UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Program: M.A., Music Industry Administration

Program Description

The Master of Arts degree in Music Industry Administration is an interdisciplinary professional program for students desiring an advanced degree in Music Industry Studies or Music Business. The mission of the program is to prepare students for professional growth by integrating up-to-date knowledge of the music industry’s varied facets with the students’ own career-related experiences. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, clear written and oral communication skills, the practice of ethical decision making and a global perspective. A spirit of collegiality among the students, faculty and members of the Hollywood/Los Angeles Music Industry community is fostered through social and professional interactions.

Designed to be accessible to the fully employed student and the midcareer professional, the average course load for the major is 6 units per semester. With few exceptions, graduate courses are typically scheduled on nights and weekends. Program curriculum is drawn from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication and the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, and it is administered as a self-supported program by The Tseng College of Extended Learning. Visit the Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration program website for additional information.

This program is available through self support (funded entirely by student fees and offered in a cohort format) in partnership between one of the CSUN academic colleges and The Tseng College.

Program Requirements

A. Admission Requirements for Classified Status

To be admitted to the program, applicants must possess (at the time of enrollment):

  1. Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in a related field
  2. Cumulative GPA:
    • 3.0 with no additional needs, or
    • 2.76-2.99 plus 5 years of relevant/applicable experience, or
    • 2.50-2.75 plus 10 years of relevant/applicable experience
  3. English Proficiency Requirements for International Applicants: Applicants whose language of instruction was not in English are required to take one of the following placement exams:
    • TOEFL—Minimum scores accepted:
      • Paper-Based Test: 600
      • Computer-Based Test: 250
      • Internet-Based Test: 100
    • IELTS—Minimum score of 7.0 or higher is preferred
    • PTE Academic—Pearson’s Test of English with a minimum score of 65 or higher

B. Course Requirements

1. Core Courses (30 units)

ACCT 505 Financial and Managerial Accounting in Industry (3)
BLAW 651 Entertainment Business Law (3)
MGT 693 Strategic Management (3)
MKT 640 Marketing Management (3)
MUS 580 Music Industry Developments (3)
MUS 602 Music Industry Research, Data and Analytics (3)
MUS 680 Music Publishing and Copyright Administration (3)
MUS 681 Recorded Music Distribution and Promotion (3)
MUS 683 Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry (3)
MUS 684 Live Music Production and Promotion (3)

2. Culminating Experience (3 units)

MUS 698MIA Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 33

More information

For more information about this program, please contact andrew.surmani@csun.edu.

Contact

Department of Music
Chair: John Roscigno
Cypress Hall (CY) 116
(818) 677-3181

Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration
Graduate Coordinator: Andrew Surmani
(818) 677-3176

Staff: Jesse Knepper
(818) 677-4415

Staff: Heather Leohner
(818) 677-4642

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and identification of facts, terms, concepts, principles and theories within the music industry.
  2. Identify the purpose, importance and critical function of copyright within the music industry.
  3. Demonstrate professional competence and intellectual rigor in the execution of business practices and procedures common to the music industry.
  4. Develop interpersonal skills and leadership qualities necessary for effectiveness in mixed artistic and nonartistic team-based business environments.
  5. Develop interdisciplinary skills and entrepreneurial qualities necessary for career effectiveness within an evolving global music industry.
  6. Recognize the importance of remaining both inquisitive and adaptable as the music industry continues to evolve.
  7. Demonstrate the principles of exceptional character and assess the advantages, to both the individual and music industry alike, of incorporating them into one’s personality.