Golden Gate University

What you'll study

This master's balances foundational business and management courses with specialist modules focused on the creative and media industries. You will study topics that prepare you to manage organisations, projects and creative talent in a rapidly changing media environment.

• Core management subjects – strategic management, organisational behaviour, leadership, and financial management for non-profit and commercial creative organisations.
• Industry-specific modules – media economics, entertainment finance, marketing for creative industries, and audience development.
• Legal and ethical issues – intellectual property, contracts, rights management, and regulatory considerations affecting media and arts organisations.
• Digital and distribution topics – digital media business models, content distribution platforms, social media strategy and analytics.
• Project and production management – production planning, budgeting, scheduling and risk management for events, film, and live performance.
• Experiential learning – practicum, internship or capstone project working with local arts, entertainment or media organisations to apply classroom learning to real-world problems.

Teaching typically combines evening and weekday classes to suit working professionals, with assessments drawn from case studies, group projects, presentations and a final applied project or internship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Relevant professional experience in the arts, media or a related field is highly valued and can strengthen an application. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts from undergraduate study.
• A current CV or résumé outlining professional experience.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing career goals and motivation for the programme.
• Two professional or academic references.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (where required).

Some applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio or examples of relevant work if applying from creative or production backgrounds. Golden Gate University also considers mature applicants with substantial professional experience even if their academic history is non-traditional.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the arts, entertainment and media sectors. The programme is designed to prepare students for managerial and leadership positions as well as entrepreneurial ventures.

• Arts organisation director or manager (theatres, museums, galleries)
• Production manager or line producer for film, television and live events
• Marketing, audience development and communications roles in cultural and media organisations
• Business development, distribution and licensing roles in media companies and streaming platforms
• Talent and artist management, festival and programme management
• Consultancy, policy and advocacy roles focused on creative industries

Alumni typically find opportunities in local and regional arts institutions, independent production companies, digital media startups, and larger entertainment firms.

Why study at Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University's location in San Francisco provides ready access to an extensive creative and media ecosystem, including independent production companies, tech platforms and cultural organisations. The university emphasises professionally oriented teaching, with faculty who bring practical industry experience and connections into the classroom.

• Industry proximity – opportunities to engage with local arts organisations, production houses and digital media firms for internships and applied projects.
• Flexible delivery – scheduling designed for working professionals, with evening classes and blended learning options.
• Applied learning – a curriculum that prioritises real-world projects, practicum placements and collaborative industry briefs.
• Career support – dedicated services to help with internships, networking and career planning in the arts and media sectors.

The programme is suited to those seeking a career-focused graduate education that integrates business and management skills with the specific demands of arts, entertainment and media industries.