Syracuse University

What you'll study

This programme blends business fundamentals with industry-specific practice to give students a working knowledge of the arts and entertainment sectors. Core study areas typically include organisational and strategic management, marketing for creative enterprises, financial decision-making for cultural organisations, and legal issues such as contracts and intellectual property.

• Foundations of Arts and Entertainment Management: history and structures of creative industries, sector-specific economics.
• Marketing and Audience Development: branding, digital marketing, social media strategy and audience analytics for arts and media products.
• Finance and Operations: budgeting, forecasting, revenue models (ticketing, licensing, sponsorship), and venue operations.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: contracts, rights management, labour relations and ethical considerations in media and cultural organisations.
• Production and Event Management: project planning for live events, touring logistics, technical production basics and risk management.
• Digital Media and Content Strategy: distribution platforms, streaming economics, content monetisation and metadata for rights management.
• Practicum, Internship and Capstone: credited internship placements with cultural organisations, media companies or production firms, and a culminating project or practicum that integrates academic learning with industry practice.
• Electives and Specialisms: students can usually choose electives in areas such as music business, film and television distribution, festival management, museum and gallery administration, or entrepreneurship in creative industries.

The programme emphasises experiential learning—students commonly work on real-world projects, supervised internships and collaborations with campus performance and media centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification suitable for undergraduate entry. Typical admissions considerations include academic achievement, a personal statement demonstrating interest in arts, entertainment or media management, and letters of recommendation.

• High school diploma or equivalent with competitive grades in relevant subjects.
• Personal statement outlining interest in the creative industries and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation (often one to two) from teachers or professionals who can attest to academic readiness and relevant experience.
• Work or extracurricular experience in music, theatre, film, student media, event organising or related fields is advantageous.
• Some applicants may be asked to submit examples of relevant work or a brief portfolio if they have substantial creative experience; this is considered in context with the overall application.
• Standardised tests (such as the SAT or ACT) policies vary; check the university's current admissions guidance for testing options and any additional requirements for international applicants (evidence of English language proficiency where applicable).

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into a wide range of roles across arts, entertainment and media sectors. The combination of business training and industry exposure supports careers in both creative and operational functions.

• Arts and cultural organisation management (theatres, museums, galleries)
• Venue operations and live events production (festival producer, stage manager, operations manager)
• Music industry roles (artist management, touring coordination, label operations)
• Media and content businesses (digital content manager, distribution coordinator, rights & licensing assistant)
• Marketing, audience development and sponsorship roles within creative organisations
• Talent representation and agency work
• Entrepreneurship—founding or managing small creative enterprises, production companies or independent labels
• Fundraising, development and public engagement roles for nonprofits and cultural institutions

Internships and practicum placements are central to employability, helping graduates build industry contacts and practical portfolios that employers seek.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers a campus environment with established practical resources, student-run performance and media outlets, and connections to regional and national cultural industries. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities across campus venues and media labs, plus access to a broad alumni network working in entertainment, media, and arts administration.

• Opportunities for internships and industry partnerships in nearby major markets as well as on-campus organisations and performance venues.
• Interdisciplinary options that allow students to combine management study with coursework in music, theatre, film, communications and entrepreneurship.
• Dedicated career services and industry-focused mentorship to support placement in internships and graduate employment.
• A community of creative practitioners and events that give students frequent chances to manage live projects, produce content and build professional experience before graduation.