Pathway to Sports Academy
Dreaming of a career in sports? The University of Tulsa Athletics Department is opening the door to your future!
Introducing the Pathway to Sports Academy — a groundbreaking program designed to give you exclusive, hands-on experience in the world of college athletics. Launched in Fall 2021, this unique opportunity pairs practical skills with your academic studies, immersing you in the action and excitement of the sports industry.
Whether you're passionate about sports management, marketing, coaching, or anything in between, the Pathway to Sports Academy provides an inside look into the dynamic world of college athletics — and beyond. Step into your dream career today!
What is: Pathway to Sports Academy?
Mission: To provide students with practical experience and career-ready skills in the sports industry.
Purpose: To attract, develop, and support students within the Pathway to Sports Academy, offering them hands-on experience and valuable industry exposure, preparing them for success in their chosen field.
Target: Prospective students seeking an introduction to and experience in the sports industry.
PATHWAY TRACKS
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
The Academic Coordinator Pathway gains hands-on experience supporting a full-time Academic Coordinator. Responsibilities include monitoring study hours/hall, assisting with academic progress monitoring and planning, and learning NCAA rules and regulations. This pathway provides valuable experience to academic support services within collegiate athletics.
ADMINISTRATION
The Administration Pathway provides individuals with the opportunity to engage in essential functions that support the day-to-day operations of the Athletic Department, these include Internal Operations, Human Resources, or Marketing. This pathway emphasizes multitasking, attention to detail, and effective communication. Participants will gain valuable experience in sports management, contributing to the success and growth of the department while developing skills that are crucial for a career in athletic administration. This hands-on experience prepares students for various roles within the sports industry, enhancing their professional readiness.
ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
The Athletic Communications Pathway involves assisting with the publicity and media operations for 17 intercollegiate sports. Students will work directly with a specific sport in a comprehensive media relations role. Responsibilities include writing press releases and feature stories, compiling game note packages, managing game day media operations, and handling social media content. Additionally, students will engage in photography, keep game statistics, and perform desktop publishing tasks. This pathway provides valuable hands-on experience in sports communication, preparing students for careers in public relations and media within the athletic field.
BROADCAST & IN-HOUSE VIDEO
The Broadcast & In-House Video Pathway provides students with a collaborative environment where they work directly with Division I athletes while cultivating stories through a camera lens. Students will assist in video production for live video board presentations and webcasts, engage in on-air and post production reporting audio and video content for social media. This hands-on experience not only enhances their technical skills but also prepares them for potential careers in TV, radio, or internet multimedia production, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the industry.
Course Offerings
- MSTU 2013 – Intro to Media Studies
- MSTU 4863 – Special Topics in Media Studies
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Business Operations Pathway encompasses education on budget management, purchasing, industry research, and reporting. It also includes learning and development in ticket sales and operations, covering daily ticket office operations, event sales, and database management. This pathway equips individuals with the skills needed to effectively manage business processes and optimize revenue generation in the sports industry.
COACHING (SPORT SPECIFIC)
The Coaching (Sports Specific) Pathway offers students the chance to work closely with a specific team, showcasing their work ethic, dependability, and reliability to the coaching staff. This hybrid role includes setting up and breaking down practices, organizing equipment, and preparing for games each week. This hands-on involvement not only enhances their skills but also helps build strong professional relationships within the athletic department, preparing them for future careers in coaching.
Course Offerings
- ATRG2451 - Practicum (both freshman and sophomore year)
- ATGR4203 - Methods in Teaching
COMPLIANCE ADMINISTRATION
The Compliance Administrator Pathway is designed for students interested in understanding and supporting NCAA compliance within intercollegiate athletics. Students in this pathway will learn to implement and monitor systems that ensure adherence to university, conference, and NCAA rules, including the evolving regulations surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. They will gain hands-on experience coordinating with coaches and monitoring the recruitment and initial eligibility of student-athletes across various sports programs. Additionally, students will explore how to educate their peers on NIL regulations, fostering a culture of compliance. This pathway equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support ethical practices in athletics while safeguarding the integrity of the program.
