The first graduate program of its kind in the Western United States, CSUN’s fully online MIA is an excellent solution for professionals seeking careers in the industry. It’s also one of the few contemporary music industry graduate programs in the world.
And it starts with you.
Whatever your background, this program gives you a broad understanding of all aspects of the music industry – from artist development and marketing to distribution, copyright law and more.
Throughout the program, you’ll work directly with industry professionals, often from top music companies, such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.
At CSUN, we don't fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.
Our world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today's most in-demand skills – and bringing the industry directly to you.
When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. And from day one to graduation, you'll learn and grow together.
As you earn your education, we'll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.
Now online, the 33-unit Music Industry Administration program takes only 21 months to complete, and you can finish the program all from the comfort of home. The program is taught by distinguished music industry and business professionals as well as educators with many years of experience in the field. While some of the courses are the same as those in CSUN’s MBA program, which is ranked among the nation’s best part-time MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report, most feature content that is specifically relevant to current major music industry sectors and trends.
Because this program focuses on the industry itself – music publishing, recording, live performance, music in media, music products, research, data and analytics, marketing management, organizational behavior, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, entertainment and copyright law – there is no performance requirement for admission.
The program’s mission is to prepare you for professional growth by integrating up-to-date knowledge of the music industry’s various facets with your career-related experiences and interests. The program emphasizes advanced analytical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a global perspective that encompasses the ever-expanding reach and importance of music in the world’s economies.
The music industry, according to Goldman Sachs, is primed for explosive growth in the coming years – from $94.9bn to over $100bn in 2024 alone.
We can help you capitalize on this enormous opportunity.
Whether it’s producing, distributing, and promoting music, or managing creative talent and music-related businesses – with this degree, you can do it all.
Watch what our student say about this program.
“You’re going to learn a ton of concepts that are unique to the music business itself that you’re not going to find in a traditional MBA or other master’s program.”— Robert Teegarden
Music Industry Administration Faculty
“Our alumni work at the top music companies in the world.”— Andrew Surmani, MBA
MIA Professor & Graduate Coordinator
“Frequent guest speakers include leading professionals from all major sectors of the music industry.”— Andrew Surmani, MBA
MIA Professor & Graduate Coordinator
“I am really thankful for this program. It was really great for me just to build my connections.” — Nick Kandelaki
CSUN MIA Graduate
“Our diverse faculty are music industry and business leaders who are experienced professional educators.”— Andrew Surmani, MBA
MIA Professor & Graduate Coordinator
“MIA professors are in the thick of it – they're working in the field.” — Hillary Loren Hernandez
CSUN MIA Graduate
Answer: Credit-bearing programs conform to Carnegie hours (i.e., one credit equals one hour of class time, plus two hours of homework). Our programs usually have six to nine credits per term. Nine credits equal 27 hours a week dedicated to classes.
Answer: The program has a very diverse group, including international students. Students often have a performance background, although this is not required for admission. They may have studied music but decided to learn the business side of the music industry. Some have a business background and an interest in the music industry. Others are already in the industry with roles such as concert promotions. The work experience of students varies, with some being new to the industry and others with several years of industry experience.
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Answer: An internship is not required for the program.
Answer: No. I-20s are not issued for fully online degree programs.
Answer: Yes. Students can apply if they are completing in the summer. We will be able to send their application to the academic department for review with their most current transcripts. However, the applicant, if admitted, will have to provide official transcripts before starting the fall term.
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For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
