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

Among the Most Innovative Business Programs in the Country

Pictured is SAEM alumnus Fausto Severino.jpg

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.

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.

Pictured is SAEM alumnus Austin Brooks. Photo by Brandy Richey.

Right after graduating, SAEM alumnus Austin Brooks '18 was hired as a marketing manager and assistant in football operations for SLG Sports and Entertainment. His clients included Trey Marshall, strong safety for the Denver Broncos; Niles Scott, defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers; and Kendall Calhoun, offensive line for the Houston Texans, among others.

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):

Pictured is SAEM alumnus Robby Bell.

  • 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

Pictured is SAEM alumna Carissa Atkinson.

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 SAEM alumna Grace Offerdahl. Submitted photo.
Grace Offerdahl '20

Digital Relations Representative, The Concert Manager

"Point Park and the SAEM program are so hands-on. It really is experiential learning, which makes learning so much more interesting. From internships to the shadowing program in SAEM 101, they really try to get you as much actual experience as possible, so you feel more prepared when you graduate."

Pictured is SAEM alumnus 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."

Career Options

With a degree in sports, arts and entertainment management, you will have the option to pursue various career opportunities such as:

  • Agent
  • Box office manager
  • Sales and sponsorship executives
  • House management
  • Marketing director
  • Talent manager
  • Event manager
  • Promotions director
  • and more!

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom

Learn from professors with 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

Sophia Duff '19
Thursday, April 15, 2021 SAEM alumna Sophia Duff works at OMG23, an advertising agency contracted by Disney to handle their in-house media planning.
Mara Meyer '20
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 "If it weren't for Point Park's amazing professors, especially in the SAEM program, I don’t believe I would be on the path I am today. They are the most supportive group of people that truly want to help you reach your full potential and push you to succeed. Their classes taught me necessary skills to build my own brand."
SAEM Students Place Third in National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 In Point Park's first year of competing, Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management students Stephen Adams, Miranda Ferguson, Jared Slattery and Erik Stouter finished third in the 2021 National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship, which allows students interested in sports sales to make the jump from college to the pros with an opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive format.