CREATIVE CONTENT
The Creative Content Pathway provides students with the opportunity to design and create engaging content for social media channels, adhering to the branding guidelines established by TU Athletics. Students will focus on developing marketing and promotional initiatives that support the department as a whole, as well as team-specific content for the 17 varsity sports. This may include crafting eye-catching graphics, capturing compelling photography, and producing creative videos. Through hands-on experience, students will enhance their skills in visual storytelling and digital marketing, preparing them to effectively promote athletic programs and engage the university community.
DATA ANALYTICS (SPORT SPECIFIC)
The Data Analytics (Sports Specific) Pathway equips students with the skills needed to integrate technologies that enhance athletic performance and decision-making. Through hands-on experience, students will learn to analyze data related to training, performance metrics, and injury prevention. They will explore various analytical tools and techniques, enabling them to provide insights for coaches and athletes. This pathway prepares students to effectively use data to develop strategies that optimize performance and contribute to the overall success of the team. By combining analytical skills with practical applications, students will be well-prepared for careers in sports analytics.
Course Offerings
Freshman/Sophomore
- MATH 1243 – Applied Calculus
- QM 2013 – Statistics I
- QM 2023 – Statistics II: Data Analytics
- CIS 2013 – Business Programming Concepts I
Junior/Senior
- MGT 2143 – Introduction to Sport Management
- MKTG 3003 – Principles of Marketing
- QM 5003 – Business Decision Models
- QM 5063 – Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
DATA ANALYTICS (TICKET SALES)
The Data Analytics (Ticket Sales) Pathway supports the ticket sales team by assisting with season, group, and single-game sales and activation. Additionally, they provide data analytics to help guide the sales team in revenue generation efforts. Responsibilities include analyzing customer data, identifying sales trends, and implementing strategies to maximize ticket sales. This pathway offers hands-on experience in both sales operations and data analysis within the sports industry, contributing to revenue optimization and business growth.
Course Offerings
Freshman/Sophomore
- MATH 1243 – Applied Calculus
- QM 2013 – Statistics I
- QM 2023 – Statistics II: Data Analytics
- CIS 2013 – Business Programming Concepts I
Junior/Senior
- QM 5003 – Business Decision Models
- QM 5063 – Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
- MGT 2143 – Introduction to Sport Management
- MKTG 3003 – Principles of Marketing
DONOR RELATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
The Donor Relations & Engagement Pathway focuses on developing and managing portfolios of annual donors and prospects. Students will learn to identify new prospects, cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, and solicit annual and capital gifts. They will also play a key role in stewarding both current and new donors. Additionally, students will assist on game days at the Donor Tailgate and Terrace locations, helping with event set-up and breakdown while fostering connections with donors. This pathway provides valuable experience in fundraising and relationship management, preparing students for a career in donor relations.
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS (FOOTBALL)
The Equipment Operations - Football (Student Manager) Pathway offers students hands-on experience in critical equipment operation functions, including team laundry, setup for practices, game day equipment management, and inventory tracking of athletic gear. Through this role, students will develop essential skills in communication, time management, and business operations. This pathway prepares them for future careers in sports management by providing insights into the logistical and operational support needed for a successful sports program, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for both practices and competitions. This experience not only enhances their practical skills but also fosters a strong understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to athletic success.
EVENT MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS
The Event Management & Operations Pathway assists in the planning and execution of all athletic-related home events. The primary focus lies in organizing various contributing groups involved in game day activities. This includes coordinating with vendors, facilities staff, security personnel, and volunteers to ensure smooth operations during events. Participants gain valuable experience in event planning, logistics management, and teamwork within the context of collegiate athletics.
