The BA in Music Business teaches students essential knowledge and skills in the fields of music and business that are necessary for pursuing a career in related fields. To do that, this interdisciplinary major engages students in comprehensive music study, complemented by coursework in business concepts, management, finance, economics, accounting and the music industry.
Preparing for the diverse career opportunities in music is no small feat. Our BA in Music Business will provide you with the essential business and music knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in this ever-expanding field. In this interdisciplinary major, you will engage in comprehensive music study, complemented by coursework in business concepts, management, finance, economics, accounting, and the music industry. Study with working professionals, connected to the region's dynamic music networks, preparing you for careers including publishing, composition/songwriting, arts management, digital media, promotion, retailing, distribution, artist-entrepreneurship, music law, and more. Current and former students have interned with industry leading firms including, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Ravinia Festival, The Recording Academy (Grammies), Chicago Philharmonic Society, and Jazz Institute of Chicago. This degree includes weekly private lessons for two years.
September 2025
College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts
929 West Harrison Street,
303 Jefferson Hall (M/C 033),
CHICAGO,
Illinois,
60607, United States
High school graduates who have never attended another college or university must submit evidence of graduation from an accredited high school or submit passing scores on the General Educational Development (GED) test.
They must have obtained TOEFL iBT - Total Score 80; IELTS Overall Score - 6.5 with a score of subsection minimum as follows: listening 6, writing 6, reading 6, and speaking 6, PTE with a score of 54 (with subsection minimum as follows: listening 47, writing 56, reading 51, and speaking 53).
Application deadline: Fall - First Year Early Action - November 1st, First Year Regular Decision - February 1st. Spring - First Year Regular Decision - October 1st.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.