Associate Degree in 
Entertainment Media

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FALL 2026 SEMESTER!

The Associate Degree in Entertainment Media provides a strong foundation in media production, storytelling, cinematography, editing, audio, and multi-platform content creation. Students build creative and technical skills while exploring the many facets of the entertainment and media industries. Upon completion of the program, graduates may enter the workforce or continue their education toward a bachelor's degree in a related field.

The entertainment industry is one of the world's fastest-growing creative economies, offering career opportunities across film, television, streaming, sports media, music, digital content, live events, journalism, and emerging technologies. An Entertainment Media degree prepares students to become versatile storytellers, producers, creators, and media professionals who can thrive in an ever-changing industry. 

At Monroe University, students learn by doing. From their first semester, they gain hands-on experience producing professional-quality content, collaborating on real-world productions, and working alongside industry professionals. Through experiential learning, internships, media productions, and industry partnerships, students graduate with the technical expertise, creative confidence, and the professional experience employers seek.

This program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the creative, technical, business, and production aspects of today's global entertainment industry. Designed to prepare graduates for careers across film, television, streaming, sports media, journalism, digital content, live events, and emerging media, the curriculum combines academic rigor with hands-on, experiential learning. Coursework integrates storytelling, production management, cinematography, directing, editing, entertainment law, media ethics, content development, and emerging technologies, while emphasizing collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving. Students gain practical experience through studio productions, industry partnerships, internships, and project-based learning that mirror professional entertainment media workflows.

The program culminates in a capstone experience in which students conceptualize, develop, produce, and present original media projects that demonstrate their creative vision, technical proficiency, and production leadership. Graduates leave with an industry-ready body of work and the professional competencies necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape while advancing Monroe University's commitment to career-connected education, social mobility, and expanded representation within the creative industries.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Entertainment Media?

The AAS in Entertainment Media is designed to be completed in four (4) semesters. Full-time, that’s less than a year and a half on Monroe’s three (3)-semester academic calendar.

AAS Entertainment Media Requirements:

60 total credits

• 33 credits of major area courses
• 24 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses
• 3 credits of electives and related coursework

Applicants for the AAS in Entertainment Media must fulfill the following admissions requirements:

• Either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
• A completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.

Applicants also participate in a pre-admission interview.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University.

How Much Does an Entertainment Media Degree Cost?

Budgeting is fundamental to business administration. It’s also essential to pursuing an education. At Monroe, we know getting a degree can be a big financial decision. That’s why we go above and beyond to make education affordable.

That commitment is why U.S. News and World Report has named Monroe one of the Best Value Schools among Regional Universities North for several years running. We offer affordable tuition and fees, manageable payment plans, and financial aid support that is second to none. 

Every Monroe student works with a dedicated financial aid counselor to help secure the maximum possible financial aid package (a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans). Students who work for one of our more than 400 partner organizations may even be eligible for a corporate partnership grant covering up to 20% of their tuition. 

Learn more about financial aid opportunities.

An Entertainment Media degree opens the door to one of the world's fastest-growing industries, where creativity, technology, business, and storytelling intersect. Whether your passion is film, television, sports, journalism, music, fashion, podcasting, or digital media, Monroe University prepares you with the hands-on experience and industry connections needed to launch your career.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level positions, including:

• Production Assistant
• Associate Producer
• Video Editor
• Camera Operator
• Content Creator
• Social Media Producer
• Broadcast or Studio Technician
• Production Coordinator
• Photography Assistant
• Sports Media Assistant
• Entertainment Reporter
• Podcast Producer
• Digital Marketing Coordinator
• Talent or Casting Assistant
• Production Management Assistant

These roles are just the beginning. As experience grows, graduates can advance into leadership positions such as Producer, Director, Executive Producer, Creative Director, Director of Photography, Broadcast Producer, Content Strategist, Studio Manager, Entertainment Journalist, Brand Manager, or Media Entrepreneur. The demand for skilled entertainment media professionals continues to accelerate as streaming platforms, sports media, social media, podcasting, live events, gaming, and digital content reshape how audiences consume entertainment worldwide. Organizations across virtually every industry—from major studios and television networks to professional sports teams, marketing agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and startups—are seeking talented professionals who can create compelling content and engage audiences across multiple platforms.

At Monroe University, students graduate with more than a degree. They leave with a professional portfolio, real-world production experience, industry mentorship, and the practical skills employers seek—giving them a competitive advantage in one of today's most dynamic and rapidly evolving career fields.

Entertainment Media students with unparalleled access to one of the world's most dynamic creative industries. Through internships, externships, industry partnerships, and experiential learning, students gain hands-on experience while building professional networks that launch successful careers.

Entertainment Media students have opportunities to engage with leading organizations and industry professionals, including:

• ESPN
• New York Mets
• Turn 2 Foundation
• Film and television production companies
• Broadcast and digital media organizations
• Public relations and marketing agencies
• Sports and entertainment brands
• Independent filmmakers and production studios
• Podcast and streaming media companies
• Fashion and lifestyle media organizations

Students also benefit from Monroe University's extensive network of industry professionals who serve as faculty, guest speakers, mentors, and collaborators, providing valuable career insight and real-world connections. Beyond the classroom, Entertainment Media students can expand their leadership skills and professional networks through university organizations, productions, film festivals, student media initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Students are encouraged to participate in:

• Entertainment Media Productions and Studio Projects
• Film Festival and Student Showcase submissions
• Industry panels, master classes, and networking events
• Student leadership opportunities
• Cross-disciplinary collaborations with Business, Sports Management, Hospitality, and Criminal Justice programs
• Community storytelling and media initiatives
• Professional conferences and career development workshops

From the classroom to the studio to the set, Monroe University's Entertainment Media program is designed to immerse students in authentic industry experiences that prepare them to graduate with a professional body of work, meaningful connections, and the confidence to thrive in today's rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.