4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries

Wheaton provides an exciting opportunity for you to pursue your talents while acquiring the necessary business skills needed for career success. Our 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries empowers you to earn both an undergraduate and advanced degree in just five years. At the end of your fourth year, you’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. In the fifth year, you’ll earn a Master of Arts in Creative Industries.

The accelerated program combines rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a career-focused curriculum with two optional concentrations: Film, Television, and Media Industries or Arts Management. You’ll engage in interdisciplinary courses and develop the ability to foster diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging through your chosen medium or work.

Why Consider a 4+1 at Wheaton?

Accelerated Program

  • Save time and money
  • 5 years, 2 degrees

On Campus and Online

  • On-campus bachelor’s degree program
  • Online and asynchronous master’s courses

Curriculum Continuity

  • Master’s courses align with Compass Curriculum
  • Continue to learn with Wheaton faculty and staff

Competitive Edge

  • Advanced degree leads to higher earning potential
  • Make career connections through our Life and Career Design Institute

Program Highlights


The 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries provides meaningful opportunities for you to immerse yourself in your craft – whether you’re a content creator, storyteller, maker, influencer, artist, performer, writer, musician, filmmaker or other creative. If you don’t consider yourself to be ‘a creative’ but have an interest in adjacent fields such as business, computer science or marketing, this program will open up new pathways for various careers in creative industries.

You’ll graduate with an advanced degree, specialized skills, and a creative portfolio to position yourself for success as an independent artist, entrepreneur, or employee in the cultural production, creative services or support sectors.



4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries

Overview

The Masters of Arts in Creative Industries consists of eight courses (32 credits).

  • Two in-person, four-credit courses taken during your fourth undergraduate year
  • Two four-credit courses taken the summer after you earn your bachelor’s degree. These courses will begin with a three-week in-person intensive study on campus and then continue remotely.
  • Four asynchronous online four-credit courses taken in your fifth year (two in the fall and two in the spring)

Note: The 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries is for current Wheaton students only. First year students, sophomores, juniors, and student-athletes with remaining NCAA eligibility are encouraged to inquire. For more information, contact Phoebe Chan, Special Advisor for the 4+1 Programs, at [email protected].

International students completing the 4+1 will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). For OPT questions, contact [email protected].

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries, you must complete three prerequisite courses before your senior year.

  • MGMT 111 Fundamentals of Business
  • FNMS 231 Intro to New Media

Plus one of the following:

  • DCM 331 Digital Culture
  • DMC 244 Visualizing Cultural Data
  • DES 398 Design Studio
  • FNMS 360 Production II
  • MUSC 330 Arts Administration
  • THEA 330 Rehearsal and Production
Core Requirements
  • Creative Industries in the 21st Century
  • Creative Tools for the 21st Century
  • Client-Based/Creative IP: A Business Incubator
  • Business Basics for Creatives
  • Production Culture
  • Practicum: Field Work & Analysis of Practices
Concentrations

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Concentration in Film, Television, and Media Industries

  • Production Lab
  • Business of Representation

Concentration in Arts Management

  • Non-Profit Management for the Arts & Culture Sectors
  • Grants Management
Certifications

You are strongly encouraged to complete one or more industry certifications, such as the Adobe Certified Professional certificates, Google Career Certificates, Tableau, HubSpot Academy or other career-specific skill requirements.

Alumni in Creative Industries


Associate Art Director
HarperCollins Publishers
New York, NY

Contemporary Jewelry Specialist and Curator
Museum of Arts and Design
New York, NY

Co-Founder & Creative Director
Yellowcake Pictures
Venice, CA

Senior Creative Project Manager
Kate Spade
New York, NY

Art Director
Wayfair
Boston, MA


Staff Photographer
National Geographic
Washington, D.C.

Expressive Psychotherapist and Music Therapist
Self-employed
Boston, MA

Advertising Post-Production Producer | Video Editor
The New York Times
New York, NY

Senior Director, Social Media
Sony Music Publishing
New York, NY

Curatorial Research Associate
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston, MA


Photo Editor and Team Photographer
New England Patriots
Foxborough, MA

Assistant Manager of Advertising & Paid Digital Media
Simon & Schuster
New York, NY

Assignment Editor
CBS News and Stations
New York, NY

Print and Pattern Designer
Old Navy
Remote

Director of Video, Advancement Communications
Northeastern University
Boston, MA


Department

Offered by the Film and New Media department.