MBA in Music Business Degree Online Master’s Program
Program Overview Why get an online MBA with a concentration in music business?
The music industry is rapidly changing and depends on creative leaders – executives, artists, managers and entrepreneurs – who have a business mindset. The innovative Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in music business from Southern New Hampshire University, in partnership with Berklee College of Music, is the first of its kind in the U.S. You'll get the the foundational, interdisciplinary experience of a comprehensive MBA while developing a skill set specific to the music industry.
Skills you'll learn:
- Application of business practices
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Adaptable strategy development
- Processes improvement
- Music business leadership
- Finance and marketing strategies
Courses & Curriculum MBA courses that focus on the business side of music
The curriculum consists of 6 core courses online through SNHU and 4 online 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. Your diploma will be from both SNHU and Berklee – giving you the name recognition of two major players in higher education.
As a bonus, you'll be able to "earn as you learn," meaning the coursework gives you the knowledge to help you earn industry-recognized certifications and badges throughout your program.
Online Music Business Courses
While you'll learn traditional subjects like marketing, finance and ethics, they'll all be woven throughout your courses in music business, giving you a more efficient MBA experience.
Courses may include:
Visit the online course catalog to view the full MBA - Music Business curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
MBA Technical Requirements
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Berklee College of Music
The best of both worlds
The prestigious, Boston-based Berklee College of Music is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. In your Berklee courses, you'll learn from the leaders in the field of music. The award-winning faculty are experts and innovators who are highly active in their areas of specialization.
Learn more about Berklee College of Music.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025
Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. 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.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,274 $2,548 $3,822If 2 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,836
If 4 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $16,562
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an MBA in music business?
The past few decades have seen tremendous changes in the way music is produced, distributed and promoted. Musicians and entrepreneurs must develop the skills and tech-savvy to not only create a polished product, but put it out into the world. As the music business has shifted, it has also ushered in exciting new career opportunities.
Occupations
The skills you learn in an MBA program – especially those around leadership, innovation, strategy and measuring success – are all valuable and very applicable to the music industry in a variety of job settings, like:
Oversee rights, restrictions, exclusivities and payments related to commercial contracts with songwriters.
Manage various aspects of artist contracts, including copyrights, sales, marketing and event planning/promotion.
Build and/or sustain a label's brand through talent sourcing, content production/sales and marketing.
Work with media outlets, marketers and venues to help raise an artist’s profile and shape their image.
Manage all aspects of concert tours, from transportation and accommodations to merchandise and finances.
Conceive events, hire staff, choose venues, promote the event and plan logistics.
Number of recruiters that planned to hire MBA graduates in 2023, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey.1
Median annual starting salary offered to new employees with an MBA in 2023, according to the GMAC 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Being able to attend classes virtually was a key deciding factor for me when choosing an MBA program. It allowed me to continue my work while pursuing my degree.
Ingrid Gerdes ’20
Frequently Asked Questions
From the advent of peer-to-peer file sharing, to the rise of popular streaming services and a growing interest in licensing for film, television and video games, music professionals must nimbly seek new avenues to put their music out into the world.
Students of the MBA in Music Business program at Southern New Hampshire University and Berklee Online are artists, producers, managers, promoters and more. Some are just getting their foot in the door, and others are music vets accessing the tools they need to remain relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Some of the most common career paths you can pursue with an MBA in Music Business are:
- Artist & repertoire (A&R) manager: Represent musical artists by planning, organizing, directing and negotiating on their behalf.
- Booking agent: Manage the many different aspects of event booking for musicians, including contract negotiation, marketing, event planning and more.
- Publicist: Manage media relations and spin stories that help shape an artist's public image.
- Tour manager: Nail down the logistics of putting an artist on tour, from transportation and accommodations to scheduling, merchandise and finances.
- Music publisher: Review contractual agreements to help ensure artists are paid and their work is protected.
- Promoter: Work with artists and venues to organize tours and special events.
While an MBA in music can help you set yourself apart in this competitive industry, it's important to note that MBA graduates are also some of the most sought after and employable in today's market. According to one survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, about 90% of recruiters planned to hire MBAs in 2023.1
The music industry attracts people with passion, creativity and drive. Those who succeed in the music industry understand business.
Whether it’s managing finances, negotiating contracts, booking events or reviewing publishing agreements, it's not enough to have talent. You need the acumen to handle yourself on the business side of a music-related career. Even composers and performers can benefit from an MBA in Music Business.
The MBA is a great degree for anyone working in business, including the music business. An MBA gives you the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and abilities that will be useful to you, whether you're working for someone else or are self-employed.
There are unexpected places the online MBA in Music Business can take you, too. As a program that emphasizes the role of technology in distributing and selling music, many graduates are putting their own signature on the business.
"I had one student who was really interested in the algorithm of a popular streaming service," said Mike King, former vice president of enrollment management and marketing and CMO of Berklee Online. "He was a composer who created these ambient playlists that people would listen to as they'd fall asleep. Rain and waves and sounds like that."
The plan struck King, as it not only displayed exceptional understanding of the intersection between technology and music, but it also became a way for his student to make money.
"It was a really clever idea – and ended up becoming really profitable, too," King said.
In the end, the message is clear: Knowing how to market, manage and monetize a business is a crucial skill set for any music industry professional.
As with any business degree, you have options when it comes to pursuing a music business degree online, including specialized music business schools.
Southern New Hampshire University's online MBA in Music Business, offered in partnership with Berklee College of Music, is the first of its kind in the U.S. The program consists of 6 core courses online through SNHU and 4 courses through Berklee Online. (This does not include 2 foundation courses, which may be needed for students without knowledge in certain areas from their bachelor's degree.)
Because it’s an MBA, you’ll gain skills and knowledge you can apply across a diverse range of industries. Yet, with its focus on music, this program builds your expertise in the music industry.
Robert Benincasa, a graduate academic advisor for MBA music students, said, “Although our students have a variety of backgrounds, they are mostly on the creative side and want to use the knowledge gained to strengthen their business side.”
Carin Nuernberg, Berklee's vice president of academic strategy, notes that this online music degree combines “SNHU’s core strength in business and what Berklee does best in Berklee Online.”
The length it takes you to earn your MBA completely depends on your timeline of personal goals and a schedule in which you can be successful.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you have the opportunity to earn your music business degree in just over a year. If you're motivated to finish your MBA faster, this completion timeline can happen if you're able to enroll full time. At SNHU, this means 2 classes per 10-week term.
But that's not a schedule that works for everyone – and that's OK. If you have obligations with work, family or in your personal life, you can opt to enroll part time – at 1 class per 10-week term.
Our online courses are designed to work for you. So if you need to take terms off in between courses, just let your academic advisor know. With multiple term starts per year, you have the flexibility to create a schedule that fits your needs.
Sources and Citations
1 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, on the internet, at https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2023_gmac_corporaterecruiters_report.pdf [PDF] (viewed March 15, 2024)