Pace University

What you'll study

The programme blends business and management fundamentals with sector‑specific study of arts, entertainment and media. Core topics typically include strategic management for creative organisations, financial management and budgeting, marketing and audience development, media economics, and legal issues such as intellectual property and contract law.

• Management and Strategy: organisational leadership, strategic planning, project and production management for cultural institutions and entertainment companies.
• Finance and Administration: budgeting, fundraising and development, grant writing, financial reporting and revenue models for arts and media enterprises.
• Marketing and Audience Engagement: digital marketing, branding, ticketing strategies, community engagement and analytics for audience development.
• Media, Technology and Distribution: digital content production and distribution, rights management, new media platforms and business models in streaming and publishing.
• Law and Ethics: intellectual property, contract negotiation, ethical issues in cultural programming and content management.
• Capstone / Experiential Learning: a practicum, internship or applied capstone project placing students with arts organisations, media companies, production houses or festivals to solve real operational or strategic challenges.

Courses are frequently delivered by a mix of academic faculty and industry practitioners and emphasise case studies, project work and internships taking advantage of Pace’s proximity to New York City’s cultural and media sectors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Typical entry criteria include:

• A completed undergraduate degree in any discipline; relevant work or volunteer experience in the arts, media or management is advantageous.
• A personal statement outlining career goals and interest in arts, entertainment and media management.
• One or more academic or professional references.
• A current CV or résumé documenting education, relevant employment and any creative projects.
• English language proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English (for example IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent), in line with the university’s standard requirements.

Some applicants with substantial professional experience may be considered even if their undergraduate background is in a different field. Admissions may also take into account portfolios or examples of projects where relevant.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles across arts organisations, creative industries and media companies. Common career paths include:

• Arts administrator or venue manager for theatres, museums and cultural organisations.
• Production manager or coordinator in film, television, live events and theatre.
• Marketing, audience development or digital content manager for arts organisations, streaming platforms or media outlets.
• Fundraising and development officer, grant writer or donor relations specialist for non‑profit arts institutions.
• Talent manager, rights and licensing associate, or business affairs professional in music and entertainment firms.
• Entrepreneurial roles creating independent production companies, festivals, or digital media startups.

Pace’s career services, industry connections in New York and internship components help students build professional networks and secure placements across the public, private and non‑profit cultural sectors.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University’s location offers ready access to major theatres, production companies, broadcasters, publishers and cultural institutions, creating strong internship and networking opportunities. The programme’s combination of practical projects, industry speakers and a capstone practicum is designed to prepare students for operational and leadership roles in creative organisations.

• Industry proximity: close links with New York City’s arts and media ecosystem that support internships and guest‑lecturer programmes.
• Applied learning: emphasis on experiential projects, placements and a practice‑based capstone to develop real‑world skills.
• Supporting services: career services, mentorship and alumni networks that assist with job placement and professional development.
• Flexible delivery: options for part‑time study and evening classes help accommodate working professionals.

Together, these features make the MA in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at Pace a practical choice for students who want to combine managerial competence with deep knowledge of the creative and media industries.