Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration (MIA)

The first graduate program of its kind in the Western United States – located in the heart of the nation’s professional entertainment community of Los Angeles – CSUN’s Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration is an excellent solution for professionals seeking careers in producing, distributing, managing, and promoting music, creative talent and music industry related businesses. It’s also one of the few contemporary music industry graduate programs in the world.

Learn the business of music – all on a convenient, digital platform

Now online, the 33-unit Music Industry Administration program takes only 21 months to complete, and you can finish the program all from the comfort of home. The program is taught by distinguished music industry and business professionals as well as educators with many years of experience in the field. While some of the courses are the same as those in CSUN’s MBA program, which is ranked among the nation’s best part-time MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report, most feature content that is specifically relevant to current major music industry sectors and trends.

Because this program focuses on the industry itself – music publishing, recording, live performance, music in media, music products, research, data and analytics, marketing management, organizational behavior, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, entertainment and copyright law – there is no performance requirement for admission.

Experience networking opportunities and music industry access

The program is offered in the cohort format, which facilitates networking and the formation of lasting professional connections. You’ll also have opportunities to meet leaders in the music industry through our guest speaker class visits, Industry Insight panel discussions, job placement services. With that, you’ll participate in numerous local music industry networking events that happen regularly in Los Angeles on a monthly basis.

Although the program is online, on three occasions, you’ll visit Los Angeles for rewarding networking events and coaching:

• Visit campus for a welcoming meet-and-greet and orientation with your cohort colleagues, the program professors and support staff
• Get to know industry insiders and the company you’ll be doing your capstone consulting project for
• Present your culminating project to faculty, colleagues, and your subject company, then graduate soon afterwards, preceded by a hooding ceremony.

Get trained for success in a variety of music-industry roles:

• Music Business Administration – publisher, publishing administrator, music clearance specialist, music supervisor, business affairs
• Marketing, Promoting and Publicizing Music – marketing or public relations specialist
• Recorded Music Distribution and Promotion – record company executive, A&R rep, streaming services, finance, international distribution
• Presenting Live Performances – concert producer, production manager, promoter or tour manager
• Assisting performers with their careers – talent agent, personal manager, business manager, lawyer, publicist

Benefit from comprehensive support services, designed for working professionals

From application to graduation, you’ll receive the one-on-one support of a designated program manager and a CSUN faculty member assigned to coordinate the efforts of all teaching in the program. This comprehensive support enables busy professionals to focus on their studies and achieve success.

Attend live sessions with other professionals

In live online sessions, your instructors will lead discussions, teach learning modules, and connect you with likeminded students from around the country. Each day is a powerful opportunity to network. Guest speakers, who are leaders in the various sectors of the music industry, will also periodically attend sessions, guiding discussions and providing insight into the business.

Access course material at any time

On our user-friendly platform, you can access course material on demand. At your convenience, you can view recordings of previous classes, review lessons or catch up on the day’s study.

Follow Music Industry Administration:

This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).