James Alami
Graduate Recruiter
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
The University of South Carolina's master's degree in sport and entertainment management is one of the best graduate degree programs in the world — ranked No. 6 in the 2024 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings. The prestigious program is part of South Carolina's renowned Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
What Makes Us Unique
- Comprehensive emphasis on venue management (arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, etc.).
- Specialized training to elevate and expand students' management and leadership skills.
- Outstanding faculty with years of industry experience in the sport, entertainment and venue industries — marketers, venue managers, promoters, team presidents, lawyers, and agents.
- Powerful networking opportunities that lead to career success and growth.
- Hands-on career experience with organizations, venues and events such as Colonial Life Arena, Williams-Brice Stadium, Gamecock Athletics, the Lexington County Blowfish, the Columbia Fireflies, Learfield, AEG, and Live Nation.
Learn From Industry Leaders
When you enroll in our master's degree program in sport and entertainment management, you'll be learning from some of the industry's most accomplished executives and administrators. We boast faculty with decades of experience working at the highest levels of sport, from front offices of NFL and NBA franchises, to major college athletics department and conference administrations. Our entire sport and entertainment management faculty will equip you with the knowledge and skills to further your career.
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Danny Morrison
In addition to serving as president of the Carolina Panthers, Danny Morrison served as director of athletics at Texas Christian University, commissioner of the Southern Conference, and as senior vice president and director of athletics of Wofford College.
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Susan O'Malley
Susan O’Malley is the former president of Washington Sports Entertainment and the first female president of a professional sports franchise. At age 29, O'Malley became the first female president of an NBA franchise as well as one of the first women in a major front-office position in major league sports.
Thesis and Professional Tracks
Students electing the thesis option complete 21 credit hours of required courses, six credit hours of thesis, and at least nine credit hours of electives.
Students electing the non-thesis, or professional, option complete 21 credit hours of required courses, at least 15 credit hours of elective course work (with a maximum of nine credit hours outside of the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management), and a comprehensive final exam.
For more detailed information about the specific degree requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.
Alumni Spotlights
Application Essentials
Applicants for the MSEM program should use the buttons below based on when they intend to enroll:
Summer / Fall 2026, Spring 2027
Prior to beginning the online application process, it is helpful to gather the required supporting documents and contact information for those who will be writing letters of recommendation in support of your application.
- A current resume.
- A one- to two-page statement of career objectives that specifically addresses how the MSEM curriculum will help the applicant achieve these objectives.
- At least two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a current or former professor that can comment on the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate studies. The Graduate School requires all letters of recommendation to be submitted through the online portal. Upon submission of your application, the online system will contact your recommenders by email, with instructions for submitting their recommendation.
- One official transcript from each college or university attended (undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate). Successful applicants generally have a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Such a GPA, however, does not guarantee admission. Official transcripts are sent directly from your institution to The Graduate School, or submitted in an envelope sealed by your institution. Opened copies of transcript are not official. It is important to submit your online application BEFORE you request your transcripts to be sent to The Graduate School.
- While all applicants are required to submit official transcripts, we encourage applicants to upload unofficial transcripts to the online application. These unofficial transcripts significantly assist the department in evaluating your application, and may allow for a quicker admission decision.
- International applicants must provide official documents, but DO NOT submit your original copies. Instead, send certified copies and/or bring your originals to the Graduate School upon arrival.
- We consider GRE/GMAT waivers. An applicant can submit their application without GRE/GMAT scores, and admission will be considered based on the strength of the application file. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above and/or sport, entertainment, or related business experience can qualify for a waiver. Under the Academic Tests section of the application, an applicant can submit a brief document stating how they qualify for a test score waiver. Applicants who have taken the GRE/GMAT may still include those exam scores for consideration.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. International applicants who have received a degree from a college or university in the United States are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS. Test scores are valid for two years only. The Institutional Code for the TOEFL is 5818. Applications will not be considered until all components of the application have been received by The Graduate School.
Work experience can be beneficial in your overall application file. Applicants should consider highlighting any full-time work in sport and entertainment along with any relevant internships and practicums they have completed.
The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to MSEM students. Graduate assistants will help with research, teaching, and / or other departmental tasks for 10-20 hours per week in exchange for a stipend. In addition to the stipend, out-of-state students awarded a graduate assistantship will receive in-state student tuition rates. To apply for an assistantship, simply indicate "yes" when asked if you desire to be considered for an assistantship during the online application process.
Applicants should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for other assistance opportunities.
Application Deadlines and Entry Terms
Apply by April 1* to be eligible for graduate assistantships.
Apply by July 15* for general admission consideration.
* 30 days earlier for international students.
Incoming students begin their course of study in the fall.
Admission to the program is competitive and limited to 30 new students per year. Application deadlines are firm and all materials must be in before the deadline.
For students without undergraduate degrees in sport management, entertainment management, business administration or a related discipline, prerequisite courses in the areas of sport and entertainment finance, sport and entertainment marketing, and sport and entertainment accounting must be taken. These courses are offered during the Summer II term at the University of South Carolina.
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in Sport and Entertainment Management
Earning a Master of Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina opens doors to a dynamic career in a high-demand industry. Graduates are well-prepared to excel in roles that require expertise in event management, marketing, business operations, and strategic development. With this advanced degree, you’ll be equipped to lead and innovate across various sectors of sports, entertainment, and live events. Here are some of the exciting career paths you can pursue:
- Sports Marketing Manager: Develop and implement marketing strategies for sports teams, events, and organizations, focusing on brand awareness, fan engagement, and sponsorship opportunities.
- Event Operations Director: Oversee the planning and execution of major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment productions.
- Venue Manager: Manage the day-to-day operations of sports arenas, theaters, or entertainment venues. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing budgets, and ensuring the facility is prepared for events, from setup to post-event analysis.
- Sponsorship and Partnerships Manager: Forge and maintain strategic partnerships and sponsorships between brands and sports or entertainment entities. Responsibilities can involve contract negotiation, relationship management, and ensuring mutually beneficial agreements for all parties.
- Talent Manager: Represent and guide athletes, performers, and entertainers in their professional journeys, managing contracts, public relations, and branding efforts. Talent managers play a crucial role in helping clients achieve their career goals while navigating the business side of the industry.
- Sports Data Analyst: Use data analytics to support team performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiencies within sports organizations.
- Corporate Hospitality Manager: Design and managing hospitality experiences for corporate clients during sports and entertainment events, focusing on creating memorable, high-value experiences that strengthen client relationships and brand loyalty.
Graduates of this program enter the field ready to lead, innovate, and contribute to the success of sports and entertainment organizations worldwide.
Get in Touch
Use our interest form to get more information about the Master of Sport and Entertainment Management degree program or reach out directly to James Alami.
Program Director
Stephen Shapiro, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education
Professor
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management