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:
Whatever academic specialization you choose, you’ll learn to create exceptional guest experiences that fans, guests and spectators will cherish for a lifetime.
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.
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:
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.
The Delaware North Sports, Entertainment, Event Management Lab is where innovation meets application. This dedicated space is designed for students to brainstorm, plan and execute projects, giving you a hands-on experience that mirrors industry practices. Don’t miss the 20-foot-wide interactive video screen that is used during classes and project simulations.
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:
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.
Anannya Rawat '25 is an international student from India who came to JWU for this unique program. "You can specialize in either sports, events or live entertainment; you get to work with concerts, are you kidding me?! I love the fact that someone is able to put their trust in you to help them celebrate an event that is so important in their lives, and that you can be a part of the reason why they're happy," she shares.
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Associate Professor
Dr. Viscardi-Smalley specializes in teaching about the music industry, entertainment management, event management, concert production, music theory and music history.
Associate Professor
Dr. Klika's areas of specialization include sport management, sport business and economics, global sport, sports sociology, and athletic administration.
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.
Explore where you’ll live, learn, and enjoy all campus has to offer.
Schedule an In-Person Tour