Majoring in sports management at Widener provides ample internship opportunities. Pictured here is one sport management major who worked at the Union Stadium for an internship. Learn more on how you can earn your sport or event management degree.
Undergraduate Major

Sport & Event Management Major: Bachelor’s Degree in Business (BSBA)

Majoring in sports management or event management will kickstart your career creating memorable entertainment experiences.

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Sport & Event Management Major: Bachelor’s Degree in Business (BSBA)

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  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Sport & Event Management Major

Event management in sports and entertainment is a highly-competitive and ever-evolving global industry. At Widener, you'll receive the experience-rich education from a top business school dedicated to turning your passion into your future work. Start by choosing a track:

  • Sport Management for careers in team operations, sports facilities, community recreation, and more
  • Event Management for careers in event planning, venue management, and more

In both tracks, you'll learn from industry-leading professors and get connected with directors of event venues, sports executives, and other expert insiders. With Philadelphia just a short drive away, you'll have access to internships with legendary professional sports teams and distinguished event venues. When you graduate, you'll be a pro—ready to take your organization to the next level.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) logo

The School of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This professional accreditation places Widener among the top one-third of college business schools in the U.S. and Europe.

Program Specializations

Sport Management

Prepare for a career in the management of professional sports, intercollegiate sports, interscholastic sports, health/sports facilities, and community recreation, as well as in marketing of sports and entertainment-related products and programs. You'll gain real-world experience through two distinct internships and graduate ready for a leadership role in the thriving sports industry.

Event Management

Prepare for a career in the events industry from promoting and selling products to designing and executing memorable event experiences at a wide range of venues all over the world. You'll gain real-world experience through two distinct internships and graduate ready for a leadership role in the thriving events industry.

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

Sport & Event Management Program Options

Prepare for rapid career growth by completing two degrees in five years. When you graduate, you’ll receive a bachelor’s degree in sport and event management and a master’s degree in one of several graduate programs in the School of Business Administration.

Explore graduate business degrees.

Plant yourself in a region known for championship-contending sports teams and world-renowned events. You'll study 12 miles from the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, home to the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles, and three miles from the Philadelphia Union's stadium. Throughout the Philadelphia area, you'll uncover internationally acclaimed historical sites and event venues. You can use your industry connections to intern with these organizations—experience that will distinguish your resume and help launch your career.

Our acclaimed co-op program and emphasis on internships will transform your powerful Widener education into action, helping you gain the experiences, connections, and career-building moments that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors and Career Design & Development professionals to secure real-world work experience that matches your career goals.

The best part? You can get paid and still graduate on time.

Learn more about co-op & internships

The business honors program is an exciting opportunity for academically talented students to enrich their business education with advanced honors courses, an honors seminar, collaboration with faculty on research, civic engagement, and professional and leadership development opportunities.

Students can complete their program of study in 4 years graduating with a certificate of honors in business.

Eligibility

Students are admitted to the School of Business Administration Honors Program as entering first-year, based on high school GPA and academic credentials. If numbers permit, then additional students may be admitted at the end of their first year (based on GPA).

Requirements

  • Take 5 business honors courses during the first 6 semesters.  A co-op can substitute for one of the business honors courses.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA.
  • Complete two of the following enrichment experiences: honors international trip, graduate course, research with a faculty member, passing a professional exam, or working in the Small Business Development Center.

Benefits

  • Eligibility to take honors sections of required business courses, which typically cover the material in greater breadth and depth, and often with a focus on experiential learning.
  • Opportunity to participate in an honors international trip.
  • Special distinction at commencement wearing the honors cord. In addition, a certificate of honors awarded at commencement and on official transcript.  

Pair Your Sport & Event Management Major with a Minor or Certificate

Communication Studies Minor

Advantages

Study communication theory, visual literacy, and digital media informatics courses to learn to creatively tell your sport or event story.

