Entertainment Technology

Entertainment Technology seeks to provide highly competent graduates for careers as scenery, lighting, sound, video, and show systems technologists, technical and production managers, equipment marketing representatives, and personnel for distributors and rental houses in the entertainment industry.

All students in the department learn the systems behind live sound, lighting, video, construction, and safety. They take courses in basic coding and study drafting by learning AutoCad and Vectorworks. They learn how to care for and maintain equipment used in lighting, sound, video, and construction; and their application onstage and in the field. A laboratory course is designed for students to work on live productions with professional performers to present live events.

 The program offers additional career options in the allied fields of film and television production; display design and construction; trade show exhibitions; club, casino, and theme-park operations; and all related performing arts production. Students desiring careers as designers or content creators can also benefit from the integrated technical and production components, and the degree provides a compelling stepping stone to more advanced design work at the graduate level.

Current graduates are working on cruise ships, at trade shows, and building and implementing stages inside and outside of New York City. We have alumni working in the industry across the globe. They work for manufacturers, vendors, performance venues, TV studios, and trade shows.

 Graduates may pursue master's degrees beyond City Tech. Alumni have obtained master's degrees from Yale School of Drama, Parsons School of Design, and Brooklyn College, among others.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the Entertainment Technology degree, students will:

1. Be effective collaborators, with the ability to work as a member of a team and communicate with written, graphic, and oral means.

2. Be proficient in lighting, sound, scenic, show systems, and video technology.

3. Attain mastery in two areas of study.

4. Be effective managers, with an understanding of production planning and budget estimation.

Admissions Information

There are many ways a student can enter the bachelor of technology program in Entertainment Technology. Students may enter from other City Tech programs or from other colleges if they meet the college criteria for transfer admission or have completed an associate degree with an articulation agreement. Transcripts of entering transfer students will be evaluated by the registrar prior to registration.

Students who have not achieved proficiency in English and mathematics will be denied access to entertainment technology major, but are allowed to take introductory courses while they work to meet the requirements.

Articulation Agreements

Entertainment Technology has agreements with a variety of colleges to see the entire list visit the articulation agreement pages on the City Tech website.

Distance Learning Information

The coursework inside the Entertainment Technology program is a mix of in-person, hybrid and online courses. Due to our many experiential opportunities students will need to be in-person to learn to use state-of-the-art equipment in the laboratory class settings.

Additional Costs

Approximate additional costs other than tuition, student fees, and material fees will range from $1,900 to $2,950 for textbooks, supplies, memberships, trade show admissions, periodicals, clothing, safety equipment, and tools while attending the program. Additionally, a recent-model laptop computer suitable for CAD software is highly recommended.

Advisement Information

Entertainment Technology provides advisement from all faculty, as well as through the department office.  Information about contacting faculty can be found on their website at https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/entertainment/advisement.aspx

The department offers courses throughout the week, with some offered in the evening.  We do not offer a fully online opportunity.