Marywood University

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree combines core management training with specialised modules tailored to the arts, entertainment and media sectors. Students develop knowledge of organisational practice, financial planning, marketing, legal issues and production management, applied to cultural institutions, media companies and live-event settings.

• Core management foundations: introductory courses in management principles, organisational behaviour, accounting for managers and strategic planning.
• Sector-specific modules: arts administration, cultural policy, marketing for the arts, audience development, fundraising and grant writing for cultural organisations.
• Media and production: courses covering media law and ethics, digital media strategy, production management for theatre and live events, and basics of audio/video production.
• Practical learning: project-based classes in event planning and promotion, internships with theatres, galleries, festivals or local media outlets, and a capstone or portfolio project demonstrating management competence in an arts context.
• General education: Marywoods liberal-arts curriculum ensures studies in communication, writing, critical thinking and electives in music, theatre or visual arts to broaden creative understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Competitive candidates typically present a solid academic record, particularly in subjects demonstrating analytical and communication skills.

• High-school transcripts showing completion of standard secondary qualifications; specific GPA or grade thresholds are determined by the admissions office.
• A personal statement describing interest in the arts, media or entertainment management and any relevant experience (volunteering, part-time work, school productions).
• One or more letters of recommendation from teachers or employers may be requested to support academic or extracurricular strengths.
• Applicants with practical backgrounds in performance, production or media may be asked to provide a portfolio or short documentation of work; auditions are not usually required for the management programme but may be needed if concurrently applying to performance majors.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of relevant coursework; international applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped to work in a range of roles across cultural and media organisations. The programme emphasises practical skills, enabling immediate contribution in entry-level management positions and a clear path to leadership.

• Arts administrator or programme coordinator at theatres, museums, galleries and performing-arts organisations.
• Venue manager, production manager or event producer for live events, concerts and festivals.
• Marketing, audience development or communications specialist for cultural institutions and media companies.
• Development and fundraising officer or grant writer for non-profit arts organisations.
• Assistant roles in talent management, media production or broadcasting, with routes into project management and executive positions over time.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentoring and an emphasis on experiential learning. The universitys strong arts and communications programmes provide linked resources—performance spaces, studios and production equipment—that students in arts management can access for practical coursework.

• Hands-on opportunities through internships and partnerships with regional theatres, festivals, museums and media outlets in the Scranton area and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as theatre, music and communication studies, allowing students to work directly with performers and production teams.
• A focus on ethical leadership and community engagement that prepares graduates to manage organisations with social and cultural impact.
• Small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with professional industry experience, supporting career development and networking.