Are you eager to dive into the world of entertainment management? This article offers a comprehensive overview of how to embark on your journey towards obtaining an online Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Management.
Coursework: The Foundation of Knowledge
Online undergraduate programs in entertainment management often weave essential business subjects like marketing and finance into their curricula. Moreover, these programs keep a finger on the pulse of contemporary trends in creative domains such as theater, film, music, and television. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-versed in the intricacies of the entertainment industry.
Within this dynamic field, various roles beckon, from public relations managers to event coordinators and social media managers. These professions demand not just creativity but also a profound understanding of commercial acumen, making an online Bachelor’s degree in entertainment management highly suitable. Furthermore, individuals managing the business affairs of sports, entertainers, and artists can also reap immense benefits from this educational path.
Flexibility: A Blessing for Working Students
Online entertainment management programs offer a unique advantage: flexibility. They cater to the needs of working individuals who are also students. Graduates of online programs can stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers from traditional programs, as both undergo rigorous academic training. Additionally, this mode of education is a boon for students juggling work, academic pursuits, and other responsibilities, such as childcare and family care.
Time Investment: A Key Consideration
An online Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Management typically encompasses 120-122 credits. For full-time students, completing this program usually spans two to four years.
Financial Matters: A Prudent Analysis
The cost of an online entertainment management degree hinges on several factors. State residency plays a pivotal role, with out-of-state students often facing higher fees. However, certain institutions maintain a uniform tuition rate for all online learners, regardless of their domicile. Technology expenses are another crucial facet, usually relevant to online students.
On average, an online Bachelor’s degree in entertainment business management ranges between $330 and $470 per credit. Therefore, students can anticipate total tuition costs to fall within the bracket of $40,000 to $57,000.
Accreditation: A Defining Factor
The accreditation status of an institution is a critical aspect for prospective students. National or regional accreditation, granted by U.S. Department of Education-approved organizations, is pivotal. Accreditation bears weight not only in terms of credit transferability but also in determining eligibility for federal financial aid.
The Syllabus: Nurturing Well-Rounded Expertise
Online bachelor’s degree programs in entertainment business management delve into a spectrum of subjects, including finance, accounting, marketing, and human resources—foundational elements of company management and administration. Additionally, students often encounter courses in business law, addressing critical aspects like contracts, agreements, and intellectual property.
For those specializing in entertainment management, the curriculum often shines a spotlight on events management. These courses explore strategies and tactics for planning, organizing, and executing events designed for diverse target audiences. The curriculum may also delve into consumer reporting and data analysis methods integral to the entertainment sector.
Foundational coursework in subjects like statistics and English writing might also find a place within this degree program, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Learn English Guide, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Listening Skills.
Culmination: The Capstone Project
Certain online entertainment business management degrees culminate in a capstone project. Here, students embark on an extensive endeavor closely aligned with their field of study. This project integrates the knowledge and skills garnered throughout the program, typically unfolding in the final stages of the curriculum.
Real-World Experience: Practicum or Internship
Some online degree programs in entertainment business management offer students the invaluable opportunity to partake in at least one practicum or internship. Under the guidance of an industry expert in sports, entertainment, or events, students gain firsthand exposure to the field. This hands-on experience enables them to apply classroom concepts and theories to real-world scenarios, a crucial stepping stone toward their future careers.
Exploring Professional Organizations in the Entertainment Industry
Aspiring entertainment managers, whether recent graduates or online bachelor’s students have a treasure trove of resources at their fingertips through professional organizations. These memberships offer access to online journals, trade periodicals, avenues for professional advancement, job listings, and the chance to forge in-person connections. Below, we present three esteemed professional organizations catering to those embarking on careers in entertainment management.
a. The Events Industry Council (EIC)
EIC boasts an alliance of 33 member companies, collectively employing over 100,000 individuals dedicated to orchestrating conferences, trade shows, and various events. Beyond fostering networking and growth, the council administers the coveted certified meeting professional credential, along with a CMP healthcare subspecialty certificate. Additionally, EIC champions sustainability in event planning through its support of the Green Meeting Industry Council.
b. Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
PRSA extends its welcoming arms to professionals in the domains of sports and entertainment public relations. Members relish an array of opportunities, from networking events to enriching seminars. Aspiring entertainment management professionals with a bachelor’s degree and less than one year of experience can become associate members at a reduced annual fee of $115. Furthermore, PR certificates are within reach for college seniors and recent graduates.
c. International Artist Managers’ Association (IAMA)
The International Artist Managers’ Association (IAMA), conceived in 1954 by the British Association of Concert Agents, stands as a stalwart representation of classical performer managers. This organization offers a plethora of resources, including legal support, frequent newsletters, book discounts, seminars, and an international young artist program. To qualify for full or affiliate memberships, candidates must secure at least two references from member entities.
Exploring Coursework: Building Proficiency
In the journey towards an online bachelor’s degree in entertainment management, students engage with diverse courses that foster comprehensive knowledge and skills. Grow Your Skills and Employability with Certifications These include:
- Business in the entertainment and media industries
- Entertainment market research
- Entertainment contracts and licensing
- Business of event management
- Business Accounting
- Macroeconomics
Exploring Career Prospects and Compensation for Graduates
The career panorama for graduates wielding an online bachelor’s degree in entertainment management is as diverse as the industry itself. Job prospects vary depending on the specific role, and the compensation likewise differs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some career paths exhibit faster-than-average job growth between 2016 and 2026:
- Meeting, convention, and event planners
- Managers of public relations and fundraising
Meanwhile, agents and business managers for artists, entertainers, and athletes anticipate average job growth, with the field set to expand by 900 employees, constituting a 5% increase during the same period.
Leveraging a Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment Management
A Bachelor’s degree in entertainment management equips students for various roles within the entertainment realm, including positions of representation. Graduates can explore diverse avenues, such as:
- Public relations managers
- Social media managers
- Agents and business managers for artists, entertainers, and athletes
- Event coordinators
- Event managers
For professions like agents and business managers, a bachelor’s degree is considered the minimum educational requirement. Self Development, Productivity, Time Management, and Happiness. Event coordinators and managers oversee a plethora of events, from weddings to corporate conferences, and often necessitate a bachelor’s degree. Public relations managers and social media managers, responsible for maintaining an organization’s public image, usually possess bachelor’s degrees.
Credentials and Certification
Certain entertainment management roles offer professional certifications. For instance, public relations managers can pursue certification programs provided by associations like PRSA or the International Association of Business Communicators. Meanwhile, event, meeting, and convention planners can set their sights on obtaining the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification through EIC. These credentials enhance qualifications and open doors to exciting opportunities within the industry.