About OU's Bachelor of Arts in Sport Studies
Ottawa University’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies (BASS) degree program is designed to develop graduates with strong cultural perspective on sports, functional skills suitable for jobs in sports-related environments, and ethical and moral qualities suitable for leadership positions in contemporary society. Students learn how to study sport critically and understand its complex cultural meanings. The sports studies major provides theoretical education that challenges students to apply this knowledge in real world, professional settings with diverse groups of people.
Ottawa’s BASS degree provides a strong understanding of the influence of sport on the mind and body as well as society at large. Additionally, experience outside of the classroom is obtained through internships in various health, sport, media, and wellness settings. Students majoring in exercise science are prepared for further study in professions such as sports administration, recreation, coaching, facility and event management and sports communication and information.
The BASS curriculum examines meaning, history, and culture of sport and includes strong foundational courses that include the social sciences, history of sport, exercise science, business and methods courses. Coursework provides students with the critical skills necessary to understand sport’s relationship to media, economics, politics, and education. A focus on race, class, and gender in sport is central to the curriculum. The degree challenges students to apply this curriculum to real life-experiences through multiple practicum courses and an internship with working professionals.
Three BASS Concentrations
Ottawa’s bachelor’s degree in sports studies offers three concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree in an area of specialization, such as:
By completing the coaching concentration, students will earn coaching certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) offered by Human Kinetics Inc.
Career Outlook for the B.A. in Sports Studies
Potential employment opportunities with a sports studies degree include coach or scout, personal trainer, exercise physiologist, sports nutritionist, strength and conditioning coach among others, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs in this arena are projected to grow between 12 and 15 percent through 2029. Rising participation in high school and college sports should increase demand for coaches and scouts, and continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles will result in a demand for personal and athletic trainers.
The median annual wage for coaches and scouts was $34,840 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,890. The median annual wage for personal trainers was $48,440 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,470.
Perspective on the BASS
A passion for sport can be turned into an exciting and innovative career with a sports studies degree. Graduates will obtain skills in cultural analysis and critical thinking pertaining to the administration, leadership, and psychological, historical, philosophical and sociological aspects of sport. They will enter a workforce where opportunity abounds as the economic impact of the sports industry and the abundance of sporting opportunities requires the services of skilled professionals.
For curriculum and course descriptions, please visit the online course catalog.
To get started on your journey toward a secondary education degree at Ottawa University, contact us today.