Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This programme blends liberal-arts breadth with practical business and industry-focused courses. Core modules typically cover principles of management, accounting and marketing alongside specialised subjects such as the music and entertainment industries, media production and digital distribution, arts law and intellectual property, and event and venue management.

• Foundations: introduction to arts and entertainment management, organisational behaviour, business communication.
• Business and analytical skills: financial management for the arts, budgeting, accounting principles, and project management.
• Industry-specific practice: music and recording industry studies, theatre and festival management, media production and post-production workflows, digital content strategy.
• Law and policy: entertainment law basics, contracts, copyright and licensing.
• Marketing and audience development: branding, social media and digital marketing, fundraising, sponsorship and community engagement.
• Experiential learning: internship or practicum with local arts organisations, event production labs, and a capstone project that synthesises management and creative practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Admissions typically consider overall academic record, the strength of the high-school transcript, and evidence of interest or experience in arts or media (such as volunteer work, part-time employment, or a portfolio where relevant). Standardised tests may be optional; international applicants must meet English-language requirements. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a description of completed coursework for credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the creative and cultural sectors. Common career paths include arts administrator, venue or festival manager, artist manager, booking agent, production coordinator, marketing and audience development specialist, digital content producer, and roles in music publishing or licensing. The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied projects is designed to build industry contacts and practical experience that employers in regional arts organisations, production companies, record labels and media agencies value.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a liberal-arts education with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, allowing students to combine creative interests with practical management skills. The university’s location provides access to a mix of community arts organisations and larger metropolitan music and media markets for internships and placements. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, a practicum or internship component, and career services that support networking and job placement in the arts, entertainment and media sectors.