Overview of Entertainment Management Program

Interview with Dr. Philip Rothschild, Director of the Entertainment Management Program

1. Can you give me an overview of the Entertainment Management Program?

2. How common is an Entertainment Management degree program? Are there other programs like it across the country?

3. How many majors are there in the program currently?

4. Tell me about the Entertainment Management Association.

5. Can you clarify what happens in The Business Advisement Center and what role you serve as Director of the Entertainment Management Program?

6. Tell me a little more about yourself, Dr. Rothschild, and your experiences?

Is This Program Right For You ? 

1. How does the Missouri State Entertainment Management Program equip me for a career in EM?

2. What kinds of students major in EM?

3. What if I know I want to be in the entertainment field but I don't know exactly what area of entertainment I want to go into?

4. Are there some good entertainment-related books you might point me to?

5. If I am totally new to the EM Program, and this major, what would you recommend I do to learn more?

Degree Requirements/Course Questions

1. What are the required and elective courses for the EM major?

2. What are some suggested electives I should take depending on my emphasis?

3. Are there any web courses in the area of entertainment management?

4. How can I see if certain courses will transfer?

5. Are there graduate programs in entertainment management?

6. How do I register for sports management related courses offered outside the College of Business Administration?

7. How do I register for COM 439 when it looks like I don't have the stated COM pre-requisites?

8. If a section of MGT 310 or MGT 410 is full, can I get added to the class?

Internship Questions

1. What is an internship?

2. How do I go about getting an internship?

3. How would I approach one of these contacts?

4. Okay, I’ve found a place to do my internship, now what do I do?

5. What are some examples of internship projects past students have done?

6. Are the internships paid or non-paid?

7. When do I need to register for an internship?

8. When do most students complete their internships?

9. Can I complete more than one internship?

10. Can I do an internship for a company that's not sports or entertainment related?

11. What other opportunities are there for us to gain experience?

12. Can I register for an internship after I've already graduated?

13. I know the policy is to complete an Internship (MGT 494) AFTER completing MGT 310, but are there any exceptions that I can register for an Internship (MGT 494) before completing MGT 310?

Career Outlook
 

1. What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Music Management?

2. What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Events Management?

3. What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Venue Management?

4. What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Sport Management?

5. What is the market like for EM majors?

6. What kind of salary can an EM major expect?

7. I’ve heard you stress the importance of keeping up-to-date with professional associations and trade publications. Can you clarify?

8. Are there any certifications that are needed to get a career as an entertainment manager?  

Getting Hired

1. In your view, what do people in the entertainment industry look for when hiring graduates from Missouri State?

2. What kind of placement success have you had with EM graduates?

3. You’ve been stressing the importance of developing a network for future hiring opportunities. How do we do that?

4. How important is experience?

5. Are there any other recommendations for finding a great job?

More Information

1. Where do I go and who do I see about...
2. Read More Frequently Asked Questions from One Student to Another

 

 

Overview of EM Program

1.) Can you give me overview of the Entertainment Management Program?

Over the past 10 years there have been similar programs developed at other universities across the country.  They are called targeted, or niche programs.  Our program is somewhat unique in that we provide a general degree in entertainment management and allow you to tailor it to your particular interest.

Other programs, like the Music Business Program at Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee, and the Entertainment Studies Program at UCLA, in California, focus on one aspect of the entertainment industry, i.e. music or film respectively.  As you can see, the program is often tailored to the type of entertainment in a particular region.  Click here for listings we've compiled of these niche programs. 

The benefit of our Entertainment Management degree is that you get a general exposure to all aspects of the entertainment industry and a strong business foundation.  We feel this gives you more opportunities. For example, the person who graduates with an Entertainment Management degree could be quite successful in the area of artist management, but they could also transfer their knowledge and skill into the area of event management, venue management, or even sports management.

