Connect Creative Vision with Strategic Business + Leadership Knowledge
Students in the MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises program connect their creative expertise with the business knowledge, strategic skills + entrepreneurial mindset necessary to lead successful people, projects, and teams in Entertainment, Media and the Arts. The program provides opportunities to engage with top professionals and organizations in creative industries, giving students an inside look at leading creative enterprises. Key features of the MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises include:
The MSLCE program brings together rising leaders with experiences and professional interests across creative industries, spanning performing and visual arts administration, film and television production, development, and distribution, music production and management, entrepreneurship and technology, and more.
MSLCE is currently accepting applications for Winter + Fall 2024. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Learn more about the admissions process on the Application Instructions page.
The MSLCE Advantage
Flexible + Accelerated Curriculum
The MSLCE curriculum addresses topics across leadership, communication, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, analytics, and law that are specifically designed for the creative sector. With four core credits, seven elective credits and a summer experiential component, students have the flexibility to customize their course path to align with their previous experience and future career goals.
Full time students complete the degree in one year. Part-time enrollment is also possible, with an extended time-to-degree.
Connect with Creative Industry Professionals
MSLCE students engage with a wide array of top creative industry professionals through their courses and professional development activities. The External Program, Internships and Career Services (EPICS) office provides students with a breadth of programming, from employer info sessions, networking events, masterclasses and more. Learn more on the Professional Development page
Benefit from Chicago’s Vibrant Creative Economy
Steps from Northwestern’s Evanston campus lies the dynamic creative capital, Chicago. Home to Tony-award-winning theatres, world-class arts and cultural institutions, a vibrant music scene, and a burgeoning entertainment industry, the city is an ideal location to gain experience and further your career.
Inside MSLCE
Inside MSLCE
Advancing Careers
Connecting with Creative + Cultural Leaders
MSLCE Alumni
Charles Wang
Class of 2020
Senior Product Manager, Tencent
“My job is all about creativity, there are no books to follow or rules to obey. We’re in the early stages of brainstorming what kinds of strategies to use. I would’ve never had any idea about how to do this if I hadn’t been in the program. It helped me get this job.”
Adrian Alea
Class of 2018
Founder, The Alea Group, LLC
“What I absolutely love about MSLCE is the diversity in industries represented through the students. I would have never learned more about opera, fashion, music or advertising if I had pursued a master’s degree specializing in only one industry.”
Kici Cofield
Class of 2017
Program Manager, Amazon
“It provided an experience like no other…Getting to know so many people in different roles helps unlock possibilities. You may think the creative industry is strictly TV, film, or theater, but it’s so much more.”
Luis Perez
Class of 2017
Community Audio Producer, Colorado Public Radio
“My classmates had experiences in theater, television, business, and visual arts. What I appreciated most was that no one was telling us how things should work…They encouraged us to dig into a case study and discuss what the best solution might be.”
Wenli Liu
Class of 2017
Freelance Producer, Independent Film/Festival
“I now have the confidence and experience to explore different sides of the film industry to see how I fit, which is what I had hoped to do”