University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This programme blends core management studies with modules focused on the entertainment, media and creative industries. You will study business fundamentals such as accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management alongside industry-specific topics including media production and distribution, event and venue management, artist and talent management, music business, digital marketing for media, entertainment law and copyright, and audience development.

Typical course structure includes introductory business and communication modules in the first year, intermediate modules in media economics and production in the second year, and advanced, sector-focused and applied modules in the final year. Practical components form a significant part of the curriculum: students undertake production projects, plan and promote live events, develop marketing campaigns for real clients, and complete a capstone project or internship focused on an area of specialism.

• Business core: accounting fundamentals, marketing principles, management and organisational behaviour
• Industry-focused: music and media business, entertainment law and contracts, event production and management
• Digital skills: digital content creation, social media strategy, analytics for media
• Practical experience: internships, live event projects, production labs and a final-year capstone

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification. The programme considers academic preparation in English and mathematics desirable, along with evidence of interest in the creative industries such as work experience, volunteering, part-time employment, extracurricular activity or a small portfolio of relevant work (for example event plans, promotional materials or media samples).

US applicants should meet general university admission standards; transfer applicants are considered on the basis of completed college coursework. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Specific entry requirements and advice on supporting materials are provided by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles across the creative, live and digital media sectors. Typical destinations include artist and talent management, booking and tour management, event and festival programming, venue and operations management, music and media publishing, promotions and marketing, brand partnerships, public relations, and digital content strategy. Employers range from independent promotion companies, record labels, production houses and venues to media organisations, cultural organisations, and in-house creative or marketing teams at commercial businesses.

The practical and professional focus of the course also prepares students for entrepreneurship — starting independent management agencies, production companies or digital media ventures — and for further study in business, media studies or arts administration.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers the programme within a campus environment that supports practical learning and regional industry engagement. Students benefit from access to facilities and applied learning opportunities, industry-informed teaching staff and established links with local and regional cultural organisations, venues and media outlets along the Gulf Coast. Internship pathways and community partnerships help students build professional networks while completing applied projects and live-event experience.

Beyond classroom learning, the university’s student media, performance and events opportunities give students regular chances to develop production, promotion and management skills in real settings. The programme’s balance of business rigour and creative-industry focus is designed to equip graduates with the commercial understanding and practical capabilities employers in the entertainment and media sectors seek.