What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Entertainment Management Program?
If you’re considering the pursuit of your graduate degree in entertainment management, choosing an online program offers the advantage of receiving the same high-quality education with the added convenience of flexible scheduling options and attendance requirements. An online master’s in entertainment management program is an excellent option for graduate students who need to maintain a full-time work schedule or have other life commitments. Take the time to compare the programs that different institutions offer so you can find the one that fits your life and career goals.
Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
| CONCENTRATION | DESCRIPTION | POSSIBLE CAREERS THIS CONCENTRATION PREPARES FOR |
| Television Management | Choosing a television management concentration for the master’s in entertainment management program prepares students for a career in the television industry. The specialty covers audience analytics, programming and media technology and provides the groundwork necessary to develop new television content with the evolving technology and audience demands in mind. | Executive or general management positions for television networks and entertainment groups |
| Music Business Management | Completing a master’s in entertainment management with a concentration in music business provides students with the specialized skills needed to advance their careers in the music industry. Courses cover relevant economic factors and the latest in production technologies and distribution methods. | Artist manager, music distributor, music publisher, concert promoter, or tour manager for a record label, studio, event center or in an office setting |
| Sport Business Management | Electing a sport business concentration for the entertainment management program gives graduates the knowledge they need to apply their management skills in the sports world. Curriculum focuses on agent roles, television and the media, journalism and negotiations. | Sports agent or team manager for players and professional sports teams in an office and outdoor setting |
Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
As you’re choosing from the many online master’s in entertainment management programs, it’s important to remember that the curriculum for each is unique to the educational institution that offers it. Students should ensure any program they’re considering align with personal career goals and scheduling needs. It’s also a good idea to check to see if the program offers blended curriculum that requires on-campus attendance for some courses. Programs like these may require you to limit your search to schools in the area or consider relocation.
Several factors can affect the courses offered, such as which school you choose and your preferred concentration. Some courses, however, are common throughout programs, so some of the curricula you should expect to encounter includes:
| COURSES | DESCRIPTION |
| Entertainment Business Finance | Covers the financial needs of potential clients and techniques to steer them toward financial responsibility and success. |
| Business Plan Development | Dives into the elements needed to craft a solid business plan and best practices for implementing and executing that plan. |
| Project and Team Management | Gives students the chance to experience the organization of a large-scale project and managing team members, keeping expenses under budget and utilizing team members based on their strengths. |
| Digital Marketing | Teaches students techniques for using online methods to create content and connect audiences with their clients. |
| Contract negotiations | Learn the art of negotiation and persuasion tactics, and best practices for drawing up business contracts. |
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Entertainment Management?
Most online master’s in entertainment management programs require the completion of about 40 credit hours and are designed to be completed within one to two years. Those who commit to a full-time class schedule can keep their completion time to the lower end of that range, and accelerated programs are sometimes offered to shorten it further. Students who can only attend part-time will need more time to meet their graduation requirements.
The way curriculum is set up can also have an impact on completion time. Some programs offer a synchronous design that groups students together and lets them progress at the same pace. This can be beneficial for developing networking relationships. Others keep to an asynchronous schedule which lets each student progress at the rate they are most comfortable with. It’s also important to note that some courses may not be offered regularly and should be prioritized when available if degree completion time is a concern.
Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Entertainment Management Prepares For
| CERTIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Talent Agency License | Some states require talent agents to obtain a talent agency license before they are allowed to accept a fee for representing clients. Completing an online master’s in entertainment management can prepare students for submitting the paperwork, such as sample contracts and fee schedules, needed to become licensed. |
| Certified Professional Manager | Obtaining a business administration entertainment management graduate degree gives students the tools they need to pass the CPM exam. Offered by CCPC Global, this certification gives professional recognition to those who demonstrate they meet competency standards. |
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Entertainment Management Degrees
One of the more important factors to consider when selecting your online master’s in entertainment management program is whether it is accredited by a respected agency. Accreditation protects your interests by ensuring the quality of the curriculum is up to standards set by the agency to guarantee the legitimacy of your degree. Failing to choose an accredited school can make you ineligible for professional certifications, disqualify you from working with some companies and stunt your ability to seek a post-graduate degree.
