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Earning your Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management from the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ prepares you for careers in the growing sports, entertainment, recreation, tourism, hospitality, and live event industries. Designed for students seeking flexible pathways to complete their degree, this program combines business fundamentals with specialized coursework in sport management, entertainment management, marketing, leadership, finance, event operations, governance, and organizational strategy.
Through the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, students develop a strong understanding of how sport and entertainment organizations operate while building essential business skills in management, communication, financial decision-making, promotions, marketing, legal issues, and strategic planning. The curriculum prepares students to lead teams, manage events, develop marketing initiatives, evaluate business opportunities, and support the operations of organizations across the sport and entertainment industries.
The Sport and Entertainment Management program provides focused preparation in areas such as sport marketing, sponsorship and promotions, athletic administration, event management, recreation management, tourism, entertainment operations, facility management, and sport governance. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities with professional sports organizations, collegiate athletics programs, entertainment companies, event management firms, recreation agencies, tourism organizations, hospitality businesses, and corporate partnerships.
Quick Facts
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Entertainment Management
Format: Flexible learning options available through the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ, including online and blended pathways through UofM Global
Credit Hours: 120 credit hours required for graduation
Focus Areas: Sport management, entertainment management, sport marketing, event planning, promotions, leadership, financial management, governance, tourism, recreation management, and organizational strategy
Ideal For: Students, working professionals, and adult learners seeking flexible pathways into careers in sports business, entertainment, event management, recreation, tourism, and organizational leadership
Career Paths: Sports marketing manager, athletic administrator, event manager, entertainment venue manager, facility manager, sponsorship coordinator, recreation manager, tourism professional, community relations manager, and sport business operations specialist
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Entertainment Management at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ prepares students for careers in the business of sports, entertainment, recreation, tourism, hospitality, and live events. The curriculum combines business fundamentals with specialized coursework in sport management, marketing, finance, leadership, event management, governance, promotions, and organizational strategy, helping students develop the knowledge and practical skills employers seek across the sport and entertainment industries.
Students complete University General Education requirements, a comprehensive Sport and Entertainment Management core, major electives, and general electives while building expertise in sports business, athletic administration, event planning, entertainment management, recreation management, tourism, sponsorship, and facility operations.
University General Education Requirements (41 Credit Hours)
Students complete the University General Education Program as part of the bachelor's degree. The Sport and Entertainment Management curriculum includes required coursework in several general education areas, including:
- ECON 2010 – Introduction to Macroeconomics (Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement)
- English Composition
- Oral Communication
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences with laboratory
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Literature
- History
These courses provide a strong academic foundation while developing communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and analytical skills that support success in sport and entertainment careers.
Sport and Entertainment Management Core Curriculum (31 Credit Hours)
The core curriculum introduces students to the business, leadership, financial, legal, marketing, and operational aspects of the sport and entertainment industries.
Required Core Courses
- SLS 2105 – Foundations of Sport and Leisure Management
- SLS 3104 – Commercial Recreation and Tourism
- SLS 3105 – Sport and Leisure as Popular Culture
- SLS 3204 – Organizational Analysis in Sport and Leisure
- SLS 3605 – Financial Management in Sport and Leisure
- SLS 3650 – Promotions in Sport and Leisure
- SLS 4135 – Sport and Culture: Global Perspectives
- SLS 4155 – Sport and Leisure Governance
- SLS 4205 – Legal Aspects of Sport and Leisure Management
- SLS 4500 – Sport and Leisure Marketing
Throughout these courses, students explore topics such as sport marketing, fan engagement, sponsorship activation, leadership, organizational behavior, financial management, ethics, legal issues, governance, tourism, recreation management, and the role of sports and entertainment within society.
Sport and Entertainment Management Electives (27–48 Credit Hours)
Students customize their degree by selecting approved electives that align with their career interests and professional goals. Elective coursework allows students to develop specialized expertise in areas across the sport, entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and business industries.
Examples of elective areas include:
- Entertainment Management
- Event Management
- International Events
- Tourism Management
- Hospitality Operations
- Sustainability in Hospitality and Sport
- Business Analytics
- Information Systems
- Supply Chain Management
- Financial Accounting
- Entertainment Public Relations
- Food Service Management
Representative elective courses include:
- HPRM 3600 – Entertainment Management
- HPRM 4301 – Event Management
- HPRM 4302 – International Events
- HPRM 4401 – Management of Tourism
- HPRM 3800 – Sustainability in Hospitality and Sport Management
- ACCT 2010 – Financial Accounting
- MIS 2749 – Foundations of Information Systems
- SCMS 2610 – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
- SCMS 2710 – Business Analytics: Statistics
- PBRL 4431 – Entertainment Public Relations
This flexibility allows students to tailor their education for careers in professional sports, collegiate athletics, entertainment venues, event production, recreation departments, tourism organizations, sports agencies, sponsorship sales, and corporate partnerships.
Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Option
High-achieving students may qualify for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management/Master of Science in Sport Commerce (ABM) program.
The accelerated pathway allows qualified undergraduate students to begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year while completing their bachelor's degree. Students may apply up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both degrees, reducing the overall time required to earn a master's degree.
Admission to the accelerated program requires:
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcript
- Interview with the Sport Commerce graduate academic coordinator
Students must also apply separately for admission to the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Graduate School and the Master of Science in Sport Commerce program before continuing graduate study.
Degree Completion Requirements
Students complete approximately 120 total credit hours to earn the Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management.
The curriculum combines:
- University General Education coursework
- Sport and Entertainment Management core courses
- Specialized major electives
- General electives as needed to reach graduation requirements
Typical Four-Year Degree Plan
The Sport and Entertainment Management program follows a traditional four-year pathway that gradually builds business knowledge and industry expertise.
During the first two years, students complete University General Education requirements while beginning foundational coursework in sport management, organizational leadership, and financial management.
During the junior year, students focus on advanced topics including sport marketing, promotions, recreation and tourism, global sport, legal issues, and organizational management.
During the senior year, students personalize the degree through upper-level electives that support career interests in sport business, entertainment management, tourism, hospitality, recreation, event management, athletic administration, and related industries.
This progressive curriculum helps graduates develop the leadership, business, communication, marketing, financial, and strategic decision-making skills needed for careers throughout the rapidly growing global sport and entertainment industry.
Program Structure and Requirements
What will I study in the Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management?
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of Memphis combines business, leadership, marketing, finance, and event management with specialized coursework focused on the sport, entertainment, recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. Students complete University General Education requirements, Sport and Entertainment Management core courses, major electives, and general electives while building the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in sports business, entertainment management, event planning, athletic administration, facility management, tourism, and recreation leadership.
What courses are included in the Sport and Entertainment Management degree?
The curriculum covers the business side of the sport and entertainment industries through coursework in:
- Foundations of Sport and Entertainment Management
- Sport Marketing
- Sport Promotions and Sponsorship
- Financial Management
- Sport and Entertainment Governance
- Legal Issues in Sport Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Commercial Recreation and Tourism
- Global Sport and Culture
- Sport and Entertainment Business Strategy
Students also choose elective courses that allow them to explore specialized areas such as entertainment management, event management, tourism management, sustainability in hospitality and sport, business analytics, information systems, supply chain management, accounting, public relations, and hospitality operations.
How many credit hours are required for the Sport and Entertainment Management degree?
Students complete approximately 120 credit hours to earn the Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management.
Does the program include practical learning experiences?
Yes. Throughout the curriculum, students apply classroom concepts to real-world sport and entertainment business challenges. Coursework emphasizes marketing strategy, event planning, promotions, budgeting, leadership, organizational management, legal decision-making, facility operations, and business problem-solving. Many courses incorporate applied projects that reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of professionals working in sports, entertainment, recreation, and tourism organizations.
Can I customize my Sport and Entertainment Management degree?
Yes. The program includes a variety of electives that allow students to tailor their education toward specific career interests, including:
- Sport marketing
- Entertainment management
- Live event management
- Tourism management
- Recreation management
- Hospitality and sport sustainability
- Business analytics
- Supply chain management
- Public relations
- Information systems
This flexibility allows students to prepare for careers in professional sports, collegiate athletics, esports, entertainment venues, tourism organizations, recreation departments, convention and visitor bureaus, sports agencies, corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, and event production.
Can transfer students apply previously earned college credits?
Yes. Eligible transfer credits may satisfy degree requirements, reducing the number of courses needed to complete the bachelor's degree. ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ advisors help transfer students determine how previously completed coursework applies toward the Sport and Entertainment Management program.
Online Learning Experience
Can I earn a Sport and Entertainment Management degree online?
ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ offers flexible online and blended learning opportunities through UofM Global, making it easier for working professionals, transfer students, military-affiliated students, and adult learners to complete their degree. Course availability may vary by semester.
