Course Descriptions

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CORE REQUIREMENTS:  

RSA 501 (3 hrs.) Research Methods in Recreation and Sport:  Research terminology, design, methods, data analysis, and manuscript preparation in recreation and sport.

RSA 513 (3 hrs.) Recreation and Sport Administration:  Explores principles, techniques, and processes related to the management of college athletics   also focuses on the duties and requirements of the athletic director position, encouraging students to begin to focus on strategies for career development.

RSA 515 (3 hrs.) Recreation and Sport Facility Development:  Facility development process with emphasis on the unique features of many different types of facilities. Field experience required. Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings.

RSA 517 (3 hrs.) Legal Issues in Recreation and Sport:  Legal systems, legal concepts, and landmark cases influencing the Intercollegiate Athletics

RSA 519 (3 hrs.) Fiscal Practices in Recreation and Sport:  Financial principles and practices relevant in intercollegiate settings. Topics include economic principles, financial management and organization, income sources, fundraising, pricing, and budgeting.

RSA 521 (3 hrs.) Public Relations in Recreation and Sport:  Specialized application of effective communication techniques for building relationships with internal and external constituencies that support marketing from the general practice of public relations.

RSA 523  (3 hrs.) Theoretical Foundations of Recreation and Sport:  Social Issues and controversies surrounding intercollegiate athletics, including current professional trends in the field.

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CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

NOTE: WKU also offers a Graduate Certificate Program in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration which requires the four courses below. 

RSA 538 (3 hrs.)  Facility and Event Security Management:  Emphasis on efficient methods of security management in the recreation and sport (facility and event) industry, with a focus on an inter-agency approach.

RSA 554 (3 hrs.) Student-Athlete Development:  Develop an understanding of the historical and contemporary issues faced by student-athletes at colleges and universities. Content includes support services guidelines in the areas of academics, personal issues, and career preparation/planning.

RSA 556 (3 hrs.) Governance in Intercollegiate Athletics:  Thorough examination of intercollegiate athletics governing bodies (i.e., NCAA, NAIA, NAAC, NJCAA). Emphasis placed upon governing hierarchy, responsibilities of individual institutions, conference affiliations, and membership requirements

RSA 558 (3 hrs.) Compliance in Intercollegiate Athletics:  In-depth analysis of NCAA rules and regulations relating to intercollegiate athletics. Topics include ethical conduct, employment issues, amateurism, recruiting, eligibility (academic and general requirements), financial aid, awards and benefits, playing and practice schedules, and enforcement.