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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • A student shakes hands with faculty at the HRSM Degrees of Excellence ceremony.

MSEM Application Essentials

Whether you are pursuing the Master of Sport and Entertainment Management in person, online or through a combination degree program, the application process begins through the University of South Carolina Graduate School. Explore shared admissions requirements and program-specific financial aid opportunities below.

What You’ll Need to Apply

  • Submit your online application through The Graduate School.
  • 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. Please visit The Graduate School website for more information on international applicants.
  • 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.

Program-Specific Information

Best For: Recent graduates and students seeking immersive, on-campus industry experiences.

Financial Aid Opportunities

  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Assistantships include:
    • Stipend
    • 10-20 hours/week of departmental work
    • In-state tuition rates for out-of-state students

Additional Notes

  • Students can indicate interest in assistantships directly in the application process.

Best For: Students seeking leadership opportunities at the intersection of sport, entertainment and business management (MBA), or analytics, data strategy and business intelligence in sport and entertainment (MSBA).

Financial Aid Opportunities
Includes in-person MSEM assistantship opportunity plus:

  • SPTE fellowships
    • In-state tuition waiver
    • $250 per semester scholarship
    • No work requirement

Best For: Working professionals and students seeking maximum flexibility.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid opportunities for online students may differ from on-campus programs.

 


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