Home Schools University of Southern California Arts & Media Management
Visual & Performing Arts · Arts & Media Management Rank #39 of 43

Arts & Media Managementat University of Southern California

Graduates earn $26,975/yr in their first year — about 6.0% below the national Arts & Media Management average. Base-case 10-year earnings $486K; scenarios range from $453K to $485K depending on AI disruption.

Los Angeles, CA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
24 AT RISK
24
Optimistic
16
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,975
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.6x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$486K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
54% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Southern California

This program places you in the heart of the global entertainment capital, granting unparalleled access to industry networks. However, the initial earnings trajectory can reflect the highly competitive, project-based nature of creative fields in Los Angeles; many entry-level management roles, even at prestigious firms or studios, prioritize experience and connections over immediate high salaries. You'll likely start by paying your dues in administrative or assistant roles at talent agencies, production companies, or arts organizations.

The indicated AI risk highlights the evolving landscape. While AI can automate many routine tasks in scheduling, data analysis, and even content generation, your long-term success hinges on developing uniquely human skills: strategic vision, complex negotiation, talent relations, and fostering creative collaboration. Focus heavily on internships and networking from day one to build a robust professional pipeline that leverages USC's formidable alumni base.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$453K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score16/100
Earnings Multiple1.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$486K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple1.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$485K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple1.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Southern California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Arts & Media Management graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Managers, all other
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 106,700 openings/yr
$136,550/yr
Moderate
2
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 2,200 openings/yr
$96,310/yr
High
3
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
4
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
5
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Arts & Media Management

How University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Berklee College of Music
MA · Private nonprofit
36
DW Score
$40K
1-yr earn
1.7x
ROI
Champlain College
VT · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.1x
ROI
The New School
NY · Private nonprofit
44
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
SUNY College at Potsdam
NY · Public
45
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
9.6x
ROI
Grand Canyon University
AZ · Private for-profit
39
DW Score
$35K
1-yr earn
4.0x
ROI
Also at University of Southern California

Other top programs at University of Southern California

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Arts & Media Management offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Arts & Media Management trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Arts & Media Management at University of Southern California

How does University of Southern California's Arts & Media Management program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Arts & Media Management. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Arts & Media Management to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Arts & Media Management careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 52% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Arts & Media Management at University of Southern California after financial aid?

Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.