University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This master’s combines core management disciplines with subjects tailored to the creative and media sectors. You study strategic management, financial management and budgeting for cultural organisations, marketing and audience development, fundraising and sponsorship, legal and ethical issues in the arts, and project and production management. Coursework typically includes digital media strategy, rights and licensing, programming and curation, operations for venues and events, and research methods relevant to cultural policy and audience insight.

Teaching emphasises applied learning: students complete case studies, client-based projects and an extended practicum or capstone project with an arts, entertainment or media partner. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as live event production, arts entrepreneurship, media distribution, or nonprofit leadership. Classes draw on expertise across the University’s colleges — including music, design, and business — to provide practical skills and sector knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Selection typically considers academic transcripts, a current résumé or CV, a personal statement outlining relevant experience and career goals, and two academic or professional references. Some applicants — particularly those without direct arts or media experience — may be asked to provide evidence of relevant work or volunteer experience.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. The programme may consider standardised test scores (such as the GRE) where required, but many applicants are evaluated holistically; check the programme office for specific application documentation and any portfolio or audition expectations if your background is practice-based.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles across arts, entertainment and media organisations. Typical career paths include arts administrator, venue or festival manager, development and fundraising officer, marketing and audience-development manager, production manager, talent or artist manager, and digital content or media strategy roles. Graduates also work in cultural policy, consultancy, corporate sponsorship departments and arts entrepreneurship, launching new creative enterprises or social ventures.

The programme’s emphasis on internships, practicum projects and industry partnerships helps students build networks and gain hands-on experience with theatres, orchestras, museums, festivals, production companies and media firms in Cincinnati and beyond.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an especially practical approach to arts and media management, with strong connections to the city’s active cultural scene and professional organisations. Interdisciplinary links with the College‑Conservatory of Music, the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), and the business faculty provide access to specialist teaching and facilities across performance, production and entrepreneurship.

Students benefit from applied learning opportunities, including internships, practicum placements and collaborative projects with local arts and media partners. The university’s career services and alumni networks support professional development and job placement, while Cincinnati’s vibrant festival and performing-arts ecosystem offers frequent opportunities for industry engagement and real-world project work.