Media & Entertainment Industries Major

Why Major in Media & Entertainment Industries?

Students presenting at LiveNation about research done at Bonaroo — MEI Students presenting research conducted during the Bonnaroo Music Festival

At the heart of the thrilling world of media and entertainment lies the Media & Entertainment Industries Program (MEI) at Belmont. Our mission is clear: to prepare future leaders who will shape the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. With a comprehensive curriculum, real-world experiences and a focus on adaptability, MEI offers the perfect launchpad for your career in media and entertainment.

As the media landscape evolves, this entertainment industry major offers a future-focused curriculum that blends real-world experience with business fundamentals across music, film, television, sports, publishing, and more. Whether you're drawn to entertainment operations, media executive training or the behind-the-scenes work of managing creative ventures, MEI gives you the tools to lead and thrive.

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Nashville & Beyond

Belmont’s Media & Entertainment Industries program gives you the best of both worlds — a thriving entertainment ecosystem in Nashville and access to top media markets across the country. With Nashville’s growing film, broadcast, publishing and gaming sectors, you’ll find opportunities for internships and career connections in media management and entertainment operations — all just minutes from campus.

But the experience doesn’t stop there. Through Belmont USA, you can continue your coursework while interning in global entertainment cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Hollywood. These immersive off-campus programs offer hands-on exposure to the inner workings of the media and entertainment industries — perfect for students pursuing careers in entertainment strategy, media executive training and beyond.

Students also have the opportunity to apply to the Disney College Program, gaining on-the-job experience at Disney Parks and Resorts while earning academic credit and staying on track to graduate.

What You'll Learn

Student working on her computer in the Massey Center

Comprehensive Curriculum in Media Business Studies

From music and film to sports and fashion, this program provides a solid foundation in the operational, financial and creative dimensions of the media world. You’ll explore everything from copyright and content monetization to branding, audience analytics, and the inner workings of studios, networks and agencies.

Tailored & Custom to Your Path

Pursue a focused path in entertainment studies, or blend disciplines with minors in public relations, marketing or entrepreneurship. Students interested in media business programs or entertainment strategy degrees will find flexible options to align with their goals.

Program Details

Curriculum

The music business major is equivalent to a double major in business administration and music business, so you won't need to complete a minor area of study. A major in music business leads to the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) and requires a total of 128 credit hours of coursework:

BELL core requirements: 53 hours
Major requirements: 42 hours
Major requirements: 18 hours
Electives: 15 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses You'll Take

As a Media & Entertainment Industries student, you'll get a strong foundation in topics that drive the creative economy.

Media, Entertainment & Society
Creativity & Innovation
Emerging Media Trends & Technology
Decision Making & Analytics in Entertainment
Entertainment Marketing & Promotions
Entertainment Economics
Managing Organizations in Entertainment
Entertainment Contracts & Principles

In addition to your core coursework, you'll explore required electives that focus on both industry-specific knowledge and professional skill development. Options include:

Fairs & Festivals
Theme Parks & Attractions
Video Game Industry
Film Industry
Representing Talent in Entertainment
Social & Emotional Intelligence

These targeted courses allow you to customize your path and build expertise in areas that align with your career goals in entertainment operations, media management and beyond.

You’ll also benefit from Belmont’s unique hands-on learning opportunities. Through high-impact programs like Service Corps, the Disney College Program and Belmont USA, students intern across the U.S. in entertainment hubs such as Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Hollywood. You might find yourself working behind the scenes at the Grammy Awards, assisting talent check-in at the Tony Awards or supporting press teams at CMA Fest and MusiCares — all while earning academic credit and staying on track to graduate.

Become part of the magic that is known worldwide

Media & Entertainment Industry majors and students of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business also have the unique opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program (acceptance required) and still remain full-time at Belmont University!! Remaining full-time allows students to retain scholarships and financial aid while keeping them on track to graduate ‘on-time’.

Whether deciding to head down to Disney World or Disneyland, students who choose to participate can earn internship credit, take online courses through Belmont and participate in Disney’s unique seminars and professional development classes for credit.

