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Earn a Music Business Degree Online

Grow your confidence as a digitally nimble, entrepreneurial leader with an education that combines business principles with creativity.

Why Earn a Master of Arts in Music Industry?

Today there are more stakeholders and platforms to promote the sale and use of music than ever before. As the market for music shifts away from physical products and traditional methods to a digital and mobile presence, a growing number of highly skilled executives and entrepreneurs are needed to meet the specialized demands of the new music industry.

This online music business degree program has been at the forefront of music business education since 1964. Graduates of the program are working for major record labels, independent record companies, music publishing companies, and talent agencies in various leadership positions. Whether students are looking to enter or advance in the music business and entertainment industry, this top-ranked program is meticulously designed to prepare music business students for emerging opportunities in this evolving industry.

Program At A Glance

10 courses

7 weeks per course

18 months to complete

SACSCOC accredited University

GRE/GMAT not required

1 final cumulative exam


Explore More About The Program

  
The University of Miami master of Arts in Music Industry prepares students to be the next generation of entertainment industry professionals. Courses were developed by the talented Frost School of Music professors to be interdisciplinary, with many graduate certificates offered to complement and specialize your professional development. Explore more about our faculty, program curriculum, and graduate certificates below.

  
Program Curriculum Program Faculty Graduate Certificates


What to Expect From an Online Music Business Degree

The music business is ever-evolving as it adapts to changes in technology, consumer behavior, and a multitude of other factors, making it an exciting and lucrative field. Obtaining a music business degree online can make transitioning into this billion-dollar industry effortless.

Students pursuing this degree will learn the intricacies of the current music business. You’ll also study the future trends expected to change present industry dynamics. This music business online degree will cover methodologies and concepts of all the major areas within the industry including:

  • Copyright law and other legal aspects of the entertainment industry
  • Music publishing and licensing
  • Industry agreements
  • Media creation
  • Communication, marketing, and publicity
  • Entrepreneurship and financial management

Our experienced Frost School of Music faculty provide an online experience that is as immersive as in-person lectures. They ensure you have a thorough understanding of course concepts. They're also willing to provide additional assistance as you navigate toward the successful completion of your master's in music online.

It’s one of the many reasons the program is touted as one of the best online music master's degree programs.

Students who complete this music business degree online will have an in-depth knowledge of:

  • U.S. copyright law as it relates to the music industry, including the various types of music licenses.
  • Current industry income sources, royalty rates, and payment procedures as they apply to musical compositions.
  • Music publishing agreements as well as foreign music publishing issues that may affect domestic music publishing.
  • How to start and run a music publishing company.
  • Various legal agreements among different parties in the industry that aim to address the ownership and use of intellectual property, compensation, and other exclusive services.

Based on the electives chosen students will also:

  • Be able to use the latest technology to record, edit, mix, and master content in both video and audio mediums.
  • Know how to implement a communication and marketing strategy for a musical artist.
  • Gain leadership skills to succeed in the industry as well as learn how to start a business and secure funding along with accounting and marketing basics.
  • Learn the logistics, management, and budgeting acumen needed for the live entertainment industry.

The music management online degree also has a music industry practicum elective. Students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of the university and professional firms in the industry. This, along with all the other course components, adequately prepares students for a range of music industry career options including artist manager, music publicist, tour manager, and booking agent, among others.


Benefits of Studying a Master’s in Music Online

There are many advantages to earning a music management degree online. These range from cost benefits to the ability to find the balance between your career and your studies. Some other major benefits of attending online music business school include:

Flexibility

Having a family and a full-time career can make earning any type of degree difficult. The intensity of most master's degree programs can make balancing all aspects of your life challenging and have an effect on your personal and professional success.

Choosing to complete a music business Master's degree online gives you the flexibility to better manage your personal life, career, and education. You can choose a course schedule that fits around the other aspects of your life.

Commute time is not only non-existent, you get to set your own pace. There are seven weeks allotted to completing each course, allowing you to easily complete your music master's degree online within 18 months. This flexibility allows you to set aside the time you need to review the coursework, study, and complete assignments including the program’s capstone project.

Online Tools

The music business degree online or any other online program can only be successful with a robust platform. The UOnline virtual platform uses the Blackboard Learn course management system. It’s easy to navigate and effectively supports faculty, staff, and students. You can access course materials online at any time including courses from current and previous semesters.

Each instructor designs their courses. Students can explore each course layout to familiarize themselves with the location of assignments, reading materials, and updates or announcements. Many instructors also use Zoom to host virtual office hours, meetings, and/or guest speakers.

Students can also keep track of their grades using the platform's grade center. This provides an overview of your current standing, along with individual assignments and exams.

