Sport Studies

Lyman (Lee) E. Ellis III, Professor

Faculty from other disciplines also support this program.

Few social constructs impact institutions and cultural activities more than sport. Sport is a powerful agent of change that influences how people think, feel, and live their lives. Sport encompasses big business and entertainment, and impacts fitness, emotional well-being, and the way we socialize and educate young people about race, gender, class, and various notions of character—effort, attitude, grit, and fair play. In addition, sport contributes to national pride, can serve political agendas, and often takes on religious fervor.   

A sport studies minor complements and opens new vistas of inquiry and career opportunities for many students with an interest in sports who may also be considering careers in Digital Media and Journalism, Business, Educational Studies, Sustainability, and Athletics/Coaching. 

The sport studies minor is an interdisciplinary program of study that explores sport through many different lenses such as sociology, philosophy, and business, as well as in different contexts—educational, governmental, non-governmental organization (NGO), business, and leisure/recreation.