Montana State University

What you'll study

This degree blends core management subjects with specialised courses focused on the arts, entertainment and media sectors. Typical areas of study include:

• Foundations of management: introductory accounting, finance for managers, organisational behaviour and strategic management tailored to creative enterprises.
• Arts and media industry studies: studies of the structure of the music, film, theatre and digital media industries, business models for creative enterprises, and cultural policy.
• Marketing and audience development: arts marketing, digital marketing for creative content, branding, social media strategies and market research methods.
• Production and event management: practical training in producing live events, venue operations, tour and festival logistics, technical production basics and risk management.
• Legal and financial aspects: contracts and intellectual property, copyright and licensing, budgeting and revenue models for non‑profit and commercial organisations.
• Practicum and internships: supervised internships with local arts organisations, media companies or production houses, plus project‑based capstone courses that require producing a real event or media project.
• Electives and collaboration: opportunities to take electives in film, music, communications, theatre, graphic design and entrepreneurship to tailor the degree to specific career interests.

The programme typically follows the US undergraduate structure with general education requirements complemented by major core courses, electives and experiential learning components. Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship and a culminating applied project or practicum.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Montana State University undergraduate admission standards, including a completed secondary school certificate or equivalent. Specific expectations for this programme usually include:

• A competitive high school academic record with coursework in English and mathematics; coursework or extracurricular experience in the arts, media or business is advantageous.
• Submission of official transcripts. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and evidence of completed credit in relevant coursework where applicable.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or qualifying pathways as required by the university.
• While formal auditions or portfolios are not typically required for the management major, applicants with demonstrable experience in music, theatre, film, student media or event production are viewed favourably.

Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions office for details on documentation, advising and any additional programme‑specific guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the creative and media sectors. Common career paths include:

• Arts administrator or manager for theatres, performing arts organisations, galleries and cultural centres.
• Event producer or venue manager for festivals, concerts, conferences and live shows.
• Marketing and audience development specialist or digital content manager for media companies, record labels and streaming platforms.
• Production coordinator, talent manager or operations manager in film, television and live production.
• Fundraising and development officer for non‑profit arts organisations, foundations and community arts initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial pathways: creating and managing small creative enterprises, production companies or independent media ventures.

Hands‑on elements of the degree, such as internships and capstone projects, help build industry contacts and practical experience that employers seek.

Why study at Montana State University

Montana State University offers a small‑campus environment with access to interdisciplinary arts and media departments, enabling students to combine business training with practical creative practice. The university’s location in Bozeman places students near a dynamic regional arts community and an expanding film and production scene, creating local internship and networking opportunities.

Students benefit from faculty with industry experience, practical production facilities and collaborative projects with performance ensembles, student media groups and community organisations. The programme emphasises applied learning, giving graduates the practical skills and professional contacts needed to start careers in arts, entertainment and media management.