A study referencing the Department of Education’s data has named Ripon College as one of the top schools for Heath and Wellness majors in Wisconsin. Students pursuing a major in Exercise Science-Sports Management focus on the planning, organizing, managing and budgeting aspects of a department or organization whose main purpose is related to sports or physical activities. Students also will be introduced to law and its relationship to sport, physical activity and sport business. In addition to a core of exercise science coursework, students will take a variety of economic and business courses that focus on topics such as the economics of professional sports and strategic management of human resources, entrepreneurship, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Students will demonstrate proficiency in several key areas: applying knowledge of the historical, sociological and psychological aspects of sport in integrative experiences; planning, organizing, leading, evaluating, controlling, strategic planning and decision-making for activities and programs; administrating sports and recreation programs in schools and communities, both nationally and internationally; using a global perspective to understand sport; promoting sport through various means; forecasting and managing budgets, revenue streams and economic impact for public and private organizations; applying principles of risk management to all aspects of sport; critically analyzing ethical issues related to sports organizations; and addressing diversity.

Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Exercise Science Department is to prepare, educate, and empower students in their individual journeys toward becoming critical practitioners skilled at evaluating, deconstructing, and addressing the problems and issues central to the narrower topic of sport, as well as the broader issue of physical activity across the lifespan. By blending scholarly study and professional practice, department faculty create learning opportunities and experiences that nurture students’ exploration of the physical, psychological, social-humanistic, and professional aspects of physical activity, and their associated impact on health, society, and quality of life.

Achieve More

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Faculty

Katie Astrauskas

Astrauskas, Catherine "Katie"

Professor of Exercise Science, Head Coach of Volleyball, Senior Women Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director - Compliance

Brian Azinger

Azinger, Brian

Head Athletic Trainer

Lauren Busalacchi

Busalacchi, Lauren

Adjunct Instructor of Exercise Science, Head Coach of Women's Basketball

Coles, Rick

Professor of Exercise Science, Associate Head Coach of Football

Brittany Followay

Followay, Brittany

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Chair of Exercise Science, Graduate Program Director

Steve Wammer

Wammer, Steve

Adjunct Instructor of Exercise Science, Associate Athletic Director, Head Softball Coach

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.

Advising at Ripon

Requirements

Requirements for a Major in Exercise Science — Sports Management
Total Credits 42 credits in Exercise Science — Sports Management toward Major
Core Courses EXS 220 Foundations of Exercise Science , 353 Sociological Aspects of Physical Activity, 423 Sports Law, 431 Research Methods, 454 Administration in Exercise Science, 499*, 500 Senior Seminar in Exercise Science; BSA 231 Financial Accounting with Spreadsheet Applications; ECO 212;
Electives two courses from the following at least one of which must be from the 300 level or higher: BSA 208 Introduction to Marketing, 223 Business and Society , 225 Human Resource Management, 310 Nonprofit Organization Management , 315 Strategic Management , 322 Managerial Accounting with Spreadsheet Applications, 413 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management; ECO 211 Principles of Economics, 321 Economics of Professional Sports, MTH 120 Elementary Statistics, EXS 352 Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity.

Career Tracks

Students completing an Exercise Science-Sports Management degree are employed in sport and recreation organizations at all levels. Employment is available in public or private organizations, social organizations, government, intercollegiate/interscholastic athletics activities, or professional sports. Accounting/Finance, law, marketing/promotions, facilities management, and human resources are a few of the administrative sides of sport, physical fitness, wellness, and recreation available to these graduates.

Unique Opportunities

  • Exercise Science-Sports Management students have completed practicums at local radio stations, multiple University of Wisconsin campuses, the Ripon College Department of Athletics, the Midwest Athletic Conference and professional sport organizations in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Rockford, Illinois.
  • Annual highlights include a sponsored trip to a regional sport organization where students meet with front office executives, tour facilities and gain exposure to entry-level requirements of these organizations.