Study at Your Own Pace

Our online music graduate programs provide students access to top-notch instructors, some of the best in the field. In addition, when completing your music business degree online, you can complete your degree on your own time, at your own pace.

The University’s online platform facilitates this. Although classes aren’t scheduled or live, regular checkpoints ensure students keep on target to achieve required course milestones and program completion.

You get to manage your time in the way that suits you best. This allows you to set times for reviewing, reading, or studying to ensure your success. If you have an important meeting at work or a family emergency, you don’t need to miss important course information. Simply retrieve the course information when you need it. You can also focus on more challenging areas and even watch a lecture multiple times.

The reading materials will also supplement your learning, making it easier to grasp concepts. Online degree programs create the perfect learning environment for any student that’s a natural go-getter and excels at learning on their own terms.

Comprehensive Support

You’ll also have the full support of the University’s faculty and staff, regardless of how you plan your schedule. Staff assists with course content and materials during weekly office hours. Student support can resolve technical issues, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll have access to a dedicated online advisor to guide you throughout the program.

Tuition

PROGRAM COST PER CREDIT † CREDITS TOTAL ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST WHAT MOST STUDENTS PAY
Master of Arts in Music Industry $2,421 30 $72,630 $43,578

*This is the total estimated cost of the program before potential financial assistance.
†Based on the UM 2023-2024 UOnline Tuition and fees rate. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

You can learn more about financial aid opportunities available to you here.


What are the Entry Requirements?

Students interested in completing one of the University of Miami’s online programs, including the music business degree online, must create a student profile and complete an online application. Note the application deadline for the program and submit your completed application file ahead of this.

The online application process involves submitting the documents below:

1. Official Transcripts

This includes official transcripts from ALL academic institutions you've attended. You can upload your transcripts to receive an admission decision. However, you'll also need to email electronic or mail physical official transcripts.

Email electronic transcripts to etranscripts@miami.edu or mail physical transcripts to:
Attn: UOnline Enrollment
PO Box 248272
Coral Gables, FL. 33146 - 2991

2. Test Scores

Test scores must be valid at the time of admission and no older than 5 years. You can upload unofficial test scores with your online application to receive an admission decision.

Use the following school codes when sending them:

  • GRE & TOEFL CODE:
    • Institution: 5815
    • Department (All UOnline programs): 4405
  • GMAT CODES:
    • School of Business - UOnline Finance/Accounting Certificate: 7NV-S1-23
    • School of Business - UOnline Master of Finance: 7NV-S1-35
    • School of Business - UOnline Master of Professional Accounting: 7NV-S1-53
    • School of Business - UOnline Professional MBA: 7NV-S1-01
    • College of Arts & Sciences - UOnline Master of Public Administration: 7NV-HM-66
    • School of Education - UOnline Master & EdD of Applied Learning Sciences: 7NV-HM-66

GRE is preferred but MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT scores may also be accepted. International students who don't have an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from the United States must also submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

3. Resume

Upload an updated resume that includes your:

  • Employment history
  • Academic history
  • Publications
  • Military experience, if any
  • Leadership roles
  • Honors/Awards
  • Community activities
  • Volunteer initiatives
4. Personal Statement

Your personal statement should include reasons for your interest in the online music business degree. You should also explain how this degree relates to your professional background and/or career goals.

5. Letters of Recommendation

You’ll need to submit two letters of recommendation. When you enter your recommenders’ information on the application, they automatically receive an email asking them to fill out your recommendation online. You should ask them before completing this part of the application as well as inform them of the process involved. Reminding them that your recommendations need to be received by the application deadline to be considered for admission, would also be helpful.

The online application allows you to track the status of each of your recommendations. It’s best to request letters from academic and/or professional references and not personal contacts. They can provide a more accurate assessment of your performance and can indicate why you would be a good fit for the program.

6. FAFSA and Student Orientation

Once you complete your application you should start preparing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Student Readiness. You can submit your FAFSA during the application process using the school code: 001536, to meet all required Financial Aid deadlines.

You’ll need to complete a mandatory online Student Readiness Orientation (SRO) within four weeks of accepting an admissions offer. This ensures you’ll be eligible to start class.

Summer 2024 Application Deadline

Ready to apply?

For students who wish to start classes in the Music Industry program on May 6, 2024, the application deadline is April 22, 2024. Download the UOnline Application Checklist for a step-by-step guide through the simplified application process.

Apply Now

A Message From Program Director Serona Elton

"The Music Industry program is perfect for the student who knows that their career lies in the business side of music and is ready to learn how the industry works. Even if you are balancing other commitments, this degree is right for students who are ready to invest in their future."


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