Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Entertainment Management

Program Overview

Combine creative passion with real-world operational expertise as you develop your skills as a leader in the world of fine and performing arts.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

Four-Year BA Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Arts and Entertainment Management at AIC?

Arts and Entertainment Management majors at American International College meet the challenge of offering artistic venues that highlight and present arts programming while ensuring fiscal and organizational success.

Building on a foundation of business management principles, our arts-driven curriculum will prepare students to become empowered community builders able to execute a broad array of events including performances, fundraising initiatives, arts showcases and more. Throughout their experience, Yellow Jackets will find their work rooted in AIC’s culture and heritage of inclusivity and equity.

Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art labs and internship opportunities offer graduates of this program a firsthand look at the business side of the fine and performing arts, setting them up for professional success after college.

What to Expect

  • Internships: Gain firsthand experience organizing and supporting the arts and events with local organizations. You’ll then discuss your experience at the College of Business, Arts, and Sciences’ Internship Symposium, held every semester.
  • Industry expertise: Learn how to interpret legal contract language, develop fundraising and marketing initiatives, and manage scheduling software.
  • Real-world application: Work with external clients and assist in event production at AIC’s Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center.
  • Teaching assistant opportunities: Guide the learning process as a junior or senior, engaging new students in psychology topics.
  • Customize your education: Overlay your studies with a second major in Graphic Arts and Design, Public Relations and Communications, or Digital Media Production to strengthen your background for specific career paths.
  • Jump-start your graduate education: Eligible seniors can take one to two graduate-level courses at the undergraduate rate. As you begin a master’s degree at AIC, your motivation will pay off in terms of time and cost savings.

Program Details

AIC’s Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Entertainment Management program positions you to sustainably build community and culture through the arts. Here’s how you’ll start your studies and grow as both a leader and advocate on our connected campus.

  • Work effectively to plan and execute arts and entertainment events.
  • Sustainably build community and culture
  • Fundraise for the arts and entertainment field
  • Market events effectively across platforms
  • Creatively manage and lead non-profit arts and entertainment organizations.
  • Effectively communicate

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Entertainment Management:

  • AEM 1200: Arts & Entertainment Management: Blending Business with Artistic Prowess
  • MGT 1400: Principles of Management
  • AEM 1500: Developing and Recruiting Talent
  • AEM 1601: Pre-Field Experience
  • MGT 2400: Organizational Behavior
  • AEM2450: Community Development
  • AEM 2500: Field Experience I
  • SRM 2600: Event and Facility Management
  • AEM 3400: Nonprofit Governance
  • AEM 3550: Entertainment Marketing
  • MGT 3661: Project Management
  • AEM 3880: Field Work Experience II
  • AEM 4200: Cultural Equity in Creative Leadership
  • AEM 4400: Fundraising and Development
  • AEM 4600: Field Work Experience 3
  • AEM 4899: Arts & Entertainment Management Internship

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Minor Courses: Students must complete all courses listed here to earn a Minor in Arts and Entertainment Management:

  • CR AEM 1200 Arts & Entertainment Management:
  • MGT 1400 Principles of Management
  • AEM 1601 Pre- Field Experience
  • AEM 2450 Community Development
  • AEM 2500 Field Work Experience 1
  • AEM 3550 Art and Entertainment Marketing
  • AEM 4200 Cultural Equity in Creative Leadership

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Arts and Entertainment Management at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Arts, Media, and Design Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Arts and Entertainment Management program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

AIC’s many clubs, student organizations, and service opportunities let you meet like-minded, driven individuals as you channel your creative passions:

  • Get published in The Yellow Jacket: Become a contributor to AIC’s long-running student newspaper, reimagined for the 21st century in a new digital format. Learn more.
  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations.
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact our Assistant Dean and Division Chair or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Frank Borrelli, MFA
Assistant Dean of Student Support and Experiential Learning

Phone: 413.654.1486
Email: frank.borrelli@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

What Can You Do with an Arts and Entertainment Management Degree?

Job Titles

AIC Arts and Entertainment Management majors begin careers as:

  • Arts Organization Managers
  • Entertainment and Media Producers
  • Events Managers and Planners
  • Brand Activation Managers
  • Public Relations Specialists

Salary Expectations

Each year through 2034, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than a combined 184,000 openings in the arts/design and entertainment/sports fields, including for:

Internship Opportunities

A key facet of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences is the opportunity for internships with local companies and organizations that provide real-world experiences. AIC students have found internship positions with:

  • Western Mass News
  • Springfield Thunderbirds
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Springfield Ballers

Related Programs

Channel your creativity into a meaningful career path in any of these other programs offered at AIC:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: