Music and Entertainment Business
Key courses:
- Industry Fundamentals
- The Music and Entertainment Business
- Public Relations Principals
- Consumer Behavior
- Marketing Data Analysis
- Marketing Research
Degrees:
- Music and Entertainment Business (Bachelor)
- Club Management (Minor)
- Event Management (Minor)
- Marketing Sales (Minor)
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship (Minor)
- Advertising/Integrated Marketing (Certificate)
- Business-to-Business Marketing (Certificate)
- Digital Marketing (Certificate)
- Retailing (Certificate)
- Small Business Management (Certificate)
- Accountancy (Minor)
- Public Relations (Minor)
Locations:
- Big Rapids
Formerly Music Industry Management (1995–2018)
The music business has dramatically changed in recent years, evolving into the entertainment business. Music creation, distribution and consumption remain integral in a multi-faceted industry now focusing on concerts, festivals, branding, fashion, and merchandising. It takes more than musicians to put on a concert, produce and distribute a great recording, or get a new guitar into the hands of a player. It takes many people doing the business of music.
On campus, Music and Entertainment Business (MEB) students produce live shows and other entertainment events throughout the year as members of the Music and Entertainment Business Association. Students are responsible for booking the artists and venues, as well as for promotion, hospitality, stage set-up, sponsorships, and merchandise. Internships in places like Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York are a fundamental component of the program, further preparing MEB students to enter the field.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence.
New & Noteworthy
COVID-19 in the Industry: Professor Paul Kwant on Music and Entertainment Business
May 8, 2020
As the spread of COVID-19 continues to keep us in quarantine, it is also profoundly impacting the industries around us. Among those most effected is Music Entertainment Business. To help us understand how the changes are shaping his field and…Read more »
College of Business Students Recognized for Excellence
May 14, 2019
The College of Business recently recognized 20 outstanding upperclassmen by presenting them with Student Excellence Awards. On Friday, April 04, 2019, recipients were treated to a catered dinner and a speech from Jeff Harrold, retired Chairman and CEO of Auto-Owners Insurance.… Read more »
College of Business to Host Homecoming Welcome Back Alumni Tent
September 26, 2018
The College of Business will host the COB Homecoming Welcome Back Alumni Tent at the Ferris Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This year’s Homecoming Theme “Color Me Crimson” will allow alumni to… Read more »
From Student to Junior Agent: How Music Industry Management Senior Lacie Tryan Secured Internships through Networking
September 13, 2017
When Music Industry Management student Lacie Tryan set out to bring country music singer-songwriter Frankie Ballard and country music band A Thousand Horses to Ferris State University in March 2017, she partnered with middle buying agency Degy Entertainment to make…Read more »
Paul Kwant Becomes Music Industry Management Program Director
August 10, 2017
The Music Industry Management (MIM) program is under the leadership of a new director. Paul Kwant, who has served the College of Business as the Internship Programs Director since 2013, accepted a new position as an Assistant Professor and the…Read more »
Meet the Summer 2017 College of Business Orientation Leaders
July 19, 2017
Every summer Ferris State University offers Orientation sessions for incoming Bulldogs. During orientation students confirm their academic major, meet faculty and staff from their program, learn about graduation requirements and financial aid, and register for classes. Meet the familiar faces…Read more »
Embracing the ‘Hospitality High’
June 28, 2017
Students gain real-world experience at X Games By Katelyn Crain | Communications Specialist This article was originally published in the Spring 2017 edition of Ferris Magazine. It was the 2017 Winter X Games, but snowboarding was the last thing on…Read more »
College of Business Students Place Second in Digital Marketing Strategy Competition
October 17, 2016
Last week five American Marketing Association (AMA) students traveled to Whitewater, Wisconsin to participate in a regional conference and competitions. In addition to attending speakers and workshops, three students participated in the Digital Marketing Strategy Competition and placed second overall.… Read more »
Student Experiences Study Abroad Awakening
October 5, 2016
Chandler Owen is a junior at Ferris State. She double majors in Music Industry Management and Public Relations with a minor in Literature. Chandler is a member of the on-campus organization, Music Industry Management Association. Five Weeks to Wellbeing: The Roman Edition…Read more »
Celebrating Culture, Commerce, And Art With Music On The Muskegon
September 15, 2016
Music on the Muskegon is not just a concert, but an experience that will help bring the community together in celebration of our cultures, commerce, and art. On Saturday, October 1 from 12 to 6 pm students and the general… Read more »
Lucky 13: The NAMM Foundation 2016 President’s Innovation Award
December 7, 2015
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation advances the music industry through scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. This year, 13 Ferris State University students received the NAMM Foundation’s 2016 President’s Innovation Award. Ferris State award recipient’s include: Alexandra Fiolek, Emily… Read more »
The Music Movement: Students Value Meaning Behind the Music
July 22, 2015
“Music is an omnipresent force that affects us all. It’s how we tell stories, let off steam, dance, cry, laugh. You name it, music has it. It’s so much more than just entertainment,” says Music Industry Management (MIM) junior Josh…Read more »
Preparing for a Multi-Billion Dollar Music Industry
July 15, 2015
Kari Bosen attended her first concert in February 2008. She saw the Jonas Brothers at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Little did she know that this experience would ignite her passion for the music industry. “The second…Read more »
Music Industry Management intern: Daniel Amrhein
June 25, 2015
Aspiring country music artist Daniel Amrhein, is interning with fellow artist Chris Steer in Traverse City, Michigan. Aside from interning, Amrhein does freelance work to become accustomed to the music industry and to promote his talents. “My goal is to…Read more »
