University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

This degree combines management and business coursework with specialised modules focused on the entertainment and media industries. Students develop practical skills in production, promotion and operations alongside foundational study in finance, marketing and organisational behaviour.

• Core business foundations: principles of management, marketing, accounting for managers, organisational behaviour and business law.
• Industry-specialist modules: introduction to the entertainment business, event and venue management, artist and talent management, production basics for live and recorded media, and media rights and licensing.
• Digital and promotional skills: digital media strategy, social media marketing for brands and artists, content creation and audience analytics.
• Practical learning: production practicum, event planning projects, student-run promotions and practicum placements with local venues, festivals or media organisations.
• Capstone and internship: a supervised internship or practicum in the industry plus a senior capstone project that synthesises business planning, marketing and operational management for an entertainment or media venture.
• Electives and cross-discipline options: opportunities to take electives in music business, film studies, communications, entrepreneurship or technical production depending on career focus.

Structure

The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, studio/practical labs and industry placements. Students complete general education requirements plus major-specific coursework, with opportunities for internships and applied projects that connect classroom learning to real-world practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic records, completion of college-preparatory coursework (including English and mathematics) and any relevant extracurricular experience.

• First-time freshmen: satisfactory high-school transcript and completion of required preparatory courses; a competitive academic record strengthens an application.
• Transfer students: submission of college transcripts demonstrating completion of transferable credits; previously earned business or media-related credits may satisfy major requirements.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualification plus evidence of English language proficiency via a recognised test or institutional pathway.
• Additional materials: some applicants include a short resume or statement of interest outlining relevant experience in events, media production or creative enterprises. A portfolio or audition is generally not required for this management-focused programme.

Career prospects

Graduates move into operational, managerial and entrepreneurial roles across live entertainment, media companies, venues, festivals and creative businesses. The programme prepares students for roles that require both business acumen and industry-specific knowledge.

• Event manager, festival or venue operations coordinator
• Artist, talent or band manager
• Marketing manager or digital content strategist for media/creative brands
• Production coordinator for live, broadcast or digital projects
• Business development or rights/licensing assistant at production companies and labels
• Entrepreneurship: launching independent production companies, promotion firms or digital media start-ups

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

UCO offers a hands-on approach that emphasises applied learning and industry engagement. The university’s proximity to a regional arts and entertainment hub gives students access to local venues, production companies and cultural organisations for internships and project partnerships.

• Practical facilities and projects: coursework includes studio and production-based learning and opportunities to work on live events organised by student groups and university partners.
• Industry connections: faculty with professional experience and relationships in the regional entertainment sector help connect students to internships and placements.
• Career support: university career services, internship advising and alumni networks assist students in transitioning to roles in management, production and media business roles.
• Flexible pathways: elective choices and internship options enable students to tailor the degree toward music, film, live events, or digital media management and to prepare for entrepreneurial or corporate career paths.