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. Students choose from two concentrations: Creative Industries or Arts Management, where you will engage in interdisciplinary courses and develop the ability to foster diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging through your chosen medium or work.
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4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries
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
- On-campus summer experiential learning (in your +1 year)
- 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
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- Advanced degree leads to higher earning potential
- Make career connections through our Life and Career Design Institute
- Develop a creative project that sets you apart in your field
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. One course is held in-person on campus, one is asynchronous online.
- Four asynchronous online four-credit courses taken in your fifth year (two in the fall and two in the spring). This gives you the flexibility to learn on your schedule. Hone your craft, work full or part time, intern or even travel abroad as you pursue your advanced degree.
Eligibility
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].
To be eligible for the 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries, you must complete three prerequisite courses before your senior year.
- Fundamentals of Business (or another higher level business course)
- Intro to New Media
and one of the following:*
- Digital Culture
- Visualizing Cultural Data
- Design Studio
- Production II
- Arts Administration
- Rehearsal and Production
*exceptions will be made for other courses related to a creative industry not listed above, e.g. Creative Writing, Visual Art, Computer Science, etc.
- Creative Industries
- Advanced Media Workshop
- Media Capstone: Practice and Production
- Business Basics for Creatives
- Production Culture
- Media Capstone: Distribution & Impact
Choose one of the following concentrations:
Concentration in Arts Management
- Non-Profit Management for the Arts & Culture Sectors
- Grant Writing and Proposal Management
Concentration in Creative Industries
- Development Lab
- Business of Representation
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