Accreditation can come from several sources, such as national, regional and industry-specific agencies. National accreditation, from agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, guarantees the program meets the general national standards set for all education facilities. Regional accreditation, given by agencies such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, increase the likelihood that your degree will be recognized by other accredited schools in the region. Industry-specific accrediting agencies focus on the standards needed to ensure the training you receive supports competency in your field.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Entertainment Management Graduates
Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s
Employers looking to fill management positions often seek candidates who have the most knowledge and experience in their field. For those with a master’s degree in entertainment management, your graduate degree signifies you have additional training in your field and gives you an edge over those who hold an undergraduate degree. For upper-management positions, a master’s degree may even be required just to apply.
Along with increasing your hiring potential and making you eligible for some job titles, completing an online master’s in entertainment management adds to your negotiating power once you’re hired. This could lead to more desirable work hours, better facilities and more freedom to choose who you want to work with.
Expected Salary
The salary range you should expect varies depending on what job title you receive. The following table shows a variety of positions that can be filled by someone with an entertainment management graduate degree and the salary potential associated with each.
| JOB TITLE | SALARY RANGE |
| Talent Director | $58,853-$151,333 |
| Public Relations Manager | $40,803-$96,790 |
| Relationship Manager | $41,881-$116,988 |
| Theater Operations Manager | $40,636-$73,404 |
| Advertising/Promotions Manager | $35,497-$92,607 |
| Sales Manager | $35,610-$111,610 |
Increasing your knowledge and skill set can have a direct impact on your earning potential. Completing an online master’s in entertainment management program is a great way to jump-start that process, giving you specialized training that can improve your job performance. The chart below shows the connection between salary and years of experience.
Career Opportunities
Possible careers for someone with a graduate degree in entertainment management are varied, just as with other management focuses. Completing your master’s program makes you eligible for the following job titles and helps you get the most out of your career when negotiating benefits and seeking promotions.
| JOB TITLE | JOB DESCRIPTION | MEDIAN SALARY | PROJECTED GROWTH RATE |
| Public Relations Specialist | Public relations specialists are in charge of managing the image of a company or individual by monitoring and influencing public opinion. This can include offering the public information through press releases or social media, organizing speeches or public appearances and ensuring public acts fit the conceptualized image. | $59,300 per year | 15% |
| Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers | An advertising, promotion or marketing manager handles the development of advertising campaigns, including advertisement contract negotiations and the implementation of market research to generate public interest in a product, event or client. | $129,380 per year | 7% |
Professional Organizations
Success in the entertainment industry is largely dependent on the professional connections made. To build this network, professional organizations host events and conferences, giving entertainment professionals the chance for face-to-face meetings. These organizations also provide members with educational opportunities and access to industry publications and news. Here are a few well-known professional organizations that may be beneficial for graduates with a master’s in entertainment management.
Talent Management Alliance: The TMA provides on-demand educational opportunities to help industry professionals improve their talent management skills. The organization also offers members relevant industry videos and webcasts and hosts several conferences throughout the year.
American Management Association: The AMA offers subscriptions to management publications, training opportunities that focus on management skills and the latest in industry news. Members have access to discounted seminars and meeting room rentals and onsite sessions. The organization also offers a comprehensive list of industry articles, podcasts and a full resource library.
International Live Events Association: Members of ILEA receive the benefit of annual networking opportunities, monthly webinars and professional tools, access to the on-demand education library and a full career center. The organization also offers an active professional community for members to get to know one another and a discount program for products and services.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
The tuition for an online master’s in entertainment management program is typically lower than would be found for a traditional on-campus program. Despite that, you may need help financing your graduate degree. To help supplement, your first step should be to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federally funded grants and loans. If you don’t meet eligibility requirements, or if your federal award falls short, you also have the option of pursuing private loans or applying for scholarships. Use can use the resources below to begin your search.
Resources
| Resources |
| Understanding FAFSA |
| Financial Aid for Graduate Students |
| Knowing Your Options |
| Repayment Estimator |
| Scholarships for Management Majors |
Scholarships
| Scholarships | Details |
| AKA Graduate Scholarships | Award: $2,000
Deadline: August 15 Eligibility: Open to graduate students enrolled full-time in a graduate program at an accredited college or university, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who can either show involvement in community service or demonstrate financial need. |
| AICP Scholarship Program | Award: $1,500
Deadline: June 1 Eligibility: Open to graduate students who have declared a business-related major and have at least a 3.0 GPA. |
| Lance Surety’s $1,500 College Scholarship | Award: $1,500
Deadline: December 15 Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university. |