Best Online Master’s in Entertainment Management Programs

We've ranked the top online master's in entertainment management programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience. Earn your degree online.
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Updated on December 8, 2022
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Colin Weickmann has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree and college planning resources for prospective students. He holds a BA in digital technology and culture from Washington State University. Colin is a former editor at Red...
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agents and business managers who worked for artists, performers, and athletes earned a median annual salary of $75,420 as of May 2020. The top 10% of earners, many of whom likely worked for top clients, made a median of more than $190,500 annually.

An online master's in entertainment management program can prepare graduates for these careers. The degree can also lead to various other sales, management, and marketing careers.

Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 22% job growth for entertainment and sports occupations. This rate is nearly triple the average 8% projected growth rate for all occupations during that period. That growth should coincide with a higher demand for agents and business managers, whom actors and athletes need to manage their affairs.

Choosing to attend graduate school, especially online college, is a major decision and investment. Read on to learn more about master's in entertainment management programs, including admission requirements, typical coursework, and common career choices.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Entertainment Management Program?

Extroverted, diligent, outgoing, and hard-working students often succeed in entertainment management programs and careers. Students can develop the negotiating, managerial, and marketing skills they need to succeed in the field during their program.

Like most master's programs, a typical online master's in entertainment management requires 30-36 credits and takes 18-24 months to complete. Many of these online programs deliver coursework asynchronously, allowing students to work full time, often in entertainment-related positions, while they earn their degrees.

Some programs award a master of business administration with a concentration in entertainment management. Other master's in entertainment management programs may offer concentrations in the following areas, among others:

  • Music Business
  • Arts Administration
  • Media Management

Since entertainment management is a practice-focused field, many master's programs include internships so that students can experience the industry firsthand. Some programs actually require applicants to have relevant work experience to qualify for admission.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Popular Online Master's in Entertainment Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Entertainment Management Program?

Music Marketing

This survey course teaches learners best practices in music marketing. Students learn to influence consumers and create demand for events, artists, and shows.

Global Live Entertainment

This course covers various elements of live event management, including logistics, finances, budgets, and marketing. Coursework often uses case studies to provide concrete examples for theoretical knowledge.

Financial Management in Live Entertainment

This course teaches students to create line-item budgets for live arts and entertainment events. Students discuss specific methods to keep each event safe, profitable, and fun.

Legal Aspects in Live Entertainment

In this course, students learn about contracts and agreements across the entertainment industry. Covered topics may include contracts between artists, venues, producers, and companies.

Internship

Many online master's in entertainment management programs offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. A relevant internship often serves as a capstone project.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Entertainment Management Program?

In most cases, admission requirements are the same for on-campus and online master's in entertainment management programs. Most programs do not require any specific undergraduate degree for admission. In rare cases, some programs may ask students to complete an interview with a member of the admissions department or a professor in addition to the requirements listed below.

Application

All online programs require prospective students to fill out and submit an application. Undergraduate applicants can often use application systems like the Common App or Coalition App to apply to multiple schools at once. However, graduate applicants usually need to fill out separate forms on each prospective school's website.

Test Scores

Many online master's in entertainment management programs do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. However, some MBA programs that offer concentrations in entertainment management do require GMAT scores, and other programs require GRE scores. Still, other programs make test scores optional. Minimum score thresholds vary widely by program.

Letters of Recommendation

Most online master's in entertainment management programs require applicants to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. You can ask former professors or employers to write these letters on your behalf. Make sure to ask them several months in advance so they have enough time to write.

Resume and Work Experience

Some online master's in entertainment management programs require applicants to have work experience to qualify for admission. Almost all programs require applicants to submit a resume detailing professional, volunteer, and academic experience.

Essays

Many online master's in entertainment management programs require applicants to submit 1-3 short essays. Prompts often ask why students want to pursue entertainment management as a career. Many schools also ask for a statement of purpose or letter of intent.

Official Transcripts

Most graduate programs, regardless of discipline, require prospective students to submit official undergraduate transcripts. If you have already completed some graduate coursework, you should submit those transcripts as well, as you may be able to earn some transfer credit.

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Entertainment Management Degree?

