Turn Live Experiences into Your Career

From game days and concerts to global mega events, the business of sport and entertainment depends on hospitality, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences.

Boston University School of Hospitality Administration’s Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) prepares you to lead in this fast-growing industry. Through specialized coursework, hands-on projects, and a required internship, you learn how to design, manage, and grow sport and entertainment experiences that connect communities and drive results.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional pivoting into sport and entertainment, the MSEM program gives you the management tools and industry insight to move your career forward.

Guaranteed scholarships starting at $14K for accepted applicants. 

Applications will open August 2026 for Fall Class of 2027.

Why Choose BU’s MSEM Program?

  • Study sport, entertainment, and hospitality together
    Build a strong foundation in sport and entertainment business while drawing on SHA’s strengths in hospitality, experience management, and events.
  • Learn in one of the world’s great sports cities
    Boston was ranked #1 in the U.S. for sports cities by WalletHub thanks to its championship teams, iconic venues and passionate fan base.
  • Gain experience in venues and events
    Explore how arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and music halls are financed, operated, and programmed, with a focus on guest experience, safety, and revenue optimization.
  • Build leadership and crisis management skills
    Courses emphasize people management, ethics, and decision-making in high-stakes environments, including risk and crisis preparation for sport and entertainment events
  • Tap into SHA’s industry network
    The program is built with input from athletics, venue management, sport marketing, and large-scale events professionals, giving you access to mentors and potential employers.

What Is Sport and Entertainment Management?

Sport and entertainment management focuses on the business side of live experiences. You study how organizations plan and deliver events, manage venues, engage fans, and collaborate with sponsors, media, and community partners.

At SHA, you look at these activities through a hospitality lens. You learn how guest journeys, experience design, and service culture shape everything from ticket sales and sponsorships to food and beverage operations and community impact.

Program Structure at a Glance

  • Degree: Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management
  • Credits: 32 credits
  • Format: Full-time, in person
  • Typical Length: 1 Year (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Work Experience Requirement: 300 hours of relevant work experience as part of program requirement, with the possibility of a waiver for students who already have significant industry experience.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you will be able to:

  • Explain the structure, terminology, and business models of the sport and entertainment industry and its parallels to hospitality.
  • Analyze how teamwork, governance, and global sport and entertainment events shape communities and markets.
  • Apply core business concepts in finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, and organizational behavior to sport and entertainment organizations.
  • Plan and evaluate large-scale events and activations, from concept and pricing to risk management and guest experience.
  • Use analytical tools to support financial and operational decisions for events, teams, and venues.
  • Lead individuals and teams, communicate persuasively, and collaborate with athletes, administrators, venue managers, and partners to deliver impactful experiences.

Career Paths in Sport and Entertainment Management

The MSEM prepares you for leadership and management roles across the sport and entertainment ecosystem. Graduates will be ready to pursue positions such as:

  • Event and venue manager

  • Sport or entertainment marketing manager

  • Fan engagement or community relations manager

  • Ticket sales or sponsorship manager

  • Operations manager for arenas, stadiums, or convention centers

  • Facility or game operations coordinator

  • Sport or entertainment business analyst

Take the Next Step

If you are ready to turn your passion for sport and entertainment into a career leading teams, venues, and events, the Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management can help you get there.

Applications will open August 2026 for Fall Class of 2027. To learn more, email shagrad@bu.edu.