What is PTM?
Ferris State University's innovative four year Professional Tennis Management (PTM) program, the first of its kind in the United States, was established in 1986 in conjunction with the United States ProfessionalTennis Association (USPTA). Today, the Ferris program is used as the industry model for other such programs.
At Ferris, skilled tennis players can combine their interest in tennis with academic preparation that will lead to a career in the tennis industry. The four-year program leads to a bachelor of science degree in business, with a major in marketing. Additionally, all Ferris graduates become certified tennis professionals by the USPTA at the time of graduation. Ferris' PTM program is the first bachelor of science degree in a Professional Tennis Management program in the world. Today the PTM program at Ferris is the best and only 4 year program accredited by the USPTA and boasts a 100% career placement rate.
The 7 Components of the Professional Tennis Management program at
Ferris State University
1. Academics:
- 4 year Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Professional Tennis Management
- Choice of a Marketing or Resort Management Concentration
- Curriculum includes courses in:
- Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Retailing, Small business management, Marketing, Event planning, and much more!
- Professional Tennis Management courses include:
- Beginning and Advanced Teaching techniques
- Racquet Stringing, Customization, & Repair
- Tournament & Event Administration
- Clay court maintenance
- Internships
- USPTA certification preparation
- 100% Graduate Job Placement Record!!!!
2. USPTA Certification:
- United States Professional Tennis Association is the accrediting body for the FSU
PTM program.
- USPTA is the country's largest and oldest trade association for tennis
professionals.
- FSU PTM program is the only 4 year program currently accredited by the USPTA
- Graduates of the PTM program at FSU must achieve a USPTA certification at the
P2 level or higher.
- USPTA certification test is administered during the senior year for PTM students. Ferris
students are fully prepared to pass the exam on the first attempt.
3. Internships:
- Three internships are required as part of the program, where the vast majority are paid internships
- Students have the opportunity to work at facilities across the United States.
- Opportunities are available in a wide variety of facilities, including: country clubs, public tennis facilities, tennis resorts, and commercial tennis clubs.
- Often, students are hired by the clubs and organizations that have previously employed them as interns.
4. Laboratory:
Students work at the FSU Racquet & Fitness center throughout the 4 year program to gain valuable hands-on experience. Students contribute over 12,000 hours to the operation of the facility. Student's lab assignments include: Front desk, stringing, pro shop, activities & marketing, and teaching. Students contribute 32 hrs per semester toward their lab assignment. In addition to the lab assignment student must complete an introductory internship at the conclusion of their first year in the program.
5. PTMSA:
All students are members of the very active Professional Tennis Management Student Association. This is a student-run organization that organizes social, fundraising, and educational events for its members and promotes the program throughout the tennis industry. The student association also organizes and assists in many community service activities on and off campus. The PTMSA meets Thursdays at 11:00 in the business building on campus.
6. Playing:
The PTM program at Ferris has a comprehensive Player development program designed to maintain and elevate a student's playing ability. Player development sessions are lead by the FSU Racquet & Fitness Center Head Professional and the PTM Program Director. In addition to the Player Development program, students have several opportunities to play and compete. Ferris has nationally ranked Men's & Women's varsity teams, very competitive club teams, quad doubles, and the PTM program also offers a program challenge ladder.
7. Workshops:
Students in the PTM program will be required to attend various workshops and seminars throughout their time in the program. The program regularly brings in the best and brightest tennis professionals and tennis experts from throughout the tennis industry. These experts present information on all aspects of the tennis industry from teaching trends to business management. Annually, the program hosts an awards banquet and workshop weekend which brings in the very best the industry has to offer in terms of education and industry trends. The annual banquet is held over the course of two days, late in the spring semester, and is the marquee event for the PTM program. Each year this event is well attended by current students, graduates, parents, industry professionals, and the surrounding community.
Industry Partners
