University of Tulsa

What you'll study

This programme blends courses in management, marketing and finance with subject matter specific to arts, entertainment and media. Core topics typically include cultural policy and arts administration, entertainment business and rights management, marketing for creative organisations, box office and venue operations, budgeting and financial planning for productions, and media law and ethics.

Students usually follow a mix of classroom study and hands-on learning. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Foundations of Management – organisational behaviour, strategic planning and leadership principles tailored to creative organisations.
• Marketing and Audience Development – branding, digital marketing, audience research and community engagement strategies for arts and media.
• Entertainment Law and Contracts – intellectual property, licensing, contract negotiation and rights clearances common in music, film and live performance.
• Financial Management for the Arts – budgeting, revenue models, fundraising, grant writing and financial reporting for non‑profits and commercial enterprises.
• Production and Venue Management – practical topics such as scheduling, technical production, front‑of‑house operations and safety regulations.
• Media and Content Strategy – content creation workflows, distribution platforms, and monetisation strategies for digital media.
• Capstone Project / Internship – a supervised practicum or project with a local cultural organisation, production company or media outlet to apply skills in real world settings.

Elective options often allow students to take modules in related areas such as film studies, music business, theatre production, or entrepreneurship. Cross-department collaboration with business, communication and arts departments supports interdisciplinary skill development.

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the programme requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Admissions will consider the strength of your academic transcripts, a personal statement explaining your interest in arts and media management, and at least one academic or professional reference.

Standardised test scores (such as SAT or ACT) may be optional depending on the University of Tulsa admissions policies; check the university’s admissions guidance for current practice. International applicants are normally required to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives.

Relevant experience — such as participation in student media, volunteer work with arts organisations, part‑time employment in venues, or internships — can strengthen an application but is not always mandatory. Mature applicants and transfer students will be assessed on prior higher education and professional experience.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across the cultural, entertainment and media sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Arts administrator or manager (museums, theatres, galleries)
• Venue operations or box office manager
• Event and festival producer
• Marketing, audience development and fundraising roles
• Talent and project management in music, film or theatre
• Production coordinator or assistant roles in media companies
• Business development roles in creative and digital enterprises

Graduates may also go on to postgraduate study in arts administration, business (MBA), media studies or law, depending on career goals.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a small, student‑centred environment that supports close faculty interaction and applied learning. The campus’s location in a mid‑sized city with an active arts scene provides practical internship and collaboration opportunities with museums, performance venues, production companies and festivals in Tulsa and the wider region.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary links across business, communication and performing arts departments, giving access to practical production facilities, guest speakers from the industry and opportunities for real‑world projects. The programme emphasises experiential learning, professional readiness and networking to prepare graduates for careers in the dynamic fields of arts, entertainment and media.