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Billboard magazine has once again placed William Paterson University on its list of “top music business schools” around the world—recognizing the University’s undergraduate program in music and entertainment industries.
William Paterson is one of only three New Jersey institutions on the list. This is the ninth time William Paterson has landed on the list, which includes schools throughout the United States, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
In Billboard’s 2026 spotlight on colleges and universities educating the next generation of music business leaders, William Paterson’s program in music and entertainment industries was noted for its balance between the classroom and real-world experiences. Courses evolve with industry trends. The popular course Personal Management in the Music and Entertainment Industry explores topics from the evolution of social media and AI to the lessening impact of major labels and the rise of artist independence. Students also participate in a variety of off-campus events, from Grammy U and New York Music Week to the jump.globalVOLUMES summit and more.
Billboard chooses its top music business schools based on industry recommendations, alumni information provided by honorees from its multiple power lists, information requested from each school, and more than a decade of reporting on educational options. All programs on the list are campus-based and bestow bachelor’s or associate degrees.
“Recognition from Billboard proves that the William Paterson University ‘s music and entertainment industries program is more than relevant in a new world where AI fears and go-it-alone artists are the foundation for the music business,” says David Kirk Philp, assistant professor of music and coordinator of the program. “We teach, we listen, we provide guidance. Ultimately, it is our program’s responsibility to help students and the next generation of artists and executives navigate past the fear and embrace what we see as opportunity. We’re forward looking while keeping an eye on what really matters: providing tools for success both on and off stage. That is our mission and the Billboard recognition shows we’re on the right track.”
William Paterson offers a bachelor of music degree with an emphasis in music and entertainment industries, open to students studying classical or jazz performance, as well as a minor in music and entertainment industries open to students from any major. Courses include Entrepreneurship in the Music and Entertainment Industry, in which students write a business plan for a new company; other offerings focus on the importance of social media and marketing. Internships are the backbone of the program. Students are encouraged to apply for internships beginning the summer after freshman year, and to take advantage of the University’s commuting distance to New York City.
In addition, the highly popular Music Biz 101 & More radio show and podcast, produced by Philp and Dr. Stephen Marcone, William Paterson professor emeritus of music, is the only free advice talk show in America that focuses on the business side of the music and entertainment worlds, with more than 300 episodes available to stream online.
Graduates of the program are represented in all areas of the music and entertainment industry, from independent recording artists to record labels, music publishing, concert promotion and venues, and with top artists such as Khalid and Tyler, the Creator.
