Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme blends management fundamentals with sector-specific study in arts, entertainment and media. Core topics typically include media economics, arts organisation management, marketing and audience development, financial planning and budgeting for creative enterprises, contract and intellectual property issues, and project producing.

Students also take practical modules in event and venue management, production practices for live and recorded media, digital strategies for audience engagement, and rights clearance/licensing. Coursework emphasises applied learning through case studies, team-based producing projects, and a capstone or practicum experience. Many students complete credit-bearing internships with performing arts organisations, production companies, festivals, museums, or media firms to gain real-world experience.

Typical module examples

• Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour
• Arts and Cultural Policy
• Entertainment Industry Finance and Accounting
• Marketing for the Arts and Media
• Production and Stage Management
• Intellectual Property, Contracts and Rights Management
• Digital Media Strategy and Distribution
• Capstone Practicum or Internship

Entry requirements

Admission to Ithaca College programmes usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of the institution's undergraduate admissions process. Candidates are expected to demonstrate academic readiness through transcripts and standardised test scores where applicable, and to show a clear interest in the arts, media or management through personal statements, portfolios or supplementary materials when relevant.

Typical applicants benefit from preparatory coursework in writing, maths or social sciences and from extracurricular experience in performing arts, student media, or community arts organisations. Admissions may also consider letters of recommendation and evidence of workplace experience; transfer applicants are assessed on college-level work and credits. Specific criteria can vary, so prospective students should consult the college's admissions office for personalised guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across the cultural and creative industries. Common career paths include arts administrator, venue or event manager, production coordinator or manager (live and recorded media), talent or artist manager, marketing and audience development specialist, rights and licensing analyst, and programming or curatorial assistant.

Alumni also work in related areas such as festival management, touring and logistics, non-profit leadership, box office and patron services, digital content strategy, and creative entrepreneurship. The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied projects helps students build industry contacts and practical skills sought by employers in both local and international markets.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a hands-on, practice-oriented environment with small class sizes and access to professional-standard facilities. The college’s programmes are structured to integrate classroom learning with internships, producing opportunities, and collaborative projects across media and performance departments.

Students benefit from the college’s proximity to a dynamic regional arts scene and established connections to industry hubs, enabling internship placements and professional networking. Faculty often have industry experience and mentor students on real-world projects, while campus venues and media labs provide regular opportunities to produce, present and promote work. These resources, combined with an emphasis on both managerial skills and creative practice, prepare graduates to navigate the evolving business of arts, entertainment and media.