Student in Studio Pursuing Music Business Degree

Online Music Business Degree MBA in Music Business

Pursue Your Passion by Earning an MBA in Music Business from SNHU 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 Southern New Hampshire University 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 SNHU, 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 SNHU, you'll gain the foundational, interdisciplinary experience of a comprehensive MBA. Graduates of this program will receive a diploma from SNHU 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.

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SNHU and Berklee Partnership

SNHU and Berklee Online MBA in Music Business Partnership Video
The Benefits of SNHU and Berklee's Online MBA in Music Business

The Benefits of SNHU and Berklee's Online MBA in Music Business Video
The Value of a Berklee Online Education in Building a Solid Music Business Foundation

The Value of a Berklee Online Education in Building a Solid Music Business Foundation Video

SNHU and Berklee Online MBA in Music Business Partnership Video

SNHU and Berklee Partnership

SNHU and Berklee Online MBA in Music Business Partnership Video

The Benefits of SNHU and Berklee's Online MBA in Music Business Video

The Benefits of SNHU and Berklee's Online MBA in Music Business

The Benefits of SNHU and Berklee's Online MBA in Music Business Video

The Value of a Berklee Online Education in Building a Solid Music Business Foundation Video

The Value of a Berklee Online Education in Building a Solid Music Business Foundation

The Value of a Berklee Online Education in Building a Solid Music Business Foundation Video

See Yourself Succeed in the Music Business

The online MBA in Music Business from SNHU 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 SNHU 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 SNHU 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, SNHU 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. SNHU 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. Southern New Hampshire University 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.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application ($40 fee) and providing undergraduate transcripts.

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, SNHU'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 SNHU, 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.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog
MBA - Music Business

Courses May Include
BMB 515 Music Business Structure and Strategies

This course provides 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. By the end of this course, students will have a deep understanding of the pressing issues that all musicians, music industry entrepreneurs, managers, and other music business professionals face in the main segments of the music industry, and how to leverage opportunities that the new business provides. This course is offered through Berklee Online.
BMB 630 Music Marketing Strategies

This course takes an in depth look at the tools and emerging technologies used to generate interest in music, acquire new fans, and sell music. The course begins with an introduction to 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. The course examines effective pricing models, third-party distribution options, and product techniques designed to reward fans, while helping to generate a higher net margin. By the end of the course, students produce a fully timed, integrated, and optimized marketing plan that builds up digital touch points, generates interest, and sells music online. This course is offered through Berklee Online.
BMB 655 Music Business Finance

In this course, students learn to apply critical tools of financial analysis to leverage talent, assess the potential of music enterprises, and drive new music businesses. The course explores nontraditional forms of music funding, such as venture capital and crowdfunding opportunities like Kickstarter. The course includes three components, roughly equally weighted in time spent per week: 1- financial calculations - music and business examples, 2- money, markets, and the music business, and 3- funding music. This course in offered through Berklee Online.
BMB 670 Music Business Leadership and Ethics

Leadership, decision-making, and ethics represent vital foundations for business professionals in the music industry. The course examines the characteristics of notable leaders, leadership approaches, and music industry leadership scenarios. It explores ethics from a wide variety of industries to gain an understanding about why ethical choices are important, and analyzes current issues affecting the music industry, such as the treatment of artists, intellectual property rights, revenue sharing, and digital media and distribution. Students will apply specific decision-making approaches and ethical frameworks toward projects that mirror the real world. They will create a blueprint for sound decision-making, effective leadership, organizational planning, and ethical awareness that they can immediately apply toward advancing their careers. This course is offered through Berklee Online.

Total Credits: 36

Program Outcomes

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course* Per Credit Hour*
Degree/Certificates $1,881 $627
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) 		$1,410 $470

*Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed Annually.

Additional Costs:
$40 Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies. More...

This program is accredited by ACBSP. Consumer information is available on the College Navigator.