Earning an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management is a great opportunity for professionals who want to make a difference in the business. The master’s degree, which is a new addition to the business programs available at most traditional schools, prepares students for the unique prospect to work as agents and managers in the field. By providing professionals with industry-specific business courses, individuals will enter the workforce as qualified individuals who have the ability to be an asset no matter what position they earn after graduation.
As with most business positions, professionals who are interested in this degree are working individuals by the time they make the decision to return to school. This means that they must have access to programs that are not only available 100 percent online or at least with a low-residency option, these programs must also be designed to be completed in two years or less. Students must also have access to affordable options that make the investment into their education worth the effort. Now that a variety of schools have emerged with programs that fit these needs, it was time to create an updated ranking that reflects the best accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management.
Methodology
This ranking began with research that was conducted on the National Center for Education Statistics website and its publicly available College Navigator database. A total of 20 schools were found to meet the base requirements for this ranking. Each program was then individually reviewed and ranked based on a variety of factors, including tuition rates and estimated time to completion rates for each program. The final 15 schools were ultimately chosen based on the school’s total estimated in-state graduate tuition rate for the entire program. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Entertainment Management
15. The University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Online Master of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries
Tuition: $60,900
The University of Miami is offering students the opportunity to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that focuses on the music business. This is a great choice for professionals who wish to work for record or management companies in the field. This is a 100 percent online course of study that can be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will be able to take all of their courses through the school’s learning management system; most courses are held asynchronously in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Live classes are taught in the evening or on weekends to better accommodate working professionals. This degree can be completed in 18 months when students choose to study full-time. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and a cumulative exit exam. Sample courses include Performing Arts Center and Facility Management, International Music Licensing, and Legal Aspects of the Live Entertainment Industry.
14. The New School
New York City, New York
Online Master of Science in Media Management
Tuition: $56,412
Students enrolled at The New School have the opportunity to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Media Management, a degree that is focused on creating professionals who can combine business and marketing to make a difference in this field. There are six concentrations available, including Business Development, Project Leadership, and Integrated Media Strategies. This degree is offered entirely online; however, professionals who live near campus can take courses on-campus if they so desire. All courses are available asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s virtual portal; sessions last for 16 weeks. This degree can be completed in two years or less when students choose to study full-time. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include The Producer’s Craft, Film Distribution and New Media, and Market Research for Media Managers.
13. Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York
Online Master of Business Administration, Sports and Entertainment Management
Tuition: $52,250
Hofstra University prepares students to become business leaders in the sports and entertainment worlds by offering them the opportunity to complete an accelerated MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management. This degree is open to business graduates with a degree from an accredited university or who have at least a demonstrable background in the field. All required courses plus most elective courses can be found online through the school’s learning management system; courses are found either asynchronous or synchronous and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will note that some prerequisite courses may not be available online, which will require campus residency. This degree can be completed in two years provided that a student completes a full course load every term, including summer terms. This degree requires a minimum of 38 credit hours of coursework, the capstone integrative course and a comprehensive final exam for graduation. Sample courses include Sports and Entertainment Management, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and Media in Sports and Entertainment Industries.
12. Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Television Management
Tuition: $50,225
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that is available from Drexel University was designed specifically for professionals interested in becoming tv professionals. This degree is offered as a standalone degree or as a dual degree program that enables students the chance to earn both a Master of Science in Television Management with a Master of Business Administration as concurrent online degrees. This course of study is completed 100 percent online with no campus residency requirements. Sessions are categorized as live or on-demand courses that are completed in ten-week terms through the school’s virtual portal. Students will be able to complete this degree in two years or less when they study full-time. This degree requires the following for graduation: 49 quarter credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Media Ethics of Television Management, Structure of Television Organizations, and Management of News and Sports Programming.
11. Roosevelt University
Schaumburg, Illinois
Online Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration
Tuition: $37,836
Roosevelt University offers a one-year online master’s degree in entertainment management that focuses specifically on live entertainment, such as orchestras. This degree was designed as a low-residency program that requires that students attend two separate two-week residencies in the summer before and after the program. All other courses are available online through the school’s learning management system; students will take their courses as asynchronous or synchronous sessions that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students also have the option to complete this degree as a two-year part-time program. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Facilities Management and Operations, Basics of Education and Community Engagement, and The Artistic Component.
10. Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, Georgia
Online Master of Arts in Creative Business Leadership
Tuition: $37,530
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design can be completed in two years through the school’s virtual platform. This degree was designed for creative professionals who wish to become entrepreneurs and be able to find a way to fund their own business to sustain themselves. This degree is offered through the school’s award-winning eLearning platform and features on-demand courses that follow the accelerated ten-week term format. Students will be able to complete this degree in two years or less when they attend school full-time. This degree requires a minimum of 45 credit hours of coursework, the Creative Business Leadership M.A. Final Project, an internship or practicum, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Funding Creative Business Ventures, Marketing Creative Business Ventures, and Principles of Creative Business Leadership.
9. Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Online Master of Science in Entertainment Business
Tuition: $35,280
Full Sail University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that a business-focused degree that prepares students for this challenging field. This degree was created for professionals who are interested in pursuing a 12-month master’s in the entertainment business. All courses for this degree are provided asynchronously in 10-week terms to ensure that students can complete the degree in just under a year. Students who enroll in this course of study are also eligible for Project LaunchBox, the school’s program to provide students with the technology that they need in order to keep pace with the curriculum. More information on Project LaunchBox, the program, graduation requirements and a list of course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
8. Concordia University at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Online Master of Business Administration in Sports and Entertainment Business
Tuition: $28,041
The accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that is offered by Concordia University at Ann Arbor was designed for professionals who are ready to work in the sports and entertainment business. As a business degree, students can expect the curriculum to be rigorous and comprehensive, covering all of the aspects of the field that make it a rewarding and challenging sector to be involved in. This degree is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. All courses are delivered through the school’s virtual portal and are held in asynchronous or synchronous sessions that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. It is possible for full-time students to graduate in just two years. This degree requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree and its course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
7. Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Online Master of Arts in Theatre Arts Administration
Tuition: $22,680
Rowan University Global is home to a unique degree plan for students interested in pursuing a two-year accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Business. This degree focuses on theatre arts specifically, making it a great choice for professionals who wish to become theatre directors, own their own venues, or manage live performances. This program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Students will find that all courses are offered entirely online using asynchronous eight-week sessions that mean that part-time students can graduate in less than two years. The only requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework; there are no comprehensive final exam requirements. Sample courses include Curatorial Practice in the Arts, Audience Development, and Independent Study in Graduate Theatre and Arts Administration.
6. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Master of Business Administration in Music Business
Tuition: $22,572
The accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that is offered by Southern New Hampshire University is provided in partnership with Berklee College of Music and is a unique take on the traditional Master of Business Administration. This degree focuses solely on the music business and curates courses from both universities to provide students with a degree that will teach them all aspects of the industry, all within a 15-month MBA program from a leading university. Students will find that this degree is offered wholly online; there are no residency requirements. Courses are held on-demand in ten-week courses, making it possible for students to complete this degree in 15 months just by taking two courses every term. This degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Music Business Finance, Music Marketing Strategies, and Music Business Structure and Strategies.
5. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Online Master of Communications and Media Management
Tuition: $21,270
Colorado State University confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Business that focuses on the media and communication aspects of the sector. This is a hybrid degree; students will note that select core courses are only available at the school’s campus and will not be offered online, making this a great choice for students who live in close to campus. Online courses can be accessed through the school’s learning management system and are delivered live in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be able to complete this degree in two years provided that they study full-time. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Digital Media Writing and Production, Digital Media Research and Evaluation Methods, and History of Media.
4. The University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Online Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Tuition: $19,578
Students interested in learning about arts administration will find a great graduate degree at the University of Kentucky. This program was designed to provide students with the opportunity to become leaders in the nonprofit arts and cultural industry. It is an online degree that has no residency requirements. Students will instead complete all of their coursework through the school’s virtual portal; sessions are offered live and on-demand in the traditional 16-week academic term format. It is possible to graduate in two years when students choose to pursue a full-time plan of study. More information on this degree and its graduation requirements can be accessed by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
3. The University of Colorado at Denver
Denver, Colorado
Online Master of Science in Management, Sports and Entertainment Specialization
Tuition: $16,560
The University of Colorado at Denver provides students with the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that is perfect for professionals interested in working in the sports and entertainment industries. This degree can be completed in two years when students choose to study full-time. It is also offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete live and on-demand courses through the school’s learning management system in 16-week sessions. This degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Sports and Entertainment Management, Law and Negotiation in Sports and Entertainment, and Corporate Risk Management.
2. Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Online Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Tuition: $15,963
Students enrolled at Southern Utah University are offered the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management. This is a 100 percent online course of study; there is no residency requirement. All courses are offered through the school’s virtual portal in sessions that last 16 weeks; courses may be delivered either asynchronously or synchronously. It is possible to complete this degree in two years or less. This program requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, the capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Leadership Development in the Arts, Fund Development for Arts Administrators, and Managing the Finances of Art Organizations.
1. Clayton State University
Morrow, Georgia
Online Master of Business Administration with Sports and Entertainment Management Concentration
Tuition: $12,705
Clayton State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that is housed within a Master of Business Administration degree. This is a program that is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and can be completed in two years or less when students study full-time. This degree is also offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. This degree is available through the school’s learning management system and consists of live and on-demand courses that run in 16-week sessions. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sports and Entertainment Management, and Sports and Entertainment Economics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s in Entertainment Management?
- Talent Manager
- Publicist
- Entertainment Lawyer
- Event Manager
- Publishing and Copyright Manager
- Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Marketing Specialist
- Casting Director
- Music Producer
- Film Executive
- Film or Television Producer
- Venue Manager
- Advertising Accounting Manager
- Tour Manager
- Entertainment Journalist
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
It is difficult to pinpoint an average salary for the entertainment management field for a few reasons. The first reason is that many positions in this field are contract positions, meaning that professionals will get paid for individual projects and not an annual salary. This is true even for producers, agents, and managers who work with a firm; it is also true for both the sports and entertainment industries.
The second is that agents, managers, and producers work for commissions and fees. This means that they only get paid if a project moves forward and they either earn a commission, which for agents and managers is 10 percent of whatever their talent makes from the project, or they make a producing fee. Producing fees range based on the size of the budget but are generally anywhere between $20,000 for low-budget productions to over $250,000 for studio projects.
Because agents and managers work on the behalf of talent, which means a writer, director, actor, musician, model or athlete, their wages are directly tied into whatever their client makes from a project. This is their fee for helping the talent find work. It is possible to become a manager or agent that makes over $1 million a year but it takes time and a big network to build up to this.
Other professions in the field, such as lawyers or executives, may be easier to find salary information for. Lawyers make a 2.5 percent commission on whatever their client makes from a project, which can add up to an annual salary of between $85,000 to $100,000, depending on the lawyer’s specialty and industry. Executives are paid an annual salary of between $100,000 to $500,000 and are also dependent on their specialty as well as their reputation and the number of produced projects under their belt.
Publicists and marketing specialists make around $65,000 a year; however, like with all positions in this field, this is dependent on who the professional is working for and the number of projects they are involved in. Publicists may also not be hired year-round and only brought in for special projects, making this salary number an estimation rather than an approximation.
The entertainment management field is one that is tied to the professional’s tenacity, perseverance, and determination. While most starting positions begin at $35,000, it is possible for professionals to make over $1 million dollars every year. However, to get to that level requires a lot of hard work, something that can only be determined by the professional involved.
What are the Various Disciplines of Entertainment Management?
Entertainment management is a subdiscipline of business that focuses on the entertainment sector. This includes sports, music, fashion, movies, television, and books. It is a field that encompasses everything from managers to agents to publicists and lawyers. As a relatively new discipline, it has in recent years translated into master’s degree that focuses on one part of entertainment management which is usually seen as a field of expertise.
The main disciplines of this field include business, management, administration, public relations, marketing, leadership, sociology, psychology, and economics. Driven by the business factors that are at play in the field, professionals in this field focus on nearly every aspect of the business of the creative arts. Professionals who work as writers, creators, actors, models, musicians, athletes and more are known as “talent” in the field and have their own educational and training pathways into the field; they are considered the other half of the entertainment sector.
Entertainment management professionals focus on one creative art at a time; a film producer, then, will rarely work within the literary world and vice versa. Sports managers do not manage actors or directors. The creative art that the manager, publicist, or agent works in is considered their secondary discipline as they must understand the history of that field in order to be professionals in the field.
Few people consider the training and education it takes to keep the entertainment sector moving forward; in fact, so much time is devoted to the creators in the field that it is easy to dismiss those that handle the business side of things. However, it is the producers, managers, agents, publicists and other hardworking professionals that truly make the sector what it is today. While it is possible now to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field, an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management may provide the necessary education to propel a professional’s career forward in the ever-changing face of the entertainment industry.
