The most invaluable degree is, without a doubt, a degree in music business. If you're not familiar with this degree, I'm sure you may be a bit skeptical since it is a common misconception that our entire industry is broken and doomed. This is a good assumption, but it is incorrect. The music business is more than fractured or extinct record labels. It is in fact, a thriving industry that consists of endless opportunities for almost every interest-- interests that can be explored through the music business major. This is a rare but growing field of study. The possibilities that come with this degree are endless and the experience that comes with being a music business major is priceless. Here is why:

1. You gain knowledge in several different areas.

Music business coursework is scattered across many fields. With this major, you will learn about music products, agenting, copyright, management, economics, arts administration, recording, and several other interesting topics.

2. The degree is one of the most versatile.

A degree in music business provides you with a unique skill set and a vast array of knowledge in various areas that will prove useful in the future. Finding a job or getting into grad school is not too difficult with a music business degree. The knowledge and skills that you gain through this major are also transferrable to many fields outside of music— like business, marketing, management, or even law.

3. The students are awesome.

There are no students like music business students. We are all very much individuals who forge our own paths. Since there are so many careers in the music business, we all have different areas of interest and expertise. However, our differences give use something to talk about when we are together and it's always a great time. You’ll often find music business majors geeking out about the most recent music technologies or industry shake-ups – which is pretty awesome. My friend Emily introduced me to the documentary "Artifact," and now, in our spare time, all of my music business friends and I watch the film and yell at the TV when the part shown in the clip above happens.

4. You can (sort of) enjoy music without having the stress of a performance major.

Despite being a music "business" major, some programs require music business majors to take courses in music theory, aural skills, conducting, and music history. Ensemble participation is also often required. This can seem like a lot, but the music requirements are typically less in number than those of the performance major. However, if you do wish to double major in music business and performance, it is doable since many of the same courses are required. If you are up for a challenge, double majoring in music business and education is also possible– but incredibly difficult.

5. Coffee becomes your blood type.

The music business life is a tiring life. Coffee via I.V. is a must. This especially applies if you are a member of a music business related activity such as an on-campus record label. Often, these sorts of organizations run live sound for events that go late into the night. These events can be fatiguing, so the coffee really helps.

6. You get to see music from a different angle.

The music business major allows students to see the music business from the inside out. With a solid foundation in performance AND extensive knowledge in the area of business, you attain an incredibly unique perspective.

7. Meeting famous people and successful CEOs becomes the norm.

Both on campus and on trips, music business students get the opportunity to meet some of the most successful people in the business. NAMM is one of the biggest events where networking within the music business takes place. There, students see familiar faces while discovering the latest music products.

8. It’s rewarding.

Although it may seem incredibly challenging at times and like nothing is going right, with persistence and passion, this major will take you wherever you want to go. It's an incredible experience to be a part of a program where you and all of the other individuals around you grow and discover where they fit into the wonderful industry that we call the music business.