Four Paths. One Industry. Which Is Yours?

MUSIC BUSINESS · BBA

AACSB-accredited. The industry gold standard.

Belmont's Music Business program is the only one in the world to earn AACSB International accreditation — the same standard held by elite business schools globally. With 1,300-plus graduates in 50 years, alumni dots the landscape from the C-suite, the boardroom and the tour bus, this is where industry leaders and connections are made. Billboard calls it a "feeder of industry leaders" — and the alumni roster backs that up.

Key Program Facts

• Only AACSB-accredited undergraduate music business degree in the world
• Internship partners include Sony, Universal Music Group, CAA and Live Nation
• Emphasis options in Business, Legal Studies, Live Event Management, International Music Business and Music Production
• Access to the 3+3 accelerated J.D. pathway through Belmont University College of Law
• Alumni include Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe

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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

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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

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

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Music Business is a BBA focused on the music and entertainment industry through a rigorous business lens — ideal for students who know they want to work specifically in music. MEI is broader by design, covering film, television, sports, gaming and publishing alongside music. If you're drawn to one specific industry, Music Business. If you want to work across all of them, MEI.

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 after their third undergraduate year. Credits from that first year of law school count toward both the BBA and the J.D., 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 public relations, marketing or entrepreneurship. Music Business majors frequently pair with a Songwriting minor. Check each program's curriculum for 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 with a Songwriting minor may be a better fit.