Is the Sport and Entertainment Management program designed for working adults?
Yes. Flexible online learning allows students to balance coursework with careers, internships, athletics, military service, and family responsibilities while earning a ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ degree.
Will online students receive the same ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ degree?
Yes. Students completing the approved online or blended pathway earn the same Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management awarded by the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ as students studying on campus.
Admissions and Enrollment
What are the admission requirements for the Sport and Entertainment Management program?
Students must meet ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ undergraduate admission requirements and successfully complete University General Education requirements along with the Sport and Entertainment Management curriculum.
Are there GPA requirements for Sport and Entertainment Management students?
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and fulfill ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ graduation requirements. Individual courses may require minimum grades to satisfy major requirements.
When can I begin the Sport and Entertainment Management program?
Students may begin during the fall, spring, or summer terms based on admission approval and course availability.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
What can I do with a Sport and Entertainment Management degree?
Graduates are prepared for careers throughout the sports, entertainment, recreation, tourism, and event management industries, including:
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Event Manager
- Athletic Administrator
- Sports Business Manager
- Facility Manager
- Recreation Manager
- Entertainment Venue Manager
- Community Relations Manager
- Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator
- Ticket Operations Manager
- Tourism Manager
- Guest Experience Manager
What skills will I develop in the Sport and Entertainment Management program?
Students graduate with career-ready skills in:
- Sport business management
- Entertainment management
- Marketing and promotions
- Sponsorship activation
- Event planning and operations
- Financial management and budgeting
- Leadership and organizational management
- Strategic planning
- Business communication
- Legal and ethical decision-making
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
How is Sport and Entertainment Management different from a general business degree?
Unlike a traditional business degree, the Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management applies business principles directly to the sports and entertainment industries. Students learn how organizations such as professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments, entertainment companies, recreation agencies, event venues, and tourism organizations operate while developing specialized expertise in sport marketing, promotions, governance, finance, leadership, and event management.
Will this degree prepare me for leadership roles in the sports and entertainment industry?
Yes. The curriculum develops leadership, communication, financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making skills that prepare graduates for supervisory and management roles across sports, entertainment, recreation, hospitality, tourism, and live events.
Can I work outside of professional sports with this degree?
Absolutely. Sport and Entertainment Management graduates work in professional sports, college athletics, amateur sports organizations, recreation departments, convention centers, entertainment venues, tourism agencies, hospitality companies, nonprofit organizations, event management firms, corporate sponsorship departments, and community organizations.
Cost and Financial Aid
Is financial aid available for Sport and Entertainment Management students?
Eligible students may qualify for scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, loans, work-study opportunities, and other ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ financial assistance programs.
Can transfer credits help reduce the cost of earning my degree?
Yes. Applying eligible transfer credits toward degree requirements may reduce the number of required courses, helping students save both time and tuition costs.
Where can I find tuition and financial aid information?
Prospective students can explore ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credit policies, and payment options through official University resources.
Start or Advance Your Career
Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities in sports and entertainment occupations are expected to grow from 2024 to 2034, with continued demand for professionals who can manage organizations, coordinate events, engage audiences, and support athletic and entertainment operations. The industry is projected to have approximately 99,700 openings annually due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations.
Sport and entertainment professionals play an important role in areas such as athletic administration, event management, marketing, promotions, entertainment production, recreation, tourism, and facility operations. A bachelor's degree in sport management, entertainment management, business, or a related field can help prepare graduates for careers that require leadership, communication, organizational skills, and industry knowledge.
Earning Potential
Careers in sports and entertainment offer varied earning potential based on industry, experience, specialization, and level of responsibility. Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as sports marketing, event management, athletic administration, facility operations, entertainment management, coaching, and organizational leadership.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entertainment and sports occupations had a median annual wage of $54,870 in May 2024. Specific career paths vary, with producers and directors earning a median of $83,480, athletes and sports competitors earning $62,360, and coaches and scouts earning $45,920. A bachelor's degree in sport management, entertainment management, business, or a related field can help graduates build the leadership, communication, and business skills needed for career advancement.
Roles related to this degree
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Athletic Administrator
- Event Manager
- Entertainment Venue Manager
- Facility Operations Manager
- Sponsorship and Partnerships Coordinator
- Sports Information Director
- Recreation Manager
- Community Relations Coordinator
- Tourism and Destination Manager
- Guest Experience Manager
- Sports Business Operations Specialist