The top master’s in Entertainment Management online programs offer an affordable and flexible path to advance your career in the entertainment industry.
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 programs, which is a new addition to the business programs available at most traditional schools, prepares graduate students for the unique prospect to work as agents and managers in the field.
By providing professionals with industry-specific business courses, sport and entertainment management program graduates enter the workforce as qualified individuals who have the ability to be an asset no matter what position they earn after graduation. This is a list of schools and entertainment management degree programs that focus on accelerated online master’s programs in Entertainment Management.
Methodology for Ranking the Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
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 met the base requirements for this ranking.
Each entertainment industry 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. We picked the final 15 schools based on the school’s total estimated in-state graduate tuition rate for the entire program. These entertainment management degree programs are below are in descending order.
Featured Schools:
15. The University of Miami
- Degree: MA in Live Entertainment Management
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Required Credits: 30
- Tuition: $2,421 per credit, $72,630 total
- More: School Profile
The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami offers students the opportunity to complete an accelerated online Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management that focuses on the music business. This program is a great choice for entertainment management graduates to work for record or management companies in the field. This is a 100 percent online course of study with no residency requirements.
Students in the sport and entertainment management program will be able to take all of their courses through the school’s learning management system. Most courses are asynchronous in the traditional 16-week academic term format. But, live classes meet in the evening or on weekends to accommodate working professionals in the entertainment industry.
This master’s in entertainment management degree takes 18 months to complete when students choose to study full-time. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework and also a cumulative exit exam. Sample courses include Performing Arts Center and Facility Management, International Music Licensing, and also Legal Aspects of the Live Entertainment Industry. Additionally, the online Master of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries has no residency requirement.
14. The New School
- Degree: MS in Media Management
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $1,838 per credit
- More: School Profile
Students at The New School have the opportunity to complete an accelerated online Master of Science in Media Management. This degree focuses on creating professionals who can combine business and marketing to make a difference in this field.
Six concentrations are available in this master’s in entertainment management program. They include Business Development, Project Leadership, and Integrated Media Strategies. This degree is 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.
Most complete this degree in two years or less when they study full-time. Students complete a minimum of 36 credits of coursework, a thesis, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include The Producer’s Craft, entertainment manager, Film Distribution and New Media, and Market Research for Media Managers. The MS in Media Management is one of the best entertainment management degree programs.
13. Hofstra University
- Degree: MBA with a concentration in Sports and Entertainment Management
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $1,665 per credit
- More: School Profile
Hofstra University prepares students to become business leaders in the sports and entertainment worlds by offering them the opportunity to complete an accelerated master’s degree 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 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 takes two years to complete with a full course load every term, including summer terms.
This sport and entertainment management program requires a minimum of 38 credits 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
- Degree: MS in Television & Media Management
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Required Credits: 49 quarter credits
- Tuition: $1,155 per credit, $56,595 total
- More: School Profile
An affordable accelerated online master’s in Entertainment Management is at Drexel University. This entertainment industry management program is for professionals who want to become TV professionals. Drexel’s MBA is a standalone degree. Or, it can be a dual degree 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. The course of study for this master’s in entertainment management is 100 percent online with no campus residency requirements.
Sessions are both live and on-demand courses that students complete 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 credits 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. The online MS in Television Management has no residency requirement.
11. Roosevelt University
- Degree: Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Required Credits: 30
- Tuition: $1,424 per credit, $42,720 total
- More: School Profile
Roosevelt University offers a one-year online master’s degree in entertainment management that focuses specifically on live entertainment, such as orchestras. Designed as a low-residency program, this degree only requires two, separate, two-week residencies with entertainment managers in the summer before and after the program. All other courses are 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 credits 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
- Degree: MA in Creative Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 45 quarter credits
- Tuition: $913 per credit, $41,085 total
- More: School Profile
The affordable accelerated online Master of Arts in Creative Business Leadership at the Savannah College of Art and Design takes two years through the school’s virtual platform. This master’s in entertainment management degree is for creative professionals who wish to become entrepreneurs and be able to find a way to fund their own businesses to sustain themselves.
