Entertainment Industry Management

Achievement in Entertainment Industry Management at Carnegie Mellon University prepares students to lead and innovate in the dynamic entertainment sector. This comprehensive program combines business acumen, creative insight, and technical expertise to equip graduates with the skills necessary for successful careers in film, television, music, gaming, and other entertainment fields. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering areas such as entertainment business strategy, media law, production management, marketing, and distribution, alongside opportunities to develop hands-on experience through internships, projects, and collaborations with industry professionals. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship, fostering an understanding of the evolving entertainment landscape and the skills required to navigate technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Students gain exposure to the latest industry tools and software, understand financial and legal aspects of entertainment projects, and learn how to manage creative teams effectively. The program also offers specialized tracks or electives, allowing students to tailor their education toward areas like media management, digital entertainment, or content development. Throughout their studies, students benefit from Carnegie Mellon’s strong industry connections, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship from faculty members who are active practitioners and researchers. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers in entertainment production, studio management, content development, marketing, and entrepreneurial ventures within the entertainment ecosystem. This program aims to foster innovative thinking, strategic problem-solving, and ethical leadership, enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to the entertainment industry today and in the future.

We are continually working to enhance the MEIM’s curriculum to ensure it is evolving in order to provide the skills needed for our graduates to be competitive in the job market. The extensive and long-held relationships that the MEIM program has developed with entertainment industry professionals (including its alumni), both on the faculty and in the field at large, ensure that the program remains fresh and dynamic.

The first-year experience establishes theoretical foundations and key practical management skills and techniques in order to help the student develop leadership skills. The second-year curriculum shifts to a professional focus by providing courses specifically related to TV, film, video games, multi-channel networks, entertainment finance, business affairs, branding, music, marketing, and managing the creative process of storytelling in all forms. The second-year courses facilitate the practical application of the first year’s foundational management theory and practice within the context of the entertainment industry.

Additionally, students in the second year have the option to follow one of two curriculum tracks   focusing on either Entertainment Management for Screens or Entertainment Management for Music.

While both concentrations share the same core courses, the screen-based path focuses more on the development, production and marketing of TV, film and video game content; whereas the music-based concentration focuses more on parallel topics in the popular contemporary music industry, including A&R, publishing, live entertainment, licensing, and music supervision.  A few examples of classes offered include Artist Development, Music Economics, Music Supervision, and Music in the Media. If you are interested in this area, please reach out to MEIMAdmissions for more information.  

Our curriculum for both concentrations includes:

• Core courses that cover management, technology, financial, quantitative and communication skills.
• Quantitative management and technology: Students gain advanced knowledge of the entertainment industry's most highly coveted competencies, from finance and data analysis to budget reviews and marketing strategies, giving students a competitive edge as they begin their professional career.
• Entertainment industry-specific courses to develop comprehensive fluency in Film/TV producing practices, entertainment marketing, entertainment research, media distribution and related disciplines.
• Elective courses on topics such as film acquisitions, film exhibition, talent management, creative producing, entertainment ethics, music supervision, music economics, music artist development, video games, and multi-platform production and marketing.
• A second-year Capstone Project that serves the same role as a traditional thesis, but goes further by allowing students to work on a topical research project in partnership with a marquee entertainment business client. Past clients include BBC America, Disney, Fox, IMAX, Lionsgate, Nielsen, PwC, Producers Guild of America, Sony Pictures, Stax Records, Sundance, Twitter, and Warner Bros. Studios.
• Practicum assignments (including internships) in Pittsburgh (first year), New York (summer), and Los Angeles (summer and second year) that supplement classroom work and expand professional experiences and personal networks.
• Second Year Internships that allow students to be at an entertainment company full-time, four days a week.  This unique schedule has been instrumental in students gaining great experiences throughout the second year of the program.
• Seminars and special presentations that are scheduled throughout the program and feature key national and international figures in the arts, entertainment and related policy areas.

MEIM graduates are equipped with marketable skills that often result not only in landing their first job immediately out of school, but also in expediting their advancement within the field and allowing them to successfully negotiate the ongoing challenges of building their careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

• Online Application Form
• Transcripts
• Standardized Test Scores (GRE or GMAT)
• English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Recommendations
• Résumé
• Required Essay
• Optional essay
• Video interview or video essay (optional, but strongly recommended)
• Verification Requirement (applicable only if you are admitted!)
• Review and Sign the MEIM Enrollment Agreement (required for enrolling students)

Scholarships

MEIM students are awarded a one-time $1,200 re-location stipend to assist all students with their expenses related to moving from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles prior to their second year.

In order to offset a portion of the additional expenses incurred during the second year of the MEIM program, all MEIM students who receive a scholarship for the first two semesters in the program receive an additional $2,500/semester in scholarship support in each of their final two semesters in the program.

The Entertainment Industry Management program at Carnegie Mellon University is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers within the entertainment sector, encompassing film, television, music, digital media, and live entertainment. This interdisciplinary program combines core courses in management, business, and technology with specialized classes in entertainment industry practices, marketing, and production. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how entertainment products are developed, marketed, and distributed in an increasingly digital and globalized environment. The curriculum emphasizes both the creative and business aspects of entertainment, preparing graduates to navigate complex industry challenges and lead innovative projects.

Students have opportunities to participate in internships and partnerships with major entertainment companies, providing real-world experience and industry connections. The program also benefits from Carnegie Mellon's strong emphasis on technological innovation, integrating digital tools, data analytics, and emerging media formats into the learning process. Facilities include state-of-the-art production studios, labs, and innovation centers, fostering hands-on learning and experimentation. Faculty members typically have extensive industry experience and academic expertise, guiding students through theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program aims to produce versatile graduates capable of strategic thinking, digital proficiency, and entrepreneurial leadership within the entertainment industry.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their particular interests such as media marketing, production management, or digital content creation. Students are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, often working on multi-disciplinary projects that simulate real industry scenarios. The program also integrates workshops, guest lectures from industry professionals, and networking events that facilitate direct engagement with industry leaders. Career services support students in securing internships, job placements, and entrepreneurial ventures in entertainment, media, and technology fields. Overall, Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Industry Management program prepares students to lead, innovate, and succeed in the fast-paced environment of entertainment and media industries worldwide.