Entertainment Business Programs

Complete Guide to Entertainment Business Degrees: Programs, Requirements & Career Paths

Are you passionate about the entertainment industry and interested in its business side? With the global entertainment and media market projected to reach $2.8 trillion by 2025, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, now is an excellent time to pursue an entertainment business degree.

What is an Entertainment Business Degree?

An entertainment business degree combines traditional business fundamentals with specialized knowledge of the entertainment industry. These programs prepare you for dynamic careers across film, television, music, gaming, and live entertainment sectors while building a solid foundation in business principles.

What Will You Learn in an Entertainment Business Program?

Your coursework will typically include:

  • Business fundamentals (accounting, finance, marketing)
  • Entertainment industry operations
  • Media law and contracts
  • Project management
  • Digital media marketing
  • Content distribution strategies
  • Intellectual property rights

The career outlook is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 10% employment growth in entertainment and media management through 2031 – faster than average for all occupations.

Top Entertainment Business Programs to Consider

1. Full Sail University

  • Location: 3300 University Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32792
  • Program: Entertainment Business Bachelor’s Program
  • Duration: 29 months (full-time)
  • Format: Campus or Online
  • Cost: Approximately $88,000 total
  • Highlights: Accelerated program, industry-standard software training, business innovation labs

2. Los Angeles Film School

  • Location: 6363 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
  • Program: Entertainment Business Program
  • Duration: 18-36 months
  • Format: Campus or Online
  • Cost: $63,000 (approximate)
  • Highlights: Prime Hollywood location, industry connections, flexible scheduling

3. Berkeley College

  • Location: 12 East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017
  • Program: Business Administration – Entertainment Management
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Format: On-campus or hybrid
  • Cost: $26,500 per year (approximate)
  • Highlights: NYC location, internship opportunities, comprehensive business foundation

What Career Opportunities Can You Pursue?

Entertainment business graduates can expect competitive salaries across various roles:

  • Entertainment Marketing Manager ($72,000-$125,000)
  • Talent Agent ($45,000-$185,000)
  • Production Coordinator ($45,000-$75,000)
  • Content Acquisition Manager ($65,000-$120,000)
  • Event Producer ($48,000-$95,000)

Salary ranges based on PayScale data as of 2023

How Can You Stand Out in the Field?

Professional Certifications

Boost your credentials with these recognized certifications:

  • Entertainment Business Industry Essentials (Yellowbrick/NYU)
  • Certified Entertainment Industry Professional (CEIP)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Digital Marketing Certifications from Google, HubSpot, or Meta

Essential Skills to Develop

Business Fundamentals

  • Financial analysis
  • Marketing strategy
  • Business planning
  • Contract negotiation

Industry-Specific Knowledge

  • Content distribution
  • Rights management
  • Production processes
  • Industry trends

Soft Skills

  • Networking
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership

How to Fund Your Education

Several financial aid options are available to support your education:

  • Federal student aid through FAFSA
  • Industry-specific scholarships
  • Private education loans
  • Work-study programs
  • Flexible payment plans

What’s the Future of Entertainment Business?

The industry continues to evolve with exciting developments in:

  • Streaming platforms
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Social media entertainment
  • Gaming industry expansion

The Motion Picture Association reports that the combined theatrical and home/mobile entertainment market reached $99.7 billion in 2022, indicating robust growth potential for future professionals.

Ready to Start Your Entertainment Business Career?

An entertainment business degree offers the perfect blend of creative industry knowledge and business expertise. With strong job growth projections and continuous industry evolution, this field presents exciting opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking to combine business acumen with entertainment industry passion.

For additional resources and industry insights, visit the Entertainment Industry Foundation or the National Association of Broadcasters.