Career Outlook

Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 22% job growth for entertainment and sports occupations. The BLS projects 8% job growth for all occupations during that same decade. As such, entertainers and athletes are in high demand. These professionals need agents and managers to handle events, contracts, and other responsibilities.

The entertainment industry can be very competitive. Many professionals want to serve as agents for entertainers or manage concert and entertainment venues; however, the skills you learn in a master's in entertainment management program can apply to most business, marketing, and management-related careers.

Career Paths

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Master's degree-holders in entertainment management can apply the skills they learn to lead marketing, promotions, and advertising functions for companies. These managers often work full time at advertising agencies and corporations. These positions usually require a bachelor's degree and work experience, so a master's degree can help you stand out from the crowd.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $141,490

Market Research Analyst

These analysts study market trends and data to predict how well a product or service might sell. They work full-time for a variety of different companies. These positions generally require a bachelor's degree, so a master's in entertainment management can provide an advantage on the job market.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $65,810

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists craft a public image and brand for the clients they represent. These professionals can work for public relations agencies or individually as freelancers. They generally need a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, so master's degree-holders in entertainment management can stand out when offering their services to entertainers.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $62,810

Sales Manager

These managers take charge of sales teams and functions for entire organizations. They often work full time for various companies, and the job often involves frequent travel to close sales. Candidates generally need a relevant bachelor's degree and significant professional experience in sales.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $132,290

Advertising Sales Agents

These sales professionals sell advertising space, often working full time on behalf of their companies. Some positions require a bachelor's degree, but the main qualification is sales skills. Master's degree-holders in entertainment management develop marketing skills over the course of their program, so they can hope to quickly advance to managerial roles in this field.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $54,940

Entertainment Management Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

In most cases, a master's in entertainment management is the terminal degree in the field. Entertainment management is a skills-based industry, so the most important form of education is experience.

Nevertheless, some entertainment management professionals may want to earn an MBA or a business-related graduate certificate to round out their skillsets. Entertainment management is a specialized field, and although graduates develop significant marketing and logistical skills during these programs, they may eventually seek a more well-rounded business education.

How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Entertainment Management Program?

Cost

While costs vary widely by program, annual tuition and fees for master's in entertainment management programs can exceed $20,000. The true cost of a graduate program factors in additional fees like transportation and housing, many of which online students can avoid paying.

Program Format

Distance learners should determine whether synchronous or asynchronous learning is the best fit for them. Synchronous learning provides structure through live, scheduled online sessions. Asynchronous learning provides flexibility by eliminating scheduled sessions. Prospective students should also consider whether they want to enroll full time or part time.

Location

Even if you want to go to college online, you may consider enrolling in an entertainment management program at a nearby school. Some of the main benefits of these programs are networking opportunities and connections with employers for jobs and internships. Schools are more likely to maintain these connections locally.

Accreditation

Accreditation involves a third-party process that evaluates the quality of a school's programs and services. You should only enroll at accredited schools. Otherwise, you cannot receive federal financial aid, and employers may not recognize your degree.

Student Support

Student support can provide a huge boost for distance learners. Before enrolling in any online program, research student services like mentorship opportunities, internship placements, networking, alumni connections, and tech support.

Best Accredited Online Master's in Entertainment Management Programs

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

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Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Online Master's in Entertainment Management Programs

  1. University of Miami
    Location

    Coral Gables, FL

    Tuition

    $43305

    UM's MA in arts presenting and live entertainment management program features a 30-credit curriculum that most learners can complete in 18 months. Core courses include music copyright law, tour management and production, and the legal aspects of live entertainment. This master's in entertainment management program also offers over a dozen elective classes.

    Over 80% of UM alumni attain a full-time job or gain admission to another academic program within 180 days of graduating. The university's career center provides online learners with essential job-hunting services, including Handshake software, internship opportunities, and professional development courses.

    Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. All U.S. residents pay the same tuition rate. New students with excellent undergraduate GPAs may qualify for institutional scholarships.

  2. Colorado State University
    Location

    Fort Collins, CO

    Tuition

    $17914

    CSU's master's in communications and media management uses a hybrid delivery method, with 60% of the program's courses taking place on CSU's campus in Fort Collins. Core classes include managing communication systems, organizational media production, and strategic digital communication. Students customize their degree by selecting four electives.

