Frequently Asked Questions by Prospective Students

How many students are in the Department of Recording Industry at MTSU?

There are over 1500 declared majors in Recording Industry – of those approximately 2/3rd are declared Production and Technology emphasis majors and 1/3rd are declared Music Business emphasis majors. This number includes all students in the university who have declared an intention to major in any area. Not all of these students are actually in the program taking classes, etc. Many are students just entering the university.

What is candidacy?

All majors must apply for candidacy! This is done later in your sophomore year or whenever minimum requirements are met.

Only 60 music business concentration majors and 50 production and technology concentration majors will be given candidacy each fall and spring semester (and about 10 during the summer). If you are not given candidacy after applying, you can not enroll for post candidacy RIM courses! These are the RIM courses taken your junior and senior years and they require candidacy as a prerequisite.

Who will be awarded candidacy? The top 85% of 60 music business students and 50 production and technology students will be determined by using a formula based on overall GPA, math grade, core RIM GPA and total hours. The remaining 15% will be determined by an appeals process.

For more details, see the candidacy page.

What is the Give Me a Beat Learning Community?

Freshman Recording Industry and Mass Communication majors are invited to join the Give Me a Beat Learning Community, designed to build camaraderie and provide a support network for new majors in those areas. Home for this group is in the FYE buildings.

All students in this community enroll in the same section of JOUR 1020, Undertanding Mass Media (required of all Recording Industry majors). The course analyzes the content and context of the American mass media to understand how they affect individuals and society.

This group living experience brings together students with a common interest. Members have said that this environment meets their educational and social needs more fully than other types of housing because of its emphasis on organized activities.

To apply for the Give Me A Beat Community, indicate your choice under Learning Communities, Give Me a Beat Community, on your housing application.

For information on housing and learning communities at MTSU, go to the Housing and Residential Life.

How many graduates of the Recording Industry program gain employment after completing their degree?

It is difficult to keep tabs on all graduates of the program, but as we can estimate, approximately 70 percent of all graduates of the program are working in some area of the music or other audio production dissemination industry.

Does the Department of Recording Industry offer a program that helps graduates get jobs?

While we do not have a placement program within the department, the university does have a placement office and does offer assistance for graduates of the program. Also, we offer professional internships which, although not required for graduation, are stressed in their importance at providing students with invaluable professional experience and contact (networking) possibilities.

What is your internship program like?

The internship program, while not required in the Department of Recording Industry, is nevertheless stressed. We view it as an excellent way for students in the program to "get their feet wet" in the working, professional environment of the recording industry. Most internships are not paid, but students do receive credit for the work they put in. Internships provided by the department are offered worldwide and cover all aspects of the music industry. We are constantly amazed at how many of the interns are getting hired (part-time and full-time) toward the end of their internship. Some of the employers are converting the internships to "paid" in the hopes of keeping the intern a second semester. We'd like to say that our students are well prepared as far as the music business is concerned. Our interns seem to view the internship as a privilege rather than a requirement. Since 1993 we have averaged 123 interns per year in the Music Business emphasis and 58 per year in Production & Technology emphasis.

I am an international student and would like information on entering your program.

We have many international students in our program. Many of your questions will be answered by checking out the MTSU international student website.

Is it required to have musical proficiency to enter into the Department of Recording Industry?

No, it is not required, but strongly emphasized as may be expected of any position within the music and recording industries. For Production & Technology emphasis students, a course called Musicianship for Recording Engineers is required for students not doing a minor in music. Many students enrolled in the program are talented musicians and perform in their own bands and are involved in the Society for Electronic Music, the Student Songwriting Association, the Urban Music Society and the Christian Music Society.

I am transferring into your program, how should I go about finding my advisor in the program?

Your advisor will be assigned to you once you have declared your major as Recording Industry. This will be done through the Department Office.

What advice do you have to make my transfer into your program an easy one?

First, the best advice is to meet with your advisor in the department. You should also read through the departmental advising guide you will be issued. All of the courses are listed along with prerequisites and emphasis track information. The requirements for admission to candidacy in the College and Department are listed in the advising guide as well. Also, be sure that you attend the "Customs" session offered by the university. They are designed to acquaint you with all of the requirements of the program and the overall expectations of the university.