The EM degree equips students with a core body of business knowledge, in addition to specialized coursework and experience in the entertainment field.  The ultimate goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, networking abilities, and opportunities to be a successful manager of entertainment venues, artists, events, or sports programs. We feel you receive a good education here at Missouri State, an education that is going to serve you in many different ways, not just in the EM field

In addition to a strong academic program, we provide two more essentials:

Degree Requirements/Course Questions

 
12.) What are the required and elective courses for the EM major?

The EM major has a total of eleven courses, in addition to the regular COBA requirements and general education requirements.  Those eleven courses are broken up into seven required courses and four electives.  Click on this link to see the seven required courses .

The electives are where the student has an opportunity to build a program tailored to their particular interest.  Students can choose from more than 20 electives offered by many entertainment-related departments. So for example, a student with an interest in Music Management (i.e. artist management) could take a course called Introduction to Commercial Music out of the School of Music.  They might also want to take a class in Lighting Design I from the Theater Department or an Advanced Management class.  We are also beginning to offer new courses, such as a short course in Artist Management. 

On the other hand, the person who has an interest in Sports Management would take the required courses and then focus on electives from a new series of courses to be offered from the Recreation Department.  A couple course examples are The Introduction to Sports Management and Problems and Issues in Sports Management. 

A person interested in Event Management could take electives like Meeting Planning and Event Management.  They might also take an elective in Entrepreneurship - especially if interested in starting their own event management business or music business.

A person interested in Venue Management would obviously take a course or two related to staging and design, and perhaps Hotel Conventions and Conference Operations.

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13.)  What are some suggested electives I should take depending on my emphasis?

        Click here to see suggested electives divided by music, event, venue, and sports management.

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14.) Are there any web courses in the area of entertainment management?

Currently there are no courses offered over the web for EM majors.  However, if there are other accredited universities offering a course in the entertainment field that would be suitable for your elective, you may be able to transfer in credits from those accredited universities.  For example, the University of  California, LA has some excellent courses that are provided over the web and on location. Be sure to check with the Business Advisement Center to make sure that those credits would count as one of your electives.

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15.) How can I see if certain courses will transfer?

You will want to set up an interview with the Business Advisement Center on the bottom floor of Glass Hall.  Click here to go to their web site or call them at 836-5386 to discuss the technical aspects of transfer courses. 

You may also look on the Transfer Course Equivalency Guide on the Missouri State website for transfers from other Missouri colleges.

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16.) Are there graduate programs in entertainment management?

There are currently no EM graduate programs at Missouri State; however, there are opportunities to further your education in the entertainment field.  For example, it is not uncommon for students to get law degrees and specialize in the entertainment industry.  There are also a few certificates and graduate programs across America. Click here to see the listings we've compiled of schools offering Entertainment Management undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online programs.

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17.)  How do I register for sports management related courses offered outside the College of Business Administration?

There are three sports management related courses offered by Dr. Gerald Masterson, of the Physical Education Department. They include PED 633 (Current Problems in Sport Administration), PED 639 (Principles of Sports Management), and PED 680 (Legal Aspects in Sports, Physical Education, Recreation, and Wellness Programs).

Because university regulations do not allow undergraduates to have 600 level courses listed on their transcript, we have created a temporary solution to the problem. This is what you must do:

Each of the courses above is cross listed (meaning it has an undergraduate course number assigned to it). You should register for the undergraduate course number affiliated with course title. See below for the undergraduate course number and the semester the course is typically offered.

	PED 633 (Current Problems in Sport Administration) –Undergraduate course number is PED 499 Section 899 (The generic course title will be Special Problems.)  – Offered in fall.
	PED 639 (Principles of Sports Management) – Undergraduate course number is REC 499 Section 899 (The generic course title will be Special Problems.)  – Offered in spring.
	PED 680 (Legal Aspects in Sports, Physical Education, Recreation, and Wellness Programs) – Undergraduate course number is PED 500 – Offered in summer.

Important information you should know.

1. Cost Per Credit Hour. Because this is an online course offered through the continuing education office, please call Continuing Education for current cost per credit hour and to ask if the undergraduate section has been listed (ph: 417.836.4128).

