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music stand with people playing music in the background
Undergraduate Degree

Commercial Music

B.A. Bachelor
of Arts
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Tuition Scholarships Curriculum Overview
Program Overview Request Info Program Highlights Featured Courses Career Opportunities Value of a Marshall Degree
Moments Matter Here

Program Overview

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies prepare for alternative careers in the music field.

Designed to give students opportunities to prepare for alternative careers in the music field, the Commercial Music program is focused on providing technical tools and hands-on experience required to develop practical, musical and business skills needed to excel in professional music environments from recording studios and touring productions to artist management firms and publishing houses.

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Program Highlights

Hands-On Learning

Students will gain technical tools and hands-on experience to prepare for a career in the commercial, jazz and popular music industries as a performer, composer or arranger, while developing skills in entrepreneurship, music business and law.

Internships

Students will have an opportunity to complete internships in their chosen area of study, while networking with professionals in the music business.

Well-Rounded Curriculum

Students will gain expertise to excel in commercial aspects of the music industry while attaining skills in musicianship and artistry.

Featured Courses

MUS 227 - History of Popular Music
A chronological listening survey course of popular music with an emphasis on examining the intersection of musical, historical, sociological, and cultural factors.
MUS 432 - Music Production
Music production techniques for a variety of genres using a digital audio workstation.
MUS 361 - Music History Since 1900
A study of the history and development of music since c. 1900, including the interaction of music with historical events, world cultures, other arts and philosophy

Career Opportunities

A B.A. in Commercial Music provides a wide variety of employment opportunities across a wide spectrum of career fields, from music, movies, tv and theater productions.

  • Audio Engineering
  • Music Recording (Music, Movies, TV, Podcasts)
  • Music Production
  • Theatrical Production
  • Composition
  • Management
  • Publishing
  • Retail
Extraordinary Value, Exceptional Returns

The Value of a Marshall Education

At Marshall University, students pay less on average each year than the state average and our graduates earn more, faster.
Average Annual Cost
$7,502
at Marshall University
Marshall
$7,502
Other WV Public
$10,669
Metro Area
$11,921
National Public
$13,381
R2 Institutions
$14,952
Earnings Ratio
1.47
return on your investment
Marshall
1.47
Other WV Public
1.43
Metro Area
1.25
National Public
1.17
R2 Institutions
0.97

What is Earnings Ratio? For every $1 you spend on your Marshall degree, $1.47 comes back to you in future earnings.