Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Industry Studies

Delta Music Institute: Your Gateway to the Entertainment Industry

The Delta Music Institute (DMI) is an independent center housed within the College of Arts & Sciences at Delta State University. Our mission is to offer students a comprehensive and dynamic education in the technological, creative, and business aspects of the entertainment industry through our B.S. in Entertainment Industry Studies degree. With a focus on hands-on learning experiences, DMI students receive the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in the field, gain valuable industry knowledge and connections, and develop the skills necessary for a successful career in entertainment.

A career in the entertainment industry requires a wide range of skills, expertise, and determination. At Delta State University, our Entertainment Industry Studies program offers the ideal platform to achieve your goals. Whether you’re interested in producing or performing, our program will provide you with the knowledge, experience, and connections you need to succeed. Apply today and start your journey towards a fulfilling and exciting career in the entertainment industry!

2023

One of Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools for 2023

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World-class Recording Studio Facilities

1

Professional
Artist-in-residence

Why Choose Entertainment Industry Studies at DSU?

Man controlling digital sound board for a 6-piece band performing on a stage.

The Bachelor’s program in Entertainment Industry Studies is designed to develop a broad range of skills in audio engineering technology and entertainment industry entrepreneurship, giving you a foundational base of knowledge for working in a variety of entertainment industry careers. As an Education Partner with GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, an Avid Learning Partner offering Pro Tools Certification, and a Grammy U Affiliate, the DMI program provides students with invaluable industry connections and resources to help them reach their full potential.

Our alumni are well-equipped to tackle the technical, business, and legal challenges that professionals in the entertainment industry face both now and in the future. Whether you aspire to work in music, film, theater, or other areas of entertainment, our program will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to succeed. Join us at Delta State University and launch your career in the exciting and dynamic entertainment industry.

  • A comprehensive curriculum
  • Hands-on experience
  • Three commercial music bands
  • A student-run record label
  • Industry connections
  • GRAMMY Award winning alumni
David Cho, Delta Music Institute student

We get to learn about the entertainment industry at one of the top music business schools in the nation with hands-on experiences, and it’s really affordable.

David Cho, Entertainment Industry Studies majorClass of 2024

Areas of Study in Entertainment Industry Studies

Large studio console powered on in the control room.

Audio Engineering Technology

The Audio Engineering Technology concentration is for the student who desires a career as a recording engineer, live sound engineer, audio editor, or production assistant. Many of our students come from a background of formal music training although this is not a requirement. In our experience, successful audio engineering technology students have strong problem-solving skills and proficiency with technology while possessing outstanding interpersonal communication skills.

Four students standing and sitting in front of recording studio console, working on a project.

Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship

The Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship concentration is for the student who desires a career as an artist manager, songwriter, promoter, business owner, or performer. Many students come from a background of formal music training although this is not a requirement. Successful entertainment industry entrepreneurship students have strong collaboration skills and are typically innovative with a desire to pursue a career in the business side of the industry.

Small recording studio with recording equipment on each site of the computer screen.

Minors in Entertainment Industry Studies

The Minors in Entertainment Industry Studies consist of 21 hours of study in either Audio Engineering Technology or Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship. These minors are for Delta State University students who desire to gain real-world knowledge of concepts, skills, and practices in today’s evolving entertainment industry.

What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Entertainment Industry Studies?

A B.S. degree in Entertainment Industry Studies can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the entertainment industry. Some of the most common jobs for graduates with this degree include:

  • Artist Manager
  • Promoter
  • Songwriter
  • Performer
  • Tour Manager
  • Media Relations/PR
  • Recording Engineer
  • Live Sound Engineer
  • Audio Editor
  • Music Producer
  • Mixing Engineer
  • Mastering Engineer

Delta Music Institute Scholarships

Delta State’s Entertainment Industry Studies program is more affordable than many of its contemporaries offering similar opportunities. At DSU, we’re going to automatically consider you for scholarships. Some scholarships you may be considered for include opportunities for majors in entertainment industry studies, participants in DMI leadership activities, rising sophomore students enrolled in the Delta Music Institute entertainment industry program, and outstanding musicians who participate in one of the three DMI commercial music bands. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.

Program Goals

The mission of the DMI is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, business, and creative areas of the music and entertainment industry. In keeping with the overall mission of the University, the DMI program encourages significant student-faculty interactions through multiple opportunities for project-based learning, directs students to develop respect for different ethnic, and socioeconomic groups through a common interest in entertainment industry studies and guides students in developing, assessing, and expressing their own thoughts effectively.

Admission Requirements

Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s admission requirements.

There are no additional program admission requirements.

Curriculum

The following courses are required to complete a concentration or minor in Entertainment Industry Studies.

Audio Engineering Technology

Course Number Course Title Credits
DMI 202 Computer Audio Skills I 3
DMI 203 Computer Audio Skills II 3
DMI 211 Recording Studio Theory & Practice I 3
DMI 311 Recording Studio Theory & Practice II 3
DMI 314 Live Sound Reinforcement II 3
DMI 322 Critical Listening 3
DMI 331 Audio Monitoring & Mixing 3
DMI 411 Recording Studio Theory & Practice III 3
DMI 403 Computer Audio Skills III 3
TOTAL 27

Audio Engineering Technology (Minor)

Course Number Course Title Credits
DMI 202 Computer Audio Skills I 3
DMI 203 Computer Audio Skills II 3
DMI 211 Recording Studio Theory & Practice I 3
DMI 311 Recording Studio Theory & Practice II 3
DMI 322 Critical Listening 3
DMI 331 Audio Monitoring & Mixing 3
DMI 403 Computer Audio Skills III 3
TOTAL 21

Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship

Course Number Course Title Credits
DMI 210 The Craft of Songwriting 3
DMI 300 Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship 3
DMI 310 The Business of Songwriting 3
DMI 315 Entertainment Product Marketing 3
DMI 320 Audio Production 3
DMI 325 Concert Promotion & Touring 3
DMI 415 Entertainment Business Copyrights & Contracts 3
DMI 430 Artist Management 3
DMI 435 Sound Design for Film & Visual Media 3
TOTAL 27

Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship (Minor)

Course Number Course Title Credits
DMI 101 Entertainment Industry Survey 3
DMI 300 Entertainment Industry Entrepreneurship 3
DMI 310 The Business of Songwriting 3
DMI 315 Entertainment Product Marketing 3
DMI 320 Audio Production 3
DMI 325 Concert Promotion & Touring 3
DMI 415 Entertainment Industry Copyrights & Contracts 3
TOTAL 21

Degree Requirements

To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below.

General Education 39-40
University Requirement 1
Entertainment Industry Core 26
Business Core 15
Concentration 27
DMI Electives 11
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 120

For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.

Fees

Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes. Select Delta Music Institute courses may require additional fees. Students pursuing a degree and concentrations in the Entertainment Industry Studies curriculum are required to purchase specific hardware and related software and accessories to participate in the EIS program.

Please refer to the undergraduate academic catalog for other course-related fees.

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