Agreement Brings NJ Students to MU to Study Music Industry

Millersville University and Bergen Community College in Paramus, N.J., have signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bergen students to complete a bachelor's degree in music industry at Millersville at a discounted tuition rate, beginning in Fall 2026. This is the program's first agreement with a school located in New Jersey; Bergen is the state's largest community college.

"This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering students, expanding access, and supporting academic and professional growth," says Dr. Gail Gasparich, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Millersville. "By providing a clear pathway for talented students to advance their education and careers in the music industry, we are investing in the next generation of creative leaders and innovators. We look forward to welcoming Bergen County Community College graduates into our vibrant campus community and helping them achieve their aspirations."

"We are very excited that the articulation agreement with Millersville University is now in effect," says Dr. Andrew Krikun, music professor at Bergen. "We have been working closely with the music faculty and administration from Millersville University to create a strong curricular partnership."

Beginning in the fall, eligible Bergen students can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in music industry at a discounted rate through Millersville University's Clair Brothers Music Business Technology Program. Named in honor of Millersville alumnus Roy Clair '67, the program offers concentrations in production, live audio and management.

"This partnership expands regional access to high-quality music industry education, strengthens cross-state collaboration and creates new pathways for students seeking hands-on, industry-connected training in music production and live audio concentration," says Dr. Jennifer Jester, Millersville associate professor of music industry.

Bergen students enrolled in the Associate of Fine Arts in Music program can transfer to Millersville after earning 60 credits and pay 80 percent of typical costs for in-state students to complete Millersville's music industry degree.

"Through a revised fee structure for out-of-state students under the Bergen agreement, Millersville now becomes a highly competitive and financially viable alternative for students," says Dr. Barry Atticks, professor of music industry at Millersville.

Students take foundational courses in music industry, recording, production and music and select one or more of the three concentrations. They have access to a dedicated building for live audio production classes, a partnership with Clair Global that allows them to study live audio at the organization's headquarters with industry professionals, and a 24-week live sound engineering program at the Blackbird Academy in Nashville.

"The Music Industry program offers students a comprehensive education in the contemporary music industry with a unique focus on live audio buoyed by the connection to Clair Global, the Rock Lititz Campus and Blackbird Academy in Nashville," Krikun says.