Music Industry Management Student among Outstanding Graduates
June 11, 2015
Each year, President Eisler sits down with a select number of students from the graduating class to learn about their life experiences. These Outstanding Graduates have excelled academically and overcome tremendous challenges to earn their degrees. Dai-Zhanie Plummer of the… Read more »
Music Biz Conference Offers Career Insight
June 4, 2015
Music Industry Management (MIM) student Katarina Cody attended a music industry conference in Nashville, Tennessee. A junior, she was motivated by the experience to excel in her pre-professional career at Ferris and to prepare for life after college. Cody was among several MIM… Read more »
Music Industry Management Spotlight: Nicole Finch of NAMM
February 24, 2015
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to a belief in music. They are known for their NAMM trade shows and serve to strengthen the $17 billion global music products industry. Through various activities and…Read more »
Music Management Students Step Up at National Show
February 4, 2015
On Jan. 22, 27 passionate Music Industry Management (MIM) students traveled to sunny Anaheim, California. Instead of soaking up the sun, they spent the weekend networking with 100,000 music business professionals from around the globe at the winter National Association… Read more »
Music Industry Management Success Spotlight: Haley Hoogland
September 30, 2014
College of Business grads are thriving in some pretty neat places. Music Industry Management alumni Haley Hoogland is a major success behind the scenes of the Electronic Dance Music business. Haley graduated from Ferris State University in 2010; now she…Read more »
Music Industry Student Experiences Talent Buying in the Real World
June 5, 2014
This summer, Connor LaRowe is living his dream. As a Music Industry Management senior, He is interning with Fusion Shows, located in Lansing. “I get to work with some of my best friends every day, doing what I love. Being…Read more »
MIM Makes Music Its Business
June 11, 2013
It takes more than just musicians to put on a concert, produce and distribute a great recording, or get a new guitar into the hands of a player. Students join their passion for music and their desire for a career in the music… Read more »
Turn Up The Good 3.0
March 18, 2013
Griz, Break Science, and The Floozies will be performing at Turn Up The Good 3.0. This event will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Wink Arena. Doors will open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7… Read more »
Independent Showcase
February 6, 2013
The Independent Showcase is a mini concert series that was held at the Rankin Art Gallery. Featured artists were Lucas Carpenter, Mark Rose, and The Icarus Account. Each of the artists performed on separate nights in February and March. The… Read more »
From the Classroom to the Stage
October 19, 2012
Autumn Alive gives MIM students hands-on experience Ferris State MIM senior, Robin Fomusa, has spent months preparing for the 13th annual Autumn Alive concert. This year’s event will feature We the Kings and Fireworks. Last spring, Fomusa was selected as… Read more »
Admissions
1. New First Year or “First Time in Any College Freshmen (FTIAC)” Applicant COB Admission Criteria
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (SAA).
Applicants completing the SAT after Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) score of 450 or higher.
- SAT Math score of 500 or higher. Placement in Math 109/110 will be considered (SAT MATH score 480).
- SAT Composite score of 900.
Applicants completing the ACT; or applicants completing the SAT before Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- English ACT score of 16 or higher, or SAT Writing score of 370 or higher
- Math ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Math score of 460 or higher
- Reading ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Reading score of 430 or higher
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or approved satellite location.
Applicants not meeting the above criteria (or criteria for direct admission into a specific COB program listed in Section 3), MAY be considered for an approved Associates Degree if:
- High School GPA of 2.35 or higher
- Math ACT score of 16/SAT Math 430 and additional high school algebra
- ACT Reading score of 16 and ACT English score of 14 or a comparable SAT ERW score to be determined.
- SAT Composite score of 860 or ACT composite score of 15.
2. Transfer Applicant COB Admission Criteria (this includes internal applicants from other FSU colleges and external applicants from other institutions)
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except for Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA.
Transfer applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Combined college or university GPA of 2.35 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Developmental courses will not be considered in computing the GPA requirement.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU English 150 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT English score of 16 or higher; or SAT ERW score of 450; or Accuplacer English score 6 or higher.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU Math 114/115 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT Math score of 19 or higher; or SAT Math score of 500; or Accuplacer MATH scores: Elementary Algebra score 75 or higher and College Level Math 0 – 49.
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or an approved satellite location.
COB students may transfer into another COB program with a 2.0 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
FSU students may transfer into a COB program with a 2.35 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
3. COB Specific Programs’ Admission Criteria
New applicants (FTIAC)* and transfer applicants interested in Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Systems Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security and Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) have specific admission criteria as follows:
Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet the COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Systems (CIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Technology (CIT-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a college or university 2.5 GPA.
