University of Utah

What you'll study

The programme combines foundations in management and business with specialised coursework focused on the arts, entertainment and media sectors. You will study subjects such as arts organisation management, marketing for creative industries, fundraising and development, event and venue management, media production basics, arts law and contracts, audience development, and financial planning for organisations in the cultural sector.

• Core business and management: organisational behaviour, accounting fundamentals, marketing principles and project management.
• Sector-specific modules: arts administration, nonprofit management, entertainment marketing, festival and tour management, intellectual property and contract law affecting creatives.
• Practical skills: event production, box office and venue operations, digital audience engagement, grant writing and donor relations.
• Experiential learning: internships with theatres, galleries, media companies and performing-arts venues; practicum projects; and a capstone or portfolio project demonstrating applied management skills.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in media studies, film, music business, entrepreneurship and collaboration opportunities with the business and communications schools.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA typically requires meeting the University of Utah's undergraduate entry standards, including a recognised secondary school credential and submitted academic transcripts. Departmental entry may also require a minimum cumulative GPA and completion of introductory coursework (for example in English and mathematics) or demonstration of relevant experience.

Prospective students transferring from other institutions should provide official transcripts and may be asked to meet specific credit and GPA thresholds for progression into the major. While a portfolio is not usually required for the management-focused major, applicants with relevant work, volunteer experience or extracurricular leadership in arts organisations will be competitive. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the cultural and creative sectors. Typical career paths include arts administrator, venue or operations manager, events producer, box office and patron services manager, marketing and audience development specialist, fundraising and development officer, artist or talent manager, and festival or tour coordinator. The combination of business skills and sector knowledge also supports careers in cultural consultancy, arts entrepreneurship and leadership roles within museums, theatres, orchestras, independent production companies and media organisations.

Many students build practical networks through internships and local partnerships, which support entry into positions at regional theatres, performing-arts centres, cultural non-profits, commercial media firms and tech platforms that serve creative industries.

Why study at University of Utah

The University of Utah offers access to a vibrant regional arts scene and a range of professional partner organisations, from large performing-arts venues to independent festivals and media companies. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across the university, including links with business, communications and film departments, and placement options that provide hands-on experience.

The campus is located in Salt Lake City, providing proximity to cultural institutions, touring presenters and a growing creative economy. Faculty bring a mix of academic and industry experience, and the programme emphasises practical learning through internships, practicum courses and capstone projects designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment or to launch entrepreneurial ventures in the arts and media sectors.