
Stephen Shapiro, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management,
University of South Carolina,
803-777-0783
The Master of Sport and Entertainment Management is a 36-credit hour master's degree program that prepares students leadership careers in sport, entertainment and venue 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. 7 in the 2020 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings. The prestigious program is part of South Carolina's renowned Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
Scouting Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons
Senior Director of Marketing for Spectra Venue Management
VP of Event Production for The Drone Racing League
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
For general questions about the Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program, please contact Stephen Shapiro. For questions about the application process, please contact DeAnna Risher.
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management,
University of South Carolina,
803-777-0783
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management,
University of South Carolina,
803-777-2053