Outcome

Sports Information Director for NFL Films

Sociology Minor

Advantages

Develop the analytical and research skills needed to advocate for social change through political and community events.

Outcome

Nonprofit Event Coordinator

French Minor

Advantages

Gain proficiency in French conversation, written communication, and cultural competence to broaden your horizons and travel the world running events.

Outcome

Venue Manager for FIFA

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Sport & Event Management Majors

Recent Employers

  • Philadelphia Sports Teams
  • Comcast Spectacor
  • Pocono Raceway
  • Wells Fargo Center
  • Lincoln Financial Field

Industry Growth for Sport & Event Management

Employment of event planners is projected to grow 18% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

Potential Careers

  • Account Executive
  • Events Director
  • Sales Director
  • Sports Marketing and Promotion

Why Study Sport & Event Management at Widener?

Business Conference

Connect With Industry Experts

From your first semester forward, you'll keep company with industry experts. Our Sport Management Advisory Board includes an impressive array of leaders from the US Olympic Committee, Dick's Sporting Goods, the Philadelphia Phillies, and several professional sports teams.

In addition, Widener's unique Executives in Residence program brings industry leaders to campus, providing you with career mentorship and networking opportunities with experts in the field.

Students networking during business career day event, outside at Old Main

Engage & Strengthen Your Business Network

On campus, you can join a variety of clubs and organizations to expand your network with your peers, Widener business alums, and faculty. For those who want to play sports and manage teams on campus, Widener's 25 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III intercollegiate level. The University also sponsors intramural and club teams.

You can even live with fellow classmates in our Business (Developing Entrepreneurs) Living Learning Community (LLC). This unique experience enables you to form even closer relationships with business majors outside of the classroom while you explore the real-life experiences of entrepreneurs.

Business Process Innovation

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
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Student Stories

Tiernan poses holding a Philadelphia Eagles jersey that reads "gameday staff"

"The professors in SBA were phenomenal, and the staff in the athletic center were also amazing. The culture that was being built made my experience so special and made me feel included and welcomed although I came in two years late to the program.
"

Tiernan Johnson

Class of 2023
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Donya Moore stands in front of a Hershey Park sign with her hands in the air

"I knew that coming to Widener would mean opportunities to meet speakers working in the industry. And, I know that when the time comes, I will be able to turn to them to help find a job."

Donya Moore

Class of 2024
Read Story
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Our Faculty

Lisa M. Reed-Logue
Lisa M. Reed-Logue
Assistant Professor

"The focus of the sport and event management program is to provide a personalized education to our students through the integration of field experiences, career and professional development, and experiential learning. We use the classroom as a place to create tangible experiences that students can use as they move into leadership roles in the industry."

Brian Larson profile image
Brian V. Larson
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate SBA Programs & Professor

"I love connecting Widener students with the many strong leaders in Philadelphia's exciting sports market. Students benefit tremendously from both the networking opportunities and the insider knowledge that comes from these connections."

View All Faculty Explore Faculty Research Interests

Recent News

Chester and Phang mascots high-fiving on the field at the Philadelphia Union

A More Perfect Union

The multi-year partnership between Widener and neighboring Philadelphia Union has found the back of the net, again and again, creating opportunities, experiences, and much more for the university community.

View All School of Business Administration News

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Paths to Savings

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    Earn an Income with a Paid Co-Op & Still Graduate On-Time

    Tap into our wide network of Philly-area employers and experience a full-time, paid co-op. In addition to earning an income, you do not pay tuition while on co-op. You can also choose to live on campus, at home, or even travel for your co-op. 

    Learn more about our co-op program

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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    View Admissions Events

    We offer a variety of events to get to know Widener—from virtual sessions, workshops, and private tours, to the big splash of our signature open houses.

    Request Information

    Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

    Apply

    Applying online is easy—and it's free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.

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    Explore All Undergrad Programs Undecided? Check Out Exploratory Studies