Arts and Entertainment Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Specialized legal education focused on the complex regulatory frameworks governing creative and performance-based industries. This program equips students with advanced knowledge of legal principles shaping the global arts and entertainment sectors, preparing them for high-level roles in legal practice, industry compliance, and policy development.
- Intellectual Property Rights: In-depth exploration of copyright, trademark, and patent protections specific to artistic works, music, film, fashion designs, and digital content.
- Contract Law in Creative Industries: Analysis of negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of agreements across talent representation, production deals, licensing, and distribution.
- Media Law and Regulation: Study of legal standards governing broadcast, digital media, content dissemination, privacy, defamation, and First Amendment protections.
- Entertainment Industry Compliance: Examination of legal requirements related to labor practices, union agreements, content rating systems, and international distribution laws.
- Performing Arts and Sports Law: Coverage of athlete contracts, image rights, sponsorship agreements, event liability, and governance structures within sports and performing arts organizations.
- Fashion Law and Brand Protection: Focus on legal issues surrounding design originality, counterfeiting, supply chain ethics, and global trademark enforcement in the fashion sector.
- International Legal Frameworks: Understanding cross-border legal challenges, cultural export regulations, and treaty obligations affecting global creative commerce.
Arts and Entertainment Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Arts and Entertainment Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Arts and Entertainment Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Arts and Entertainment Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Arts and Entertainment Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Arts and Entertainment Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Arts and Entertainment Law is found at University of Southern California (USC) (90 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 90 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Post-Master's
|
90 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Arts and Entertainment Law programs
How much can I earn with a Arts and Entertainment Law degree?
Salaries for Arts and Entertainment Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Arts and Entertainment Law programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Arts and Entertainment Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Southern California (USC) (90 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Arts and Entertainment Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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