VICTORY TWP. – West Shore Community College President Scott Ward and Ferris State
University President David Eisler signed an articulation agreement on Thursday evening,
Feb. 28, which will enable students who begin their education at West Shore to complete
a bachelor’s degree in music and entertainment business at Ferris State University.
The program will begin during the 2019-20 academic year. West Shore students who satisfactorily complete an associate’s degree in general studies can transfer those credits to FSU and enter the program with junior-level status.
“The West Shore Community College Music Department and Performing Arts Series are prime examples of unique and exceptional programming models,” said Paul Kwant, assistant professor and Music and Entertainment Business program director at Ferris. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with West Shore Community College.”
The mission of FSU’s music and entertainment business program is to develop future leaders and prepare them to excel in the arts, music and entertainment industries. The Bachelor of Science degree combines a solid business background with an emphasis on the music and entertainment business. Key courses in the program include industry fundamentals, the music and entertainment business, public relations principles, marketing data analysis and marketing research. Previous formal training in music is not a prerequisite, but selected music courses are required to enhance students’ understanding of the role of the performing artist.
Students in the program must complete at least two internships focused on areas of the industry that interest them. Internships frequently take place in major metropolitan markets and regional markets for record labels, radio stations, manufacturers, agents and concert venues.
“This collaboration between WSCC and Ferris State University opens the door to so many possibilities for our students,” said Ted Malt, professor of music studies and director of performing arts at West Shore.
Students graduate from the program prepared to enter the global music and entertainment industry in careers from marketing, management and sales to advertising, public relations and promotion. As a result of their classroom studies and extensive hands-on experience, graduates are sought after by foremost employers in the industry. FSU’s program enjoys a relationship with Sweetwater Sound, the world’s largest online music products retailer, which provides students with internship and employment opportunities.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating and rewarding teaching excellence.
In addition to the agreement with FSU, WSCC has more than a dozen transfer agreements
with colleges and universities throughout Michigan.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ferris State University President David Eisler (holding the microphone)
and West Shore Community College President Scott Ward (sitting, right) are shown here
as the two institutions signed partnership agreements on Thursday, Feb. 28. Also in
the photo are (left to right) Scott Cohen, professor of Music and department chair,
at Ferris; Lianne Briggs (sitting), FSU College of Business professor and Sports,
Entertainment and Hospitality department chair; and Paul Kwant.