Best Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
Updated October 5, 2023
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Many schools offer online master's in entertainment management programs. These programs prepare learners for various careers in the entertainment industry. Graduates may work as talent managers, producers, or directors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for entertainment professionals to increase 22% from 2020-2030. Many entertainment management positions require a bachelor's degree. However, earning an entertainment management master's degree can help professionals qualify for more advanced roles.
This page lists the best online master's in entertainment management programs. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become an entertainment manager.
Frequently Asked Questions About Entertainment Management
Q. What can you do with an entertainment management degree?
Degree-holders may work as tour managers, event coordinators, or coaches. Other graduates pursue jobs as film directors.
Q. What does an entertainment business manager do?
These professionals handle the logistics of booking events and business opportunities for clients. They also help clients find job auditions.
Q. What does arts and entertainment management involve?
Arts and entertainment management encompasses the behind-the-scenes work of productions. These include movies, concerts, plays, and sporting events.
Why Get a Degree in Entertainment Management?
An entertainment management master's degree lets students follow their passion for the arts. Entertainment managers get to interact with famous actors, directors, and composers. They often attend events and travel to new cities.
The degree prepares learners to coordinate their favorite types of events. For example, learners who love sports can become coaches, scouts, or sporting event coordinators. These professionals earn a median $36,330 annually.
Degree-seekers who love movies can work as talent agents. These professionals earn a median $75,420 annually.
How Much Does an Entertainment Management Degree Cost?
Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, cost varies by school, learners' residency status, and program length. Students may save money by attending an in-state public school rather than an out-of-state private school.
Accelerated programs may also cost less. These programs usually require fewer credits. Learners graduate sooner, avoiding rising tuition costs. Students who pursue a master's in entertainment management online can attend the most affordable program without commuting or relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra fees. Some schools charge technology fees that cover online research databases, virtual classroom platforms, and video conferencing sites. The fee may also cover 24/7 technical support.
Online degree-seekers must also buy supplies and books. They can save money by buying used or digital versions.
How Much Do Entertainment Management Graduates Make?
Salary depends on professionals' job title, employer, and geographic location. For example, agents for entertainers in New York earn a mean annual wage of $101,550. The same professionals in Texas earn $65,650.
Some entertainment managers work as self-employed professionals who set their own rates. With less overhead, they may earn more than entertainment managers who work for agencies.
Courses in Entertainment Management
Most master's programs require about 60 credits. Students pursuing an entertainment management master's degree can often choose a concentration or minor. Online programs may run synchronously or asynchronously.
See below for three common classes in an online master's in entertainment management program. Keep in mind that classes vary by program.
Students learn how to create a strategic plan for various events. The class discusses vendor communication and best practices for delegating tasks. Learners practice making timelines for events and getting bids. Most of the class highlights how to attract and book talent for events. A portion of the class also discusses booking events on clients' behalf.Event Planning
This class prepares students to oversee work for professional athletes. A portion of the class focuses on how to scout and coach athletes. Learners discover how to manage athletes' schedules and prepare them for success. The class identifies best practices for booking travel plans and negotiating contracts.Sports Management
This class covers audition coordination and contract negotiation on behalf of singers, actors, and actresses. Students learn to prep professionals for auditions and identify jobs that align with their talents. They learn best practices for communicating with movie producers and managing clients' schedules. Most of this class focuses on contract negotiations.Entertainment Management for Actors
How to Become an Entertainment Manager
Aspiring entertainment managers need a bachelor's degree. Full-time learners can earn this degree in about four years. Students who want to work with top celebrities and athletes can earn an entertainment management master's degree.
During their studies, most entertainment management students complete an internship. This often requires in-person hours. However, some businesses offer remote internships. Degree-seekers build their portfolio with internship projects, class projects, and volunteer experiences.
Learners can start applying for jobs immediately after graduation. Joining professional organizations like the Association of Talent Agents provide access to exclusive job boards.
The 6 Best Online Master's in Entertainment Management Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami hosts a top-rated online master's in entertainment management. The master of arts in live entertainment management program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on entertainment management. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in entertainment management.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
University of Miami at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 27%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: Master of arts in live entertainment management
Graduate Tuition In State: $37,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,800
#2 Best Online Master’s in Entertainment Management
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern Connecticut State University, located in New Haven, enrolls master's students in its online program. The entertainment management program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in entertainment management. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The master's program recommends a background in entertainment management or a related field for those applying.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Southern Connecticut State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 69%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Sport and entertainment management, MS
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,675
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,677
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