LEARNING SPECIALIST
The Learning Specialist Pathway focuses on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of student-athletes with diagnosed learning disabilities, as well as those who may enter the university underprepared for college-level work. Students in this pathway will learn to develop and implement targeted intervention strategies that promote academic progress and support learning needs. By providing intensive support, this pathway aims to empower student-athletes to overcome challenges and succeed academically, fostering their overall development and enhancing their college experience.
OPERATIONS (SPORT SPECIFIC)
The Operations (Sport Specific) Pathway, individuals are tasked with performing administrative functions and providing support for day-to-day operations within a specific sports program. Responsibilities include assisting with recruiting efforts, coordinating team travel logistics, organizing camps, and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. This pathway involves multitasking, attention to detail, and effective communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the sports program. Participants gain valuable experience in sports operations management, contributing to the success and growth of a team.
RECRUITING & PLAYER PERSONNEL
The Recruiting and Player Personnel Pathway provides students with the opportunity to assist with various pre-event duties related to recruitment. Responsibilities include organizing and filing recruit information, consolidating recruiting databases, and managing weekly mail. Students will prepare forms, name tags, receipts, and recruiting materials, as well as handle any tasks associated with visit preparation as assigned by the recruiting team. Additionally, they will research programs and perform social media reporting on prospective student-athletes (PSAs), as well as edit film and evaluations.
SPORTS MARKETING
The Sports Marketing Pathway provides students with the opportunity to assist in the planning and implementation of marketing strategies for TU Athletics. Students will develop and execute promotional ideas and tactics aimed at increasing attendance and generating interest in TU varsity athletic events. This hands-on experience will allow them to engage with various marketing initiatives, enhancing their understanding of audience engagement and event promotion. Through this pathway, students will gain valuable skills in sports marketing, preparing them for future careers in athletic marketing.
Course Offerings
- MKTG 2013 – Appl Creativity Innovation
- MKTG 3003 – Principles of Marketing
- MKTG 3033 – Integrated Mktg Com
- MKTG 3043 – Sales Management
- MKTG 3173 – Sports Management and Marketing
- MKTG 4413 – Digital Marketing
SPORTS MEDICINE
The Sports Medicine Pathway seeks dedicated and motivated students who are committed to becoming skilled healthcare professionals. These students actively engage in both the theoretical and practical aspects of athletic training, focusing on injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. They exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills, collaborating effectively with peers and professional staff. Through hands-on experiences, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, equipping them to provide high-quality care to athletes. Their passion for sports and health assists in both their academic and clinical pursuits.
Course Offerings
- ATRG 1013 – Introduction to Kinesiology
- ATRG 2023 – Human Anatomy and Kinesiology + Lab (ATRG 2021)
- ATRG 2653 – Prevention and Treatment
Accelerated Exercise & Sports Science to Master of Athletic Training
SPORTS NUTRITION
The Sports Nutrition Pathway allows students to work closely with the Sports Nutrition and Athletic Performance staff to support the athletic and nutritional goals of coaches and players. As part of this collaborative team, students will help advance the overall objective of achieving sports performance goals across all TU intercollegiate teams. This pathway provides hands-on experience in developing nutrition plans, educating athletes on dietary strategies, and promoting optimal performance through nutrition. Students will gain valuable insights into the intersection of diet and athletic performance, preparing them for careers in sports nutrition.
Course Offerings
- ATRG 2563 – Sports Nutrition
- ATRG 3023 – Exercise Physiology + Lab (ATRG 3121)
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST
The Sports Psychologist Pathway offers students the opportunity to explore the complexities of sport psychology both in the classroom and on the field. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will learn about mental skills training, performance enhancement, and the psychological aspects of athletic performance. This pathway emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for athletes and prepares students to support individuals and teams in overcoming challenges, improving focus, and achieving their goals. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this pathway equips students for future careers in sports psychology.
