Laura Nix Bishop
Recruitment Coordinator
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
Did you know South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is part of the No. 3-ranked sport science program in the United States? From world-renowned scholars to former presidents of NFL, NBA and NHL teams, we give students the opportunity to learn from the best.
With topics ranging from big data to venue operations, students can select from a comprehensive list of electives to tailor their degree to their career interests. For example, if a student wants to focus on the entertainment industry, they could take the Live Entertainment Tour Management (SPTE 303) elective. Or if a focus on sport is preferred, our NCAA Compliance (SPTE 315) elective could be a great fit.
The degree program offers areas of concentration in entertainment management, sport management, and venue and event management, as well as an option to graduate with distinction in the undergraduate research track.
Curriculum Design
120 credit hours including:
- 36 hours credits in the SPTE major, including internships
- 34 hours of foundational, management-focused courses
- 31-43 hours of Carolina Core
Sample Course Overview
English
Statistics
Public Speaking
Introduction to Sport
Elective
Accounting
Introduction to Live Entertainment
Science
History
Economics
Accounting
Computer Applications in Business
Introduction to Event and Venue Management
Fine Art or Literature
Principles of Marketing
Calculus
Principles of Management
Business Law
Business Communication
Finance
Personnel Organization and Supervision
Professional Development Seminar
Sport and Entertainment Marketing
Foreign Language or Free Elective
Science
Sport Elective
Elective
Social Science
Sport and Entertainment Business and Finance
Sport and Entertainment Event Management
Sport Electives
Elective
Internship
For more details about the degree requirements and curriculum for the B.S. in sport and entertainment management, please visit the academic bulletin.
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Among the Best
USC is one of the top five sport science schools and departments in the country and has been rated No. 1 multiple times by Shanghai Rankings. Our Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is a big reason why.
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David and Nicole Tepper Scholars Program
The Nicole and David Tepper Scholars Program was established in 2020 thanks to an impactful gift from David and Nicole Tepper. The Tepper Scholars Program provides four-year scholarships to four incoming sport and entertainment management freshmen each year.
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Business of Football
Graduates from the university’s sport and entertainment management degree programs are employed by more than half of the NFL’s 32 teams and the league's home office – with leadership roles ranging from scouting to team operations to ticket sales and marketing.
Undergraduate Internship Requirement
All students complete two work experiences — an internship and a practicum — as part of their degree. These real-world experiences expose students to industry connections and provide resume building opportunities to prepare them for leadership roles after graduation. The first can be any job in the sport and entertainment industry and is completed during sophomore year. The second experience is usually completed during junior or senior year and takes on more responsibility in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
Learn From the Best
Students in our Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management program learn from some of the best in the industry. Many of our faculty bring a wide range of expertise from decades of professional experience in areas such as live event production and promotion, sport organization leadership, venue financing, marketing and sales strategy, law, and human resource management. Our teaching roster also includes world renowned scholars who are conducting ground-breaking research that is shaping the future of the industry. In addition to our remarkable faculty who have held executive positions in major professional sports and founded their own companies, our students receive countless opportunities to hear from guest speakers ranging from professional sport league presidents to Power Five conference commissioners. Visit our sport and entertainment faculty and staff page to learn more.
Career Success
Check out some examples of our alumni's sport and entertainment careers.
Below are some additional examples of the rewarding sport and entertainment management career opportunities available:
- Booking: Our coursework can offer insights into negotiation tactics and event scheduling strategies.
- College athletics: Students in South Carolina’s Sport and Entertainment Management, B.S. program explore the business side of college athletics, from compliance to operations.
- Concert promotion: Connections with live entertainment experts may help students better understand how to successfully bring artists to audiences.
- Entertainment media: Our program engages students with the evolving landscape of entertainment media, from broadcasting to digital content.
- eSports: Students will be introduced to the fast-growing eSports industry, covering event production, sponsorship, and streaming platforms.
- Facility operations: Industry-focused coursework helps develop an understanding of facility logistics and event execution.
- Festival operations: Cover festival planning and operations, from artist coordination to on-site logistics.
- Live event promotion: Become familiar with strategies for promoting live sports, music, and entertainment events.
- Marketing and promotions: Learning from professionals can provide examples of how teams and brands engage fans and audiences.
- Sales and sponsorship: Understand the role of sales and sponsorship in driving revenue for teams, venues, and events.
- Venue management: South Carolina’s program examines the daily operations of managing arenas, stadiums, and theaters.
- Public relations: Introduces students to media relations and brand management for athletes, teams, and entertainers.
- Sports media: The program’s industry ties may provide valuable context on media partnerships and content distribution.
- Team logistics: Understand the coordination of travel, accommodations, and schedules for professional and collegiate teams.
- Tournament management: Delve into planning and managing sports tournaments, from youth leagues to major professional events.
- Scheduling and promotion management: Helps students understand the complexities of scheduling games, concerts, and other live events, alongside promotional strategies.
- Special events: Gain knowledge on planning and executing special events, such as fan experiences or corporate sponsorship activations.
- Talent agent: The Sport and Entertainment Management, B.S. program introduces students to the representation and negotiation process in the sports and entertainment sectors.
- Tour management: The curriculum provides an understanding of the moving parts behind successful tours.
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