The Music Enterprise Certificate is a program designed to provide foundational understanding and experiences in establishing, managing, promoting, and otherwise successfully operating business enterprises in the music industry. The intent of the certificate is not to provide comprehensive training in all non-performance aspects of the music business, but rather, to allow students to explore how to combine their own musical interests and priorities with the tools and concepts necessary to function creatively in the music industry of today. The certificate also prepares you to be adaptable for the changing landscape of music production and consumption in the future. Non-music major students may pursue the Music Enterprise Certificate by applying to the certificate program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to all University requirements for admission to graduate studies, students applying to the graduate certificate program must provide and/or meet the following program-specific requirements.
Program-Specific Requirements*
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation
- CV or Resume
- Statement of Purpose
How to Apply
Non-music majors and non-degree‐seeking students are welcome to apply. Admission is managed through the School of Music’s graduate admissions process.
Current Music Graduate Degree-Seeking Students: Graduate students in good standing (non-probationary) may request that the Music Enterprise Certificate be added to their graduate career at any time during their course of study. There are no admission requirements for current music graduate students.
Current Graduate Students outside of Music: Non-music graduate students in good standing (non-probationary) who wish to be admitted to the certificate program must apply directly to the certificate by completing the application to add a Graduate Certificate for current degree-seeking students (online form submission). Applicants may be invited to interview with the Director of the Program who will determine whether the student has the necessary background.
Certificate-Seeking Students (non-degree seeking): Students applying directly to the certificate program must apply for admission to KU (online form submission). Applicants may be invited to interview with the Director of the Program who will determine whether the student has the necessary background.
Contact Information
A list of all course offerings can be found on the Schedule of Classes.
*These are the admission requirements in place at the time this catalog content was published.
12 credits are required to complete the certificate.
Graduate Certificate Requirements for Music Enterprise
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| MUS 786 | The Business of Music | 3 |
| MUS 788 | Arts Management | 3 |
| MUS 787 | Entrepreneurship and Outreach (capstone*) | 3 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
*MUS 786 and MUS 788 are prerequisites for MUS 787.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational understanding and experiences in establishing, managing, promoting, and otherwise successfully operating business enterprises in the music industry.
- Demonstrate foundational understanding and experiences in entrepreneurship and outreach in the music industry.
- Demonstrate foundational understanding and experiences in arts management.
