Ferris State University

What you'll study

This degree combines core business and management teaching with specialised modules addressing the creative and media sectors. You will study topics that develop both practical skills and industry understanding, typically including:

• Foundations of Management and Marketing – principles of management, consumer behaviour and marketing strategy adapted to creative industries.
• Accounting and Financial Management for the Arts – budgeting, financial reporting and revenue models common to venues, festivals and media organisations.
• Entertainment Law and Rights Management – intellectual property, contracts, licensing and regulatory issues affecting media and performance.
• Event and Venue Management – planning, production logistics, health and safety, ticketing and front-of-house operations.
• Digital Media and Content Strategy – digital distribution, social media marketing, audience development and analytics for content-driven businesses.
• Production and Technical Essentials – basic studio and live-sound practice, lighting, production workflows and project management for media projects and events.
• Applied Projects and Practicum – internships, client projects or a capstone project that place you in real industry settings to apply skills and build professional networks.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options – opportunities to take modules in entrepreneurship, arts programming, media production or graphic design to tailor your degree to specific career aims.

The programme emphasises hands-on learning, workplace placements and applied projects so graduates leave with a practical portfolio and experience working with artists, promoters, media producers and cultural organisations.

Entry requirements

Ferris State typically requires an accredited high school diploma or recognised secondary qualification for admission to a bachelor's programme. Typical requirements include:

• Completion of secondary education with a college-preparatory background; applicants from non-U.S. systems should provide certified academic transcripts equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
• Competence in English demonstrated through prior study in English or an approved language qualification for international applicants.
• Recommendation letters, a personal statement describing interest in entertainment and media management, and evidence of relevant extracurricular or work experience can strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; relevant vocational or workplace experience in events, media or the arts may be considered for advanced standing.

Standardised tests may be optional depending on admission pathways. Mature applicants with substantial industry experience are encouraged to discuss admission options with the programme advisor.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across creative and media sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Event manager, festival producer or concert promoter
• Venue operations or front-of-house manager
• Arts administrator or programme coordinator for museums, theatres and cultural organisations
• Media planner, digital marketing coordinator or content strategist
• Production manager, stage manager or technical coordinator for live and recorded events
• Talent manager, booking agent or licensing coordinator
• Entrepreneurial roles creating and running independent production companies, agencies or events

The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied projects also supports entry into graduate study in arts management, media studies or business degrees, and provides a foundation for professional qualifications in project management and marketing.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers a career-focused learning environment with an emphasis on applied experience. Students benefit from practical teaching, industry-informed modules and opportunities for internships with regional cultural organisations and media companies.

The university supports students with career services, networking events and connections to employers in the broader Michigan creative economy. Small class sizes and faculty with industry experience help ensure students receive personalised mentoring while developing a professional portfolio of projects and placements.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking a pragmatic, skills-based business education tailored to the entertainment, arts and media sectors and who want direct workplace experience alongside academic study.