Bachelor of Applied Science in Arts Entrepreneurship

Advance Your Technical Expertise with Business and the Arts

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Arts Entrepreneurship at Delta State University is a dynamic interdisciplinary program that merges the arts with business, tailored for community college graduates holding 45 or more technical credits. Building on your technical expertise, it equips you with advanced skills in business, psychology, and marketing. You’ll master strategic thinking to enhance your creative pursuits — whether launching ventures, spearheading campaigns, or leading teams.

At DSU, we believe artists and creatives are not just makers; they are leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators. This program supports your technical foundation while grounding your growth in business, marketing, and psychology. You’ll graduate prepared to turn your creative work into sustainable, professional ventures.

For incoming freshmen without technical credits, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Arts Entrepreneurship provides an excellent alternative pathway.

45

Career and Technical Credits Count Towards B.A.S. Degree Completion

5

Concentrations

1

Capstone
Requirement

Why Choose the B.A.S. in Arts Entrepreneurship at DSU?

Students collaborating on a creative project, pointing to pages of printed work laid out on a table with a laptop in the background.

The B.A.S. in Arts Entrepreneurship at DSU helps you take your technical training further by connecting it with business and the arts. Instead of starting over, you’ll build on credits earned at a community college and expand your options with flexible concentrations in applied visual arts, music, entertainment industry studies, digital media, and integrated arts. With a curriculum shaped for career advancement, this program turns your technical background into a launchpad for leadership in the creative economy.

Ideal for transfer students, it transforms your foundation into a powerful competitive edge across diverse industries, preparing you to tailor your studies to your unique goals and career aspirations.

  • 5 concentrations to choose from
  • Art Gallery display opportunities
  • Capstone requirement
  • Marries business and arts with technical education
  • An interdisciplinary approach
  • Trade/technical credits count toward degree

Concentrations in the B.A.S. in Arts Entrepreneurship

Arts entrepreneurship student creating digital artwork on a tablet while using design and animation software on a laptop in a computer lab.

Applied Visual Arts

The Applied Visual Arts concentration builds advanced competencies in graphic design, web design, photography, and animation, ideal for students pursuing careers in digital design or media arts. Students who complete this concentration will be able to create professional-level graphic design, web design, and animation projects; apply design thinking, branding, and media production to creative industries and entrepreneurial settings; and compile and present a professional digital portfolio aligned with industry standards.

Film production student recording a class project with a professional video camera, capturing another student on screen.

Digital Media

The Digital Media concentration prepares students for creative careers in video production, branding, and media communications. Students who complete this concentration will be able to produce and edit digital media content, including video, branding, and mass communication materials; apply visual branding and communication strategies to support organizational goals and personal creative enterprises; and demonstrate technical and creative expertise suitable for roles in digital marketing, media production, and content creation.

Large studio console powered on in the control room.

Entertainment Industry Studies

The Entertainment Industry Studies concentration equips students with practical knowledge in music business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and entertainment law. Student who complete this concentration will be able to analyze and apply key principles of the music business, entertainment marketing, entrepreneurship, and copyright law; design entrepreneurial strategies to develop and promote entertainment products and careers; and manage creative projects within legal, marketing, and business frameworks of the entertainment industry.

Students collaborating on a film project with professional camera equipment during a media production class.

Integrated Arts

The Integrated Arts concentration is flexible, interdisciplinary concentration that empowers students to combine artistic expression, psychological insight, strategic communication, and business acumen to innovate, lead, and thrive within the dynamic landscape of the creative economy. Students who complete this concentration will be able to synthesize knowledge from visual arts, music, digital media, and/or business fields to create interdisciplinary projects; innovate and lead within creative fields by applying broad-based creative, entrepreneurial, and communication strategies; and demonstrate versatility and adaptability in professional creative industries requiring cross-disciplinary collaboration.

University band students rehearsing under the direction of a conductor, with woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments filling the classroom.

