Individuals who study music business learn how to apply copyright laws to recorded and performed music, how to manage the financial and legal aspects of the music industry, and how to develop the leadership skills needed to secure a job in the music business and management field.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.