Degree Overview: Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Communication & Media Entrepreneurship
Majors Overview June 25, 2015This article talks about Master of Arts (M.A.) degree programs in Communication & Media Entrepreneurship and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Arts (M.A.) Programs in Communication & Media Entrepreneurship
Students enrolled in master’s degree programs in media entrepreneurship or media management may pursue communication and media entrepreneurship. Enrollees gain an understanding about mass media business ventures and can expect to become adept at reviewing potential business ventures, determining risk factors and making potential profit projections for arts and entertainment-based business ventures. Thesis or capstone projects are in many programs.
Educational requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, in addition to submitting GPA scores. Applicants for admission to many schools are expected to have prior work or internship experience in mass communications.
Coursework
The primary focus of the majority of these MA degree programs is on topic areas related to entrepreneurial planning and business; however, topics relating to industry-specific trends and technology may also be covered in some programs. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Financial management
•Public relations
•Media and communication law
•Accounting
•Marketing
•Presentations
•Strategic planning
•Media entrepreneurship
•Leadership
•Media technology management
Career Choices
Program graduates can pursue various career areas, including promotions management and small-business ownership. They can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Market analyst
•Public relations manager
•Media promotions director
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 13% has been predicted for public relations managers. During the same period, advertising and promotions managers, including media promotions directors, are expected to see a job growth of 12%. Market research analysts are expected to enjoy a high growth of 32% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Market research analysts with a master’s degree are expected to enjoy the best job opportunities. In May 2012, public relations managers brought in an average annual wage of $95,450. During the same year, advertising and promotions managers, and market research analysts earned $115,750 and $60,300, respectively, per annum, on average (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates can opt for continued education by enrolling in a doctorate program in a relevant subject, like media and technology, mass communications and media, entrepreneurship, or media and information studies. These programs lead to careers at the university level or in research. They can also seek professional certification or accreditation through numerous industry-specific organizations. Certification would enable these professionals to showcase their skills and knowledge before potential employers in fields such as market analysis, public relations, promotions, or marketing.