Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The degree blends core business fundamentals with specialised courses tailored to cultural and media industries. You study topics in management, marketing and finance alongside entertainment-specific subjects such as production operations, intellectual property, media economics and arts marketing. The curriculum emphasises practical skills: project and event management, budgeting for productions, contract negotiation, rights management and audience development.

• Core business foundations: financial accounting, managerial accounting, organisational behaviour, strategic management and marketing principles.
• Industry-specific modules: entertainment and media law, copyright and licensing, music and film business, production management, venue and festival operations.
• Digital and audience skills: digital content distribution, social media strategy for cultural organisations, data analytics for audience insight, and digital rights management.
• Experiential learning: internships with local production companies, performing arts organisations or media firms; practicum projects producing live events or digital campaigns; and a capstone course that integrates business planning with artistic delivery.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: courses in entrepreneurship, non-profit management, international media markets and courses available through the Meadows School of the Arts and the Cox School of Business.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor's programme requires a secondary school completion credential or equivalent. Competitive applicants present strong academic records, evidence of leadership and involvement in arts or media activities, and a clear statement of purpose explaining interest in arts and media management.

• Academic preparation: high-school coursework in English and mathematics is recommended; courses in business, economics, media, music or theatre are advantageous.
• Application materials: official transcripts, personal statement, and at least one academic or professional recommendation. Applicants may be asked to supply a résumé outlining relevant work or creative experience.
• Testing and international applicants: standardised tests may be optional depending on institutional policy; international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English.
• Transfers and minors: transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis; students can combine this major with minors in areas such as film, music, communications or business.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across commercial, non-profit and public sectors. The programme trains students to manage both creative processes and the business operations that support them.

• Arts administrator or producing manager for theatres, orchestras, museums and festivals
• Production manager or coordinator for film, television and live events
• Marketing and audience development manager for cultural organisations or media companies
• Rights and licensing coordinator, business affairs assistant, or contracts administrator
• Talent management and artist services roles, or positions with record labels and distribution platforms
• Entrepreneurial roles running production companies, creative agencies or digital media start-ups
• Pathways to postgraduate study in arts management, business (MBA), law or media studies

Why study at Southern Methodist University

SMU offers proximity to a thriving regional media and arts scene in Dallas–Fort Worth, enabling internships and industry partnerships with theatres, production houses, music venues and cultural institutions. The programme draws on resources across the Meadows School of the Arts and the Cox School of Business, giving students access to both creative faculty and business expertise.

• Industry connections: local partnerships and practicum placements provide workplace experience and professional contacts.
• Interdisciplinary environment: opportunities to work with students and faculty in performance, film, journalism and business.
• Practical focus: project-based courses, live-event production and real-client consulting prepare graduates for immediate employment.
• Alumni network: a broad regional alumni community in arts and media supports mentoring and career development.