Sport performance leadership

A B.S. in sport performance leadership provides students with the academic and practical skills necessary for the leadership and instruction of sport in elementary, secondary, and collegiate settings; in elite-level settings; and through private-practice coaching. SMU’s program has a distinct focus on evidence-based methodologies in physiology and psychology, communication, and experiential learning.

Yes, sport leadership is in high demand as sports franchises continue to expand their reach and global footprint. A sport performance leadership degree from SMU signals to employers that you have the formal knowledge and skills to excel as a sports leader and educator. The sport performance leadership program at SMU benefits from its location in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the country’s most successful sports business markets, and connects its students with a wide network of alumni and industry professionals. 

A B.S. in sport performance leadership is focused on team development and athlete training and preparation, while a B.S. in sport management focuses on the business side of sports, including marketing, finance, administration and event management. SMU offers both degrees within the Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management.

Yes, a B.S. in sport performance leadership prepares students for a variety of possible career paths including youth, high school, collegiate and private-practice coaching. Relevant coursework explores player skill-level analysis, developmental appropriateness, organization and other coaching strategies.

Yes, a Bachelor of Science in sport performance leadership prepares students for a variety of possible career paths including coaching of professional and elite athletes. Relevant coursework explores regulations, strength and conditioning programming, sport technology, nutrition and other coaching tools and strategies.

SMU students are especially well-positioned, as Dallas-Fort Worth is one of only seven markets that have NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and WNBA teams. Students have access to several franchises to pursue internships and professional experiences during their program and after.

SMU’s B.S. in sport performance leadership students graduate with academic and practical skills for coaching leadership, including a mastery of exercise science and performance fundamentals; coaching and leadership techniques rooted in physiology and psychology; heightened communication skills; legal and ethical competencies; and familiarity with technology that serves recruitment, strategy, and athlete performance. Students also leave the program with professional experience from their capstone internship.

Graduates with a sport performance leadership degree pursue careers in coaching and sports leadership across age groups and competencies, including youth, high school, collegiate, professional and private practice coaching.

As part of the program’s Experiential Learning Lab, students explore practical and theoretical aspects of the human performance discipline with hands-on experience in the sport-coaching industry. Possible topics and activities include shadowing a coach, working on a community outreach project, and satisfying professional certification requirements. Students can also participate in research and interactive learning in the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, which is divided into “teaching pods” with specialized equipment to monitor physical performance.