Associate Degree in
Entertainment Media

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Study Options

On Campus

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.

Why a Major in Entertainment Media?

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.

Curriculum

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

Admission Requirements

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.

Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Your Future Entertainment Media Career

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.

Professional Opportunities

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.

The Entertainment Media Team

Dorothy Toran

Executive Director of Entertainment Media and Strategic Initiatives | Professor

Dorothy Toran

The Emmy and Palme d’Or nominated Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Executive In Charge of Production, has over twenty years of experience in television. She has executive produced and directed hundreds of hours of programming for several streaming platforms including the Food Network, MTV, VH1, E! and TLC. Dorothy is widely known for her work on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey, one of the highest rated franchises in unscripted television. She also served as the executive producer of NBC Universal's landmark specials, Race In America: A Movement Not A Moment and Race In America: Our Vote Counts, the network's first ever two-part series about systemic racism. Her career has been defined by award-winning storytelling, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to talent development. Dorothy now brings her vision to higher education, leading the launch of Monroe University's first ever Entertainment Media minor - a bold new program preparing students for careers in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

Jacob Huddleston

Program Manager | Professor

Jacob Huddleston is an Emmy award winning showrunner and executive producer, with extensive experience in unscripted television. His work encompasses an impressive roster of high-profile talent, including Oprah Winfrey, Mike Rowe, Lance Armstrong, and Mario Van Peebles. Jacob has produced several acclaimed series, including Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey and the Facebook Watch original series, Returning the Favor. Known for his ability to craft compelling stories that amplify underrepresented voices and resonate across diverse audiences, Jacob brings the same passion into the classroom. His commitment to mentor the next generation of media professionals focuses on helping students learn how to confidently navigate the rapidly evolving career landscape of traditional and digital entertainment media.

Harold Wilkerson

Entrepreneur | Communications Strategist | Educator | Author

Harold Wilkerson is an entrepreneur, communications strategist, educator, and author whose career spans culture, entertainment, corporate branding, and higher education. As founder of Chase Republic, a brand communications agency, Harold has developed innovative marketing strategies, television productions, strategic partnerships, and experiential activations for leading brands and organizations, including LVMH, Major League Baseball, Nike, TV One, the NBA, WNBA, Samsung, Hard Rock Hotel, and Mohegan Sun Casinos. Throughout his career, he has negotiated and executed partnerships with influential figures across sports, music, entertainment, and culture, including Dwyane Wade, Meagan Good, Angela Yee, Allen Iverson, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ja Rule, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Dapper Dan, Terrence J, Rakim, Run-DMC, and Slick Rick. Beyond the boardroom, Harold is a professor of Strategic Communication with more than 12 years of experience in higher education. Drawing on decades of real-world experience, he connects communication theory to leadership, culture, media, persuasion, branding, relationships, and professional success—giving students from a distinctly practical and relevant perspective.

Robin Mueller

Cinematographer | Professor

Robin Mueller is a New York City–based Director of Photography with more than 15 years of experience crafting compelling visual stories across documentary, unscripted television, branded content, and reality programming. His extensive credits include Say Yes to the Dress, 90 Day Fiancé, I Quit, Chopped, Bad Ink, American Restoration, Going Yard, LaLa’s Full Court Life, and Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall. Known for combining a cinematic eye with the speed and adaptability required for real-world production, Robin has worked across an extensive range of camera systems and production environments—from intimate documentary storytelling to fast-paced multi-camera television and commercial campaigns for brands including American Express and AXE. Fluent in English and German, with working knowledge of French, Robin also brings post-production and design experience with Final Cut, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

Lisa Arrindell

Actress | Director | Writer | Theater Acting Coach

With a career spanning film, television, and Broadway, this Juilliard-trained actor has built an exceptional body of work alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers and performers. Film credits include Clockers directed by Spike Lee, Madea’s Family Reunion directed by Tyler Perry, Big Momma’s House 2, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, 12 Angry Men... and Women, Favorite Son, Albany Road, and The Secret Between Us. On television, credits range from a series-regular role on In the House to recurring and guest appearances on The Steve Harvey Show, As the World Turns, Law & Order: SVU, Madam Secretary, Abbott Elementary, Bull, Random Acts of Flyness, and Watson. Acclaimed television films include HBO’s Disappearing Acts and A Lesson Before Dying. An accomplished stage performer, credits include Broadway’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Arena Stage's Jubilee, Seattle Repertory Theatre’s Julius Caesar, and productions at The Billie Holiday Theatre, Hartford Stage, and Playwrights Horizons. Trained at The Juilliard School, the High School of Performing Arts, the Moscow Art Theatre School, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, this versatile artist brings decades of craft, range, and commanding presence to every role.

Karlene Damallie

Television and Celebrity Makeup Artist | Beauty Educator | Beauty Entrepreneur

Karlene Damallie is a television and celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and beauty entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience creating flawless, camera-ready looks across television, Broadway, red carpets, bridal, and luxury beauty. Her credits include The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, CBS This Morning, and Broadway’s Waitress, with talent including Shoshana Bean, Eden Espinosa, Adrienne Warren, and Kelli O’Hara. Known for her refined, natural-enhancing artistry and expertise across all skin tones, Karlene has also represented leading beauty brands including MAC, NARS, Bobbi Brown, and Trish McEvoy. As co-founder of Every Hue Beauty, an inclusive cosmetic brand distributed in approximately 400 Target stores nationwide, Karlene helped bring her artistry beyond the makeup chair through shade development, product testing, and beauty education. Her work sits at the intersection of artistry, inclusivity, education, and beauty innovation.

Omar Saleem

Director of Photography | Cinematographer

Omar Saleem is a New York–based Director of Photography and Cinematographer with two decades of experience shaping the visual language of some of television’s most recognizable, unscripted, lifestyle, documentary, and reality programming. His Director of Photography credits include VH1’s Black Ink Crew: New York, American Chopper, Cheap Eats, Vanity Fair Confidential, Ready to Love: The Last Resort, and Deb’s House. Omar has contributed to major series including Bravo’s Summer House and The Real Housewives of New York, Run’s House, The Bachelor, and Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together. His documentary work also includes additional photography for PBS FRONTLINE’s acclaimed “Policing the Police.” A graduate of Brooklyn College (CUNY) with a focus in Film, Television, and Media Production, Omar brings a cinematic eye, technical versatility, and an instinct for capturing authentic, unscripted moments.

Discover What You Can Achieve

The entertainment and media industry is transforming at an unprecedented pace, fueled by the growth of streaming platforms, sports media, digital content, podcasting, social media, gaming, and emerging technologies. As audiences seek authentic stories and innovative content across every platform, the demand for skilled creative professionals has never been greater.

Whether you aspire to produce films, direct television, cover major sporting events, launch a digital media brand, create viral content, or lead the next generation of entertainment companies, Monroe University provides the foundation to turn your passion into a profession. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, internships, and real-world production experiences, you'll graduate with the creative, technical, and business skills employers seek—along with a professional portfolio and industry network that set you apart. Bring your creativity, curiosity, and ambition. Monroe University will help you develop the knowledge, experience, and confidence to create, innovate, and lead in the future of entertainment media.

Apply Now