South Carolina’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management unites theory and practice at the highest level with an award-winning roster of exceptional faculty. Faculty who’ve served as presidents of NFL, NHL and NBA teams — who’ve sold out arenas and managed headliner tours. Their industry expertise brings unprecedented value in the classroom and is matched only by the scholarship of the department’s impactful research.

The program is recognized as No. 1 in the nation in sport sciences and management. 

Degree Programs

The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management offers an undergraduate degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree program.

• B.S. Sport and Entertainment Management
  • Entertainment Management
  • Sport Management
  • Venue and Event Management
  • Research Track
• M.S. Sport and Entertainment Management
• Ph.D. Sport and Entertainment Management

Real-world Experience

Providing students with unique opportunities to connect with top employers and gain real-world experience gives them a competitive career edge. Our students learn about the business of NASCAR at the track with racing executives. They build their resumes working at events like PGA championships, the Kentucky Derby, March Madness and Disney on Ice. They engage with an exclusive lineup of guest lecturers, including industry professionals from the Carolina Panthers, Feld Entertainment, Contemporary Services Corporation, LiveNation, the SEC, ESPN and more.

Research

The department is at the cutting edge of the most important issues impacting the industry, and our faculty and staff are conducting  innovative research on topics like big data, sport law, ticket sales, fantasy sport, sport gambling,  social media, sustainability, college sport and more. The department is also home to the College Sport Research Instititue and Center for Mega-event Research and Education. Learn more about our sport and entertainment management research here. 

Industry Events

The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management hosts two annual conferences: Sport, Entertainment and Venues Tomorrow and the College Sport Research Institute Conference.  These events bring industry and academic leaders from across the country to share knowledge and spark discussion that advances industry innovation and research. In addition, the department hosts several speaking events throughout the year, including the Thomas H. Regan Executive Sport Seminar and the Columbia Sport + Entertainment + Business networking breakfast. 

Career Success

Check out some of the career paths of our recent graduates!

Below are some additional examples of the rewarding career opportunities available to our alumni:

Booking, college athletics, concert promotion, entertainment media, eSports, facility operations, festival operations, live event promotion, marketing and promotions, sales and sponsorship, venue management, public relations, sports media, team logistics, tournament management, scheduling and promotion  management, special events, talent agent, and tour management.