BA in Business of Creative Enterprises

The Business of Creative Enterprises (BCE) major is among the first of its kind in the country. It is developed for students who are driven by a passion for arts and communication and interested in leading and managing businesses in the creative economy. The program focuses on the linkage between business strategy and artistic vision through human centered design thinking, helping students learn about and adapt to an ever-changing economy. BCE prepares students to become future executives, managers, and innovators in new or existing creative enterprises in Arts and Entertainment, Communication, Media, and Publishing sectors. The creative economy contains an exciting cross section of enterprises and individuals working together to redefine existing business strategies and establish new practices in marketing, architecture, visual arts and crafts, design, film and media, digital games, music and entertainment, and publishing. Throughout the program, the BCE students will develop the skill set needed to adapt and lead in changing and emerging fields, spot emerging trends, communicate ideas, build communities and connect to new markets. The program draws its faculty and courses from Emerson’s departments of Marketing Communication, Visual & Media Arts, Performing Arts, Communication Studies, and Writing, Literature & Publishing. In addition to real-world training in communication and the arts, students will work with industry leaders to develop a unique creative voice and business acumen in a collaborative and supportive environment. The Boston and Los Angeles Connection - There is no better place to study the business of creative enterprises than in Boston, a city recognized by Forbes as one of the most creative in America and one of the biggest centers of the creative economy. The College’s partnership with various Boston companies will bring added value to your 4-year experience. You can also choose to spend a semester at our Los Angeles campus and take advantage of a broad range of internships with studios, production companies, publications, agencies, and startups. At both campuses, you will interact with distinguished professionals in lectures, workshops, master classes, and internships. The opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment that is both challenging and supportive makes Emerson College the place to be if being a leader in the creative economy is your goal. Student Learning Outcomes: Students understand the cultural, political, economic and regulatory context in which creative enterprises operate. Students develop and refine critical and creative thinking skills along with collaboration in the creative process. Students demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic world and create their personal relationship to it. Students appreciate and practice inclusiveness as valuable for the success of creative enterprises. Students understand the role of vision and innovation in driving the creative economy. Students demonstrate knowledge of business principles and practices, markets, and organizational models in creative enterprises. Students effectively use data driven approaches to decision-making and problem solving. Students recognize and apply ethical business practices within the creative enterprises. Students demonstrate effective and professional communication in business situations and lead with confidence.