Billboard names TSU Commercial Music program among top music business schools for fourth year
The Tennessee State program, now in its 28th year, cited for its Nashville location and evolving curriculum
NASHVILLE - Tennessee State University's Commercial Music Program has been included on Billboard magazine's 2026 list of the nation's top music business programs, the fourth straight year it has made the list, according to an Oct. 8 release from the university. The release does not give a numerical ranking.
According to TSU, Billboard pointed to the program's Nashville location, which gives students access to the industry through internships, field trips and networking events, and to a curriculum that includes a Music Business and Law course covering intellectual property, contract negotiation and revenue generation.
Dr. Mark Crawford, professor and coordinator of the program, called the repeat recognition "certainly an honor" and credited faculty and industry partners.
The program is in its 28th year, the university said. Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said in the release that the program's work with the TSU SMART Center has expanded digital training for students.
Billboard bases its selections on industry recommendations, alumni information, its own reporting and information supplied by schools, the release said.
Source: Tennessee State University Newsroom, Oct. 8, 2026.