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The Bachelor of Musical Arts is an interdisciplinary music degree that combines musical studies with a secondary area of emphasis. Three tracks are available: for the general music emphasis, students individually design an interdisciplinary liberal arts component; the second option combines the music emphasis with another major in a liberal arts discipline; and the emphasis in business combines the music curriculum with career-related courses.

 

Class of 2026 and Later

 

Class of 2025 and Earlier

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS OF 2026 AND Later

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.)

36 CREDITS REQUIRED


CORE MUSIC COURSES (9.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 105—Introduction to Theory and Musicianship (.5) OR Music Elective (.5) if exempted by placement exam
  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)
  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)
  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)
  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)
  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)
  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)
  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)
  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)
  • MUS 110—Introduction to Music Technology (.5)
  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)
  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (1)
  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (1)
  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (1)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)
    • Participation every semester in residence
  • INSTRUMENTAL
    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Music (1.5; .25 credit per semester applicable toward degree)
  • VOCAL
    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage (.5)

 

21CM COURSES (1.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)
  • MUS 335—Career Development (.5)
  • MUS 445—Making Music in Communities (.5)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (1 CREDIT)

CLA COURSES (9 CREDITS)

  • CLA Electives (4)
  • CLA Courses in Discrete Competency (5)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (4.25-5.25 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (4.25)
  • Vocal (5.25)
  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 276, 277, 278, 282, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

OTHER

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.
  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)
  • 1 credit in PPD course(s)—Course(s) taken to fulfill this requirement may count toward required CLA courses if taken in the CLA, and/or toward other Music requirements if taken in the SOM.
  • Goals and objectives for the Discrete Competence in the liberal arts curriculum (i.e., courses outside the School of Music) must be articulated in writing in conjunction with the Academic Advisor and approved by the Associate Dean of the School of Music.  The goals and objectives are to be submitted to the Associate Dean by the end of the fall semester of the junior year. Two of the five courses must be at the 300-400 level. 
  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences
  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence. 

 

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.) WITH A SECOND MAJOR

36 CREDITS REQUIRED


CORE MUSIC COURSES (9.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 105—Introduction to Theory and Musicianship (.5) OR Music Elective (.5) if exempted by placement exam
  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)
  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)
  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)
  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)
  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)
  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)
  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)
  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)
  • MUS 110—Introduction to Music Technology (.5)
  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)
  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (1)
  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (1)
  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (1)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)
    • Participation every semester in residence
  • INSTRUMENTAL
    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Music (1.5; .25 credit per semester applicable toward degree)
    • .25 credit per semester
  • VOCAL
    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage (.5)

21CM COURSES (1.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)
  • MUS 335—Career Development (.5)
  • MUS 445—Making Music in Communities (.5)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (1 CREDIT)

CLA COURSES (10 CREDITS)

  • Second Major Courses/CLA Electives (10)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (3.25-4.25 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (3.25)
  • Vocal (4.25)
  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 276, 277, 278, 282, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

 

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

OTHER

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.
  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)
  • 1 credit in PPD course(s)—Course(s) taken to fulfill this requirement may count toward required CLA courses if taken in the CLA, and/or toward other Music requirements if taken in the SOM.
  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences
  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence.

 

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.) WITH AN EMPHASIS IN BUSINESS

36 CREDITS REQUIRED


CORE MUSIC COURSES (9.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 105—Introduction to Theory and Musicianship (.5) OR Music Elective (.5) if exempted by placement exam
  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)
  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)
  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)
  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)
  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)
  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)
  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)
  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)
  • MUS 110—Introduction to Music Technology (.5)
  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)
  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (1)
  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (1)
  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (1)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)
    • Participation every semester in residence
  • INSTRUMENTAL
    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Ensembles (1.5; .25 credit per semester applicable toward degree)
  • VOCAL
    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage (.5)

21CM COURSES (1.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)
  • MUS 335—Career Development (.5)
  • MUS 445—Making Music in Communities (.5)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (1 CREDIT)

CLA COURSES (7 CREDITS)

  • ECON 100—Introduction to Economics (1)
  • ECON 220—Introduction to Financial Accounting (1)
  • ECON 280—Managerial Accounting (1)
  • PSY 100—Introduction to Psychology (1)
  • PSY 364—Industrial and Organizational Psychology (1)
  • CLA Electives (2)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (1.25-2.25 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (1.25)
  • Vocal (2.25)
  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 276, 277, 278, 282, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

CAREER-RELATED ELECTIVES (5 CREDITS)

  • At least 4 credits must be in the College of Liberal Arts

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

OTHER

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.
  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)
  • 1 credit in PPD course(s)—Course(s) taken to fulfill this requirement may count toward required CLA courses if taken in the CLA, and/or toward other Music requirements if taken in the SOM.
  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences
  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence.

 

Requirements for Class of 2025 and Earlier

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.)

