BGSU becomes Ohio’s first public university with a music industry degree

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University is the first public university in Ohio with a bachelor's degree focused on the music business, preparing students for careers in a rapidly growing global industry that has expanded steadily for nearly a decade.

The new Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry, housed in the nationally recognized BGSU College of Musical Arts, builds upon the University's current music industry minor.

The interdisciplinary degree combines music industry and business coursework, expanding students' credentials and preparing graduates for roles in production, management, communication, marketing, technology and related fields.

Applications for Fall 2026 are now available. This major is open to all; performance auditions are not required.

"The BGSU College of Musical Arts has successfully offered a music industry minor for more than a decade, with graduates achieving notable success across the field," said William Mathis, Ph.D., dean of the College of Musical Arts. "Building on this strong foundation, the launch of a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry is a natural and strategic next step that responds to strong demand in the music industry. This degree prepares students to succeed in the evolving music economy by combining artistic insight with training in business, technology and entrepreneurship."

The creative sector is a significant driver of economic vitality in Ohio and across the nation. According to CreativeOhio's Economic Impact report, there are more than 132,000 jobs in Ohio's creative sector, which contributed $32.9 billion to the state's economy in 2024.

Through the BGSU music industry degree, students engage in highly interactive and project-based coursework, giving them real-world experience and professional insight. Students also develop skills in entrepreneurship and marketing from expert faculty in the nationally ranked Schmidthorst College of Business.

A required internship and capstone experience, in which students manage an artist for a semester, provide the kind of experience employers demand, solidifying BGSU as Ohio's No. 1 university for career prep.

The BGSU music program has a proven track record of student success, including students securing internships at organizations such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and acceptance into prestigious graduate programs at New York University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

The University also offers robust co-curricular opportunities, including a music industry club that plans a music festival and numerous other music-focused student organizations.

The launch of the Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry coincides with continued industry growth. The Recording Industry Association of America reports the music industry experienced continued growth for the ninth consecutive year in 2024, with estimated retail value reaching a record-high $17.7 billion.

To apply for the new BGSU Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry degree, visit BGSU.edu/apply.