Music Business and Industry, M.A.
College of Creative Arts and Media
The Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry offered by the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media provides an integrated and methodical approach to understanding the mastery of current music industry systems and commercial practices, combined with acute awareness of new regulations, income streams and business models.
Cost:
$755 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
Four semesters / 8-week terms
Dates:
Next Start: January 12, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Turn Your Passion for Music Into Your Career
- Industry-Focused Curriculum: Explore music publishing, live performance, recording industry operations, intellectual property, and music product development.
- Business + Creativity: Develop a unique skill set that combines entrepreneurial thinking with deep knowledge of music industry systems.
- Global Perspective: Gain insight into international music markets, emerging income streams, and evolving business models.
- Flexible Online Format: Learn from anywhere while building the expertise to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.
- Career-Ready Training: Prepare for roles in management, production, licensing, and more with a curriculum grounded in real-world application.
"I planned to work and wanted to pursue my graduate degree to deepen my understanding of the music industry. The online program enabled me to study various aspects of the industry while simultaneously gaining practical experience in my field."
Cassandra Muhr
Music Business and Industry M.A.
Curriculum
Students who earn the Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry will be able to:
- Analyze current music industry regulations regarding their commercial implications,
business opportunities, and appropriate music industry management practices across
the industry income streams.
- Understand the historical progress and development of various music business
sectors and relevant regulatory frameworks in demonstrating mastery and understanding
of the present music business regulations, systems and methods.
- Perform and manage standard and management level music business procedures and
processes utilized in the music publishing, recording, and live music industries,
including conception and management of various music product development and
placement strategies and plans.
- Construct and evaluate budgets and financial projections across the music industry
income streams based on the project parameters, and the relevant market level,
regulations, indicators and trends.
- Plan and manage music production processes and activities in recording and live
music business sectors including scheduling, budgeting, equipment, personnel,
union issues, and regulatory requirements.
- Utilize the music industry research and analysis knowledge and skills to make a constructive contribution to the scholarship in the field, and/or to create a proper business opportunity, or to productively manage a music product, so to create new value and generate positive returns on investments.
- MUSC 610: Foundations of Recording Industry
- MUSC 611: Music Industry Regulations
- MUSC 617: Development of Music Technology
- MUSC 612: Music Product Advancement
- MUSC 613: Music Performance Organization and Commerce
- MUSC 614: Advanced Recording Industry
- MUSC 615: Advanced Music Publishing
- MUSC 619: Music in Multimedia
- MUSC 620: International Music Industry
- MUSC 621: Artist Representation
- MUSC 624: Live Music Production
- MUSC 626: Music Industry Project
Video: The Student Experience
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- WVU Online Graduate Application
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Write a short essay outlining professional preferences, goals, and aspirations.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
- Mail To: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
- Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
- Interview with Program Director
- If selected, you will be contacted via email by the Program Director to schedule the interview, which will be held over the phone or on Zoom
- Three professional or academic recommendations
- After/if your application passes the university-level application process by WVU Graduate Admissions, please email the recommendations to WVU School of Music at music@mail.wvu.edu.
- In the body of the email, please state your full name and that you are applying for the MA in Music Business and Industry Program.
- International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Victoria Bodkins Admissions Consultant
(304) 293-5685 Elsa.Bodkins@mail.wvu.edu
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Careers and Employment
The Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in today's dynamic music industry. This engaging, online program offers a systematic and rigorous curriculum, developing your analytical, creative, regulatory and entrepreneurial skills, readying you for a variety of careers.
Career Paths
- Music Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Artist Manager
- Tour Manager
- Music Professor
- Booking Agent
- Music Publicist
- Sound Technician
- Composer/Arranger