Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme combines core management training with sector‑specific study of cultural industries, media markets and creative practice. Typical topics include cultural and creative sector strategy, media economics, arts marketing and audience development, finance and budgeting for cultural organisations, rights and contract issues, digital distribution and social media strategy, project and event management, and leadership in non‑profit and commercial contexts.

Learning is delivered through a mix of seminars, case studies, practicum modules and applied projects. Students usually complete a team capstone or consultancy project for a real organisation and undertake an experiential placement or internship to gain industry experience. Elective options let students focus on areas such as live music and festivals, screen and broadcast media, arts education and community engagement, or entrepreneurship and new business models for creative enterprises.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, ideally in a related field such as business, arts management, communications, media studies, or a creative discipline. Relevant professional experience in cultural, media or creative organisations is highly valued and can strengthen applications from candidates whose undergraduate study was in a different subject.

• Academic transcript demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• A current CV or résumé outlining education and relevant work experience.
• A personal statement explaining your objectives, interest in arts/entertainment/media management and readiness for graduate study.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two) from academic or professional referees.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

Some applicants may be asked for an interview. GMAT/GRE scores are not universally required but may be requested in certain circumstances; check programme guidance for current policy. Portfolios or examples of work are useful for applicants focused on production, curation or creative entrepreneurship.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across non‑profit and commercial sectors. Common career paths include management and leadership posts in museums, theatres, performing arts organisations and festivals; production and operations roles in film, television and live events; audience development, marketing and digital content strategy positions; artist and talent management; and business development or programming roles at media companies and cultural foundations.

Alumni also move into consultancy, fundraising and development, policy and advocacy for the creative industries, or start their own ventures such as production companies, creative agencies or community arts projects. The programme’s practical placements and capstone projects are intended to produce portfolio work and industry contacts that support early career progression.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers interdisciplinary strengths that support an arts, entertainment and media management degree: close links between the Media School, the Kelley School of Business and humanities and arts departments provide access to both industry‑facing media expertise and rigorous business training. Students benefit from faculty who combine academic research with industry experience and from guest lecturers drawn from national and regional cultural organisations.

Bloomington’s active arts and cultural scene and campus‑based resources—such as public radio and student media outlets, performance venues and film programming—create numerous opportunities for internships, practicum placements and collaborative projects. The university’s alumni and professional networks across the Midwest and beyond help with job placements and industry introductions, supporting transitions into management roles across the creative and media sectors.