Seattle University

What you'll study

The programme blends core management training with courses tailored to the entertainment and media sectors. Students take foundational business modules in management, marketing, accounting and organisational behaviour alongside industry-focused units covering media industries, entertainment law and intellectual property, film and music business, production and event management, and digital content strategy.

Typical subject areas and modules include:

• Industry Foundations: Introduction to entertainment and media industries, history and structures of film, music, television and digital media.
• Business Core: Principles of management, marketing for creative organisations, financial basics for project and company budgeting.
• Legal and Ethical Contexts: Entertainment law, copyright and licensing, ethical issues in media production and distribution.
• Production and Operations: Practical courses in event production, live performance management, production workflows and crew coordination.
• Digital and Marketing Strategy: Social media and digital distribution, audience analytics, branding and promotion for artists and cultural organisations.
• Capstone and Experiential Learning: Internship or practicum with a cultural organisation, media company or production house, and a capstone project that applies management skills to a real-world entertainment challenge.

Learning emphasises applied projects, case studies, guest speakers from the industry, and opportunities to work with Seattle’s live music, film, gaming and tech communities. Students can often tailor elective choices toward areas such as music business, film production, talent management or arts entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary-school academic record with completion of college preparatory coursework. Admissions consider academic transcripts, a personal statement that explains interest in entertainment and media management, and letters of recommendation. Relevant extracurricular activity—such as experience in student media, theatre, music or event organising—or a portfolio demonstrating creative work or leadership can strengthen an application.

Seattle University welcomes transfer students from community colleges and other universities; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and an outline of completed coursework. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency expectations through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications. Specific GPA, test and credential thresholds are provided by the university’s admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the creative and media sectors. Common career paths include arts and cultural organisation management, event and festival production, talent and artist management, digital content production, marketing and audience development, distribution and rights management, and project or production coordination for film, television and music projects.

The programme’s practical focus and Seattle location support internships and networking with local studios, labels, venues, streaming companies and tech firms, helping graduates find entry-level positions and build portfolios for freelance or entrepreneurial ventures. Alumni also progress into postgraduate study in business, law, media production or arts administration.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University offers this programme within a Jesuit, liberal arts tradition that emphasises critical thinking, ethical leadership and community engagement. Small class sizes and accessible faculty with professional experience provide personalised mentorship and industry insight. The city of Seattle is a dynamic media and cultural hub—home to music, independent film, gaming and major tech and streaming companies—creating rich opportunities for internships, collaborations and guest practitioners.

Students benefit from career services, co-curricular projects and partnerships with local cultural organisations, giving practical on-the-job experience. The programme’s combination of management rigour, sector-specific training and experiential learning prepares graduates to navigate the fast-changing business of entertainment and media with both commercial and creative acumen.