Lewis University

What you'll study

This programme blends core business principles with specialised subjects in the arts, entertainment and media sectors. You will study management, marketing and finance alongside courses that address the organisation and economics of creative industries, production processes and event planning.

• Core business modules: principles of management, accounting or financial fundamentals for managers, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour and business ethics.
• Sector-specific modules: arts administration, entertainment law and contracts, media industries and economics, talent and artist management.
• Practical and production modules: event planning and festival management, venue and operations management, production management for live and recorded media, digital media strategy.
• Skills and technology: marketing communications, social media and audience development, budgeting and revenue models for creative organisations, basic production and project management tools.
• Experiential components: internship or practicum with arts organisations, production companies or media outlets; project-based courses and a capstone or portfolio demonstrating applied skills.

Coursework emphasises applied learning through case studies, team projects and collaborations with local cultural organisations and media partners. Electives allow you to tailor the degree toward live events, performing arts, film/media production or arts marketing.

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the bachelor programme requires a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions consider academic performance, personal statement and evidence of interest in arts, media or management. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or equivalent qualifications.

• Completed secondary school qualification appropriate to the applicant's country.
• Academic transcripts and a personal statement describing interest in arts, entertainment or media management.
• Some applicants may be asked for references or an interview; a portfolio of relevant work or evidence of extracurricular involvement in arts/media is useful but not always mandatory.
• International students must meet English language requirements as set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for management and operational roles across the cultural and creative sectors. The degree provides the business and practical skills employers seek in arts organisations, media companies and live-event producers.

• Arts administrator or manager (museums, theatres, galleries)
• Event producer, festival or venue operations manager
• Production coordinator or line producer for live and recorded media
• Marketing, audience development or social media manager for cultural organisations
• Talent or artist manager, booking agent or business manager within the creative industries
• Project manager or consultant for creative and media enterprises

Internships and local industry partnerships often lead to entry-level employment; alumni typically move into supervisory and strategic roles as they gain sector experience.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University combines a liberal-arts approach with career-focused, experiential learning. The university emphasises small class sizes and faculty who bring professional experience in business and the creative industries.

• Experiential learning: structured internships, practicum placements and applied projects that connect students with regional arts organisations and media companies.
• Industry proximity: convenient access to the Chicago metropolitan area, offering plentiful internship and networking opportunities with theatres, production companies, galleries and event firms.
• Supportive environment: focused career services, academic advising and mentorship to help students build portfolios and professional networks.
• Flexible pathways: elective choices and project options that let students specialise in event management, performing arts administration, media production or arts marketing.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want a balanced education in both the creative and managerial aspects of arts, entertainment and media organisations, with practical experience that supports a smooth transition into the workforce.