Bachelor of Science
Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
Creating Exceptional Experiences for Participants and Guests
When the doors open for an unforgettable event or the star-spangled banner is sung before a sports playoff game, your planning is on full display. You’ve helped create an experience that captivates the crowd and participants. It’s all because of your management and preparation.
Whether you’re interested in sports, events, live entertainment or venue management, that experience can be yours. The same is true if you are passionate about promoting a music tour or managing a five-star wedding. The possibilities are endless with a Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management degree from JWU Providence.
You’ll have the option of choosing a specialization that aligns with your personal career goals:
- Sports Management
- Live Entertainment Management
- Event Management
Whatever academic specialization you choose, you’ll learn to create exceptional guest experiences that fans, guests and spectators will cherish for a lifetime.
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Specializations
With a focus on managing the behind-the-scenes operations of teams, venues and athletic programs, this specialization prepares you to oversee all the moving parts that make sporting events happen. From ensuring facilities are top-notch for athletes and spectators to coordinating guest services, you’ll gain the skills to create smooth, unforgettable sporting events. Your courses will focus on management operations, logistics and the fan experience, making sure every aspect is ready to go from the first whistle to the final score.
Live concerts and entertainment events are about more than just the show. You’ll learn how to manage the full range of operations, from ticketing and promotions to organizing concert tours and coordinating event staff. This specialization teaches you to set up venues, manage safety and security, and handle all the front and back-of-house logistics. Your role will ensure that audiences enjoy an unforgettable experience while everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.
Whether planning corporate conventions, trade shows, weddings or reunions, this specialization equips you with the skills to manage every detail of an event. You’ll learn how to oversee budgets, secure vendors, manage food and beverages, and ensure the safety of guests. With a focus on large-scale events, this specialization will help you understand event planning fundamentals, including managing alcohol consumption and handling logistics like décor and guest experience. From intimate gatherings to massive conventions, you’ll learn to execute memorable events with precision.
Hands-on Learning
Experiential education is the cornerstone of your learning experience. You’ll have access to sports facilities, entertainment venues and event spaces, so you can see how orchestrating large-scale events come together behind the scenes. You’ll meet industry professionals and JWU alumni, who’ll share career insights and their networks with you. You’ll also participate in internships or Directed Experiential Education (DEE) courses, giving you the chance to build your résumé and impress recruiters.
Past examples of DEE projects with industry partners include:
- Increasing Rhode Island residents’ attendance at New England Revolution matches at Gillette Stadium
- Planning indoor youth soccer tournaments at Longplex Entertainment and Sports Complex
- Conducting a guest experience analysis for TD Garden
- Managing re-openings after the pandemic for major events like Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival
- Providing venue support for VIP experiences and guest relations at Providence Performing Arts Center
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Hands-On Learning at SEEM Week
The annual SEEM Week in April showcases our students’ talents through three events: SEEM Leadership Conference, SEEM Expo and SEEM Concert. Students plan every detail, gaining real-world event management experience.
Admissions is contingent upon meeting the technical standards for this program. Learn more by visiting the JWU Catalog’s technical standards.
Sample Courses
- The Business of Sports
- The Business of Event Management
- The Business of Entertainment
- Safety, Security and Risk Management in SEEM
- Fan Engagement and the Guest Experience
- Concert, Tour & Music Festival Production Management
- Relationship Management: Sales, Sponsorship and Negotiations
- International Sports, Entertainment, Event & Venue Management
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits. View the full course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Sports Marketing & Sponsorship Manager
- Sports Manager
- Youth and Club Sports Manager
- Event Manager
- Corporate Event Planner
- Ticketing and Access Manager
- Venue Manager
- Event Logistics Manager
- Concert Tour Promoter
- Live Music Manager
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Department Chair & Associate Professor
Esckilsen has been instrumental in the development of courses and course content in the areas of venue management, ticketing and access management.
