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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Entertainment Management Program?
Choosing an online master’s in entertainment management program will provide you with the same high-quality education as an on-campus program with the added convenience of more flexible scheduling. Indeed, an online program is an excellent option for graduate students who need to maintain a full-time work schedule or have other demanding commitments. When selecting an online entertainment management program, you should take the time to compare different institutions to find the best one for your lifestyle and career goals.
Available concentrations
There are several different types of entertainers that you could manage once you graduate. If you have a specific goal in mind for your career, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on that area of concentration. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in entertainment management include:
Television Management: This concentration covers audience analytics, programming, and media technology, providing the groundwork necessary to develop new television content with evolving technology and audience demands in mind.
Music Business Management: Learn about relevant economic factors, the latest music production technologies, and distribution methods.
Sports Business Management: The curriculum for a sports business management concentration focuses on agent roles, the media, and contract negotiations.
Common degree curriculum
As you’re choosing from the many available online master’s in entertainment management programs, it’s important to remember that each curriculum is unique to the educational institution that offers it. Students should ensure that any program they’re considering aligns with their career goals and scheduling needs. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether any of your options use a hybrid format that requires on-campus attendance for some courses — programs like these may only be viable if they’re located close to you.
Several factors can affect the courses you’ll take in your program, such as which school you choose and your preferred concentration. Some core courses, however, are included in just about every online master’s in entertainment management program, such as:
Entertainment Business Finance: Covers the financial needs of potential clients and techniques to steer them toward financial responsibility and success.
Business Plan Development: Delves into the elements needed to craft a solid business plan and best practices for implementing and executing such plans.
Project and Team Management: Teaches students how to manage large-scale projects, keep expenses under budget, and utilize team members based on their strengths.
Digital Marketing: Explores techniques for using online methods to create content and connect audiences with their clients.
Contract negotiations: Reviews persuasion tactics and best practices for drawing up business contracts.
Certification and license preparation
You may need professional credentials and your master’s degree to work in this field. Even when additional credentials are not required, certification and licensure programs will allow you to expand your skill set and make your resume more impressive — whenever you’re applying for a particular job, it could even make the difference between getting hired or getting passed over for someone else.
Talent Agency License: Some states require talent agents to obtain a talent agency license before accepting a fee for representing clients. Completing an online master’s in entertainment management program can prepare students to submit the paperwork needed to become licensed, such as sample contracts and fee schedules.
Certified Professional Manager: Obtaining an entertainment management graduate degree gives students the tools to pass the CPM exam. CCPC Global offers this certification professional recognition to those who demonstrate they meet competency standards.
Program accreditation
Accreditation ensures that your program’s faculty and curriculum are held accountable to high academic standards. Failing to choose an accredited school can make you ineligible for professional certifications and disqualify you from working with some companies. Specifically, you should ensure the institution you attend has been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program completion timeframe
Most online master’s in entertainment management programs require about 40 credit hours of coursework 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 take longer to meet their graduation requirements.
Some programs use a synchronous format that groups students and requires them to progress simultaneously. This format can be beneficial for developing networking relationships. Other programs use an asynchronous format that allows you to move at your own pace, which may allow you to earn your degree faster. It’s also important to note that some courses may not be offered regularly and should be prioritized when available if the timing of degree completion is a concern.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Entertainment Management Graduates
You should have no problem finding job opportunities with this degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade — most occupations related to entertainment management are expected to grow by at least double that rate.
The entertainment management industry also offers the potential to earn a substantial salary. The top 10% of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers make over $239,200.
Of course, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher salaries. For example, public relations specialists earn an average salary of $90,150 in California but just $51,060 in Mississippi.
Public relations specialists manage the image of a company or individual by monitoring and influencing public opinion, including offering the public information through press releases or social media, organizing speeches or public appearances, and ensuring public acts fit the conceptualized image.
An advertising, promotions, or marketing manager handles the development of advertising campaigns, including advertisement contract negotiations and market research implementation to generate public interest in a product, event, or client.
$138,730
6%
Professional organizations
Success in the entertainment industry is mainly dependent on the professional connections made. To build this network, you can use the events and conferences offered by professional organizations. These organizations also provide members with educational opportunities and access to industry publications and news. The following professional organizations may be beneficial for graduates with a master’s in entertainment management:
American Management Association: The AMA offers subscriptions to management publications, training opportunities focusing on management skills, and the latest industry news. Members can access discounted seminars, meeting room rentals, and on-site training sessions. The organization also offers a comprehensive list of industry articles, podcasts, and a resource library.
International Live Events Association: Members of ILEA receive the benefit of annual networking opportunities, monthly webinars, and access to an on-demand education library and full career center. ILEA 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 Degree
The total cost of an online master’s in entertainment management program is typically lower than a traditional on-campus program. Despite that, you may still need help financing your graduate degree. The first step to accessing assistance is filling 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 can also pursue private loans and scholarships.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
There are so many options available for financing your education that it can be challenging to decide what you should do after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
