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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • high-tech sports analytics center where coaches and players review performance data on large interactive screens, optimizing strategies in real-time

MSBA / Master of Sport and Entertainment Management

Earn two prestigious graduate degrees in under two years from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, both globally recognized for academic excellence.

This innovative combined degree in business analytics and sport management equips forward-thinking professionals for data-driven careers in sports and entertainment analytics.

Why choose the MSBA / MSEM combined degree program?

Stand out with dual expertise and accelerated learning

  • Earn two degrees faster: Complete both degrees in under two years, saving time and tuition.
  • Comprehensive skillset: Combine advanced business analytics for sport with deep expertise in sport and entertainment management.
  • Cost-efficient learning: Share 12 credit hours between programs, reducing overall tuition.
  • Industry-driven training: Master skills like predictive modeling in sport management, data visualization, revenue optimization, and event operations tailored to dynamic, high-energy industries.
  • World-class education: Learn from faculty in the Darla Moore School of Business and the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, part of one of the top-ranked programs globally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in the evolving sport and entertainment analytics field, including:

  • Sport data analyst: Enhance team performance and improve fan engagement with data-driven insights.
  • Business intelligence manager: Lead strategic decision-making through advanced analytics.
  • Revenue optimization strategist in sport and entertainment: Maximize profitability using predictive analytics and market trends.
  • Event and venue operations analyst: Streamline operations and elevate guest experiences.

Whether your goal is to work with sports teams, entertainment companies, or analytics firms, this dual master’s degree positions you for success.

Who Should Enroll?

Ideal for:

  • Sport and entertainment professionals: Seeking to advance decision-making and marketing strategies through data analytics.
  • Aspiring analysts: Interested in applying analytics in dynamic environments like sports teams, leagues, and entertainment companies.
  • Career changers: Merge a passion for sports with cutting-edge analytics expertise to transition into this thriving field.

Application Essentials

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.

  • 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.

SPTE also offers fellowship opportunities. Fellowships also provide a waiver so students only pay in-state tuition and a scholarship of $250 per semester. There are no work requirements for fellowships.

The Darla Moore School of Business considers all MSBA applicants for merit-based financial awards upon admission. Awards include individual fellowship awards (amounts vary) and graduate assistantships in the Moore School Data Lab. Note: The Moore School does not offer an out-of-state rate for the MSBA program.

Applicants should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for other assistance opportunities.

Deadlines

Apply by April 1 to be eligible for graduate assistantships.

Your Future Starts Here

The MSBA / MSEM combination degree equips you with the tools, knowledge and connections to thrive in a data-driven sport and entertainment landscape. Whether your focus is on advanced business analytics for sport or optimizing operations in entertainment, this program provides a competitive edge. Ready to transform your career with a top-ranked sport analytics program?

Apply Now


Get in Touch

Use our interest form to get more information or reach out directly to Christopher M. Harris, Ed.D.

Christopher M. Harris headshot

Christopher M. Harris, Ed.D.

Director of Graduate Marketing and Recruitment
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

ch187@mailbox.sc.edu
803-777-9257

Program Directors

Stephen Shapiro headshot

Stephen Shapiro, Ph.D.

MSEM Program Director
Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education
Professor

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management

803-777-0783
shapirsl@mailbox.sc.edu

 


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