As one of the few universities in the U.S. with a fully online, 36-credit master of science degree program in combined sport and entertainment management. Southern offers individuals with bachelor’s degrees an accessible opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the areas of sport or entertainment management in an integrated academic learning environment for analyzing and resolving the challenges in the business of sport and entertainment management.
The Sport and Entertainment Management program at Southern prepares graduate students to assume leadership positions in the field of sport management, ranging from recreational to professional organizations, as well as in the expansive field of entertainment management.
Ranked Among Best in Nation
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is proud to announce that its online Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management program has been recognized as one of the Best Online Master’s Sport Management Programs for 2024-25 by Sports Degrees Online. This ranking reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence and its impact in the field of sports and entertainment management.
Who Should Apply
Our program is beneficial for students across a wide range of sport, recreation, and entertainment backgrounds:
- Intercollegiate athletics
- Professional sports
- Recreational sport management
- Youth development
- Campus Recreation
- Private and public sports clubs
- Non-profit organizations
- Governmental and municipal organizations
- Facility management
- Resorts and event management
The sport management degree program at Southern Connecticut State University has received specialized accreditation through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The sport management program with the following degrees is accredited by COSMA:
- Bachelor of Science, Sport Management (in-person, online)
2+2 Bachelor of Science, Sport Management pathway - Master of Science, Sport and Entertainment Management (online)
4+1 Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Acquire mastery of skill development and an understanding of theoretical concepts in specific sport and entertainment management functions, such as communication, finance, law, ethics, facility and event management, marketing, and global issues that are related to these areas;
- Apply the principles of resource management in sport and entertainment industries;
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the diversity of a global society, and its influence on planning, organizing, and implementing decisions in the sport and entertainment industry;
- Become familiar with the technology and skills that are necessary for effective research, communication, and management in today’s sport and entertainment industries.
- Understand the role of law, legal processes, and protocols in resolving real or “realistic” scenarios;
- Utilize the understanding of ethical and moral standards in the business decision-making process and personal judgments.
- Mike Abramson - General Manager, Hartford Yard Goats
- Tom Chiappetta - Executive Director, Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame & Youth Foundation
- Joe Favorito - Sports Marketing PR Professional, former Vice President Public Relations NY Knicks
- Dr. Ted Fay - Professor of Sport Management Emeritus, SUNY Cortland
- Joe Franco ‘79 - President, Franco Associates Career Development Specialists
- Kevin Gilbride ‘74 - NFL Network, NEC Sports Network, former NFL Head Coach
- Dr. Donna Lopiano ‘68 - President - The Drake Group, President - Sport Management Resources, former CEO Women’s Sports Foundation
- Ed Manetta - Managing Director, Fastlane Marketing and Communications Sport & Entertainment Practice
- Ronnie Nunn - Former NBA Referee and Director of Officials
- Dan Padover - General Manager, Atlanta Dream WNBA
- Mike Palisi - Executive Vice President for Collegiate Services, Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment
- Al Santasiere - Senior Director of Publications, NY Yankees
- Amy Skiles - Senior Vice President Business Development & Client Services, Phoenix Design Works
- Jamie Skiles - President & Creative Director, Phoenix Design Works
Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2010, the mean annual wage for agents and business managers of artists, athletes, and public figures was $97,760, while promoters of art and sports events earned a mean annual salary of $66,290. The BLS reported that the employment of agents and managers of artists, performers, and athletes was projected to grow much faster than average through 2018.
Typical Job Titles
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Entertainment Events Coordinator
- Sports Team Manager
- Sports Agent
- Talent Agent
- Sports Broadcasting Director
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager
School / College
College of Health & Human Services
Department
Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
Contact
Dr. Kevin McGinniss