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Whether you own a music business, want to advance in the music industry or are looking for a pathway to teaching music in higher ed, this fully online master's degree will give you invaluable knowledge and skills to be a visionary leader in the music industry.
Request Information* This degree program does not require an audition or performance component.
While music is an art, it is also a global and multi-billion dollar industry
that employs thousands of people in live performance, recording, and publishing
sectors. WVU's online Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry offers
an integrated and methodical approach to understanding current music industry
systems, commercial practices, regulations, income streams and business models.
You'll take 10 fully online asynchronous courses and there are zero in-person commitments. Tailor your schedule to balance work, life and school.
View CoursesA professional advisor will work with you from the very beginning to customize a schedule that aligns with your career goals and interests.
Spend your final, capstone course utilizing your acquired creative, technical, and operational skills to execute a professional music industry project of your choosing.
It's a world-class program taught by leading experts at half average cost of our competitors.
Tuition and AidYou'll focus on the skills, concepts, and methodologies central to global business models and apply these models to the artistic management and entrepreneurial challenges of music and digital media in the global entertainment industry. Our fully online master's degree program is designed for flexibility. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll have access to top-notch academic training and professional skill development.
Students who earn the Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry will develop the following:
To earn your Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry, you will take 10 courses in topics ranging from the Development of Music Technology to Advanced Music Publishing. You'll have the opportunity to customize your degree by selecting electives that align with your career goals and by focusing on an industry project of your choosing in the final capstone course.
Music Business & Industry in the News
CJ Rhen
Current Music Business & INdustry Student
DownBeat magazine is recognizing CJ Rhen, a student in the Music Business and Industry master’s degree program, with the award for Best Engineered Studio Recording from a graduate-level student.
Read More: Mountaineer ENews : Mountaineer ENewsWVU alumni have gone on to work in a variety of music industry roles at Warner Music Group, BMI and UCLA.
Our close-knit community of alumni hold elite positions all over the
world, and they are passionate about supporting Music Business and
Industry students and fellow alumni.
“After working for two years as the marketing and communications manager for the River City Brass Band, I accepted a general manager position with the Washington Symphony Orchestra. Neither of these jobs would have been attainable without my Music Business and Industry degree.”
— Cassandra Muhr, Class of 2023
Get the latest insights for the music business and industry.
Discover how WVU's online Master's in Music Business and Industry prepares you for success with testimonials from alumni and current students. Learn about the program's curriculum, real-world experiences, and career opportunities.
Read More: From Record Labels to Orchestras: Success Stories of WVU Music Business and Industry GraduatesDiscover the diverse world of music industry jobs. From audio engineering to artist management and music production, find out what it takes to make your love for music a rewarding career. Learn about average salaries and the skills needed to succeed in these exciting roles.
Read More: 8 Music Industry Jobs that Make the Music HappenLearn how Professor Joshua Swiger's unique background in music and tech is shaping the next generation of music industry professionals at WVU.
Read More: From Rock Band to Record Label: Professor Swiger's Unique Path to Music Industry EducationOur faculty have a wealth of global music business industry knowledge and experience that they incorporate into the curriculum. You'll benefit from both their expertise and their connections.
Instructor | Music Business and Industry School of Music
Kara Bennett is a corporate attorney with experience representing private equity funds, investors, and privately held companies in mergers, acquisitions, investments, divestitures, corporate governance, contract negotiation, and general corporate matters.
Read More: Kara Bennett
Instructor | Music Business and Industry School of Music
Ross Justice, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, has cultivated a multifaceted career spanning nearly two decades in the music industry as an audio engineer, production manager, producer, and educator. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry from West Virginia University and currently serves as production manager and front of house engineer for Charles Wesley Godwin (Big Loud Records, Warner Chappell).
Read More: Ross Justice
Teaching Assistant Professor | Music Business and Industry School of Music
Joshua has been active in the national and regional music industry for 25+ years. His emphasis has been in record label management, recording engineering, and live event production and management. He has owned and operated Blues Alley Studios & Records since 1993, and is a 2019 Music Business and Industry graduate.
Read More: Joshua SwigerLove music, but not ready for a Master's Degree? Gain industry-ready skills with our Graduate Certificate. Our Graduate Certificate in Music Business and Industry features a rigorous curriculum of five 600-level courses. This cohesive program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the music industry.
We're here for you every step of the way ... we'll answer your questions, help with your applications for graduate school and financial support, schedule your classes, provide tech support, welcome you for graduation and keep in touch once you cross the finish line.
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You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution. You will need to include a personal statement, résumé, two letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, and a non-refundable $75 application fee. The GRE/GMAT is not required. International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. You can find detailed application information in the International Applications section.
After/if your application passes the university-level application process by WVU Graduate Admissions, please email the recommendations to WVU School of Music at music@mail.wvu.edu. In the body of the email, please state your full name and that you are applying for the MA in Music Business and Industry Program. Interview with Program Director - If selected, you will be contacted via email by the Program Director to schedule the interview, which will be held over the phone or on Zoom.
Academic transcript requests can sometimes get delayed, so it's
best to go ahead and get the ball rolling! Contact your prior
academic institution(s) and request that official academic transcripts
be sent (via postal mail or electronic delivery) directly to:
WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6510
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
Email:
GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-2121
NOTE: If you are a WVU Alumni, you do not need to submit transcripts as they are already on file.
A critical part of your application is the personal statement. This allows the admissions committee to gain insight into your academic and professional goals, personal, professional, and academic experiences, and allows the committee to see if you are a strong candidate for the program. Below are some key elements you should include in your personal statement:
Length: Your statement should be between 500 and 800 words in length.
Structure: Be sure your content is well-organized, with a logical progression of ideas between paragraphs.
Proofread: Check for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ask someone else to review it, but don’t let them rewrite it. Your personal statement should be your voice and point of view.
**The use of AI tools for writing assistance is prohibited. Applicants are expected to write their personal statement independently. Your admissions consultant is not permitted to review drafts of personal statements.
Submitting your professional resume allows the admissions committee to gain insight into your work experience and professional background. The program does not require that applicants have experience in a specific career field or have a certain number of years of experience to be admitted.
Login to the WVU Graduate Admissions portal. You don't have to complete your application all at once - use this login anytime to continue the app or submit additional materials.
NOTE: If you are a current WVU student, you should create a new account as this site does not use your WVU login credentials.
Apply before the PRIORITY. If you are applying for financial aid, submit FAFSA at least four weeks prior to the term in which you want financial aid.
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