Stephen Shapiro, Ph.D.
MSEM Program Director
Associate Department Chair
Professor
Department of Sport and Entertainment 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. 8 in the 2023 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.
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Bill Sutton
Bill Sutton is a former NBA executive, a distinguished academician and a proven sports marketing practitioner who brings a half-century of experience in the sport industry. Sutton is the founder and principal of Bill Sutton & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing, revenue enhancement and organizational chemistry.
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.
Admission Requirements
Graduate students are admitted through a cooperative effort between The Graduate School of the University of South Carolina and the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. All applicants for the master's program in sport and entertainment management must apply through the Graduate School.
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. The following supporting material is required with the 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.
- Due to Covid-19 we are considering GRE/GMAT waivers. An applicant can submit their application without GRE/GMAT scores and admission will be considered based on the other materials in the application file. 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.
Alumni Spotlights
Work Experience
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.
Financial Aid
The Sport and Entertainment Management Department 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. Other financial aid may be available outside the department. Applicants should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Application Deadlines and Entry Terms
Apply by April 1* to be eligible for graduate assistantships.
Apply by July 1* 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.
For financial aid and scholarship deadlines, please consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
MBA / MSEM Program
Gain a distinctive career edge with a specialized sport and entertainment management and dynamic business curriculum. With 12 consolidated credit hours, you can earn two master's degrees in two years!
Get in Touch
Use our master of sport and entertainment management contact form and we'll be happy to reach out. Or, contact us directly using the information below.
DeAnna Risher, M.A.
Assistant to the Associate Deans and Graduate Program Liaison
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management