the graduate sport management program within the department of human performance and health education at western michigan university is designed to prepare students to blend general management skills with the specific demands of managing sport organizations and teams. sport management students acquire a strong foundation in management, financial management, communication, ethics, marketing, promotion and legal aspects of sport. specific courses in the sport management curriculum provide students with an understanding of the role of sports in society, the role of management in sports and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in sports-related internships. all courses are designed to meet or exceed national standards set forth by the north american society for sport management accrediting body, and instruction will focus on both theoretical and applied knowledge.