Chatham University

What you'll study

The programme blends core management disciplines with specialised courses relevant to arts, entertainment and media contexts. You study topics such as arts administration, entertainment industry structures, media production and distribution, marketing for cultural organisations, financial management and budgeting, contract and intellectual property law, and audience development. Practical components commonly include event planning and production labs, digital media projects, and a supervised internship or practicum placed with theatres, galleries, production companies or media outlets.

Typical modules or course themes include:

• Foundations of Management — organisational behaviour, leadership, and strategic planning.
• Financial and Managerial Accounting — budgeting, financial statements and fiscal management for small organisations.
• Arts and Entertainment Industry — industry structures, revenue models and production workflows.
• Marketing and Audience Development — promotion, social media strategy, branding and community engagement.
• Event and Venue Management — programming, logistics, risk management and front-of-house operations.
• Legal and Ethical Issues — contracts, copyright, licensing and ethical practice in cultural work.
• Digital Media and Production — basics of audio/visual production, content creation and distribution channels.
• Capstone Project or Internship — applied project or placement to integrate theory with professional practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Admissions typically consider academic performance, a personal statement that explains interest in arts and media management, and evidence of relevant experience or engagement with creative activity. Many applicants benefit from submitting a résumé detailing internships, volunteer work or practical projects; some may also be invited for an interview.

Typical expectations include demonstrated competence in written communication and quantitative reasoning. International applicants must meet Chatham University’s requirements for English language proficiency. Applicants with non‑traditional backgrounds or substantial workplace experience in the creative industries are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across cultural, commercial and media organisations. Common entry positions include arts administrator, production coordinator, marketing or audience development officer, events producer, box office or venue manager, and media project assistant. Alumni also move into talent management, nonprofit leadership, programming and development roles, or start their own creative enterprises.

The programme’s practical emphasis and internship opportunities support transitions into employment with theatres, museums, festivals, independent production companies, broadcast and digital media firms, and cultural organisations. Further study in business, law, arts management or specialised media disciplines is also a common pathway.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham offers small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling hands‑on learning and individualized career support. The university’s location provides access to a vibrant regional arts and cultural scene, with opportunities for internships and partnerships across theatres, galleries, festivals and media outlets.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning — internships, practicum placements and capstone projects — ensuring students graduate with practical experience and professional networks. Faculty bring a mix of academic and industry experience, and Chatham’s career services help students connect with employers and launch careers in the creative and media sectors.