Billboard magazine has once again honored William Paterson University, naming its undergraduate Music and Entertainment Industries program one of the 2026 “Top Music Business Schools” in the world.
This marks the ninth time William Paterson has earned a spot on the prestigious international list, which highlights premier institutions across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain. William Paterson is one of only three New Jersey institutions to receive the honor this year.
Billboard select its top music business schools using a rigorous evaluation process, incorporating industry recommendations, alumni data from its power lists, direct information from institutions, and over a decade of reporting on higher education options in music.
In its 2026 feature, Billboard praised William Paterson’s program for striking a balance between classroom instruction and real-world exposure. The curriculum is designed to adapt alongside rapid shifts in the music landscape. For instance, the university’s Personal Management in the Music and Entertainment Industry course dives directly into modern dynamics, such as the evolution of social media, artificial intelligence, the changing role of major record labels, and the surge of independent artists.
Students gain hands-on experience through active participation in major industry events, including Grammy U, New York Music Week, and the jump. Global VOLUMES summit.
“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,” said David Kirk Philp, assistant professor of music and program coordinator.
“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 both a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in music and entertainment industries (open to classical and jazz performance students) and a minor available to students of any major.
Key program highlights include:
- Practical Coursework: Courses like Entrepreneurship in the Music and Entertainment Industry challenge students to develop complete business plans for new ventures, while other classes focus on digital marketing and social media strategy.
- Internship Opportunities: Benefiting from the university’s close proximity to New York City, students are encouraged to pursue internships as early as the summer after their freshman year.
- National Media Reach: Program leaders produce Music Biz 101 & More, hosted by Philp and Professor Emeritus Dr. Stephen Marcone. As America’s only free advice talk show and podcast focused on the music business, it features over 300 streamable episodes.
Graduates of William Paterson’s program work across every sector of the entertainment ecosystem—including record labels, music publishing, concert promotion, venue management, and independent artist management—with alumni working alongside major artists such as Khalid and Tyler, the Creator.