Music 

The Music concentration integrates music theory, history, education, conducting, and technology, ideal for students seeking roles in music performance, education, production, or arts entrepreneurship. Students who complete this concentration will be able to perform music proficiently and apply advanced musicianship skills across a variety of settings; integrate music theory, history, education practices, and technology into professional or entrepreneurial work; and produce creative projects using digital music technology and production tools.

What Can I Do with a B.A.S. Degree in Arts Entrepreneurship?

Graduates of the bachelor of applied science program in Arts Entrepreneurship are prepared for range of careers in the creative sector, including content creation, arts management, small business development, marketing, and more. Whether launching a startup or joining as established organization, students leave DSU with the confidence and skills to lead in the creative industries.

  • Animator
  • Arts administrator
  • Arts program coordinator
  • Cultural liaison
  • Gallery manager
  • Graphic designer
  • Independent artist
  • Music manager
  • Musician
  • Performing artist
  • Photographer
  • Web designer

Scholarships

At Delta State University, we understand the importance of an affordable education. While we currently do not offer scholarships specifically for our Bachelor of Applied Science in Arts Entrepreneurship program, students may be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities. We also offer an affordable tuition rate with no additional fees for out-of-state students. In addition, we work closely with students to identify and apply for federal and state financial aid programs, as well as student loans and state scholarships. We are committed to providing our students with all of the tools necessary to succeed in many fields, including access to affordable education and financial support.

Program Goals

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Arts Entrepreneurship at Delta State University revolutionizes arts education by fusing creative passion with the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset for thriving as an entrepreneur. Grounded in a vibrant artistic foundation, this trailblazing program empowers students to master management, marketing, and other critical business disciplines, equipping them to dominate in the dynamic world of creative industries.

Admission Requirements

Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.

There are no additional program admission requirements.

Curriculum

The following courses are required to complete a Bachelor of Applied Sciences concentration in Arts Entrepreneurship.

Applied Visual Arts (concentration)

Course Number Course Title Credits
ART 325 Graphic Design 3
ART 330 Advanced Graphic Design 3
ART 328 Web Design 3
ART 329 Motion Graphics 3
ART 372 Animation 3
TOTAL 15

Digital Media (concentration)

Course Number Course Title Credits
ART 235 Fundamentals of Digital Video 3
ART 334 Intermediate Digital Video 3
ART 378 Fundamentals of Lighting 3
COM 318 Mass Communications 3
MKT 420 Visual Branding Strategies 3
TOTAL 15

Entertainment Industry Studies (concentration)

Course Number Course Title Credits
DMI 101 Entertainment Industry Survey 3
DMI 210 Craft of Songwriting 3
DMI 300 Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship 3
DMI 315 Entertainment Product Marketing 3
DMI 415 Entertainment Industry Copyright and Contracts 3
TOTAL 15

Integrated Arts (concentration)

Course Number & Title Credits
Choose any course with AMU, ART, DMI, MUS prefix (prerequisites apply) 3
TOTAL 15

Music (concentration)

Course Number Course Title Credits
AMU 210 Individual Performance 3
Select one of the following:
AMU 210: Individual Performance (additional 3 credits); OR
MUS 114: Music in American Culture; OR
MUS 115: Experiencing Music; OR
MUS 116: The History of Rock and Roll (not taken in general education)
3
MUS 305 Principles of Music Education 3
Select one of the following:
MUS 310: Choral Conducting; OR
MUS 311: Instrumental Conducting
3
Select one of the following:
DMI 202: Computer Audio I; OR
DMI 210 Craft of Songwriting
3
TOTAL 15

Degree Requirements

To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below. Digital Media majors must earn a grade of C or better in all courses in their respective discipline or required by their major.

General Education 30-32
University Requirement 1
Technical Course Transfer 45
Arts Entrepreneurship Core 28-30
Concentration 15
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 120

For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.

Fees

Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes.

Please refer to the undergraduate academic catalog for details on course-related fees.

Get Started Now