Kevin Roberts' Blog

Many people have been asking me exactly what the Music Industry Studies major at CSUN is and I would like to clarify that with the words of Joel Leach, the founder of the MIS degree.

“Hello, I’m Joel Leach, founder and head of the Music Industry Studies (M.I.S.) degree at California State University, Northridge. Our M.I.S. degree was the first of its kind in the state of California, and one of the first in the nation.
The M.I.S. major is designed for students wanting to pursue executive and administrative careers in the Music Industry. Unlike Music Business majors at many other universities, CSUN’s M.I.S. majors must pass an entrance audition on a musical instrument. After having been admitted to the degree program, students learn about music copyright, recording, music sequencing, management, business law, major and minor labels, as well as the functions of Performing Rights Organizations, managers; agents, attorneys, and much, much, more. Plus, all our students graduate with a Bachelors of Arts degree in music.
Graduates of CSUN’s Music Industry Studies major move into all facets of the music and entertainment industries. Recent graduates are experiencing successful careers at major and independent record labels, motion picture studios, music libraries, music production companies, music publishing companies, software development firms, advertising firms, and more. Each year, several students use their M.I.S. degree as a springboard to enter law school with the intention of practicing Entertainment Law.
Based on feedback from the Music Industry, CSUN’s M.I.S. degree offers a unique blend of both the art of music and the discipline of business. Graduates of the CSUN M.I.S. program are rapidly becoming leaders in the music and entertainment industries. They will, without a doubt, help shape the future of the Music Industry in this country and abroad.

––Joel Leach”

This quote can be found on the CSUN website: MIS

The following is another definition of the major:
Music Industry Studies: Prepares and trains students for careers in the music and entertainment business-e.g., music industry studios, music production, advertising, promotion, management, publishing, production, etc. The MIS program is unique because it is both academic and “real world” based. Students participate in an annual project which includes setting up a “recording label,” producing a recording, and marketing it to the industry. An internship in the music industry is required before completing the BA degree requirements.