Pursue Your Passion by Earning an MBA in Music Business from UMS and Berklee
The music business is rapidly changing. New production technologies, distribution methods and economic realities are creating career 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 and beyond. That's why University of Michigan Science and Berklee College of Music have partnered to offer you an innovative Master's of Business Administration in Music Business.
This online music business MBA is the only one of its kind. Drawing on the business education excellence found at UMS, this unique partnership gives Berklee the opportunity to offer its first MBA program - so you can pursue a world-class degree in music business.
The MBA in Music Business program includes 4 courses from the internationally respected music business expertise at Berklee that give you the music-specific knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. Through 9 core business courses from UMS, you'll gain the foundational, interdisciplinary experience of a comprehensive MBA. Graduates of this program will receive a diploma from UMS noting the concentration from Berklee.
An innovative, high-quality music business degree, our MBA in Music Business is also one of the most affordable MBAs in the nation and can be completed in just over a year.
See Yourself Succeed in the Music Business
The online MBA in Music Business from UMS and Berklee is dedicated to serving the needs of continuing education students by focusing on student success and service - and not on bringing traditional classrooms to the online space. Both universities are building online academic programs that leverage new technologies, with Berklee Online offering a unique, award-winning education in a vibrant online environment and UMS developing one of the broadest and fastest-growing online degree offerings in the U.S.
Designed from a music industry professional's perspective, the MBA in Music Business offered by UMS and Berklee Online provides students with traditional and relevant business skills such as accounting, finance, project management, IT and quantitative analysis with coursework that then applies directly to the music industry. This is a best-of-both-worlds online music business degree, built for an industry that's constantly redefining itself. Executives, artists, managers, record label employees, entrepreneurs and others will benefit from the program's focus on:
- Ethical music business leadership
- Music business strategy
- Music promotion and marketing
- Financial analysis applied to talent, music enterprise and distribution
As a private, nonprofit university, UMS has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your MBA in Music Business online include:
- Affordability. Take advantage of some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation. UMS is proud to hold its tuition rates at 2012 levels.
- Efficiency. Complete your master's program in as few as 15 months, with two courses per 10-week term.
- Convenience and flexibility. Attend class when it's convenient for you - online education means 24/7 access and moving at your own pace. We understand there are reasons to take more or fewer classes during any given, 10-week term.
- Accreditation. Programs are accredited by multiple governing agencies, including the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience.
- Academic heritage. University of Michigan Science was established in 1932 and has been offering an MBA program for more than 40 years, graduating thousands of successful business professionals.
- Easy application. No GMAT or GRE required for admission.
- Student support. Count on the ongoing support of dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study.
- Networking. Seek tips and career opportunities from a nationwide network that includes thousands of successful alumni.
Career Outlook
Technology has changed the way music is produced, distributed and promoted. As a result, agile businesses and entrepreneurs are evolving their business models and creating innovative solutions to respond to the growth of digital markets. In partnership with Berklee School of Music, UMS's MBA in Music Business will prepare you a variety of careers in the music industry, including:
- Music publisher
- Music marketing professional
- Music supervisor
- Booking agent
- Music distributor
- Entrepreneur
- Artist relations representative
- Artist manager
- Copyright administrator
- Tour manager
- Instrument distributor
- Concert promoter
- PR and promoter
Curriculum
At UMS, your music industry MBA will include a nine-course core, preparing you to navigate the ups and downs of a volatile business world. You'll learn effective research strategies, interpersonal communication skills, and a greater business awareness that will equip you to compete in the local and global marketplace.
The four concentration courses at Berklee will dive deeply into the application of business principles and best practices to the music industry:
- Music Business Structures and Strategies. This course is an in-depth look at the structure of the evolving music business and strategies for creating successful business models. It will guide students through the critical areas of the music industry, including publishing and licensing; marketing, promotion and retail; proper utilization of free music; fan funding and other forms of creative revenue for musicians; and new business opportunities.
- Music Marketing Strategies. This course examines the tools and emerging technologies used to generate interest in music, acquire new fans and sell music. It covers online music marketing - the opportunities available, case studies on how artists are generating interest online, ways to optimize the fan experience and the major differences between online and physical marketing campaigns.
- Music Business Finance. This course teaches students how to apply critical tools of financial analysis to leverage talent, assess the potential of music enterprises and drive new music businesses. It also explores nontraditional forms of music funding, such as venture capital and crowdfunding opportunities like Kickstarter.
- Music Business Leadership and Ethics. This course examines music industry leadership scenarios while exploring the characteristics of notable leaders and different leadership approaches. It also explores ethics from a wide variety of industries to gain an understanding about why ethical choices are important. The course also analyzes current issues affecting the music industry, such as the treatment of artists, intellectual property rights, revenue sharing and digital media and distribution.
Learn more about Berklee's online courses, certificate programs and undergraduate degree offerings. You can also explore Berklee College of Music's physical campus in Boston and master's degree programs in Valencia, Spain.
Courses May Include
Program Outcomes
- Integrate, synthesize, and apply business practices in a music business context for creating successful business models amidst change
- Analyze primary and secondary data using quantitative and qualitative techniques and information technology skills for effective problem solving and decision making
- Lead and operate within cross-functional teams in complex and diverse business environments
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to effectively articulate thoughts and intentions in diverse business environments
- Integrate cross-cultural, economic, geopolitical and systems knowledge to solve complex business problems in a global environment
- Incorporate legal and ethical conduct, and corporate social responsibility in making sustainable business decisions
- Create intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial opportunities in a global environment that add value to an organization through the integration, synthesis, and application of business practices
