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Spotlight on the SAEM Major: A Q&A with Faculty

Among the Most Innovative Business Programs in the Country

Our sports, arts and entertainment management major in Downtown Pittsburgh is among the most innovative business programs in the United States.

In our program, you earn a Bachelor of Science business degree while focusing your studies in the thriving industries of sports, arts and music and entertainment marketing management.

Being located in Downtown Pittsburgh puts our students in the heart of the SAEM industries — making some of sports' most-admired teams, world-class arts and cultural organizations and nationally acclaimed entertainment venues — within walking distance. 

We offer the perfect setting for SAEM majors to network with professionals and land outstanding internships and careers in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Career Options

  • Agent
  • Box office manager
  • Sales and sponsorship executives
  • House management
  • Marketing director
  • Talent manager
  • Event manager
  • Promotions director
  • and more!
Pictured is SAEM alumna Nicole Lakovic. Submitted photo.

SAEM alumna Nicole Lakovic '21 is a new business representative for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Partnerships Create Real-Life Student Experiences

We have academic partnerships with Stage AE, iHeart Media, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Cavaliers and Red Caiman Studios through our student-run record label, Pioneer Records.

Additionally, there are more than 100 organizations we partner with to offer our students a variety of shadowing and internship opportunities. View our partners.

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through our University's core curriculum, the Rowland School of Business curriculum and the various SAEM courses including (but not limited to):

  • Amateur Athletics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Emerging Trends in the Music Industry
  • Esports
  • Facility and Venue Design/Management
  • Fundraising from Crowdfunding to Proposal Writing
  • Media Relations in Sports
  • Pioneer Records
  • Production Tour Management
  • Sports Agents
  • Talent Booking Management
  • Ticketing
SAEM Internships
From the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, our SAEM students complete multiple internships — both local and national — before they graduate.
Student internship profiles

Alumni Success

Learn where our SAEM graduates have gone on to build their careers in sports, arts and entertainment management.

More news & features
Pictured is Adam Valen. Submitted photo.
Adam Valen '15

Marketing Manager, Drusky Entertainment

"Being ahead of the curve and getting your foot in the door is what the SAEM program prepares students for, in addition to offering a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the industry."

Pictured is SAEM alumna Lin Sun. Submitted photo.
Lin Sun '13

Music Operations Specialist, TikTok

"The SAEM faculty teach you the importance of hands-on experience, and I cannot stress enough how true that is! It's a very competitive industry so you have to do whatever it takes for your resume to stand out."

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom

Our professors have extensive industry and academic experience in the fields of sports, arts and entertainment management.

Meet the SAEM faculty
Pictured is SAEM assistant professor and chair Paige Beal, M.B.A.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Robert Derda, M.S.
  • More than 25 years of professional experience working in the sports industry
  • Held managing and consulting positions with Learfield Sports, Pittsburgh Pirates, Duquesne University Athletics, NBA, WBNA, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and more
  • Presenter at the National Sports Forum and other conferences

SAEM News & Features

Photos: Pioneer Records Hosts EP Release Show at Stage AE, Announces 2021-22 Stars
Thursday, November 18, 2021 Point Park University's student-operated record label, Pioneer Records, has selected its Pioneer Stars for the 2021-2022 school year: The Kill Caesar Club, Cesca Violet and Tupelo Donovan.
Vicie Simpson '21
Monday, November 15, 2021 Last summer, Vicie Simpson '21, a Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management major, landed the Big IDEA internship, a program launched by Pittsburgh agencies Garrison Hughes, Oyster Creative Co. and Covalent. Read more about her experience in this Q&A. 
Point Park University Students Win America250PA's Statewide Direct Effect Innovation Challenge
Friday, November 12, 2021 Point Park University took first place in America250PA's third annual 2021 Direct Effect Innovation Challenge (DEIC), a competition that challenges students from colleges and universities around the Commonwealth to design and develop integrated marketing campaigns that explore solutions to real-life marketing challenges and questions.