    CSU offers numerous online resources for media management students, including salary negotiation best practices and resume templates. The university's dedication to students' professional growth results in nearly 90% of alumni securing a job or gaining admission into another graduate program within six months of graduation.

    Admission requirements include three recommendation letters and three academic writing samples. CSU does not charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate. Active-duty service members receive an automatic 10% tuition discount.

  3. The New School
    Location

    New York, NY

    Tuition

    $48447

    The New School's 36-credit, online master's in media management features courses in media ethics, management and leadership, and media economics. During their capstone project, students work with a professor to select a media topic and perform original research.

    Over 90% of graduates find a fulfilling career within 12 months of graduation. The New School encourages positive career outcomes by connecting more than half of all learners with an internship opportunity.

    Prospective students create an applicant profile before submitting undergraduate transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. The New School also suggests that applicants provide a writing sample and a sample of their creative work. The school considers all incoming students for merit-based scholarships.

  4. University of Kentucky
    Location

    Lexington, KY

    Tuition

    $19762

    Prospective learners who want the flexibility of asynchronous courses may be interested in UK's MA in arts administration program. The 36-credit curriculum includes required coursework in management and leadership in the arts, marketing research and planning, and principles of fundraising. Students also complete an internship and a comprehensive exam.

    Enrollees prepare for their job hunt by creating a professional portfolio, which they can present to potential employers. Students can also access resources related to resume writing and professional etiquette.

    Admission requirements include writing samples, official transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Online students all pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. The school's Braun Endowed Fund provides awards to students so that they can study abroad, attend a conference, or complete a creative project.

  5. Southern New Hampshire University
    Location

    Manchester, NH

    Tuition

    $39071

    SNHU's online MBA in music business features courses in business structures and strategies, marketing strategies, and leadership and ethics. The program prepares graduates for careers as booking agents, artist managers, and concert promoters.

    SNHU supports distance learners by providing career webinars and informational videos that explain the latest career trends and spotlight potential employers. The university also offers one-on-one career advising and practice interviews to online students.

    Prospective students can choose from five annual start dates. This program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission. Active-duty service members and their spouses pay approximately 33% less on tution that other learners. Other financial aid opportunities include a 10% tuition discount for Phi Theta Kappa members.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Entertainment Management Program

Is a master's in entertainment management worth it?

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An online master's in entertainment management is worth it for many learners. In addition to preparing graduates for careers in the entertainment industry, these programs can provide graduates with marketing skills they can apply in many different industries. Many entertainment management graduates are able to pursue lucrative and in-demand careers thanks to the skills they develop during their programs.

Furthermore, these programs often provide networking opportunities and industry connections, preparing graduates to make the most of local job and internship opportunities.

What can I do with a master's in entertainment management?

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Graduates can pursue careers as agents, buyers, and bookers for entertainers, concert venues, and entertainment agencies. They can also pursue any career that requires expertise in marketing, sales, or public relations.

Possible job titles for master's degree-holders in entertainment management include marketing manager, sales manager, market research analyst, and agent.

Are entertainment management graduates in high demand?

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Yes. The BLS projects 22% job growth for entertainment and sports occupations between 2020 and 2030. This rate is much higher than the 8% average projected growth rate for all occupations during that decade. Entertainers and athletes need agents and managers, so this projected growth should coincide with demand for entertainment management professionals.

How much money can I make with a master's in entertainment management?

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According to the BLS, agents and business managers representing artists, performers, and athletes earned a median annual wage of $75,420 as of May 2020. The top 10% of earners, many of whom likely worked for top clients in entertainment and sports, brought in a median of more than $190,500 annually.

Salaries for entertainment management graduates vary widely by profession. Keep in mind that salary potential depends heavily on location, experience, clients, and employer.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in entertainment management?

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The highest-paying position for graduates with a master's in entertainment management is likely advertising, promotions, and marketing manager. According to the BLS, as of May 2020, these professionals earned a median annual wage of $141,490. The top 10% of earners in the field made over $208,000.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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