Students who desire a career in a recording studio, or even as an independent artist, should consider a music production program. Courses usually focus on training students in using programs and technology that are currently standard in the industry, but courses can also include music-centric topics like theory and composition.

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.