University of Montana Blog

UM’s Entertainment Management Degree: Careers and Program Explained

Written by Kyle Spurr | Aug 8, 2025 5:31:36 PM

Do you want a career that puts you directly in the live music industry or behind the scenes at the largest sporting events in the country? The Entertainment, Events and Sports Management major in UM’s College of Business is right for you.

Students in this new major connect with professionals in the entertainment industry and gain real-world experience at some of the region’s largest concerts and festivals.

Read More:  UM Launches New Major in Entertainment, Events and Sports Management

What is Entertainment, Events and Sports Management?

Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management covers a wide range of topics, including talent management, event planning and execution, athletic administration, sponsorship and revenue development, and venue and facility operations. A strong emphasis on employability and experiential learning is a cornerstone of UM’s program.

What is Entertainment Management?

Entertainment Management focuses on the behind-the-scenes business and administrative parts of the entertainment industry. It includes planning, organizing and managing aspects of the entertainment industry, such as talent production, development and funding. 

What is Events Management?

Events Management entails the entire process of planning, organizing and completing events, from small gatherings to large-scale conferences. The work includes a variety of tasks such as budgeting, marketing, logistics and on-site coordination. 

What is Sports Management?

Sports Management is a career field that combines business principles with the sports industry. Aspects of Sports Management include marketing, events management, facilities management, and athlete representation. It's the business side of sports, everything that happens on the sidelines that make sporting events happen.  

Top Careers with an Entertainment, Events and Sports Management

Employability is central to studying Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management. The UM program focuses on five career tracks where most career opportunities lie: 

  • Agency and Talent Management: Develop the skills to represent, manage, and book the top talent in the entertainment industry, from athletes to musicians, navigating the complexities of contracts, negotiations, and career strategy. 
  • Athletic Administration: Prepare to manage sports teams, organizations, and events, overseeing operations, marketing, and business aspects of athletics within the entertainment sector. 
  • Events Management: Master the art of planning, coordinating, and executing successful live events, from concerts to festivals, while managing budgets, logistics, and client relations.
  • Sales and Development: Gain expertise in building and sustaining relationships, driving revenue, and creating innovative strategies to promote entertainment properties and products.
  • Venue and Facility Management: Learn to oversee the operations, maintenance, and business functions of entertainment venues, ensuring a seamless experience for both performers and audiences

Jobs in Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management

The Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management industry is dynamic and competitive, offering a variety of high-profile, high-paying, and influential roles, such as: 

  • Executive Producer/Studio Executive
  • Talent Agency/Manager
  • Entertainment Lawyer
  • Events Director/Events Producer
  • Brand Activation Manager
  • Wedding/Luxury Event Planner
  • Sports Agent
  • Professional Sports Team General Manager
  • University Athletic Director 
  • Esports Manager 

Jobs in the Music Industry

The music industry offers a variety of careers, both on-stage and behind the scenes. Careers can range from creative and performance roles to production and business management roles:

  • Recording Artist/Singer
  • Music Producer
  • Songwriter
  • Session Musician
  • Audio Engineer/Sound Engineer
  • Music Manager
  • Label Executive 
  • Music Publicist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Music Video Director 

Careers in Events Management

Events Management can take you down several different career paths, whether you prefer corporate, entertainment, nonprofit or private events. A career in Events Management requires skills in logistics, creativity and people management: 

  • Event Planner/Event Manager 
  • Wedding Planner
  • Corporate Event Planner
  • Conference Coordinator 
  • Creative Director
  • Venue Manager
  • Event Operations Manager
  • Catering and Hospitality Manager
  • Sponsorship Manager
  • Festival Director 

Why Choose an Entertainment, Events and Sports Management Degree

Is a degree in entertainment, events and sports management worth it? Because of the connections you’ll make and the resume-building experience gained -- yes, a degree in event management is well worth your time and investment.

You’ll meet industry professionals

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management regularly get hands-on experience at concerts, festivals and large events across the region. Students can work in artist relations and meet with musicians and famous rock stars. Students also connect with industry professionals in entertainment management, who can give them advice and leads on career opportunities. 

Hands-on experience the entire way

Students in Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management gain real-world experience by working with high-profile organizations and events across Montana and the West Coast. Recent student experiences included assisting backstage at the Pearl Jam concert in UM’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium and interning with Live Nation at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.

Missoula is the cultural hotspot of Montana

Missoula is the ideal place to study Entertainment, Events and Sports Management. Just a few miles from the UM campus is the KettleHouse Amphitheater along the banks of the Blackfoot River, which hosts national touring musicians and gives students an opportunity to work back-stage. Missoula also boasts the Zootown Music Festival that draws thousands of people to enjoy live music over the Fourth of July weekend. 

Study Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management at the University of Montana.

UM’s College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management. Learn more about a degree in Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management at the University of Montana

Both academic faculty and industry professionals teach courses within the Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management major. Additionally, alumni who are actively working in the entertainment, events, and sports sectors play an integral role in curriculum development and review, ensuring that course content remains relevant, rigorous, and aligned with industry needs.