Students performing

Music, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is designed for students with broad interests in music and in other academic disciplines. It is a liberal arts degree that combines core musicianship courses—including four semesters of individual lessons in your performance area—with a minor, second major, or an individually approved program in an academic discipline outside of music. The program also requires one year of foreign language study.

Learn more about minor or second major programs outside of the School of Music. 

Student with Guitar

Major Requirements

Learn More
The B.A. in Music requires 120 total hours. To major in music, students must pass an audition in the principal performance area and take a music aptitude examination. All music majors must pass a public recital in the last semester of principal applied lessons. The choice of which ensembles to use to meet the ensemble performance requirement is made by the student and their studio teacher, who also serves as their academic advisor. 
Students in Studio

Music Industry Option

Learn More
A music industry option is available in place of a minor or second major for students who are interested in a career in the music business. It features 21 hours of business-related courses plus a semester-long internship.  The internship provides valuable hands-on experience in a professional work setting such as a recording studio, concert venue, or music retail enterprise.

Eight Semester Plans

Students pursuing a B.A. in Music may follow a prescribed schedule of study to complete their degree in eight semesters.

VIEW THE CURRENT EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR A B.A. WITH MINOR OR SECOND MAJOR

VIEW THE CURRENT EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR A B.A. WITH MUSIC INDUSTRY OPTION

VIEW THE CURRENT EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR A B.A. WITH A SECOND MAJOR IN ANTHROPOLOGY

VIEW THE CURRENT EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR A B.A. WITH A SECOND MAJOR IN HISTORY

VIEW THE CURRENT EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR A B.A. WITH A SECOND MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

VIEW A POTENTIAL EIGHT-SEMESTER PLAN FOR THE B.A. WITH AN "APPROVED PROGRAM" IN PRE-MEDICAL STUDIES