Christopher M. Harris, Ed.D.
Director of Graduate Marketing and Recruitment
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
Transform Your Career with a Top Online Degree
The University of South Carolina’s Master of Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) program is globally recognized for its academic excellence and industry relevance. Now offered with an entirely online option beginning fall 2025, this prestigious degree is designed to help aspiring and current professionals advance their careers in the dynamic sport and entertainment industries. With the flexibility to learn on your schedule, you can achieve your goals without disrupting your life or career.
Why Choose USC’s Online MSEM?
Ranked sixth globally, the MSEM program is one of the best in the world for sport and entertainment management education. It combines cutting-edge research, expert faculty and real-world connections to prepare graduates for leadership roles. Students gain access to:
- Industry-Leading Faculty: Learn from experts with extensive professional experience in global entertainment and prominent sports organizations.
- Robust Alumni Network: Connect with professionals working for top sports teams, entertainment venues, agencies and events.
- Global Recognition: Earn a degree from a top-ranked program that opens doors worldwide.
A Curriculum Designed for Real-World Impact
The MSEM curriculum provides tools needed to succeed in this competitive field, focusing on areas such as:
- Marketing and sponsorship strategies
- Revenue generation and analytics
- Event and facility management
- Global entertainment and event leadership
Through a mix of theory and application, students gain the expertise to solve complex challenges and drive innovation in their organization.
Flexible, 100% Online Learning
The program’s fully asynchronous format allows you to study anytime, anywhere. Whether you are a working professional or looking to pivot into a new career, this format offers:
- Convenience: Learn on your schedule while balancing work, life and education.
- Affordable Graduate Education: Save on relocation and commuting costs while enjoying the same competitive tuition rates, whether you're studying online or on-campus.
- Interactive Learning: Engage with peers and professors through an advanced online platform that includes discussion forums and multimedia content.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for:
- Working Professionals: Enhance your credentials and advance your career in sport or entertainment.
- Career Changers: Transition into a thriving industry with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
- Recent Graduates: Build on your academic foundation and practical, real-world experience to expand your expertise and stand out in the competitive sport and entertainment job market.
Beyond the Screen: Get Involved
While the program is fully online, students have the unique opportunity to engage in select on-campus events, such as SEVT, if they choose. Attend department conferences, in-person seminars and networking opportunities to connect with faculty, industry leaders and fellow students face-to-face. Whether online or on campus, you can be part of the USC community.
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.
Deadlines
- Fall Admission: July 1
- Spring Admission: November 15
- Summer Admission: April 1
Achieve Your Career Goals
With a Master of Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina, you’ll gain the expertise, connections and confidence to excel in the sport and entertainment industries. Whether you want to lead major events, analyze sports data or manage global ventures, this online degree equips you for success.
Take the next step in your career with a program that combines academic excellence, flexibility and real-world relevance.
Get in Touch
Use our interest form to get more information or reach out directly to Christopher M. Harris, Ed.D.
Program Director
Stephen Shapiro, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education
Professor
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management