Bachelor of Arts in Audio and Live Entertainment

Develop the skills to become an entertainment media professional with the Bachelor of Arts in Audio and Live Entertainment in the  at 51¶¯Âþ. The 124-credit undergraduate program immerses students in the creation and distribution of musically oriented media content. From the recording studio to the live entertainment venue, students will master the procedures necessary to successfully conceive, create, and navigate complex entertainment projects.

The audio and live entertainment program is ideal for students aspiring to be audio engineers, content creators, managers, mastering engineers, media entrepreneurs, publishers, promoters or recording artists. Students in the program are immersed in the conception, creation, distribution, managementÌý²¹²Ô»å marketing of recorded audiobooks, concerts, music, nightclub performances, podcastsÌý²¹²Ô»å more.

Students in the program work inside of Klein’s own media ecosystem—a real microcosm of the industry in which our student-run record label, interfaces with other student-run media outlets including , Ìý²¹²Ô»å .

Through the Bachelor of Arts in Audio and Live Entertainment, you will

  • gain comprehensive knowledge of the economic, institutional, legal and structural foundations of the entertainment and music industries;
  • master the industry standard and leading-edge audio production technologies; and
  • practice critical thinking regarding global trends in entertainment and music.

This academic degree program acts as an intersection of business, live events, media and music. By enrolling in courses that span each discipline, students will gain an in-depth understanding of each role within the industry and develop a broader perspective about the multiple career pathways available after graduation.

An image of Klein students working in Studio G, 51¶¯Âþ's premier audio studio.
Photo credit: Ryan S. Brandenberg, CLA '14

What sets apart our Bachelor of Arts in Audio and Live Entertainment?

  • An interdisciplinary curriculum: The program is designed to converge the craft of popular music with the technological and business functions that are involved in distributing that content to the public. Coursework in the program combines learnings from the ;Ìý³Ù³ó±ð ;Ìý³Ù³ó±ð ;Ìý²¹²Ô»å the , providing students a breadth of understanding of these diverse and rapidly evolving industries.
  • Media driven coursework: The curriculum for the audio and live entertainment program is centered in media, a vital revenue stream for music organizations and artists. Students in the program learn to produce and market music and other forms of audio entertainment like podcasts and audiobooks, as well as sound for video, interactive, immersive and other media technologies. And, as the program is designed for nonmusicians—those with a love of music and a desire to work in the industry—a background in music theory, notation or performance is not required.
  • Endless opportunities: Graduates will enter the workforce in Philadelphia, the fourth largest media market in the country. Students may leverage relationships with industry leaders located in our region, including the world leader in live production services, Clair Global, as well as several recording studios in the area, including Studio 4 Recording and Milkboy. Students may also seek opportunities at global concert promoter Live Nation, currently operating several of the many concert venues in the Philadelphia area.
  • International experience: 51¶¯Âþ offers an opportunity to learn in the top three global markets for music and live entertainment—Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. Whether you’re taking Studio Music Recording at in Tokyo or The British Music Industry during a program in London, you will gain a global perspective in the music industry. 

Classes & Curriculum

Students in the degree program complete 124 credits, including a minimum of 47 credits in audio and live entertainment courses. Classes you will take as part of the program include the following.

  • Artist Management
  • Audio Mixing
  • Live Sound Production
  • Marketing Music and Media
  • Music Publishing

Learn more about the Audio and Live Entertainment Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $20,616.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,712.00 per year

CO-ALE-BA

Additional Program Information