Why study the music industry at BGSU in Ohio?
- One-of-a-kind program. BGSU is the only public university in Ohio that has a music industry program that focuses on the business of music.
- Make connections. Learn from guest speakers in the industry. Develop close relationships with faculty and classmates. We even have a music industry club that plans a music festival every semester.
- Proven success. Our music program has a great track record of helping students get valuable internships at places like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Our graduates have also been admitted into prestigious graduate programs at NYU and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
- Real-world experience. Music industry classes are highly interactive and project-based. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the music industry and the skills required for a successful career. A required internship and capstone experience – in which you manage an artist for a semester – allow you to put what you learn in the classroom into practice.
- Nationally ranked business program. The music industry degree program combines classes in the College of Musical Arts and the Schmidthorst College of Business. You can minor in entrepreneurship or marketing – and graduate with a credential that will enhance your resume.
- Performance opportunities. Interested in being on stage as a performer and not just behind the scenes? We have plenty of opportunities in the college for you to flex your musical talents in front of live audiences.
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
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Career - what can you do with a music industry degree?
Graduates of our music industry bachelor’s program are well-equipped to step into a variety of exciting careers where no two days look the same.
You’ll gain the skills and industry knowledge in this music business major to work behind the scenes or directly with artists.
- Artist promotion
- Personal management
- Record label representation
- Publishing administration
- Recording services
The music industry program is designed for students who aren’t shy – those who can confidently step into a 9-to-5 office setting and then throw on a leather jacket to catch a live show at night. The ones who can talk shop with both the suit-and-tie executive and the rock band bassist, bridging the gap between business and artistry.
The demand for skilled professionals in record labels, radio companies and beyond remains high as major industry employers actively seek fresh talent.
Career paths
- Artist manager
- Music marketer
- Record label professional
- Music publisher
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry program at BGSU asks students to investigate the music industry’s role in the larger world. Coursework includes discussions of the music industry’s role in the international media landscape.
The curriculum includes:
- Required courses from the College of Musical Arts and the Schmidthorst College of Business. Business courses are grouped into a minor in marketing or entrepreneurship.
- Electives from these colleges and the College of Arts and Sciences. Choose from courses in recording technology, nonprofit arts administration and more.
The bachelor’s degree program also embeds practical, professional experiences through:
- A required, semester-long internship
- A required, one-semester capstone course in which you manage an artist
Our program emphasizes the skills you need to be successful in the music industry, including:
- Critical thinking. Examine how revenue streams have changed with the advent of music streaming, analyze the legal reasoning behind changes in streaming royalty rates and then forecast the financial health of stakeholders including record labels, publishers and artists.
- Communication. Practice with peers and industry leaders so that you’ll be able to engage confidently with business professionals and artists.
- Specialized knowledge. Learn about the aesthetic and technical details of music, as well as the finer points of business in the music industry – record contracts, licensing systems and recording technology.
Music industry classes are highly interactive. You’ll collaborate with classmates as you plan a tour for an artist, write a song or negotiate a contract.
Sample courses
- Music Marketing
- Artist Management
- Music Law
- Song Writing
- Music Publishing
- History of the Music Industry
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry is a program in the College of Musical Arts.
Updated: 01/08/2026 11:30AM