Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

Behind every great artist, performer, and athlete are business professionals who manage their careers, festivals, tours, films, galleries, museums, albums, videos, magazines, mobile applications, sports teams and venues. Students majoring in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management (AEMM) gain the knowledge and skills to launch a sustainable career in the music industry, sports and live entertainment, visual art installation, new media and mass communications—just to name a few. Studying on Columbia’s campus in the heart of Chicago provides AEMM students the platform and opportunity to intern and work for world-renowned companies while simultaneously earning their degrees. And top executives from those very same companies are in our classrooms every day—both as guests AND as faculty—teaching our students industry standards and practices, and sharing their professional experiences and pathways to success.

AEMM students learn by doing. They make connections with an active network of 3,000 alumni working for top arts and entertainment companies located in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and around the world. They study international business from the experts by studying abroad—in Paris, London, Rome, Dublin, and Shanghai—at one of our eight international partner universities. They work, for college credit, in student-run ventures—two record labels, a talent agency, an online distribution company, a gallery, a night club and a marketing agency. They are, every day, applying the theory of business and management to practical, real-world situations creating a body of work and experience that they can carry with them into the professional world.

Philippe Ravanas
Chairperson, Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

About Columbia

Notable Alumni

Scholarships

"You chose your major because you had to. It was your passion: a strong and genuine desire to make the arts and media your life's work. That passion will serve you well." - Warrick L. Carter, President of Columbia College Chicago

Our students come from all walks of life, from a variety of backgrounds and from a multitude of experiences, but however different they may appear, a common ground exists: our students are passionate.

Columbia College Chicago offers an academically rigorous creative learning environment for students eager to study the visual, performing, media, and communication arts. At Columbia we wed theory and practice. Throughout their studies, students are firmly rooted in coursework in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as the fundamental theories and histories that shape their chosen disciplines. Equally important, they get their hands dirty by creating work of their own, collaborating with students from other disciplines, making industry contacts, and working alongside faculty who provide the context and expertise to guide their work.

By their final year Columbia students have developed a Body of Work that gives voice to their talent and personal vision. The countless hours logged at consoles, the late hours spent in practice rooms, the miles ran across stages, and the dog-eared pages of their notebooks demonstrate a unique passion not found on any other campus in the nation.

Student Profile: Sarah Myers

Sarah Myers at the Dwight Lofts Graffiti Room

Select a photo to enlarge.

Sarah Myers Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management: Music Business Management Graduation Year 2011 Washington, MO
What made Columbia College Chicago the school for you?		Well, after going on a tour of Columbia and going to open house, I was sold. There was something about the spirt of the school that really spoke to me. Everyone who was here was here for something they loved. It's rare to find that, and it was something I wanted to be a part of.
Tell us about your first semester here.		To be honest, my first semester was rough. It wasn't easy for me to find my group of friends right off the bat, but that was no one's fault but my own. I didn't take advantage of all that the school had to offer, especially weeks of welcome. I spent most of my free time on my own exploring the city. While I got to know my directions really well, I wasn't getting to know my classmates. It wasn't until my First-Year Seminar class that I found the people I needed to meet.
What's the first thing new students should do when they get here?		Explore! Chicago is huge and, while the South Loop is home to many of us, there are so many places to see. New students should take advantage of being here and go to as many different neighborhoods as possible.
Why did you choose your major?		I've always loved music but being a musician isn't a passion for me. When I was younger I would look up addresses of record labels in hopes to one day work there. Although my goal has changed, my passion hasn't. There's nothing better than watching a band go from unknown to well known and having a hand in it.
What are three things every student needs to know about your major?		It's a tough industry. There's a lot to learn and not everything is as simple as you would think. There's a lot of competition, so it's good to be ahead of the curve. There's lots of different avenues in the music industry. You can work at a label, venue, talent agency, etc. Don't limit yourself. New media is key. It's best to stay up to date with all the current trends in technology. They'll help you out in the end.
What happens at Columbia that doesn't happen at any other college in the world?		Manifest! It's a one of a kind celebration of student work that is phenomenal.

Student Organizations

Housing

Columbia’s urban campus is home to some of the most innovative student housing available. Our four residence centers are centrally located on campus, each with their own unique vibe, and provide ideal settings for creative students. Each building features its own unique set of amenities (from music practice rooms, fitness centers, bicycle storage, to a graffiti room), and each uniquely embodies the innovative mindset of the College. Columbia’s residence centers are a hub of social activity—actively building strong communities by providing the events, social support, and resources that truly make it their home-away-from-home.

Those interested in an immersive residential environment are encouraged to explore the World Arts Marketing, Managing, and Molding Living Learning Community, which brings together students who want to have a hand in molding the culture around them as publicists, advertisers, managers and marketing gurus.

Of note, Columbia’s on-campus housing is situated in the heart of the “South Loop Education Corridor” of Chicago, among the safest neighborhoods in the third largest city in the United States with steps-away access to mass transit. The adventurous will appreciate the numerous cultural, career and social opportunities awaiting them at the nearby clubs, theatre companies, and media agencies; the homesick will take comfort in experiencing that a short walk or brief ride will take them to a meal as good as mom made, be it a classic American diner in the Loop or a beloved pho restaurant in Little Vietnam.

How to Apply for Housing

Students who apply for Admission using Columbia’s Online Application should complete the On-Campus Housing section of the application. Students who apply for Admission using the Common Application will be asked to complete an On-Campus Housing application separately.

Important Note: Housing is assigned on a first-come first-served basis, and we do our best to match students with the “room-type” and/or roommate preference they indicate on the application. Housing assignments are made exclusively by room-type, and not by building. More information about residence life and housing are available here.

Thank you for your interest in applying to Columbia College Chicago. We welcome applications from all students interested in becoming part of our diverse and uniquely creative community. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Ready to apply?
Visit our Apply page to begin.

For all domestic students, there are three key parts to Columbia’s application:

1 of 3		Application, including housing portion, essay and application fee
2 of 3		Letter of recommendation
3 of 3		Official transcript(s)

Regarding test scores: If you have taken the ACT or SAT, and your scores are not on your transcript, please arrange to have your test results forwarded separately to the Admissions Office. Although the ACT or SAT is not required for admission to Columbia College Chicago, these tests are valuable tools for advising new students. In many cases ACT scores may be used as an alternative to the college's assessment test. All students are strongly urged to complete one of these tests while they are in high school.

Detailed information about the application process is available on the Apply page.

International applicants are welcome: please view special instructions to ensure your application is completed properly.

Fall 2013 Applicants
January 1, 2013		FAFSA Application process opens
May 1, 2013		General deadline for Fall 2013
July 31, 2013		Final decision date for Fall 2013

About Columbia

Notable Alumni

Scholarships

Student Profile: Sarah Myers

Student Organizations

Housing

Tuition and Fees

Critical Dates and Deadlines

Admissions Decisions