The programs have been designed to provide students a broad understanding of the performing arts management industry; insight into the theories and principles associated with arts management; and a proficiency in the practical application of necessary business skills.

Students in the BS Performing Arts Management Program experience the same coursework as Bachelor of Music students, but with a more significant focus on practice within the field. Instead of applied music lessons and ensemble requirements associated with other Music programs, student in this program enroll in a multi-term Performing Arts Management Practicum, where students will gain a supervised work experience within various departments of the new state-of-the-art Holtschneider Performance Center. In addition to the Practicum, those in the BS Performing Arts Management program undertake a core sequence of courses focused on the Performing Arts Management industry, as well as courses in Music Business, Music Publishing, Music Festival Management, Legal Issues in Music, and others. Additionally, in cooperation with the Driehaus School of Business, students receive a minor in business administration taking courses in Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting, Statistics, and Economics, among others. An important component to the Performing Arts Management Program is an experiential component outside of the School of Music in the form of an Internship at any of the numerous approved companies or organizations. Internships have been completed at such places as Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, Aware Records, Metro Club, Old Town School of Folk Music, ASCAP, Steppenwolf Theatre, and many other arts organizations, music labels, venues and radio stations.

Admission to the BS Performing Arts Management Program is contingent upon an interview with the program faculty, submission of a writing sample, and satisfactory completion of a music theory diagnostic test. This program is suited for students interested in acquiring the insight and skills necessary for a career in the music industry within the environment of an active and vibrant music performance center.