Master of Architecture
The 3-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University requires appr...
Master of Business Administration - Entertainment Management Concentration
Burbank, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Woodbury University, located in Burbank, California, United States, offers a distinctive Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Entertainment Management Concentration. This specialized program is meticulously crafted for professionals aspiring to leadership roles within the dynamic and complex entertainment industry, providing a blend of core business acumen with in-depth knowledge of entertainment-specific strategies. Woodbury's MBA is renowned for its intensive, practice-based approach, emphasizing responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within a personalized learning environment, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers in film, television, music, gaming, and related creative fields.
ACBSP Accredited: The School of Business at Woodbury University holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation signifies Woodbury's commitment to delivering high-quality business education with a focus on practical application and student-centered learning. ACBSP accreditation ensures that the curriculum of the Entertainment Management MBA is relevant to the needs of the entertainment industry and prepares graduates effectively for immediate professional contributions. Woodbury has maintained ACBSP accreditation since 1998, reflecting a sustained dedication to educational excellence.
AACSB Accredited: Adding to its distinction, Woodbury University's School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This is a highly prestigious global accreditation, achieved by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Woodbury first earned AACSB accreditation in 2014 and has successfully reaffirmed it, most recently in February 2024. This dual accreditation is a significant advantage, signaling that the MBA program, including the Entertainment Management concentration, meets the highest international standards for academic rigor, faculty expertise, intellectual contributions, and impact on practice, providing graduates with a superior competitive edge in the highly competitive entertainment sector.
Curriculum: The Entertainment Management MBA at Woodbury University is a 36-credit hour program, structured for efficient completion, often in as little as one year for students with an undergraduate business degree, or one and a half years for those without, by utilizing an intensive 7-week session format. The curriculum comprises 8 core MBA courses and 4 specialized electives within the Entertainment Management concentration. Core courses provide a strong foundation in areas such as Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions, Managerial Economics, Managing and Leading Organizations Ethically, Marketing Concepts and Strategies, Managerial Finance, Management of Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, and a capstone Strategic Management Consulting course. The Entertainment Management concentration specifically offers courses like "Management and Leadership in the Entertainment Industry," "Entertainment Marketing, Promotion and Branding," "Financial Management in the Entertainment Industry," "Entertainment Law and Ethics," "Marketing and Media in Arts and Entertainment Enterprises," and "Creativity in Arts and Entertainment Enterprises," providing deep industry-specific knowledge.
Research Focus: While the MBA program, including the Entertainment Management concentration, is practice-oriented, Woodbury University's curriculum is underpinned by relevant scholarly research and encourages critical thinking. Faculty members, who are often "edu-preneurs" with both academic credentials and significant industry experience, integrate current research and real-world case studies into their teaching. The program promotes "design thinking," a problem-solving approach rooted in analysis and innovation, which is highly applicable to the dynamic and often unconventional challenges of the entertainment industry. Students are trained to evaluate market trends, consumer behavior, and financial models specific to entertainment, fostering an evidence-based approach to decision-making. The capstone course also encourages students to apply analytical frameworks to solve complex business challenges within the entertainment sector.
Industry Engagement: Woodbury University boasts exceptionally strong industry engagement, largely due to its prime location in Burbank, California, the heart of the entertainment capital. The program's design and specialized concentration are developed with direct input from industry professionals to ensure the curriculum is relevant and prepares graduates for the demands of film, television, music, gaming, and digital media. Faculty members are often working professionals in the entertainment sector, providing invaluable real-world insights, networking opportunities, and access to industry trends. Woodbury's "influential Board of Advisors," comprising leaders from various industries including entertainment, actively engages with students through mentorship, career guidance, and facilitating internships and job placements at prominent companies like Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Group.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Entertainment Management Concentration at Woodbury University inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing that the entertainment industry operates on a worldwide scale. The curriculum addresses the international reach of content, global distribution channels, cross-cultural audience engagement, and international legal frameworks within the entertainment sector. Courses might delve into global trends in media consumption, the impact of international co-productions, and the management of multinational creative teams. Woodbury's diverse student body and faculty further enrich discussions with varied cultural viewpoints, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of a globally interconnected entertainment landscape and to understand the nuances of marketing and managing creative content across different international markets.
Location
Burbank, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53424
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Woodbury University is making quality education accessible and affordable to students from around the world. Understanding the financial challenges international students often face, the university offers a variety of scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and potential.
Talent and Program-Specific Scholarships: International students applying to creative fields such as Architecture, Animation, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Filmmaking, and Fashion Design may be eligible for additional portfolio-based scholarships. These are awarded based on the quality and originality of the student’s creative work and can significantly offset tuition fees.
Graduate Scholarships for International Students: While funding is more limited at the graduate level, some departments at Woodbury University offer scholarships for outstanding international applicants pursuing master’s degrees. Students applying to programs like the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) or MBA may qualify for competitive, merit-based awards. Graduate students are encouraged to inquire with their specific department regarding available funding opportunities.
Graduates of Woodbury University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Entertainment Management Concentration are exceptionally well-prepared for dynamic leadership and strategic roles within the global entertainment industry.
Studio Executive/Manager: Works within major film, television, or music studios, overseeing strategic planning, business development, production finance, distribution, or marketing for various projects or divisions.
Producer (Film, TV, Music, Digital Content): Manages the entire production process of creative projects, from initial concept development and budgeting to securing talent, overseeing production, and guiding distribution.
Entertainment Marketing Manager: Develops and executes comprehensive marketing, promotion, and branding strategies for films, TV shows, music albums, video games, or talent, targeting global audiences.
Talent Agent/Manager: Represents artists, actors, musicians, writers, or directors, negotiating contracts, securing opportunities, and managing their careers in the entertainment industry.
Digital Media Manager: Focuses on strategies for digital content distribution, audience engagement on streaming platforms, social media, and emerging technologies within the entertainment landscape.
Business Development Manager (Entertainment): Identifies and cultivates new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams for entertainment companies, often involving cross-platform collaborations or international expansion.
Financial Analyst (Entertainment): Specializes in the financial aspects of entertainment projects, conducting feasibility studies, managing budgets, forecasting revenues, and analyzing investment opportunities for studios or production houses.
Brand Manager (Entertainment Properties): Oversees the development, positioning, and long-term strategy for entertainment brands, franchises, or intellectual properties, ensuring consistent messaging and maximizing value.
Licensing and Merchandising Manager: Manages the rights to intellectual property for entertainment companies, negotiating licensing agreements for merchandise, video games, theme park attractions, and other consumer products.
Entertainment Attorney (with Business Focus): While requiring a law degree, an MBA in Entertainment Management can significantly enhance a legal career in this field, providing a deeper understanding of industry contracts, intellectual property, and transactional business within entertainment.
