Ferris State University

Launched in 1986, Ferris State was the first four-year Professional Tennis Management (PTM) program to receive accreditation from the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA).  

 

PTM students receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business – Professional Tennis Management, coupled with their choice of any minor and USPTA Tennis Teaching and United States Tennis Association (USTA) certifications.

 

This learner-centered program emphasizes “learning by doing” and combines tennis skills training, instructional experience and education on managing tennis as a business.  Students receive extensive player development and coaching training under the direction of the PTM Director who is a USPTA Elite Professional and USTA High Performance Coach.

 

All tennis classes and player development sessions are held at the university-owned and operated Racquet & Fitness Center, which serves as a working laboratory, utilizing its 19 indoor/outdoor courts.   

 

The PTM program includes three paid internships at clubs, resorts and facilities throughout the United States.  Graduates are prepared for careers in a myriad of tennis-related positions, such as teaching professionals, tennis directors, club managers and sales representatives.

 

The program was originally reviewed and endorsed in 1986 by the USPTA, and then again in 2014 by the USTA. Consistent with this status, students will earn USPTA Professional certification or higher by graduation. Other educational and certification opportunities are available, as well, including:  

 

  • Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Tennis Teaching certification

  • United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA) Professional Racquet Advisor (PRA) and Master Racquet Technician (MRT) certifications

  • Designation as a licensed Cardio Tennis instructor

  • Learning from industry expert presentations and seminars

  • Participating in the Professional Tennis Management Student Association

 

The PTM program is part of the College of Business, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence.

 

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