COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music with a Music Industry Studies emphasis at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 for graduation. Students must complete the university’s general education requirements, College of Fine Arts requirements, and a minimum of 45 upper-division credit hours. The program is designed to blend musical knowledge with business, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and technology skills, preparing students for careers within the modern music and creative industries. Students complete 45–46 credit hours in music, including performance experiences through applied music and ensemble participation, as well as core studies in musicianship, aural skills, and professional development. Coursework in music history and culture exposes students to global music traditions, American popular music, jazz, commercial music, and specialized musicology topics, helping them understand music’s cultural, historical, and social significance. A major component of the degree is the Industry, Business, and Technology curriculum, which develops practical skills needed in contemporary music careers. Students study digital audio workstations, music technology, music marketing, music business, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial finance, venture analysis, media production, arts leadership, and personal branding. These courses provide an understanding of how artists, organizations, and creative businesses operate while teaching students how to manage projects, promote brands, create content, and develop sustainable business strategies. Additional professional preparation comes through a junior seminar and either a senior capstone project or an internship, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Students also complete a 12-credit guided focus area chosen with faculty guidance, which may include leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship, performance, audio and media production, composition, or music pedagogy. Open electives provide flexibility to explore additional interests and complete degree requirements. Through Wichita State’s strong emphasis on applied learning, students gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional networking opportunities before graduation. Graduates are well prepared for careers in music and arts administration, artist management, marketing, event promotion, media production, content creation, entrepreneurship, branding, project management, and other creative-industry professions, while also having a strong foundation for graduate study in music, business, arts leadership, and related fields.