Masters in Music Business

Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire University and Berklee College of Music offer an affordable, accessible online MBA in Music Business. The program combines core business courses with music-specific knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving music industry. With no GRE/GMAT required and flexible deadlines, this program empowers students to earn a reputable degree on their own terms.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Music MBA that Fits Your Life Just over $19K total tuition Complete in about 1 year In partnership with Berklee College of Music Accessible online 24/7 with no set class times No GRE/GMAT required Curriculum revised in 2021 Earn the business degree that best fits the music industry with the innovative Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Music Business from Southern New Hampshire University and Berklee College of Music. The music business is rapidly changing. New production technologies, distribution methods and economic realities are creating new opportunities and challenging entrepreneurs who want to shape the industry. Success today depends on creative leaders who are well-versed in music business best practices that will continue to be relevant tomorrow. The skills you learn in an MBA program apply to advanced career paths everywhere, but the teachings of traditional business – especially those around leadership, innovation, strategy and measuring success – are all valuable and very applicable to the music industry. As Mike King, former vice president of enrollment management and marketing and CMO of Berklee Online, explains: "SNHU is a leader in online learning with an expertise in business; Berklee is one of the most respected music colleges in the world. Together, we're helping professionals get eyes – and ears – on their music." The online MBA in Music Business program includes 4 courses from the internationally respected Berklee College of Music. Each course will help you build the music-specific knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the industry. Paired with core business courses from SNHU, you'll gain the foundational, interdisciplinary experience of a comprehensive MBA. Graduates of this program will receive a co-branded diploma from both SNHU and Berklee – giving you the name recognition of two major players in higher education. An innovative, high-quality music business degree, our MBA in Music Business is one of the most affordable MBAs in the nation – and can be completed in about a year as a full-time student. The program is a perfect fit for executives, artists, managers, record label employees and music entrepreneurs. Plus, with multiple term starts per year, no GRE/GMAT scores required and the flexibility to complete your coursework online with fluid deadlines, you'll be empowered to earn a reputable degree on your terms.

Outline:

Course Schedule

At SNHU, you'll take courses in the following sequence:

Term 1

MBA 645 Optimizing Brands MBA 580 Innovation and Strategy for High-Performance Organizations

Term 2

BMB 670 Music Business Leadership and Ethics MBA 630 The Business of Music Marketing

Term 3

BMB 515 Music Business Structure and Strategies

Teaching:

Teaching Methods

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Faculty

Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

Careers:

The past few decades have seen tremendous changes in the way music is produced, distributed and promoted. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), U.S. recorded music revenue grew to $7.1 billion in the first half of 2021.1 Of those numbers, total revenues from streaming services rose to $5.9 billion – accounting for nearly 84% of all recorded music revenue.1 The live music industry has had to adapt amid public safety concerns brought on by a global pandemic. Music fans can now attend massive virtual shows from the comfort of their living rooms – presenting artists, producers and promoters with a new set of challenges in navigating and monetizing these experiences. Meanwhile, artists, many paid per stream, are recording and releasing their music independently, without a record label at all. The industry is also trending toward multimedia experiences more than ever – with video streaming, social media and video games playing a pivotal role in reaching listeners. As a result, musicians and entrepreneurs must develop the skills and tech-savvy to not only create a polished product, but put it out into the world. In partnership with Berklee College of Music, SNHU's MBA in Music Business does exactly that.

Career Paths

Music Publishing Companies Oversee rights, restrictions, exclusivities and payments related to commercial contracts with songwriters. Talent Agencies Manage various aspects of artist contracts, including copyrights, sales, marketing and event planning/promotion. Talent Agencies Manage various aspects of artist contracts, including copyrights, sales, marketing and event planning/promotion. Record Labels Build and/or sustain a label's brand through talent sourcing, content production/sales and marketing. Public Relations Firms Work with media outlets, marketers and venues to help raise an artist’s profile and shape their image. Tour Management Companies Manage all aspects of concert tours, from transportation and accommodations to merchandise and finances. Concert Promotion Services Conceive events, hire staff, choose venues, promote the event and plan logistics.

Opportunities

Combining SNHU's networking power with Berklee College of Music, students will have access to some of the brightest minds in the music business. Berklee is recognized as the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Countless Berklee alum have gone on to win some of the highest accolades in the industry, including Grammys, Emmys, Tonys and Academy Awards. As a student of the program, you'll learn from experts with decades of combined industry experience who know what it takes to succeed in a competitive and ever-changing field.