Billboard Magazine Named USC School Top Program
The University of South Carolina program gained recognition for its music industry studies curriculum.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Music — General
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Billboard Magazine has officially recognized the University of South Carolina School of Music as one of the top music business schools. This accolade comes just years after the university launched its dedicated music business program in Columbia.
Why it matters
The recognition validates the school's efforts to prepare students for diverse roles in the music industry, ranging from performance and recording to management. It aims to broaden career pathways for students beyond traditional teaching and performance tracks.
Billboard Magazine identified the school as a leading institution in music business education. The current curriculum covers four core areas: performance, management, retailing, and recording.
The players
University of South Carolina School of Music
This academic institution based in Columbia hosts the university's music business program and training facilities.
Jeremy Polley
He serves as the Director of Music Industry Studies and oversees the curriculum and strategic development of the program.
Billboard Magazine
This long-standing publication tracks the music industry and produces authoritative rankings of music business education programs.
The details
Established in 2021, the program offers a generalist curriculum designed to provide hands-on training across multiple sectors of the music industry. Students currently benefit from instruction led by faculty members like Jeremy Polley, the Director of Music Industry Studies, with alumni already working in major music hubs like Nashville and New York City.
Timeline
Before 2021, the university lacked a dedicated music business program.
The school established its music business program in 2021.
Billboard Magazine recognized the program in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The school's recognition reflects a growing trend where university programs are increasingly vital for preparing graduates for professional roles in major music hubs. This success highlights a shift as top-tier academic curricula continue to bridge the gap between education and the modern industry.
Students and prospective applicants in Columbia can expect the program's rising profile to bring increased networking opportunities and potential corporate sponsorships. While a master's degree is not currently available, administrators have indicated that future expansion of the program is in development.
The takeaway
The school's inclusion in these rankings suggests a strengthening pipeline for students entering the competitive music business sector. Prospective students should look for future announcements regarding graduate-level study options as the department continues to expand its offerings.
Further reading
For more on the industry's academic landscape, visit the Music — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSPA 7News.
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