Stephen Shapiro, Ph.D.
MSEM Program Director
Associate Department Chair
Professor
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management
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. 6 in the 2024 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings. The prestigious program is part of South Carolina's renowned Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
MSEM Program Director
Associate Department Chair
Professor
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management
Assistant to the Associate Deans and Graduate Program Liaison
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management