banner image

Music Industry, MA

Earn an MA in Music Industry at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll gain the skills and experience needed to thrive as an independent artist in the competitive, ever-changing music industry. You can build your professional network by taking advantage of our proximity to Los Angeles, a hub of entertainment innovation. You can continue working and finish your degree in as little as two years on your schedule with our low-residency format.

Program at a Glance

The School of Music nurtures students’ faith and talents to develop and excel as world-class music professionals.

Application Deadline

  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for upcoming class start dates. There are five class start dates per year. The first step is to apply or submit an inquiry online.

Apply Now

Program Units
32

Cost per Unit
$684

Base Cost
$21,888*

Location

  • Online: Low Residency at Orange County
Yellow ribbon icon

Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Band

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Discuss faith and ethics in the entertainment industry.
  • Collaborate with faculty-mentors who bring extensive industry experience.
  • Learn to maximize revenue in the age of online streaming.
  • Develop the business acumen needed as an independent musician or manager.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

Helena singing on stage

Helena Mayer ’20: Reaching the Lost Through Music

At just 25-years-old, Helena Mayer '20 has built a strong career as a musician. Her songs have been streamed more than 10 million times on Spotify and she performs four times a week for more than 9,000 followers on Twitch.​

Program Details

Students in the music industry degree program build on their professional careers by integrating knowledge and skill in music publishing, social media marketing, finance, entertainment law, and artist development and management.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Admission Requirements

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must possess:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale. Students with a grade-point average of 2.50-2.99 will be considered for admission on a provisional basis.

Applicants must submit:

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Current professional experience
  • Two recommendations
  • Letter of intent, 1,500 words or less, that answers the following questions:
  • Please share your interest in studying the music industry.
  • What are your career goals, and how would this degree assist you?
  • Share a significant experience that motivated you to be a part of the music industry.
  • What is your understanding of the relationship between music and entrepreneurship?

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Delivering high quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel that partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.

Tuition
  Cost
MA in Music Industry (per unit) $684
Audit (per unit) half-price tuition

View a complete list of university fees.
All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

School of Music

Phone

(626) 815-3848

Fax

(626) 969-7419

Mail

School of Music
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

  • Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
  • A degree from Azusa Pacific University is respected and recognized internationally, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Featured Faculty

Henry Alonzo

Henry Alonzo

Director, MA in Music Entrepreneurial Studies, and Assistant Professor, School of Music

Gabriel Dávila-Luciano

Gabriel Dávila-Luciano

Adjunct Professor, Commercial Music

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Men's Choir singing

APU Professor Sings on Golden Globe-Winning and Oscar-Nominated Film Dune

APU professor Michael Geiger’s vocals were featured in the film and soundtrack of the Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated film Dune.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
 
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.

Explore APU

APU’s life-changing education develops you into a disciple and scholar, equipping you to succeed in your field and make a difference in the world.

Schedule a Visit
Request Information
Apply Now