When one thinks of hospitality, where does your mind go first? Is it to freshly turned over sheets, or to unique culinary offerings? A cruise ship, or maybe even a theme park? For whatever location you go to, chances are entertainment has something to do with the experience. Perhaps live music, or an art installation, a cultural event, or a sporting event are nearby. All the best settings in hospitality are chock full of entertainment venues. And unlike other venues and events, entertainment venues require their own knowledge of obtaining funding, nurturing partnerships, getting the word out about your event, and even preserving culture. On top fo these entertainment-specific concerns, entertainment managers also play a number of more common business roles: human resources, management, accounting, and so forth. With this unique set of requirements in mind, we’ve taken a look at all the online graduate programs in entertainment management. Check out our favorite ten programs in entertainment management online below today.
Methodology
- Affordability and Financial Aid: out-of-state tuition (when applicable) as well as how robust the financial aid offerings of a given program are.
- Flexibility and Accommodation: we survey a number of factors tailored for adult and non-traditional learners (or anyone who values flexibility in their degree program).
- Online Academic Quality: here’s where we survey the more traditional “academic prestige” covered in rankings like US News or the Princeton Review.
1.) University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a public research and land-grant university with the main campus located in Lexington, Kentucky. One of two of the state’s land-grant universities, UK is the flagship university of the University of Kentucky system. Over 30,000 students attend UK at the bachelors, masters, professional and doctoral levels. The university has historically been a prominent research university and holds the aim of breaking into the top 20 research universities in the nation (by expenditure) by 2020. A wide range of academic programming is expected to benefit from this initiative. Currently, UK is ranked as a top 150 school nationally, or top 75 among public universities.
The fully online Master of Arts in Arts Administration degree program offered by the University of Kentucky places first in our ranking due to the program’s flexibility and academic quality. Regarding affordability, all students taking the course of study entirely online are offered in-state tuition rates that are particularly affordable at the University of Kentucky. at $543 per credit hour, this is the most affordable master’s related to entertainment management that we surveyed. Additionally, the program is unique, in that it provides a great backdrop for those looking to go into entertainment management related to the arts. Arts feature prominantly in the management of hospitality venues depending on the type, and for those looking to go into gallery spaces, museum spaces, and other arts-heavy venues, arts administration can be a great degree.
2.) Colorado State University Online
Colorado State University is a public top tier research university with a main campus located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is the single land-grant university in the state of Colorado. Additionally, Colorado State University’s main campus is the flagship campus of the Colorado State University System. Close to 34,000 students attend the university at the bachelors through professional and doctoral degree levels. The university is regularly regarded as a top-tier research institution and is ranked among the top 120 public schools in the nation. Particularly well-regarded programs include one of the nation’s top veterinary medicine programs (and the top by research dollars spent), a top-notch occupational therapy program, as well as top tier programs in many engineering disciplines as well as a number of the hard sciences.
The fully online Master of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management offered by Colorado State University Online (not to be confused with Colorado State Global Campus) places highly in our ranking due to academic quality and affordability. We like this idea for the range of applications that arts leadership and cultural management can take in hospitality settings. Whether you’re running a music venue, an experimental arts space, a museum, or a historical space, this degree can help you excel in arts and cultural business and non-profits. This program requires 32 credit hours for completion. Completion time for the program is two years. The degree is offered by the LEAP Institute for the Arts which is a unique academic entity within CSU’s liberal arts college. This means that the degree program is multidisciplinary and taught by the same professors as the in-person program. Currently, tuition is set at $642 per credit hour, making the program the third most affordable of those surveyed.
3.) University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private, research university that has a main campus located in Coral Gables, Florida. The university currently has a student body of over 17,000 students with degree programs offered from the bachelor’s through professional and doctoral levels. The university is known for its diverse student body, a wide range of academic offerings, and quality student support and outcome measures. When last measured, the 4-year graduation rate for undergraduates was 72%, with this number rising to 84% within six years. Ranked among national universities, Miami University regularly ranks within the top 50 schools in the nation. Particularly noteworthy programs at the university include the physical therapy program, the law school, the medical school, and the department of psychology.
The University of Miami offers a fully online Master of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries (MBEI) degree that places highly in our ranking due to flexibility, and academic quality. Students may graduate from the 30 credit hour program in as few as 18 months. A wide range of electives helps students to further individualize their course of study. Music production, music business, and general management of entertainment courses are offered as part of the degree. Additionally, a number of graduate certificate programs related to the course of study are also available fully online. As one of the most highly ranked schools surveyed in our ranking, the University of Miami is known for quality academic support measures as well as student outcomes. Furthermore, the location of the program (even is taken online) makes the program a great location to enter into music or hospitality fields.
4.) North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a public research university that has a main campus located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The student body of NC State is currently comprised of over 32,000 students. A wide range of programs is available at the university at the bachelors, masters, professional, and doctoral levels. Additionally, a wide range of online degrees extends the offerings of the university to adult and non-traditional students. The university is well-regarded nationally, commonly ranked as a top 40 public university nationally as well as a top 100 school among all national universities. Particularly highly ranked programs include nuclear engineering, veterinary medicine, and biological and agricultural engineering.
North Carolina State University currently offers a fully online Sport and Entertainment Venue Management graduate certificate that places highly in our ranking due to flexibility and academic quality. Though not a master’s degree in entertainment management, the program occupies a unique space suitable for many looking to move into entertainment management. Accelerated 8-week courses and a total program time of just 12 months make the program a great option for currently working or nontraditional students. With a per-credit-hour cost of $1245, the program is the 9th most affordable. Though with only 12 credit hours until program completion, the program is the most affordable in its entirety of those surveyed.
