Entrepreneurship for Creatives (MA)
The Fall 2024 application is now open! We review applications on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply as soon as you have gathered your application materials to be considered for the widest array of potential funding opportunities.
Time to degree: one year (30 credits)
Part-time options available
Columbia College Chicago's one-year graduate program in entrepreneurship will help you develop your business idea into a creative venture. You'll gain practical entrepreneurial skills to lead and innovate in the creative industries.
The program is a good fit for students who have entrepreneurial aspirations or interests in fields such as art, design, fashion, film, games, music, performing arts, and media. Whether you dream of opening your own theatre company or art gallery, launching a nonprofit for community artists, or developing an app for game designers, you'll find the tools and guidance you need to get your idea off the ground.
Previous students have planned ventures in film, music, fashion, artificial intelligence, technology, visual arts, and more.
You'll cultivate your business with the help of faculty members who have current professional experience in the creative industries. You'll learn the economic, financial, legal, and marketing skills needed to thrive in the entrepreneurial sector with a focus on your specific target market. By the end of the program, you'll complete a business plan and pitch deck to use for securing venture funding.
You do not need a background or degree in business to succeed in this program. Because many classes are offered in the evenings with online components, you'll have the flexibility to continue your day job and other passions.
Quick Links
In the Classroom
- As a hybrid program, you’ll take several courses online while also meeting in-person with your cohort and faculty.
- Rather than applying your new skills and knowledge to hypothetical situations, your assignments will revolve primarily around your real business idea. This hands-on approach will give you dedicated time to research market opportunities, conduct competitor research, analyze your target customer, and assess risk.
- Your faculty mentors will help you develop a strategy for identifying investors and the information they need in a pitch. You’ll get feedback from faculty, industry partners, and your peers as you hone your proposal.
- You’ll take courses on topics that will give you an understanding of entrepreneurship and its impact. Courses will take a critical look at the global economic marketplace. You’ll study the theory and practice of social influence and community engagement.
- Bolster your business acumen with courses focused on core business concepts like marketing, intellectual property and contracts, accounting, and finance. You’ll apply these skills directly to your creative venture.
- At the end of the year, you will pitch your venture to a panel of accomplished entrepreneurs who will give you feedback and advice related to your venture.
Chicago: A hub for innovation
What makes Chicago a singular location to launch a creative enterprise? In comparison to hubs like LA and New York, Chicago is uniquely accessible. The lower cost of living in Chicago and the many incentives provided by the community to foster innovation—such as incubators and grants—make the city an ideal location for entrepreneurs in the creative industries.
In Chicago, you’ll have access to the arts, culture, and media along with entrepreneurial thought-leaders and venture capitalists.
Graduate Faculty
Columbia faculty members are researchers and professionals in the creative industries with years of experience in management and business. They are active entrepreneurs, producers, agents, lawyers, and administrators. They will share their connections and experience to help you launch your venture with confidence.
Warren Frank, Adjunct Professor
Mary Filice, Associate Professor
Jeffrey Lewis, Adjunct Professor
Monique Maye, Professor of Instruction
Phillipe Ravanas, Professor
Beth Ryan, Associate Professor of Instruction
Justin Sinkovich, Associate Chair of Business and Entrepreneurship, Associate Professor
Clayton Smith, Associate Professor of Instruction
Ryan Smith, Associate Professor of Instruction