• 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.

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 20 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.

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, 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.

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 who's a natural go-getter and excels at learning on their own terms.

You'll also have the full support of the University's faculty and staff, regardless of how you plan your schedule. Staff assist 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.

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

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:

• TOEFL CODE:
  • Institution: 5815
  • Department (All UOnline programs): 4405

Upload an updated resume that includes your:

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

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.

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.

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.

Artist managers direct the careers of musicians. They help build an artist's brand and connect them with the right opportunities by negotiating contracts and organizing release timelines. You'll also learn how to manage royalties and protect intellectual property.

Talent agents connect artists with booking opportunities, licensing deals, and commercial partnerships. Learn how to structure talent agreements, work with talent agencies, and pitch emerging acts to labels and sponsors. Graduates often represent musicians across live performances, sync placements, and influencer campaigns.

Publicists manage media relations, craft strategic messaging, and build buzz around new releases. The coursework includes music marketing, storytelling, and crisis communications tailored to entertainment. Students graduate with experience building artist narratives that resonate across traditional and digital platforms.

Licensing executives broker deals for music use in TV, film, video games, and advertising. You'll explore copyright law, sync licensing structures, and royalty collection processes. Graduates pursue roles at licensing agencies, DSPs, and in-house music supervision teams.

Music supervisors curate tracks for media, aligning sound with emotional tone and visual storytelling. The program teaches rights clearance, licensing frameworks, and creative collaboration with directors or brands. Graduates often work in film, advertising, or interactive content production.

Digital rights managers monitor where and how music is used online. They track activity across streaming platforms, social media, and global markets. You'll learn to use content ID tools and analytics software to correctly protect ownership and pay royalties. This role suits professionals who enjoy working at the intersection of technology and intellectual property.

Music publishers promote and monetize compositions by securing placements and collecting royalties. You'll learn to register songs, manage catalogs, and navigate foreign publishing agreements. Many graduates work with performance rights organizations (PROs) like the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), or launch independent publishing ventures.

Business managers oversee finances for artists or labels, handling budgets, taxes, and long-term planning. The program includes training in music accounting, strategic investments, and vendor negotiations, essential for those supporting client growth across multiple income streams.

From A&R to business operations, label executives lead teams that scout talent, manage rosters, and grow brand presence. You'll study streaming analytics, distribution models, and deal structures used by indie labels and global majors.

Tour managers handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps concert tours running smoothly. They organize travel, lodging, budgets, and daily schedules. With live production and artist support training, you'll be ready to manage tours for solo performers, full bands, or major music festivals.

Concert promoters are responsible for getting people in the door. They book venues and negotiate terms while planning marketing campaigns to fill the seats. You'll learn to read audience data, manage budgets, and develop strong partnerships with venues and artists.

Producers oversee the execution of events, from sound checks to VIP experiences. You'll learn budgeting, vendor selection, and how to coordinate production teams for festivals, showcases, or hybrid online experiences.

Creative licensing specialists help place music in film, television, games, and ads. Their work involves identifying sync opportunities and managing the licensing process from pitch to placement. You'll learn to craft music briefs, collaborate with agencies, and monitor trends in media and advertising. This role is ideal for those with a creative mindset and a strong understanding of music law.

The University of Miami's online music industry master's degree takes 20 months to complete. Students complete 10 courses during the program, each lasting for seven weeks.

Yes, a music business degree is worth it for anyone wanting to gain the skills necessary to thrive in the music industry. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared to begin their own publishing company, manage publishing agreements, and navigate legal contracts.

The music business can be incredibly competitive, but there's always a demand for skilled industry professionals. By earning a music business degree online, you'll develop the essential skills to break into and thrive in the music industry.