Course Offerings
- ATRG 1013 - Intro to Kinesiology
- ATRG 2603 - Strategies for Healthy Living
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
The Sports Performance Pathway provides students with the opportunity to work closely with TU student-athletes, coaches, and support staff on a daily basis. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare individuals for certification as strength and conditioning professionals upon graduation. Students will gain practical knowledge and skills while collaborating with the athletic performance staff, as well as interacting with the sports medicine, coaching, and nutrition teams. This pathway not only enhances their understanding of strength and conditioning principles but also equips them with the experience necessary for a successful career in sports performance.
Course Offerings
- ATRG 2023 – Human Anatomy and Kinesiology + Lab (ATRG 2021)
- ATRG 3023 – Exercise Physiology + Lab (ATRG 3121)
- ATRG 3713 – Development of Strength and Conditioning Programs
- ATRG 4433 – Applications in Exercise and Sports Science (preparatory course for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification)
STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
The Student-Athlete Development Pathway gains hands-on experience assisting with student-athlete development initiatives within the Office of Academics and Student Services (OASiS). Responsibilities include coordinating first-year transition programs, organizing career exploration opportunities, and conducting educational workshops for student-athletes. Additionally, participants learn NCAA rules and regulations related to student-athlete development. This pathway offers valuable experience into supporting the holistic development of student-athletes.
TEAM OPERATIONS (SPORT SPECIFIC)
The Team Operations (Sports Specific) Pathway offers students hands-on experience in critical team operation functions, including team laundry, setup for practices, game day equipment management, inventory tracking of athletic gear, and game day operations. Through this role, students will develop essential skills in communication, time management, and business operations. This pathway prepares them for future careers in sports management by providing insights into the logistical and operational support needed for a successful sports program, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for both practices and competitions. This experience not only enhances their practical skills but also fosters a strong understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to athletic success.
TICKET OPERATIONS
The Ticket Operations Pathway will learn and execute day-to-day operations within the ticket office. Responsibilities include customer interaction, ticket processing, and database management. This pathway is integral in maintaining seamless ticketing operations and delivering exceptional customer service to patrons. Participants gain valuable experience in managing ticketing systems and addressing customer inquiries within a dynamic environment, fostering professional growth in the field of ticket management and customer relations.
VIDEO OPERATIONS (FOOTBALL)
The Video Operations Pathway involves providing coaches with film footage by filming practices and games, as well as importing and editing the film. This pathway is crucial for assisting coaches in reviewing player performance, analyzing game strategies, and improving team tactics. It offers hands-on experience in video production within a Division I football program, contributing significantly to the team's overall performance and success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the weekly time commitment? How many hours per week?
The weekly time commitment varies depending on the chosen pathway and class schedule. Before each semester, students collaborate with their direct pathways supervisor to establish the expected hours and schedule for that term. On average, pathway students can expect to dedicate between 5 to 20 hours per week to their pathway-related activities.
Are there scholarships attached to the program, or can I get paid?
- Yes, there are potential scholarship opportunities, depending on program availability and student tuition eligibility. Additionally, if a student qualifies for Federal Work Study (FWS) through TU, they may be able to count their pathway hours toward their allocated FWS hours with TU Athletics (if approved). This allows students to focus on their pathway hours without the need to search for an additional FWS job on campus.
Can I switch pathways down the road if I have a change of heart?
- Yes, students have the opportunity to reassess their pathway each year during the end of the year meeting with the program administrator. If you’ve developed a new area of interest or changed majors, this is the time to discuss options for transitioning to a different pathway.
Are there networking opportunities?
Absolutely! Students will have the chance to connect with sports industry professionals from across the country, as well as TU Athletics staff and alumni working in various sports-related fields. These connections provide valuable opportunities to expand your network and explore potential career paths.
Can this program help me get a job after graduation?
Absolutely! The hands-on experience and valuable relationships built over the course of the program will help students develop their personal brand, enhance their resumes, gain strong references, and open doors to a variety of careers in sports and beyond.
More Information...
If you have any questions regarding the Pathway to Sports Academy, contact us at tupathways@utulsa.edu. Are you thinking about applying to attend TU? Apply to TU