The MBA 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 credits of coursework, the Creative Business Leadership M.A. Final Project, an internship with entertainment managers or practicum, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Funding Creative Business Ventures, Marketing Creative Business Ventures, and also Principles of Creative Business Leadership.
9. Full Sail University
- Degree: MS in Entertainment Business
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Required Credits: 41.5
- Tuition: $771 per credit, $32,000 total
- More: School Profile
Full Sail University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Entertainment Management that a business-focused degree. This program prepares online students for roles in the entertainment business. Working professionals in the entertainment business can compete this 12 month master’s degree program entirely online.
All courses for this master’s in entertainment management degree are provided asynchronously in 10-week terms. So, students can complete the degree in just under a year. Online 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. Additionally, the online MS in Entertainment Business requires one year of study.
8. Pace University
- Degree: MS in Arts and Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $699 per credit
- More: School Profile
The Master of Science in Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University is one of only two AACSB accredited programs in New York State. This program prepares grads to manage theatre companies, dance companies, music organizations, museums,, art galleries, and also television production firms. Additionally, Pace is home to the Emmy-nominated series Inside the Actors Studio that broadcasts worldwide. Recent guests interviewed include Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, and Bradley Cooper.
7. Rowan University
- Degree: MA in Theatre Arts Administration
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Accreditation: ACBSP
- Tuition: $988.70 per credit, $29,661 total
- More: School Profile
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. The online MA in Theatre Arts Administration requires 30 credit hours of coursework.
This master’s in entertainment management 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. The 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 which means 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. Financial aid is offered is needed. Sample courses include Curatorial Practice in the Arts, arts entertainment, Audience Development, and Independent Study in Graduate Theatre and Arts Administration.
6. Southern New Hampshire University
- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Music Business
- Accreditation: Program accredited by ACBSP and in partnership with Berklee College of Music
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $637 per credit, $22,932 total
- More: School Profile
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 master’s in entertainment management degree focuses solely on the music business. Because it curates courses from both universities, it provide students with a degree that incorporates 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.
Financial aid is offered as needed. This arts and entertainment management 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 also Music Business Structure and Strategies.
5. Colorado State University
- Degree: Master of Communications and Media Management (MCMM)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Required Credits: 30
- Tuition: $751 per credit, $22530 total
- More: School Profile
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 close to campus.
Online courses are through the school’s learning management system and delivered live in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be able to complete this master’s in entertainment management 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 also a comprehensive final exam.
Sample courses in arts and entertainment management include Digital Media Writing and Production, Arts Entertainment, Digital Media Research and Evaluation Methods, and also History of Media.
4. The University of Kentucky
- Degree: MA in Arts Administration
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $737 per credit, $26,532 total
- More: School Profile
Students interested in learning about arts administration will find a great graduate degree at the University of Kentucky. This entertainment management program provides 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. Additionally, the online MA in Arts Administration offers courses in untraditional 16-week academic term formats.
3. University of Colorado at Denver
- Degree: Professional MBA with a specialization in Sports and Entertainment
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $16,560
- More: School Profile
The University of Colorado at Denver provides students with the chance to complete an accelerated online masters in Entertainment Management. This program has 15 specialization options and is perfect for professionals who want to work in the sports and entertainment industries.
Additionally, this degree takes two years to finish when students study full-time. And, it is entirely online, so there are no residency requirements. Students will complete live and on-demand courses through the school’s learning management system in 16-week sessions.
Financial aid is offered as needed. This degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Sports and Entertainment Management, Law and Negotiation in Sports and Entertainment, Entertainment Manager, and also Corporate Risk Management.
2. Southern Utah University
- Degree: Master of Arts in Arts Administration
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Required Credits: 36
- Tuition: $485 per credit, $17,460
- More: School Profile
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. So, 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 also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Leadership Development in the Arts, Fund Development for Arts Administrators, and also Managing the Finances of Art Organizations.