2. Substitution Form.  Because these courses are not on our current approved list of Entertainment Management Electives, you will be required to have a Substitution Form (pick up in Business Advising Office) signed by the Director of Entertainment Management prior to graduation.

3. Up to Two.  Entertainment Management students may register for up to TWO of the courses above as Entertainment Management major electives.

4. Course Professor. The professor for these courses is Dr. Gerald Masterson of the Physical Education Department. Questions about the course should be directed to him by email JerryMasterson@missouristate.edu or by phone 417.836.5000.  You will need permission from Dr. Masterson to register for these courses.

5. Self-Directed.  Because the courses above are online courses, you should expect above average amounts of time to be spent on self-directed projects. You will meet in person only occasionally, and be required to meet more often using online chat tools.  

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18.)  How do I register for COM 439 when it looks like I don't have the communication pre-requisites?

After you have registered for the course, the Communication Department asks you to bring your degree audit checklist (found at My Missouri State) to CRAG 375 to verify that COM 439 is an elective for the EM Major - because it is an elective they allow you to take this course without the stated pre-requisites. 

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To summarize, you can find internships from these sources:

·        Click here to see where past EM majors have completed internships.
·        Contact Dr. Rothschild’s assistant to make an appointment to view the various contacts Dr. Rothschild has and call some of these contacts asking if they have any internship opportunities
·        Contact some companies that you have a desire to do an internship with
·        Contact some of our alumni listed here to see if the have any internships at their companies
·        Contact one of the professionals you interviewed for your Career Profile in MGT 310
·        Be sure to be on Dr. Rothschild's EM Insider email list.  Send your name and email address to philrothschild@missouristate.edu

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22.) How would I approach one of these contacts?

 Here’s a script you might use when making a NEW contact by phone:

 Hi, I’m Sarah Jones, an Entertainment Management major at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.  As part of my major, I’m required to complete an internship – I was wondering if you might be able to use someone with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to do just about anything to gain some experience [use your own qualities].

 The internship requires me to put in at least 90 hours over a minimum of two months – but I am willing to work more if necessary. 

 Question: Well, we don’t have a formal internship program set up in our company.

 Response: That’s not a problem. I just need to gain some experience in an entertainment related role – and I’d love to work with your company. My supervising professor will create learning activities for me – your only responsibility will be to supervise my work and provide an opportunity for me to interview you or someone else in the company.  Of course I’d love to do more, like job shadowing and rotating to other assignments.  I just want to get my feet wet.

 Question: Are you looking to be paid?

 Response: Well, ideally I would like to be paid – but I’m willing to volunteer if necessary just to gain the experience.

 Question: Let’s meet.  And if there’s a good fit, what’s next?

Response: Excellent. I’d like to meet you.  If you agree to bring me on, then I will fill out paperwork with my professor, sign up for the internship course, and report to work when you say so.  I do need to get your contact information though.

 

Here’s a script for following up with an ESTABLISHED contact by phone:

 Hi, I’m Sarah Jones, an Entertainment Management major at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.  Dr. Rothschild, my professor, indicated that you might be open to considering me as a Intern this Fall (Spring or Summer). As part of my major, I’m required to complete an internship – I was wondering if you might be able to use someone with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to do just about anything to gain some experience [use your own qualities].

 The internship requires me to put in at least 90 hours over a minimum of two months – but I am willing to work more if necessary. 

 Question: Well, we don’t have a formal internship program set up in our company.

 Response: That’s not a problem. I just need to gain some experience in an entertainment related role – and I’d love to work with you company. My supervising professor will create learning activities for me – your only responsibility might be to supervise my work and provide an opportunity for me to interview you or someone else in the company.  Of course I’d love to do more like job shadowing and rotating to other assignments.

 Question: Are you looking to be paid?

 Response: Well, ideally I would like to be paid – but I’m willing to volunteer if necessary just to gain the experience.

 Question: Let’s meet. And if there’s a good fit, what’s next?