5.) Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university comprised of around 26,000 students. With diverse online offerings, the university is also known for their innovative in-person programs at Drexel’s main campus in Philadelphia. Over 70 undergraduate degree programs and 100 graduate degrees in masters, professional, and doctoral programs are available. Besides high-quality academics, Drexel is career-centered. Students at the university may receive up to 18 months of paid, full-time work in their field of study before graduation (both undergraduate and graduate programs). This unique co-op program, as well as on-campus incubators and research opportunities have led Drexel to be heralded as one of the most innovative schools in America.
The fully online Master of Science in Television Management places graduates into the center of the fourth largest television market in the nation (among others). This unique offering is particularly alligned with entertainment management through the lens of filmed events. Students may round out their business education even further by pursuing a dual MS and MBA degree through the university. Four ten-week course loads a year means that students can accelerate or decelerate their degree as needed, creating flexibility for nontraditional students. Additionally, the program is the second most affordable private university offering surveyed in our ranking.
6.) Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private 4-year university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. There are 90,955 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 28:1. The New England Commission on Higher Education accredits SNHU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. SNHU holds a regional ranking of 112 from U.S. News and is also considered the number one most innovative school in the North. U.S. News factors in curriculum, faculty, and facilities when considering a ranking for innovation. There are hundreds of engaging online programs available- which we think makes SNHU stand out in terms of innovation. Students may choose to enroll in online degrees in psychology, anthropology, graphic design, entertainment management and so much more. There are programs for students of all levels both traditional and non-traditional. To help students get to the finish line, this university offers credit for life experiences, tutoring, and academic and career counsel.
SNHU offers an online MBA in Music Business. For this online degree, SNHU paired up with Berklee College of Music (BCM) to create an innovative program- the first MBA offered through BCM. This is a match made in music business heaven. We selected this program for the academic quality and for the affordability. The cost per credit hour is just $627- one of the lowest of all online programs surveyed. Couple that with the tremendous academic excellence from both institutions and you’ll find that this is one of our highest valued programs. The course material is a combination of courses from SNHU and BCM including classes like Music Business Structure, Music Business Finance, Music Marketing Strategies, and more. This is a 36-credit-hour program. Whether you’re new to music business or just need the most current information regarding music business management, this program is right for you.
7.) University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver (UC Denver) is a public 4-year research institution. There are 24,839 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UC Denver to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News UC Denver ranks as the 205th best school in the nation, 112th top public school, and 127th best school for business. The university offers a wide diversity of programs including with a lot of research in biomedical sciences, and health. The UC Denver campus is also the location of their medical school. Though the college is known for more than just medical programming and has a number of quality degrees in business, engineering, education and more. UC Denver currently offers 24 degrees online.
Among their many online programs is their online Master of Science in Management with a Specialization in Sports and Entertainment. Denver currently ranks in the top 10 for sports-related job growth and lovers of extreme sports. This program includes an exciting industry-related internship opportunity. We selected this online program for the high quality of the academic programming as well as for the affordable tuition rate which is approximately $731 per credit hour. Along with your Master’s of Science courses, student will study the Sports and Entertainment Industyr, Sevices Marketing for Traditional and Creative Industries, The American Sports and Entertainment Consumer, and more. Students interested in an international component may wish to pursue their London Calling program which includes a study abroad opportunity in the UK.
8.) CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private university located in Mequon, Wisconsin. There are 7,288 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News CUW ranks as the 70th best school in the region. To support student’s and their success the university offers tutoring and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, CUW offers robust programming in business, education, and health with additional programming in theology, the visual arts, communication, homeland security and more. There are currently 46 programs available online.
CUW offers an online MBA in Sport and Entertainment Business. This program is 39 credit hours long and prepares for a number of careers in their preferred field. The program includes coursework in innovation, critical analysis, finance, development, technology, social media, and more. This program includes a field experience, and all students develop a portfolio for the interviewing phase. The cost of this program is just $719 per credit hour.
9.) The New School
The New School is a private research university located in New York, New York. There are 10,389 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the New School to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications.The New School ranks as the 147th best school in the nation, 123rd best value school and 102nd best college for veterans. To support student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as tutoring and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, New School is known for their visual and performing arts programming that includes jazz studies, digital arts, interior design, conducting, screenwriting and so much more. In addition to robust Arts programming, New School offers degrees in business, education, architecture, and more. There are currently 9 online programs available.
Among the online programs is the New School’s online Master of Science in Media Management. We selected this online degree for the high quality of programming and high level of flexibility. Students may elect to pursue specialization in: innovation and entrepreneurship, marketing and media sales, integrated media strategies, data analytics, business development, or project leadership. Accepted students may also opt to study either full-time or part-time- accommodating working professionals. The faculty are industry professionals and you yourself will have the opportunity to practice your pursuit in New York City. To complete this program students must complete 11 courses and a capstone experience which will be either a master’s thesis or a business plan. The cost for this online graduate degree is $1567 per credit hour.
10.) Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a public 4-year university located in Cedar City, Utah. There are 9,468 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits SUU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certificates. According to U.S. News The university ranks as the 81st best school in the ration, 27th top public school and 50th best school for online graduate business programs as well as 83rd for best online MBA programs. In addition to fantastic business programming, SUU offers robust programming in education, health, the visual and performing arts, and more. There are currently 14 degrees available online.
SUU offers an online MA in Arts Administration. This is a 36-credit hour program that costs $742 per credit hour. The program includes marketing, fundraising, insights into the legal side of the profession, and so much more. This program culminates with a final project. The aim of the degree is to provide experience and frameworks through which graduates know how to enhance, fund, promote, and maintain arts organizations. A three-day in-person conference begins each school year in Cedar City (the location of Southern Utah University’s main campus). The course of study for this program may be completed in as little as three semesters.