The Department of Entertainment Industry is a stand-alone department in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is an outgrowth of the interdisciplinary Entertainment Industry Center and was formed in January, 2009 to address an increasingly diverse entertainment industry and serve students better. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) approved the new degree program with two options in its June, 2010 meeting. The department moved to a new facility in Downtown Florence on Tombigbee Street in Fall, 2012. This new facility houses departmental and faculty offices, recording studio, MIDI lab, classrooms and a 450 capacity fully outfitted performance venue. 

The mission of the Department of Entertainment Industry is to prepare students for professional careers in the entertainment industry through quality instruction, development and mentoring. A cornerstone in this mission is to give students a broad background to enter the diverse, global workplace of private industry, entrepreneurship and independent contracting. The department values hands-on learning, and developing well trained industry practitioners, in addition to broader conceptual approaches leading to professional or graduate school.

Program Objectives

To support and deliver quality coursework in entertainment industry giving students a broad background to enter the diverse workplace of private industry, entrepreneurship and independent contracting.

To prepare students to communicate effectively as an entertainment industry professional.

To prepare students for leadership in the entertainment industry and the ability to work effectively in teams.

To provide students with an understanding of law and ethics as they apply to the entertainment industry.

To develop opportunities for public service in support of the local and regional community and regional cultural heritage.