 Response: Excellent. I’d like to meet you.  If you agree to bring me on, then I will fill out paperwork with my professor, sign up for the internship course, and report to work when you say so.  I do need to get your contact information though.

   

Valuable Telephone Tips:

 Whenever you make a phone call and leave a voice message, be sure to leave your phone number and the best time to call.  Repeat your number at the end of the message. This is very important - you don’t want to play phone tag.

 Smile while you are talking on the phone. It makes a difference.

 If you email, don’t assume it is now in their court and wait for them to reply. Be assertive, not aggressive. Follow up with a phone call.

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23.) Okay, I’ve found a place to do my internship, now what do I do?

You need to follow the steps to getting registered for the internship course, MGT 494, that are found here:  The EM Internship Steps.  Be sure to deliver the Internship Provider Packet (You need Adobe Reader to view and print this document) to your internship supervisor to help answer any questions they may have about the internship.

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24.) What are some examples of internship projects past students have done?

As part of their internship, students are required to help the company they work for solve an organizational problem.  Click here to see a brief summary of past students' internship projects.  (You need Adobe Reader to view and print this document)

25.) Are the internships paid or non-paid?

There are some companies that provide paid internships and some that do not.  That is something that you must discuss with the organization.  See some of the paying and non-paying internships from the past.

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26.) When do I need to register for an internship?

You must do your internship after you have completed MGT 310, which is your Introduction to the Entertainment Industry.  We feel it’s important that a student gets at least a bit of a background in the entertainment area and complete some of the basic management courses in COBA before we send them out as an intern.

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27.) When do most students complete their internships?

Most students complete their internships during the summer after their junior year.  However, if a great opportunity comes available jump on it during the fall or summer after completing MGT 310. 

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28.) Can I complete more than one internship?

You can complete more than one internship; however, realize only 3 credit hours count towards your EM degree.  The other 1-3 hours you receive for an internship may be able to count toward your general electives, but most often do not.

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29.) Can I do an internship for a company that's not sports or entertainment related?

You can, but only under special conditions. You must be learning and applying skills and knowledge specific to the entertainment industry. For example, selling cutlery for a company or starting a paint business in town would NOT be suitable for an internship.  However, if you were fulfilling meeting planning duties for Jack Henry and Associates (banking industry) or Physician’s Care Network (medical industry), this would be considered suitable.  If there is any question about suitability of an internship, you should meet with Dr. Rothschild prior to making any formal agreement with the internship client.

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30.) What other opportunities are there for us to gain experience?

There’s another way for you to get up to 2 more hours of academic credit for working or volunteering. It’s called Service Learning provided by the Citizenship and Service-Learning (CASL) department.  An EM major can take up to 2 hours of Service Learning credit - typically related to MGT 310 or 410.  They will work for a not-for-profit organization in the Springfield area for 40 hours over a period of a semester as a volunteer.  In return for volunteering and writing a paper, students will receive one credit hour per semester - up to 2 credit hours over a period of 2 semesters.  This is another excellent opportunity for the much-needed "experience factor" and, you get to give back to the community.

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31.) Can I register for an internship after I've already graduated?

 

Assuming you haven't exhausted all 6 hours of MGT 494, and have met all graduation requirements, it is okay to do an additional hour of internship after graduation.  You will need to be reclassified as post baccalaureate.  To find out how to reclassify, contact the Admissions Office in Carrington Hall, Room 204 or call 417-836-5517 or  800-492-7900.

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32.) I know the policy is to complete an Internship (MGT 494) AFTER completing MGT 310, but are there any exceptions that I can register for an Internship (MGT 494) before completing MGT 310?

If you have unique circumstances, you may be able to register for an Internship before completing MGT 310.

At a minimum those unique circumstances include the following:

1. You have an unusually great opportunity (can't pass it up).

2. It is a for-profit company, and it is a non-paid opportunity.

3. The for-profit company requires it.

Under these unique circumstances, you can register for 1 credit hour of MGT 494 BEFORE completing MGT 310. You would then complete another internship AFTER MGT 310 for 2 credit hours (combined = requirement of 3 credit hours of MGT 494). Your 2 credit hour internship would be treated as a three credit hour internship in terms of requirements (see internship requirements explained). You would be required to do only email Journals for your 1 credit hour internship.

