UNA, Auburn among Billboard’s top Music Business Schools list
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For the second straight year, a pair of Alabama colleges were ranked among Billboard’s best music business schools across the country.
Auburn University and the University of North Alabama were both back on the list after first appearing in 2025. Billboard created their rankings based on industry recommendations, alumni information, years of reporting on educational options and information requested from the schools themselves.
UNA’s David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry
UNA’s program is in its 51st year of providing students with the knowledge, experiences, and industry connections needed to find their
place in an ever-evolving music business.
One of the program’s most famous alumni is Grammy-award winner John Paul White, who credits UNA for launching his career.
“Saying that I owe my career to the David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry is not hyperbole. My education in all aspects of the music business – publishing, production, songwriting, etc. – was integral to my future success, but the networking opportunities were equally valuable.”
John Paul White
Billboard highlighted the program’s Shoals Music Archive and Singing Rivers Records course.
“Being named to Billboard’s 2026, Top Music Business Schools list reflects the strength of our program and, more importantly, the caliber of the students we prepare to lead in the music and entertainment industry. We are proud to see our program recognized among those shaping the next generation of music business professionals, and we remain committed to providing our students with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to make a meaningful impact on the industry.”
Janna Malone, chair of the department
Auburn University’s Department of Music
Billboard highlighted Auburn’s student-run record label which has released professionally produced student projects through the Clayton Recording Arts Honors program.
“Required courses prepare students for careers across the music industry and are taught by experienced faculty with professional backgrounds. Graduates of the program have secured positions at companies including WME, Sony and THE·TEAM. BMG Nashville senior vp/head of creative Chris Oglesby recently spoke as part of the Master Class series, which all music business minors, commercial music majors and comp tech majors are invited to attend.”
Billboard
The Music Business minor is part of the department’s Commercial Music program, which also offers a major in Composition and Technology as well as courses in audio engineering, which are taught in Lucky Man, the department’s recording studio.