1. Syracuse University
- Degree: MS in Communications Management
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Required Credits: 39
- Tuition: $485 per credit, $18,915 total
- More: School Profile
Syracuse University offers an online Master of Science in Communications Management. This entertainment management program’s holistic curriculum blends communications, leadership, and also business management.
What are the Types of Master’s Degrees for Entertainment Management?
A master’s in entertainment management can be a MS, MA, or MBA.
- Master of Arts (MA) in Entertainment Management
- Master of Science (MS) in Entertainment Management
- MBA in Entertainment Management is a professional degree
What are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Entertainment Management?
The admissions requirements for a master’s in entertainment management program typically include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, most students need some or all of the below items.
- Submit a completed application with the application fee.
- Official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume detailing work experience or CV
- Statement of purpose, a writing sample, or essay detailing previous experience and future goals.
- 2-3 letters of recommendation or recommendation letters
- Standard entrance exam such as the GRE scores or GMAT test scores
- Fill out the FASFA as soon as possible to qualify for federal financial aid opportunities
What are the Career Options with a Master’s in Entertainment Management?
What can you do with a master’s degree in entertainment management? Most entertainment management programs prepare graduate for one of the below roles.
- Talent Manager / Talent Managers
- Publicist / Publicists
- Entertainment Lawyer
- Event Manager / Event Managers
- Marketing Manager / Marketing Managers
- Publishing and Copyright Manager
- Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Marketing Specialist / Marketing Specialists
- Casting Director
- Music Producer
- Film Executive
- Film or Television Producer
- Venue Manager / Venue Managers
- Advertising Accounting Manager
- Tour Manager / Tour Managers
- Entertainment Journalist
- Media Management
- Entertainment Manager / Entertainment Managers
What is the Job Outlook in this Field?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 13% job growth for entertainment and sports occupations from 2021 to 2031. This rate is close to double the average projected growth rate for all occupations during the same period. So, this Job growth for the clients of Entertainment Managers means a higher demand for agents and business managers.
This growth increase is expected to result in about 95,500 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs, the need to replace workers who leave their occupation will create over 105,000 job openings each year.
How Much Can You Earn in Arts and Entertainment Management?
How much can you make with a master’s in entertainment management? It is difficult for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to pinpoint an average salary for the entertainment management program for a few reasons. The first reason is that many positions in this field are contract positions. So professionals are paid for individual projects and not an annual salary. This is true even for producers, agents, and managers who work with a firm. And it is also true for both the sports and entertainment industries.
There are many career opportunities for individuals with a master’s degree in entertainment management. Because this degree combines business and entertainment, entertainment management graduates typically find roles in the sports and entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Pay |
|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 (BLS) median salary |
| Art Directors | $100,890 (BLS) median salary |
| Producers and Directors | $79,000 (BLS) median annual salary |
| Agents and Managers | $82,530 (BLS) median annual salary |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 (BLS) median annual salary |
| Public Relations Managers | $119,860 (BLS) median annual salary |
What Influences Salary in The Entertainment Management Field?
The entertainment management field is one that is tied to the professional’s tenacity, perseverance, and determination. 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.
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 to whatever their client makes from a project. This is their fee for helping the talent find work. 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.
Other Entertainment Management Professionals
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.
What are the Various Disciplines of Entertainment Management?
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.
Entertainment management is a subdiscipline of business that focuses on the entertainment sector. It encompasses everything from managers to agents to publicists and lawyers. And entertainment industry includes the below areas.
- Sport Management / Sports Management
- Music
- Television
- Fashion
- Film and Movies
- Performing Arts
- Social Media Management
Finding a Specialization in Entertainment Management
Entertainment management professionals focus on one creative art at a time. Live entertainment management works with musicians and comedians. 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.
Is An Entertainment Management Degree Worth It?
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.
