Kansas Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme blends core management principles with specialised subjects aimed at the creative and entertainment sectors. Students take courses in arts management, entertainment business and media studies alongside general education requirements typical of a liberal arts degree.

• Core business and management: foundational units in organisational behaviour, accounting fundamentals for managers, marketing, and business law as applied to creative enterprises.
• Arts and entertainment-specific modules: arts and cultural management, event planning and production, venue and festival management, talent and artist management, and entertainment industry economics.
• Media and digital skills: courses in digital media production, social media strategy for brands and artists, media distribution, multimedia storytelling, and introductory audio/video production.
• Law and finance for the creative sector: intellectual property and copyright, contract negotiation, budgeting and financial planning for productions and organisations.
• Practical experience: internship/practicum placements with local theatres, arts organisations, production companies or media outlets; project-based modules that simulate real-world campaigns or productions; and a capstone project or senior portfolio demonstrating strategic planning and applied management skills.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary study: opportunities to take electives in entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism, communications, and performance or visual arts to tailor the degree to individual career goals.

Entry requirements

Kansas Wesleyan typically expects applicants to hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Specific entry requirements can vary, but applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Official high school transcripts showing satisfactory academic standing.
• A completed application and personal statement outlining interest in arts, entertainment or media management and any relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers who can speak to the applicant’s academic readiness and potential for work in creative industries.
• Where relevant, evidence of practical experience such as a portfolio, links to media work, or a résumé detailing internships, volunteer roles or extracurricular involvement in performing arts, media production or event management.
• Standardised test requirements (if any) and English language proficiency requirements for international applicants are determined by the university’s admissions policies; consult admissions for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across arts, entertainment and media organisations, and in businesses that serve creative sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Arts administrator or manager in museums, galleries, theatres and non-profit arts organisations.
• Event and festival manager, production coordinator or venue manager responsible for delivering live and staged events.
• Talent, artist or creative services manager working with performers, artists and creative professionals.
• Marketing, audience development or communications roles in cultural organisations, media companies or agencies focused on entertainment clients.
• Positions in media production, digital content strategy, social media management and distribution for broadcasters, streaming services, and independent production houses.
• Entrepreneurial routes such as starting a production company, creative agency or consultancy supporting the arts and entertainment sector.

Why study at Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan offers this degree within a liberal arts framework that emphasises critical thinking, communication and ethical leadership alongside vocational skills. The university’s small class sizes mean personalised attention from faculty with experience in business, media and the arts. Students benefit from hands-on learning through internships and community partnerships in Salina and the surrounding region, enabling practical industry contacts while studying. The programme’s combination of management training and creative sector knowledge is designed to produce graduates who can lead organisations, manage productions and adapt to the evolving landscape of arts, entertainment and media.