Career outlook
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.
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The future of music is here.
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.
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You'll learn how to:
- Understand trends and developments in the music industry
- Navigate entertainment business law and intellectual property rights
- Apply financial practices specific to the music industry
- Develop effective marketing policies and promotional tools.
- Launching and managing music-related ventures.
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Why you'll love us.
- NO TEMPLATES, EVER.
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.
- EXPERT INSTRUCTION AND DESIGN.
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.
- GROUP-POWERED LEARNING.
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.
- VIP SUPPORT.
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.
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Overview
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How many hours a week should I plan to dedicate to classes?
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.
Question: Who takes this program?
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.
Question: What careers does this program prepare me for?
Answer:
- Music business administration – recording executive, talent manager, producer of music-related events, publisher, copyright administrator, or music supervisor
- Marketing or licensing music – producer, publishing administrator, music supervisor, or music-clearance specialist
- Promoting and publicizing music – marketing or public relations specialist
- Presenting live performances – concert producer, promoter or tour manager
- Assisting performers with their careers – talent agent, personal or business manager
Question: Can I get credit for doing an internship?
Answer: An internship is not required for the program.
Question: Do I get an I-20 if I'm an international student?
Answer: No. I-20s are not issued for fully online degree programs.
Question: If I'm completing my bachelor's degree over the summer in hopes of starting a graduate program in the fall, can I still apply?
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.
Question: What distinguishes this program?
Answer:
- Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a regional institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council of Higher Education and Accreditation
- Experiential learning and networking opportunities, including volunteering at major industry events
- The university is located in the heart of the nation's professional entertainment community.
- While in the program, students have access to three important databases:
- Nielsen Music Connect
- Pollstar Pro – live performance data, ticket sales, prices, touring data
- Chartmetric
- The program is taught by distinguished music industry and business professionals. Many of the courses are the same as those in CSUN's MBA program.
- Many faculty members invite highly regarded guest speakers to classes.
- CSUN was included in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 ranking of the “Top 25 Music Schools for Composing for Film and TV”.
For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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