Shorter College Adds Online Courses in Sport Management
 
June 8 - Shorter College today announced the addition of online learning to its mix of educational tools for students interested in sport management. Registration is now open for fall courses that are scheduled to begin Aug. 24.

“Shorter College’s existing degree program in sport management focuses on the preparation of professionals qualified to manage and lead sport-related organizations,” said Dr. L. Craig Shull, provost at the college. The degree prepares students for diverse opportunities across a wide number of sport-related organizations including: sports facilities management and construction, event management, sport media, sponsorships and endorsements, professional sports franchises, intercollegiate sports organizations, the medical industry, the fitness industry, parks and recreation services, and sport governing organizations.

With the addition of online courses, Shorter College is positioned to better serve individuals who are interested in entering this rapidly growing field, according to Dr. Shull. “The sport industry is worth more than $200 billion annually and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Competition for employment in this industry is also growing, and we believe the addition of online courses will enable greater access to this degree, which helps students compete for the best positions and will prepare them to succeed in a wide array of positions in the sport industry.”

For additional information on Shorter’s online courses in sport management, visit online.shorter.edu, call 706-233-7319, or e-mail online@shorter.edu. Shorter College began offering online courses in June 2009 with an array of general education courses. According to Sean Butcher, director of online programs, additional areas of concentration are planned for the future. The addition of online courses grew from the college’s strategic plan and is an important step toward opening new avenues for individuals seeking a college education, according to Shorter College President Dr. Harold E. Newman. “We recognize that we live in a technological world and that people are turning more frequently to the Internet for educational services,” he said. “We also recognize that not everyone can go to a campus and attend classes. By utilizing an online format for the delivery of our courses, we allow that segment of the population to have the educational experiences that they need.”

The online program, Dr. Newman added, fits into Shorter’s continuing commitment to serving students. Building on its respected traditional programs, in 1992, Shorter College became one of the first institutions in Georgia to offer non-traditional degree programs for working adults.

Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges, and The Princeton Review annually includes the college on its lists of best value and best Southeastern colleges. Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010.

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