MSBA / Master of Sport and Entertainment Management
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.
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.
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?
MSEM Program Director Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education Professor College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management Department of Sport and Entertainment Management