Students pursing the Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies prepare for alternative careers in the music field, including music business, music administration, music therapy, and other related fields. Students combine courses supporting a fundamental knowledge of music content with minor and elective courses in fields other than music.
Students have the option of selecting one of our four areas of emphasis.
Commercial Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Commercial Music offers students the opportunity to pursue a career in multiple areas of the music industry including audio engineering (recording), music production, composition, management, publishing, retail, and administration. Designed to give students leeway in choosing a path in the commercial music industry, the program is focused on providing students with the technical tools and hands-on experience required to develop practical, musical, and business skills needed to excel in professional music environments from recording studios and touring productions to artist management firms and publishing houses. Students will learn the ins and outs of the industry including courses that cover music recording and post-production (mixing), entertainment law, contracts, music business practices, entrepreneurship, popular music history, and song writing. As the culmination of the program, students complete an internship in their desired area of the music business. Students who graduate with a BA in Music with Commercial Music emphasis will have developed the academic and professional resume to attain a job in music recording (music, movies, tv, podcasts), theatrical production, management, or arts administration, start their own small business, or ascend to a graduate program in any of these fields.