“As a Disney College Program participant, you’ll become part of the magic that is known Worldwide. Gain valuable, on-the-job experience working in our parks and resorts, participate in college coursework, and have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country and potentially the world in company-sponsored housing. This truly unique five- to seven-month program allows participants to network with leaders, take part personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.” DisneyCareers.com

Disney Parks & Resorts Internships & Programs Education Connection

Watch a few videos about the program.
Disney College Program Factsheet
Disney Professional Internship Fact Sheet

Backed by 14 years of excellence, MEI was born as a response to Belmont’s popular music business program. For those who wanted to dive into the exciting world of entertainment without the specialization of business courses or complex math, MEI became the solution by paving the way for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a minor instead of a BBA.

Beyond academia, we dive into what the world recognizes as the Creative Industries – encompassing video games, television, film, music and more. Originally named Entertainment Industry Studies, our program has evolved to become the launching pad for over 300 students annually.

Outcomes & Alumni Successes

Student video interviewing a man in the Gallery of Iconic Guitars Graduates of Belmont’s Media & Entertainment Industries (MEI) program have launched thriving careers in every corner of the entertainment business — from streaming giants like Netflix to global media leaders such as CBS, Simon & Schuster, Universal Music Group and The Walt Disney Company.

This entertainment business degree prepares students for success in a broad range of fields including media management, content development, talent representation, publishing, live event operations and more.

Many alumni go on to pursue advanced studies or move into leadership roles within the industry, drawing on the real-world experiences and professional connections they gained at Belmont.

We're committed to your success

Curb College's Professional Development team helps students and graduates grow their skills and networks, preparing them to enter the entertainment industry. To support this, our team offers one-on-one meetings, weekly workshops led by industry experts, off-campus networking events, and hundreds of internships each semester. We serve as ambassadors and connectors for Curb College students and graduates through active involvement in the entertainment world.

It's no wonder that 98% percent of Curb College graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 89% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.

Learn more about Career & Professional Development

Alumni Testimonials

Jordan Zinserling

Class of 2024

Media & Entertainment Industries

"I transferred to Belmont as a sophomore, and the MEI program made Belmont my top choice. The classes and professors have provided me with the tools and leadership experience needed to excel in the entertainment industry. They have also encouraged me to pursue my dreams and celebrate my accomplishments when I have achieved them. I have had the privilege of interning for some amazing companies, which would not have been possible without some of my classes, on-campus organizations and the Belmont USA programs. While the program has helped me excel in the entertainment industry, I have also made so many incredible friends through my classes."

Alumni Testimonials

Chandel Shanklin

Class of 2022

Media & Entertainment Industries

“I’ve always had talents and interests in multiple areas of entertainment. The MEI Major at Belmont University is the only major I’ve seen where an individual can gain industry relevant knowledge in so many different areas. It’s been a blessing to be a part of such an amazing program with so many wonderful instructors!”

Alumni Testimonials

Alexa Gorczynski

Class of 2023

Media & Entertainment Industries

"As someone with a ton of different interests, MEI was the perfect major because I didn't have to make any decisions right away. Throughout my years, I had the chance to take many different classes to help me zero in on what I wanted to do after graduation. Through the flexibility I had with internships as a MEI major, I was able to figure out which jobs I did and didn't like."

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the Media & Entertainment Industries program launch careers in:

Media operations and strategy
Entertainment business development
Live event and festival management
Media rights and licensing
TV and film production companies
Digital content distribution
Publishing and literary representation
Branded entertainment and influencer marketing

You’ll be ready to pursue roles like production coordinator, A&R rep, brand manager, music supervisor, licensing associate, entertainment publicist or creative executive.

Learn from Industry Veterans

Our faculty brings deep experience in media research, entertainment innovation, business development and global market trends. Whether you're pursuing media business studies, a media management Nashville focus or aiming for an entertainment operations role, our professors provide the mentorship and insight to help you succeed.