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree (DSGN-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria. Students must maintain a 2.7gpa in their DSGN courses.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and will be referred to the Program Coordinator for portfolio review to determine acceptance and placement within the program.
Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN-BS-BU and ISIN-AAS-BU)
- All applicants applying for admission to the ISIN programs will submit a 750 – 1,000 word essay that addresses the following: Who they are and why they desire admission in the ISIN program, description of a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience, and description of someone that influenced them and why.
- Minimum computer spec for ISIN students: Laptop; Windows or OSX/MacOS; 8 GB RAM, 16GB recommended; 500 GB HDD or SSD; CPU minimum i5 or equivalent.
- FTIAC applicants require a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school and a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550.
- Transfer applicants must have a combined 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 24 hours or more. Students must have completed the transfer equivalent of FSU’s Math 114/115 or higher (this does not include FSU’s equivalent of Math 117) with a minimum 2.00 GPA or have a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550. (See information above regarding the required essay.)
Music and Entertainment Business (MEBM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria and (see Section 2) have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA. Typically no more than 45 applicable credit hours should be transferred from other institutions. Exceptions will be based on approval by the MIM Program Director.
PGA Golf Management (PGA-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, ACT composite score of 19 or SAT composite score of 980. The program has a Fall Semester entry only. Because of the uniqueness of the program, applicants are encouraged to visit campus and talk with an admissions counselor and/or the PGA program coordinator.
- There are two alternatives for students to demonstrate the golf playing ability required to enter the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Program. Each State Golf Association offers memberships that include score posting for rounds played to allow golfers to establish an official handicap. If a student elects to use option 1 below, the maximum permitted USGA/World Handicapping System Index is 8.0.
- In Michigan, for example, the Golf Association of Michigan offers score posting options online. The following link will take you directly to the GAM Membership page. As a GAM Member not only can you post your scores but the GAM offers discounts on greens fees and merchandise at various courses throughout Michigan. https://www.gam.org/?Membership&view=Join
- The other alternative is to demonstrate playing proficiency in a 36 hole PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT) conducted in any PGA Section in the United States. The proficiency considered acceptable by Ferris State is as follows: In at least one of the two rounds of the PAT, the student shoots a score that is within 5 strokes of the PAT Target Score.
For Example, the PAT Target Score for 36 Holes = 158 (79 + 79 = 158)
Player in PAT Shoots 84 and 86 in the two rounds. Since at least one round (the 84) is within 5 strokes of 79 that would be considered acceptable.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and demonstrate golfing ability as explained above. Transfer equivalency or placement in ENGL-150 and MATH-114 or MATH-115.
- Students must complete the program within eight years of the initial enrollment as required by the PGA.
- PGA Playing Ability Test Registration
Professional Tennis Management (PTM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, NTRP of 4.0 with USTA District ranking and one of the following two criteria: (1) ACT Math score of 19 or higher or SAT Math score of 500 OR (2) ACT Reading score of 19 or higher or SAT ERW to be determined.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admissions criteria (see Section 2) and NTRP of 4.0 or USTA District ranking.
4. Undergraduate COB Certificate Programs’ Admission Criteria
Any person admitted to a Ferris State University degree program may enroll in courses for undergraduate COB certificates. No more than 50% of the credits in a certificate may be transferred from another institution. If a student is in a FSU degree-seeking program, the certificate will not be granted if more than 50% of the certificate credits are required in the program/major. The certificate will be granted upon completion with an average GPA of 2.0 or higher in the courses designated for the certificate.
Individuals wanting to advance their career, but not admitted to an FSU degree program, may also earn undergraduate COB certificates.
Admission process for individuals seeking only a certificate:
- Applicant should show proof of high school graduation with a 2.35 GPA. If it is determined by the COB Dean’s Office/SAA that regular program admission criteria should be met in order to complete the certificate successfully and be a contributing member of the course, all college transcripts should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Once admitted, an advisor will be assigned by the College of Business in the certificate program.
- Dual enrolled/concurrent students must complete their high school degree (provide transcript) before the certificate will be granted from FSU.
- Students wishing to pursue a bachelor or associate’s degree must meet the admission criteria for the program. This criteria review is initiated when the “Program Change Form” request is processed through the COB Dean’s Office/SAA.
Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA
*This document is subject to change. Questions should be submitted to the COB Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (BUS 200) in care of the Director of Student Academic Affairs (231-591-2420).
SLG: April 9, 2013; Spring, 2014 (PHMT and eliminate PMIM); December, 2014(editorial); August 20, 2015 (criteria change: Section 1 preprogram requirements; PGA Golf Management name change); April and May, 2016 (Certificate process updates); Reviewed by AC: March 16, 2017 and updated on April 4, 2017 (Updates with certificate, ISIN admissions criteria, SAT updates, program changes, eliminate pre-programs, editorial changes); June 13, 2107 (MIM transfer credit clarification); June 19, 2017 (CIS transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.5 GPA); July 27, 2017 (ISIN computer recommendations; Accountancy/Computer Information Systems transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.50); August 16, 2017 (Edit); Oct 6, 2017 (ISIN AAS); November 7, 2017 (PTM edit “or USTA”);