amda campus building and fordham university campus building collage

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in New York City

AMDA has partnered with Fordham University to create an option for AMDA students to complete a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts degree while staying in New York City.

This degree pathway leads seamlessly from AMDA’s Conservatory programs into Fordham’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS).

Fordham Individualized Major Options for AMDA Students:

  • Entertainment Business for the Performer
  • Psychology for the Performing Artist
  • Social Media and Marketing for the Performer
  • Public Relations for Entertainment
Pathway

Start at AMDA. Finish at Fordham.

This partnership is more than a pathway — it’s a launchpad. You’ll combine AMDA’s world-class performing arts training with the academic prestige of a Fordham Bachelor of Arts Degree, setting you up for success as a performer, entrepreneur, creator, and leader in the arts and beyond.

Why This Pathway Stands Out

  • Complete Credit Transfer: All eligible AMDA credits (as assessed by Fordham PCS).
  • Stay in NYC: Keep your AMDA housing while studying nearby at Fordham New York. For additional information on housing opportunities, please contact HousingRentals@amda.edu.
  • Performer-Focused Majors: Programs designed for artists ready to expand their careers.
  • Accelerated Timeline: Complete your Fordham BA in as little as 2-3 full-time semesters.
  • Fordham Access: Fordham’s faculty, career services, libraries, and alumni network will all be available to you.

Pathway

The Roadmap

Develop your foundation as an artist at AMDA and finish with a BA at Fordham while living in NYC.

AMDA New York City

Years 1–3

  • Train in Acting, Acting for Camera, Musical Theatre, or Dance
  • Complete your Professional Certificate at AMDA New York in 4 semesters, then transfer to the Advanced Certificate for 2 additional semesters
Start My Application
(New Students)
Submit Interest Form
(Current Students)

Fordham University

Year 4

  • Transfer eligible AMDA credits directly into Fordham PCS
  • Complete your degree in as few as 2–3 semesters of full-time study
  • Stay in AMDA housing while studying at Fordham
  • Graduate with a prestigious Bachelor of Arts degree
Submit Interest Form
(AMDA Graduates)

Majors & Curriculum

Available Majors & Core Curriculum

All students complete six foundational Fordham courses:Philosophy of Human Nature, Faith and Critical Reason,Texts and Contexts, Mathematical/Computational Reasoning, Sacred Texts and Traditions, Senior Values Seminar. Alongside these, you’ll take major-specific courses in business, psychology, communication, media, and public relations — equipping you for a dynamic career in the arts and beyond.

  1. Entertainment Business for the Performer

    Gain the financial and managerial knowledge every creative professional needs. This pathway covers accounting, management, and marketing principles.

  2. Psychology for the Performing Artist

    Explore the mind behind the artist. With courses in social psychology, law, and psychopathology, this pathway helps performers understand human behavior and apply it to their craft.

  3. Social Media and Marketing for the Performer

    Master the tools to grow your creative presence online. From digital tech to professional social media, you’ll learn strategies to market yourself and connect with audiences.

  4. Public Relations for Entertainment

    Learn how to build, manage, and promote brands in the entertainment world. This pathway combines communication, PR strategy, and media skills tailored for performers and creatives.

Program Options

Fordham Program Options for Advanced Certificate Graduates

AMDA Advanced Certificate graduates can transfer into one of four Fordham’s Individualized Studies Majors detailed below.

  1. Entertainment Business for the Performer

    1. Financial Accounting
    2. Managerial Accounting
    3. Financial Management
    4. Principles of Management
    5. Marketing Principles
    6. Arts & Entertainment Manager – Manage performing artists, productions, or creative companies.
    7. Producer / Production Coordinator – Apply finance and management skills to live theatre, film, or digital media.
    8. Arts Nonprofit Administrator – Lead operations, development, or programming for cultural organizations.
    9. Entrepreneur / Creative Business Owner – Launch and grow performance-based ventures or media companies.
    10. Marketing & Business Analyst for Arts Industries – Use accounting and strategy to support entertainment companies.
  2. Psychology for the Performing Artist

    1. Foundations of Psychology
    2. Law & Psychology
    3. Adolescent and Adult Psychology
    4. Organizational Psychology
    5. Arts Therapist Pathway – Prepare for graduate study in counseling, drama therapy, or expressive arts therapy.
    6. Performance Coach / Mental Skills Trainer – Support performers in managing stress, focus, and confidence.
    7. Human Services / Case Management – Work with nonprofit or arts-based community organizations.
    8. Research Assistant / Academic Pathway – Apply statistics and psychology to arts-related or social science research.
    9. Talent Development & HR in Creative Industries – Bridge performer psychology with workforce and organizational growth.
  3. Social Media and Marketing for the Performer

    1. Fundamentals of Communication and Media Studies
    2. Media Industries
    3. Intro to Digital Technologies & Emerging Media
    4. Public Relations
    5. Social Media Manager for Artists / Productions – Build online audiences for performers, shows, or brands.
    6. Digital Content Creator / Influencer – Use AMDA performance training to thrive in creative media spaces.
    7. Marketing Strategist for Arts & Entertainment – Design campaigns for theatre, film, music, or dance companies.
    8. Brand Partnerships / Talent Promotion – Connect performers with sponsorships, collaborations, and PR opportunities.
    9. Communications Specialist – Manage messaging for creative organizations, nonprofits, or media companies.
  4. Public Relations for Entertainment

    1. Fundamentals of Communication and Media Studies
    2. Public Relations
    3. Persuasion & Public Opinion
    4. Principles of Marketing
    5. Publicist for Performers & Productions – Represent actors, musicians, or stage productions.
    6. Entertainment PR Specialist – Manage press campaigns for film, TV, or theatre releases.
    7. Corporate Communications Manager – Oversee storytelling for entertainment companies or arts nonprofits.
    8. Advertising & Promotions Coordinator – Create campaigns targeting arts and performance audiences.
    9. Media Relations & Event Manager – Handle press, community engagement, and visibility for cultural events.

Let's Go!

Stay in New York City.
Train at AMDA.
Graduate from Fordham.

Still Have Questions?For questions about the AMDA Pathway and how you can be eligible, please email fordham@amda.edu.

Ready to Get Started? Submit your interest form below and a member of our admissions team will contact you to answer all of your questions and help you with next steps.