What Can I Do With a Major In Entertainment and Media Studies?

UGA Specific Information for Entertainment and Media Studies

Entertainment and Media Studies (EMST) focuses on the theory and practice of scripted and unscripted visual storytelling. Students prepare for creative, corporate, and research careers by mastering "above-the-line" roles like screenwriting, producing, and directing, alongside technical expertise in post-production and cinematography.

In the current industry, the EMST major emphasizes producing "market-ready products"—creatives who understand branding, digital footprints, and AI-assisted workflows. The curriculum bridges traditional cinema and interactive media, preparing students to navigate a world where streaming, gaming, and social discovery converge.

Career Paths for EMST Graduates

  • Film & Television Development: Content strategy/development and screenwriting.
  • Film & Television Production: Producing, directing, cinematography, and editing.
  • Entertainment Talent Representation/Management.
  • Entertainment Journalism & Media Criticism: Analyzing and reporting on pop culture trends.
  • Streaming & Digital Content Creation: Producing content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix.
  • Social Media & Audience Strategy: Managing engagement for entertainment brands.
  • Marketing Communications in Entertainment: Shaping/executing promotional messaging for films, TV shows, and events.
  • Game & Interactive Development: Exploring storytelling through emerging platforms.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2025 Career Outcomes for Entertainment and Media Studies*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

Specialized Labs:

Experiential Learning:

Student Organizations:

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

Common Entry-Level Roles: Production Assistant, Assistant Editor, Junior Screenwriter, Social Media Coordinator, Content Creator, Audience Engagement Analyst, Media Researcher

Example Career Progression: Production Assistant > Associate Producer > Producer or Director;

Example Career Progression: Junior Writer > Staff Writer > Showrunner

Example Career Progression: Social Media Coordinator > Digital Strategy Manager

 

Success in the entertainment and media industry requires a blend of creative vision and technical expertise. Employers seek graduates who demonstrate:

  • Storytelling & Scriptwriting

  • Video Editing & Production

  • Media Analysis & Research

  • Digital Content Strategy

  • Collaboration & Communication

  • Adaptability to New Technologies (e.g., AI, VR, streaming platforms)

 

The Future of Entertainment & Media

The entertainment landscape is continuously evolving with advancements in AI-driven content creation, immersive storytelling, and digital media distribution. Professionals in this field must be adaptable, innovative, and aware of global trends to thrive in a competitive industry. Key areas to watch include AI-driven content creation and editing tools, interactive and immersive storytelling (VR/AR), and changing patterns in streaming and audience engagement.

 

Portfolio or Reel Requirement: A portfolio or demo reel is essential for most creative roles. Students should begin building theirs with class projects, internships, and student films.

 

Typical Starting Salaries: Entry-level roles in media and entertainment typically range from $35,000–$50,000, depending on location and specialization.

 

Additional Study Options: Many EMST graduates pursue advanced degrees in Media Studies/Film Production, Screenwriting, or Communications.

Additional Career Research Resources

To stay competitive, students must monitor real-time shifts in production and distribution.

Employment Websites

  • GA Handshake: Internship and job postings specifically for UGA students, including roles in media, film, and entertainment.

  • LinkedIn Jobs: A strong platform for finding media-related jobs, networking, and researching entertainment companies.

  • Glassdoor: Job postings, salary insights, and company reviews for media and entertainment careers.

  • EntertainmentCareers: A leading resource for internships and jobs in film, television, and digital media.

  • Mandy Network: Job listings for film, TV production, and post-production roles.

  • Backstage: Casting calls, film production jobs, and media-related employment opportunities.

  • MediaBistro: Job listings and resources focused on digital media, content creation, and entertainment marketing.

  • The Writers Guild of America Job Board: Entry-level screenwriting and creative writing opportunities. This specific URL is for WGA West. See WGA East for additional opportunities.

  • Upwork: A marketplace for freelance professionals specializing in video editing, content creation, and digital storytelling.

  • Fiverr: A platform for creative freelancers offering services in video production, screenwriting, and multimedia content.

Professional Associations/Resources

1. National & International Media Associations:

 

2. Student & Emerging Professional Resources:

 

3. Educational & Industry Publications:

 

4. Networking & Professional Development:

Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2025 Entertainment and Media Studies Majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2025 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
AriZona Beverage Company Social Media Content Creator
Assembly Studios Production Intern
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Digital/Web Intern
Bell Boys Media Chief Executive Officer
Classical Charter Schools Teacher
Consume Media Assistant Editor
CreatorIQ Business Development Representative
FOX 5 Atlanta Creative Services Trainee
Icon Sales Representative
In Touch Ministries Second Assistant Camera
Lightmark Media Marketing Content Specialist
Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes Video Producer
News On 6 Multimedia Journalist
NFA Burger Director of Marketing
Papa John's Delivery Driver
Push Pilates Studio Manager
Reformed University Fellowship RUF Intern
Reliant Talent Agency Assistant
Sony Music Publishing Intern
Straight Street Media Podcast Producer
The Walt Disney Company Theme Park Worker
United Producers Group Sales Associate
United Talent Agency Agent Trainee
United Talent Agency Spring Agent Training Program
University of Georgia Residential Services Administrative Specialist
View Finders on PBS Social Media Intern
Warner Bros. Discovery Junior Production Assistant
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2025 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.
Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2025 Entertainment and Media Studies Majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2025 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Tsinghua University Global Affairs, MS
University of Georgia Advertising, MA
University of Georgia Emerging Media, MA
University of Georgia Emerging Media, MA
University of Georgia Film, Television, & Digital Media, MFA
University of Strathclyde Sport Data Analytics, MS
* denotes no responses received.

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