The TCU Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTDM) announced the addition of a new undergraduate major, Business of Entertainment Media, set to launch in fall 2026.
The program is designed to combine elements of existing FTDM majors while offering students new paths in the field of entertainment, aimed toward leadership instead of traditional production work.
Department Chair Kylo-Patrick Hart said the major was developed in response to consistent student feedback gathered through annual graduate surveys.
“A growing number of them in recent years have expressed interest in a business-related major that serves [their] unique interests and needs,” Hart said. “[They are seeking] leadership positions pertaining to various aspects of film, television and digital media.”
Hart said the program has been under development for more than two years, including early brainstorming and planning before formal approval.
The major aims to prepare students for careers such as brand managers, production managers and social media coordinators.
“This major would allow for me to see the business side of the arts and how the logistics affect the art,” said Miranda Hernandez, a sophomore FTDM major. “Business runs a lot of what happens in the film department; therefore, it adds a different perspective to the real world.”
The program will be offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree and will consist of 31 hours of FTDM courses, along with a required 18-hour minor or a second major of the student’s choice. Some of the courses that will be offered include radio broadcasting, management for broadcast, cable and film, as well as entertainment law and finance.
For current FTDM students who may wish to change majors, many of their previously-completed courses may count toward the new program, making the transition more accessible.
Janice McCall, co-manager of KTCU, said the major reflects skills already used in professional media environments. Her role includes reviewing contracts with record labels and ensuring compliance with Federal Communications Commission regulations.
“Because the board approved this new major, it’s obvious to them, and to FTDM, that this is something that the students will benefit from,” McCall said. “It gives the students a different track aside from production within the media.”
The addition of the major reflects a broader shift in the media industry, one where business has an increasingly central role alongside content creation.
Students can declare the Business of Entertainment Media major now and begin taking classes in fall 2026.