What Can I Do With a Major In 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.
** Includes Self-Employed
Specialized Labs:
- SEE Suite: Gain skills in social communication and data evaluation.
- Digital Media Lab & Field Equipment Supply Room: Access professional filmmaking, editing, and checking out gear.
- New Media Institute (NMI): Explore the intersection of design and technology through the New Media Certificate.
Experiential Learning:
- Grady L.A. Domestic Field Study: An eight-week immersion in Hollywood featuring full-time internships and networking with studio executives.
- Cannes Film Festival Study Abroad: Specialized study in international film markets.
Student Organizations:
- The Industry & UGA Film Club: For peer-to-peer professional development, networking, and student-led screenings.
- Talking Dog Agency: Work with real clients in a student-run agency setting.
Master AI as a co-pilot. Today, AI is a baseline expectation. Do not let it replace your creativity, but use it strategically to automate routine tasks so you can focus on your storytelling.
Define your brand. Specificity is currency. Agents and employers want someone who knows who they are and where they thrive.
Future-proof with specialized skills. The current recruitment landscape favors competencies in Motion Capture (MoCap), Virtual Production (LED Volumes), and Multi-lingual fluency.
Develop a Micro-Reel. Attention spans have plummeted, and your demo reel should adapt. Create a 60-90 second reel that puts your absolute best work in the first 15 seconds.
Own Your Audience. Regardless of your level, start a direct-to-fan ecosystem. Owning your fan data is the only way to ensure long-term career sustainability in the current climate.
To stay competitive, students must monitor real-time shifts in production and distribution.
- Industry Forecasting: AlixPartners Media & Entertainment Predictions and EY M&E Trends Reports provide snapshots of structural changes, such as the rise of "frenemy" bundles and the impact of the "Experience Economy".
- Production Analytics: ProdPro offers data on production baselines and shifting geographic hubs.
- Industry News: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline are essential for tracking mergers, acquisitions, and casting shifts.
- Creator Insights: Modern Millie provides a field guide for the creator economy, focusing on community building and "authentic" human-led storytelling.
Beyond UGA's Handshake and LinkedIn, use these niche platforms for specific roles in your industry
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Staff Me Up: Best for freelance crew
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AVA: Assistants vs. Agents job board for a variety of entertainment roles
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ProductionHUB: Film, video, and live event jobs
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EntertainmentCareers: Internships and jobs in film, television, and digital media
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ShowbizJobs: Entertainment roles, including Sports
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Mandy Network: Film, TV production, and post-production roles
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Backstage: Casting calls, film production jobs, and media-related opportunities
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GameJobs.co: Video game and interactive media roles
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Music Business Worldwide: Music, royalty, and sync jobs
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That Pitch: For musicians looking for sync licensing
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MediaBistro: Job listings and resources focused on digital media, content creation, and entertainment marketing.
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Upwork: A marketplace for freelance professionals specializing in video editing, content creation, and digital storytelling.
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Fiverr: A platform for creative freelancers offering services in video production, screenwriting, and multimedia content.
MEDIA ASSOCIATIONS
STUDENT & EMERGING PROFESSIONALS
INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS
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 |
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 |