Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD

    America’s $717 billion dollar media and entertainment industry will reach more than $825 billion in sales by 2023, driven by growth in film, music, video games, and more.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 18,800 MORE OF ENTERTAINMENT MANAGERS BY 2029

    The need for marketing and advertising managers is expected to grow by 6% in the next decade, as entertainment and sports events become even more central to the lives of Americans.

  • MEDIAN SALARY IS $136K ANNUALLY

    Although pay scales vary based on what area of management you pursue, marketing managers at the top end of the industry earn an average of $136,850 each year, while sales managers average $125,510.

Our Research

This list includes programs that are held on campus, via an online connection, or as a hybrid of the two. Many online programs include an on-campus component, so it’s worth asking about this if you are applying to a program that is far from home.

All our chosen programs are accredited by the regional accreditation organization active in the institution’s home state, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the New England Commission of Higher Education.

We looked at the cost of each program, considering the return on investment that students can expect, as well as the technological and online readiness of the school. We considered student engagement as well as how well the institution does in national rankings such as that done by U.S. News and World Report.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best Master’s in Entertainment Management Degree program are affordable, respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 67 hours to write this article
  • 54 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 130 education programs we compared

The Top 13 Master’s in Entertainment Management Degree Programs

Best Master's in Entertainment Management Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

Entertainment management offers a broad range of career paths. The advertising manager for a pro sports team, for example, may have a very different job description from someone leading the public relations efforts for a Disney theme park. A master’s program in Entertainment Management allows you to choose an area or areas to focus your coursework on, so that you’ll be able to pursue the positions that most interest you.

Most master’s programs in Entertainment Management feature internships, work study, or shadowing opportunities that allow you to stretch your wings and try out your new skills outside the classroom. Many universities with Entertainment Management programs are located in large urban areas where there are multiple entertainment venues that may hire recent graduates. Online students can access these opportunities through virtual internships.

The curriculum for an Entertainment Management program skews heavily toward the business skills that are needed to work in the field, with courses in human resources management, revenue development, budgeting, entertainment law, and more. For this reason, your skills will be highly transferable if you decide to leave the entertainment niche to pursue a career in the business sector.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Business Entertainment programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Many students come to their master’s program in Entertainment Management with an undergraduate degree in one of the arts: music, fine art, or theatre. An undergraduate degree in business is also good preparation for these programs. You will be required to submit an application for the program of your choice, and there may be a required essay or other collateral materials needed — be sure to read the requirements carefully.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Our chosen programs range from 30 to 49 credit hours. Most of them may be completed within one or two years if you attend school full time. If you choose to continue working while taking classes part time, it will take longer, as many as four or five years. Talk to an admissions counselor for help in determining what the best plan is for you. Classes, especially at the more advanced levels, may not be held every year, so you’ll want to plan your schedule accordingly so you can take all your preferred courses.

Admissions counselors can be a wealth of information, as can the institution’s website. Don’t be hesitant to schedule a meeting or phone call with a counselor, even if you’re not sure you’re going to go to that school. They should be able to answer any questions and help you determine if the program is a good fit for your career goals.

Finding financial aid can be a big part of the application process. Your school may have scholarships or work study opportunities, but you may also find financial assistance through your place of work or any professional organizations you belong to.