Four Paths. One Industry. Which Is Yours?

MUSIC BUSINESS · Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

AACSB-accredited. Where industry leaders are made.

Named by Billboard as a "feeder of industry leaders," Belmont's Music Business program is the only one in the world to earn AACSB International accreditation. With more than 1,300 graduates over 50 years, alumni span the industry from the tour bus to the C-suite, working as artists, songwriters, executives, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Students gain direct access to the music industry through internships, networking, and hands-on experience in the heart of Nashville.

Key Program Facts

• Only AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Music Business in the world (global standard held by fewer than 6% of business schools)
• Internship partners include Sony, Universal Music Group, CAA and Live Nation

• Emphasis options in Business, Legal, Live and Production

• Only BBA to J.D. 3+3 accelerated pathway through Belmont University College of Law

• Alumni include Brad Paisley, Tyler Hubbard, Trisha Yearwood, songwriter Ashley Gorley, and industry leaders including Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and former UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe

Learn More About Music Business

AUDIO ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY · BA/BS

ABET-accredited. Hands-on from day one. 

Billboard calls it "a prestigious audio engineering program that can prepare you for a career as a producer." Belmont's AET program is built on access — to 12-plus student-run studios, to Ocean Way Nashville and Columbia Studio A, and to a faculty of working engineers, composers and researchers. The first university to feature a Dolby Atmos immersive mix stage, Belmont puts you inside the tools of tomorrow.

Key Program Facts

• ABET-accredited

• Access to Ocean Way Nashville, Columbia Studio A and the historic Quonset Hut

• First university to feature a Dolby Atmos immersive mix stage

• Emphasis options in Studio Recording, Live Audio, Post Production and Audio Technology & Design

• Internship partners include Sony Music Nashville, Clair Global and CMT

Learn More About AET

SONGWRITING · BA/BS

This is not a casual creative writing program. Entry requires a video portfolio, and the curriculum is deliberately demanding — because the career path is too. Located at 34 Music Square East, home of the historic Quonset Hut and Columbia Studio A, students co-write, pitch to publishers and perform original work from the first semester. The faculty hold Grammys, CMAs and Dove Awards. So do the alumni.

Key Program Facts

• Named a Top 5 songwriting program in the U.S. by Billboard

• Portfolio-based admission — competitive and intentionally selective

• Home to the Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project

• Multiple students have secured publishing deals before graduation

• Alumni include Grammy winners Emily Weisband and Taylor Agan and MCA Nashville recording artist Carter Faith

• Songwriting alumni are in A&R at companies such as Warner and Big Loud. Alumni also work as publishers at Sony, Integrity Music, and more!

Learn More About Songwriting          Compare Songwriting Programs

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES · BA/BS

MEI is for students who can't imagine locking into one lane — and shouldn't have to. This program builds the strategic and operational fluency to lead across music, film, television, sports, publishing and digital media. With access to the Disney College Program, Belmont USA sites in New York and Los Angeles, and a curriculum spanning copyright law to branded entertainment, MEI produces executives who understand the whole ecosystem.

Key Program Facts

• Covers music, film, TV, sports, gaming, publishing and streaming industries

• Access to the Disney College Program for academic credit

• Immersive off-campus programs in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and beyond

• Alumni have launched careers at Netflix, CBS, Simon & Schuster and The Walt Disney Co.

• Blend disciplines with minors in PR, marketing or entrepreneurship

Learn More About MEI

Music Business offers a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) that blends creativity with a strong business foundation, preparing students for careers in the music industry. MEI (BS/BA) is broader by design, covering film, television, sports, gaming and publishing alongside music. If you want to focus on music with a strong business foundation, Music Business is a strong fit. If you prefer to explore multiple areas of the entertainment industry, MEI may be the right fit.

Not necessarily. Students who consider themselves primarily lyricists can submit portfolios that reflect their strengths. The program is open to various creative approaches, and the portfolio process is designed to evaluate your songwriting ability — not instrumental technique.

No. The AET program prepares students for roles in studio recording, live audio, post-production for film and television, game audio, software and product design, and audio research. The program's four emphasis areas let you specialize in the area of audio that fits your goals.

High-achieving Music Business students can apply to begin law school at Belmont University College of Law during their senior year, allowing students to graduate with a law degree in six years rather than the traditional seven.

Yes. All four programs offer flexibility to pursue minors. MEI majors, for example, commonly add minors in music business, public relations or entrepreneurship. Music Business majors frequently double major with other BBA degrees, such as Marketing, Business Systems & Analytics, and Accounting to expand career opportunities and customize their degree with minors across a wide range of disciplines. Check each program's curriculum for double major/minor compatibility and credit requirements.

The Songwriting program is intentionally selective. If you are committed to a professional songwriting career, have original material to present and are ready for a curriculum built on performance, collaboration and critique, this program was made for you. If you're exploring music more broadly, Music Business may be a better fit.

Not sure which Songwriting pathway is right for you? Compare our program options.
Compare Songwriting Programs