If your unique circumstances fits ALL of the above, please see Dr. Rothschild.

Return to EM Internship Steps

 

Career Outlook
 

33. ) What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Music Management?

One of the areas we try to prepare students for is the music business.  You could be a tour manager, a booking agent, or personal manager for an artist, group, road show, or theater. 

"How To" Questions

To view recommended readings:

·        Click on this link: Recommended Readings
·        Search On: Industry
·        Keyword: Music
·        Select: This Category

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34.) What are some career opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Events Management?

Have you ever wondered how to organize an event like the Olympics, or the Super Bowl?  Or have you always wanted to plan a Governor’s Ball or a fundraising event for the Red Cross?  Event planners are needed for big events and small events, city wide events and company wide events.

To view recommended readings:

·        Click on this link: Recommended Readings
·        Search On: Industry
·        Keyword: Event
·        Select: This Category

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35.) What are some opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Venue Management?

There’s a need for professionals to manage the entertainment venues, such as the Springfield-Ozark Mountain Ducks Baseball Stadium, Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, and the Juanita K. Hammons Center for the Performing Arts here in Springfield. Entertainment venues all over the country have a need for people to manage them.

The management duties typically fall into the area of booking the live shows that come to the facility, marketing the facility or the venue, and technical operations.

To view recommended readings:

·        Click on this link: Recommended Readings
·        Search On: Industry
·        Keyword: Venue
·        Select: This Category

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36.) What are some opportunities for entertainment managers in the field of Sport Management?

There are opportunities for students to use their management knowledge and skills with minor and major league baseball clubs, athletic departments at the college level, and a host of sports-related organizations.

To view recommended readings:

·        Click on this link: Recommended Readings
·        Search On: Industry
·        Keyword: Sport
·        Select: This Category

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37.) What is the market like for EM majors?

Students should expect that there will be significant competition for the jobs that are out there.  However, we feel an EM major who graduates from Missouri State has an opportunity to build the networks and relationships with people that will provide them with opportunities.

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38.) What kind of salary can an EM major expect?

Something all EM majors should realize is that because of the competition in the industry, students may not graduate making $50,000 a year, in their first year.

Students graduating with EM degrees typically make somewhere in the high teens and twenty's in their first job.  However, the reason people typically go into the industry is not for the money, but because it matches a passion and an interest with a career.  Plus there are lots of perks.

It’s common for people once they are in a particular company to move up in the organization, and as they move up, they will have the opportunity to make higher salaries.  A general rule of thumb: the larger the organization is, the larger the building or venue for the event, or the larger the artist - the larger the salary.  So you may have to start out on the bottom rung on the ladder if you're managing an artist, but as they become more successful - so do you.  The same with a venue.  You may start in a small 600 seat venue, but over time you might end up managing a venue with a seating capacity of 2000, 10,000, or 15,000.

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39.) I’ve heard you stress the importance of keeping up-to-date with professional associations and trade publications. Can you clarify?

There are multiple professional associations you will want to be aware of and one or two you will want to join.  Being part of an association helps to enhance the probability of you being hired and keeps you abreast of happenings in the industry.  For example, there is an International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM), specifically designed to serve the needs of the venue manager.

Students in MGT 410, Venue Management, must join this professional association.  In return for joining, students receive a bi-monthly magazine that talks about what is going on in the industry, and a directory of all the managers and venues in the country that are members of this organization.  These provide you with great contacts when it comes time to do a job search.  They also provide scholarships to go to their annual conference.

We’ve had 6 or 7 students over the past year who have received scholarships to go to New Orleans and Reno for the IAAM annual conference and trade show. This is just one example of a trade association.

Helpful links:

·        Professional Associations
·        Trade Publications