Illinois State University United States

Music Business(BA)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Music Business at Illinois State University is designed for aspiring professionals who aim to navigate and lead within the dynamic music industry. You will explore the intricate mechanics of music revenue flow, songwriting, and entrepreneurial practices, gaining insights from industry veterans across diverse genres. This undergraduate degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the business side of music, preparing you to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in a constantly evolving landscape. It's an ideal pathway for those passionate about music and eager to build a successful career behind the scenes.

This full-time, on-campus program is structured over four years, requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 senior-level hours. You will engage with core music curriculum alongside specialized coursework in music business, complemented by practical experiences such as guest speaker sessions and potential studio work. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and culminates in a required internship, offering invaluable real-world exposure. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for diverse career paths within record labels, publishing companies, artist management, and various entrepreneurial ventures in the music sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts in Music Business program provides a comprehensive foundation in music theory, performance, and essential business principles. Students will engage with core music courses, applied music studies, and performance organizations throughout their academic journey. The curriculum also incorporates general education requirements and specialized music business electives to prepare graduates for diverse roles within the music industry.

1 First Year - Fall Semester (14 credit hours)

ENG 101 General Education
COM 110 General Education
MUS 100 General Education
MUS 100a01
MUS 122a10
Applied Music
Performance Organization
General Education course
General Education course

2 First Year - Spring Semester (14 credit hours)

ENG 101 General Education
COM 110 General Education
MUS 100a02
MUS 101
MUS 107
MUS 122a20
Applied Music
Performance Organization
General Education course
University-wide elective

3 Second Year - Fall Semester (16 credit hours)

MUS 102
MUS 108
MUS 110
MUS 122a30
MUS 175
MUS 275a01 General Education
IDS 121a03 General Education
Applied Music
Performance Organization
General Education course

4 Second Year - Spring Semester (15 credit hours)

MUS 201
MUS 207
MUS 110
MUS 275a01 General Education
Applied Music
Performance Organization
General Education course
University-wide elective

5 Third Year - Fall Semester (14 credit hours)

ECO 102
MUS 110
MUS 253
Senior level Performance Organization
Music Business major elective
General Education course
University-wide elective

6 Third Year - Spring Semester (16 credit hours)

MUS 254
Senior level Performance Organization
MUS 110
Music Business major elective
Music Business major elective
General Education course
General Education course

7 Fourth Year - Fall Semester (15 credit hours)

Senior level Performance Organization
MUS 110
Music Business major elective
B.S.-SMT
General Education course
Senior level University-wide elective
University-wide elective

8 Fourth Year - Spring Semester (15 credit hours)

MUS 298a03
Senior level Performance Organization
MUS 110
Music Business major elective
General Education course
IDEAS Course
Senior level University-wide elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,210.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,210.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,210.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,210.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 112,840.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,000.00 - USD 1,600.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Illinois Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Beverage Production & DistributionDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringIntellectual Property LawInternational & Human Rights LawLegal Aid & Public Interest LawMuseums & Cultural HeritageRestaurant & Food ServiceSupply Chain & Food LogisticsTalent & Artist ManagementTax & Legal Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

CBRE Group Inc

COUNTRY Financial®

Capital one

HUB international

Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

State Farm

Target

Why Study Music Business(BA) at Illinois State University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Illinois State University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Illinois State University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music Business(BA) at Illinois State University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require separate permits, while off-campus work may need approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To qualify, international students must meet specific English test scores, such as a TOEFL overall score of 79 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Other accepted tests include Duolingo and PTE, with respective score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as music managers, concert promoters, record label executives, music entrepreneurs, and publishing agents.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program covers essential topics like music revenue flow and songwriting, providing insights from industry veterans. It combines core music curriculum with hands-on experiences, including internships for real-world exposure.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Music Business (BA) program has three intake periods: January, June, and August. Prospective students can apply to start their studies during any of these months.
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