTS 4540 - Finance and Administration of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours

Provides an opportunity for understanding the duties and responsibilities of an administrator and for developing the ability to perform these in recreation and leisure settings. For LSTS majors only.

LSTS 4550 - Business Applications in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Explores the application of public relations, customer service, and marketing systems including procedures for developing marketing and budget plans for leisure, sport, and tourism services. Emphasizes public and customer relations, budgeting, and organizing and analyzing the marketing strategies in leisure service, sport, and tourism organizations. LSTS majors only.

LSTS 4570 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
3 credit hours

An off-campus course that provides materials and experiences unobtainable in the traditional classroom. Exposure to issues, trends, and concerns relevant to outdoor recreation, resource management, and the delivery of programs and services in outdoor environments. Public, private non-profits, and commercial agencies will be experienced through a series of field trips, talks, groups exercises, and other experiential-based activities.

LSTS 4580 - Seminar in Recreation and Tourism Impacts
3 credit hours

Increases awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.

LSTS 4590 - Readings in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

In-depth reading; preparation of an annotated bibliography and report. Arrangements for course should be made with the instructor prior to registration.

LSTS 4660 - Research and Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.

LSTS 4700 - Challenge Course Facilitation
3 credit hours

A systematic approach to the fundamentals of group management in an experiential ropes course setting. Focuses on both interpersonal and technical facilitation skills. Several on- and off-campus experiential, demonstration, and practical application sessions required.

LSTS 4790 - Sport and Society
3 credit hours

(Same as SOC 4790.) A behavioral approach to the sport and leisure phenomena from the related perspectives of sociology and anthropology.

LSTS 4850 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Leisure and Tourism
3 to 6 credit hours

An in-depth study of the leisure experience in other (non-U.S.) cultures through onsite observations; visits to cultural/historic sites; and interactions with managers and staff at selected parks, museums, attractions, and world heritage sites.

LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship.

LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation
12 credit hours

Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration
12 credit hours

Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Management
12 credit hours

Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.

LSTS 4920 - Independent Study in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours

(Same as ATHT 4920/EXSC 4920/HLTH 4920/PHED 4920.) Independent study topics based on a study plan prepared in cooperation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a formal paper and/or comprehensive examination. Application forms must be completed and approved prior to enrollment. A maximum of three credit hours may be applied toward degree.

LSTS 4965 - Aquatic Exercise and Therapeutic Rehabilitation Techniques
3 credit hours

(Same as ATHT 4965.) Examines the various uses of the aquatic environment to develop, maintain, and improve physical performance with practical development of skills and techniques and aquatic exercise programming. Combines both didactic and laboratory activities in an experiential learning environment.

 

Mission Statement

The Leisure and Sport Management Program prepares graduates to address current and future challenges faced by leisure and sport agencies as well as the communities that they serve. Our approach to education is built on the formation of trusting relationships, a problem-based approach to instruction, and a willingness to challenge the status quo as well as our own comfort zones.

Vision Statement

The Leisure and Sport Management Program envisions a world in which all individuals have access to and can enjoy the benefits of safe and enriching leisure, sport, and recreation opportunities.

Core Values

In pursuit of its mission, the Leisure and Sport Management Program cultivates the following values:

  • Curiosity. An interest in asking practical and intellectual questions that are based on the recognition that we always have more to learn. Curiosity necessarily entails an openness towards diverse points of view and life experiences.
  • Collaboration. Almost every significant accomplishment in our field requires the collaboration of many individuals. Successful collaboration requires a willingness to ask for help, an openness to feedback, and a reasonable sacrifice of personal ambition for the good of the group.
  • Professionalism. An attitude that understands that our everyday work is part of the larger field of leisure and sport management. We identify ourselves as leisure and sport professionals and take pride in our contributions to the field.

Forms & Manuals

Important Information Regarding Degree Mills

Please watch this important video regarding degree and accreditation mills. According to CHEA, "Degree mills and accreditation mills mislead and harm. In the United States, degrees and certificates from mills may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degree mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. “Accreditation” from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential. Read more on CHEA's website..

COAPRT Annual Data Report

Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance

This program is available .


For More Information or Explore Your Options​

Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.


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The Online Advantage​

With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person. ​

Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.

Contact Information

Rudy Dunlap, Program Coordinator
615-904-8478
Rudy.Dunlap@mtsu.edu

Who is My Advisor?

Sarah Fossett (A-D, L, P)
Sarah.Fossett@mtsu.edu
615-898-4818 | CKNB 201B

Jayla Pugh (N, O, R-Z)
Jayla.Pugh@mtsu.edu
615-904-8494 | CKNB 201H

Crystal Ellis (E-K, M, Q)
Crystal.Ellis@mtsu.edu
615-898-4810 | CKNB 201E

 

Mailing Address

Department of Health and Human Performance
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 96
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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