Music, BA
Choose a flexible degree that empowers you to develop a broad set of musical competencies. Design a course of study that fits your interests and passions, and grow into the confident, well-rounded, versatile musician you aspire to become.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
The National Association of Schools of Music accredits Arizona State U...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Music degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in music offers you a well-rounded liberal arts education with a strong foundation in music theory and history. Through lessons on your primary instrument and a comprehensive curriculum, you explore music as a reflection of human history, cultural heritage and social behavior. This flexible degree program can be combined with another major or minor at ASU, enabling you to tailor your academic journey to your specific interests and career goals.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| MHL 140 Sounds and Cultures |
| MTC 125 Music Theory I |
| MTC 221 Music Theory II |
| MTC 222 Music Theory III |
| MTC 320 Modal Counterpoint |
| MUP 111 Studio Instruction |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze key creative and artistic processes from at least two musical styles and historical periods.
- Analyze specific musical products within the context of a specific historic or cultural tradition.
- Write research papers applying the conventions of scholarly discourse in music.
Analyze key creative and artistic processes from at least two musical styles and historical periods.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students must submit a separate music application which includes: Students who wish to take studio instruction as part of the degree program must audition for the appropriate performance faculty members. Students choosing to audition for lessons should prepare the audition repertoire and sign up for an audition in the music application as indicated on the School of Music, Dance and Theatre website. Application Deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information. Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15. Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Transfer admission requirements:
Transfer applicants: Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum and to departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards. Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty. Application Deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information. Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15. Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
A current ASU student should submit the separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre supplemental application and adhere to the deadlines listed above. In addition, students who are interested in auditioning for lessons as a part of the curriculum should contact mdtadmissions@asu.edu to schedule an audition.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, music students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Producer | 1.2% | $73,710 | Learn more |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | 1.9% | $46,420 | Learn more |
| Musician/Singer | 0.3% | Not available | Learn more |
| Talent Agent | 9.7% | $82,890 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this music degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared to work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:
- music criticism and research, ethnomusicology and musicology
- music entrepreneurship, concert management and promotion
- music publishing
- performing in community and professional ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions
- teaching in a private studio or community program
Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music or another professional field.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
