Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management: Courses, Careers & Financing

If you enjoy any type of sport and are interested in the business side, then you should pursue a sports and entertainment management degree. Our guide will let you know what courses are a part of this program along with the careers you can pursue once you graduate.

Whether you're interested in managing sports teams, organizing entertainment events, or promoting athletes and artists, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your educational and career future.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management?

A sports and entertainment management degree can be applied to managing operations in sports and entertainment by combining business, marketing, law, and media.

This degree covers key aspects of sports management, such as team management, event planning, sports marketing, and sponsorship. In the entertainment sector, students learn about managing artists, coordinating events, and understanding the legal aspects of entertainment contracts.

The program typically requires students to complete internships and real-world projects to help them succeed in careers in sports organizations, entertainment companies, event management firms, and media outlets.

Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Degree Core Curriculum

The core curriculum in a bachelor's degree in sports and entertainment management provides a strong foundation in both business principles and industry-specific knowledge. Below are typical courses you might encounter:

• Introduction to sports management: covers the fundamentals of managing sports organizations, including team operations, governance, and facility management
• Introduction to event and venue management: focuses on planning, organizing, and executing events, with an emphasis on sports and entertainment events
• Sports and entertainment marketing: teaches strategies for promoting sports teams and events, including branding, fan engagement, and sponsorship
• Sports and entertainment law: examines legal issues in the entertainment industry, such as contracts, intellectual property, and labor relations
• Media relations: covers the role of media in sports and entertainment, including public relations, communication strategies, and crisis management
• Sport and entertainment business and finance: introduces financial principles related to managing budgets, investments, and revenue in sports and entertainment organizations

Types of Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Degrees

Sports and entertainment management degrees come in various forms, catering to different educational backgrounds and career goals. Below, we list common types.

• Bachelor of Science in sports and entertainment management: focuses on the technical and operational aspects of the industries, with an emphasis on management and strategy
• Bachelor of Arts in sports and entertainment management: still combines both business and sports management knowledge with the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary knowledge
• Bachelor of Business Administration in sports entertainment management: combines broad business education with specialized courses in sports and entertainment management
• Online bachelor's degree in sports and entertainment management: flexible option for students with other commitments while still completing the same curriculum as on-campus programs

Sports and Entertainment Management Specializations

Within a sports and entertainment management degree, students can often choose to specialize in a particular area of the field. Here are some common specializations.

• Governance and policy
• Sports and recreation promotion
• Esports
• Event management

Career Opportunities for a Sports and Entertainment Management Major

A degree in sports and entertainment management opens up various career opportunities in both industries. You might pursue roles such as:

• sports team manager: oversees the operations of a sports team, including logistics, staffing, and finances
• event coordinator: plans and executes events such as concerts, festivals, and sports tournaments
• marketing manager: develops and implements marketing strategies for sports teams, entertainment companies, or events
• talent manager: represents and manages the careers of athletes, musicians, or actors
• public relations specialist: manages the public image and media relations of sports teams, entertainers, or events

How To Choose the Right Degree Program

Many universities offer a sports entertainment management degree?o how do you know which one is best for you? Below, we give you a few tips for choosing the right program.

Accreditation

No matter what degree you enroll in, you must ensure that it is accredited. First, ensure that the college as a whole is regionally accredited. That accreditation ensures that you can transfer your credits and that your degree is recognized by future employers.

Next, some programs may be accredited by a professional accreditation body. If the sports and entertainment management degree is within the university's business school, then check to see if it is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the best accreditation a business school can earn and ensures that the degree program is one of the best in the country.

Specializations

If there's a specific type of sports entertainment management that you want to start your career in, check to see if the program offers specialization in that area. The faculty should also have experience in that field; learning from them is an invaluable resource to prepare you for your future.

Location

Even though online and in-person degrees are both academically equal, they provide different experiences for you as a student. On-campus programs may offer more opportunities for hands-on learning and networking, while online programs provide flexibility for those who need to balance studies with other commitments.

If possible, visit the campuses of programs you're interested in or attend an open day to get a feel for the environment and culture of each school.

Tuition

State colleges in America offer lower tuition rates to students who are residents of that state. Therefore, check out the in-state programs first before looking at private and out-of-state programs. Tuition will be much more affordable, and the curriculum will most likely be very similar.

To help cover tuition, you can use financial aid. Below, we cover several types that you can use to pay for your college degree.

Financial Aid Options for Sports and Entertainment Management Majors

Financing a degree in sports and entertainment management can be challenging, but there are numerous financial aid options available to help students manage the costs.

Scholarships

You can receive a scholarship (a gift of money used for academic purposes) based on merit, financial need, or specific interests.

See if your university or other private organizations offer scholarships specifically for students enrolled in business, sports, or entertainment degrees. It's important to research and apply for these scholarships early to maximize your chances of receiving aid.

Grants

Grants are another great way to finance your bachelor's degree. These do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on financial need. The federal government offers the Pell Grant to undergraduate students with significant financial need. Some states and universities also offer their own grant programs, which can further reduce the cost of tuition.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans are another common option for financing your education. Even though you have to pay back the money you borrow, federal loans have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans compared to private loans. Additionally, programs like income-driven repayment plans can make managing your debt after graduation easier.

FAQs About Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management

You may have some more questions about earning this degree. If so, we've answered some commonly asked questions below.

Is a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Worth It?

Yes, if you are after a dynamic and fast-paced career in sports, entertainment, or event management, then this degree is worth it. The degree provides essential skills in business, marketing, and management, making graduates valuable in various roles within these industries.

The growing demand for skilled professionals in sports and entertainment ensures that graduates have strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement.

Is a Sports and Entertainment Management Major Hard?

Because you'll need to combine business know-how, creativity, and knowledge specific to sports, this degree can be difficult for those who aren't already familiar with these topics. Students must be able to handle the demands of managing events, teams, or personalities, often under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations.

However, for those passionate about managing sports and entertainment, the coursework is engaging and rewarding, providing the necessary skills to succeed in these dynamic industries. Balancing business principles with creative thinking is key, and the hands-on experiences gained through internships and projects can greatly enhance understanding and capability in this field.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management?

It will take you four years to finish this bachelor's degree because you have to complete 120 to 126 credits. The duration may vary depending on part-time enrollment, transferred credits, or accelerated program options.

How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Degree Cost?

The overall cost depends on whether or not you're earning the degree in person or online and then if you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

At some top public colleges with sports entertainment degrees, in-state tuition is $6,000 to $6,5000 a semester. However, at the same colleges, out-of-state tuition ranges from $9,000 to $35,000. Always check out colleges in your state first.

Remember, tuition does not include additional costs such as books, supplies, housing, and other fees. According to where you live, these other costs will greatly vary.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Degree Programs?

There aren't any completely free bachelor's degrees; however, you can make tuition more affordable by choosing an in-state college with lowered tuition rates and applying financial aid to the overall cost.

Another good idea is to go to community college for the first couple of years. They offer much lower tuition, and the credits can be transferred to a four-year program quite easily.

What Skills Will I Gain in a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management Degree Program?

A bachelor's degree in sports and entertainment management equips students with a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the industry. These skills include:

• event planning and management: the ability to organize, promote, and execute sports and entertainment events
• marketing and promotion: skills in developing marketing campaigns, securing sponsorships, and enhancing brand visibility
• business acumen: understanding financial management, contract negotiation, and strategic planning
• communication: proficiency in public relations, media management, and stakeholder engagement
• leadership: the ability to lead teams, manage operations, and make strategic decisions in high-pressure environments