36 CREDITS REQUIRED

CORE MUSIC COURSES (7.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)

  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)

  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)

  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)

  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)

  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)

  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)

  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)

  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)

  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (.75)

  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (.75)

  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (.75)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 275—University Chorus, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)

    • Participation every semester in residence

  • INSTRUMENTAL

    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Music (1.5)

      • .25 credit per semester

  • VOCAL

    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage, 283—Performing Opera, or 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.5) +

      • .25 credit per semester

+ = Prior to Fall 2021: MUS 283—Performing Opera (.25) and 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.25)

21CM COURSES (4.25 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)

  • MUS 240—State of the Art (1)

  • MUS 340—Music Entrepreneurship (.5)

  • MUS 440—Practicum (.5)

  • 21CM Electives (1.5)

    • Students may take any 21CM Topics courses (MUS 380), or may repeat MUS 440 Practicum up to a total of 1.5 credits

  • CLA Electives (4)

  • CLA Courses in Discrete Competency (5)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (3.5-4.5 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (3.5)

  • Vocal (4.5)

  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 282, 283, 284, 288, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.

  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)

  • Goals and objectives for the Discrete Competence in the liberal arts curriculum (i.e., courses outside the School of Music) must be articulated in writing in conjunction with the Academic Advisor and approved by the Associate Dean of the School of Music.  The goals and objectives are to be submitted to the Associate Dean by the end of the fall semester of the junior year. Two of the five courses must be at the 300-400 level. 

  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences

  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence 

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.) WITH A SECOND MAJOR


CORE MUSIC COURSES (7.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)

  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)

  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)

  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)

  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)

  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)

  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)

  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)

  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)

  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (.75)

  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (.75)

  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (.75)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 275—University Chorus, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)

    • Participation every semester in residence

  • INSTRUMENTAL

    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Music (1.5)

      • .25 credit per semester

  • VOCAL

    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage, 283—Performing Opera, or 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.5) +

      • .25 credit per semester

+ = Prior to Fall 2021: MUS 283—Performing Opera (.25) and 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.25)

21CM COURSES (4.25 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)

  • MUS 240—State of the Art (1)

  • MUS 340—Music Entrepreneurship (.5)

  • MUS 440—Practicum (.5)

  • 21CM Electives (1.5)

    • Students may take any 21CM Topics courses (MUS 380), or may repeat MUS 440 Practicum up to a total of 1.5 credits

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (1 CREDIT)

CLA COURSES (10 CREDITS)

  • Second Major Courses/CLA Electives (10)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (2.5)

  • Vocal (3.5)

  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 282, 283, 284, 288, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

OTHER

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.

  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)

  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences

  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence 

 

BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (B.M.A.) WITH AN EMPHASIS IN BUSINESS

36 CREDITS REQUIRED


CORE MUSIC COURSES (7.75 CREDITS)

  • MUS 111—Theory I (.5)

  • MUS 112—Theory II (.5)

  • MUS 211—Theory III (.75)

  • MUS 212—Theory IV (.75)

  • MUS 121—Musicianship I (.75)

  • MUS 122—Musicianship II (.75)

  • MUS 221—Musicianship III (.5)

  • MUS 222—Musicianship IV (.5)

  • MUS 360—Conducting I (.5)

  • MUS 265—History of Western Music I (.75)

  • MUS 266—History of Western Music II (.75)

  • MUS 390—Music History Topics (.75)

APPLIED LESSONS (6 CREDITS)

Applied lessons on the primary instrument every semester (.5 credit for first four semesters, 1 credit for final four semesters)

ENSEMBLES (2.5-3.5 CREDITS)

  • MUS 271—University Orchestra, 272—Large Instrumental Ensemble, 273—University Band, 275—University Chorus, 276—Vox Animae, 277—Chamber Singers, or 278—Jazz Ensemble (2)

    • Participation every semester in residence

  • INSTRUMENTAL

    • MUS 289A-Z—Chamber Ensembles (1.5)

      • .25 credit per semester

  • VOCAL

    • MUS 282—Music for the Stage, 283—Performing Opera, or 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.5) +

      • .25 credit per semester

+ = Prior to Fall 2021: MUS 283—Performing Opera (.25) and 284—Performing Musical Theatre (.25)

21CM COURSES (4.25 CREDITS)

  • MUS 130—Musicking (.75)

  • MUS 240—State of the Art (1)

  • MUS 340—Music Entrepreneurship (.5)

  • MUS 440—Practicum (.5)

  • 21CM Electives (1.5)

    • Students may take any 21CM Topics courses (MUS 380), or may repeat MUS 440 Practicum up to a total of 1.5 credits (including the required .5 credits)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (1 CREDIT)

CLA COURSES (7 CREDITS)

  • ECON 100—Introduction to Economics (1)

  • ECON 220—Introduction to Financial Accounting (1)

  • ECON 280—Managerial Accounting (1)

  • PSY 100—Introduction to Psychology (1)

  • PSY 364—Industrial and Organizational Psychology (1)

  • CLA Electives (2)

FREE ELECTIVES – SOM OR CLA (.5-1.5 CREDITS)

  • Instrumental (.5)

  • Vocal (1.5)

  • Note: Ensemble courses (271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 282, 283, 284, 288, and 289) cannot be counted as electives.

CAREER-RELATED ELECTIVES (5 CREDITS)

  • At least 4 credits must be in the College of Liberal Arts

CAPSTONE PROJECTS (1 CREDIT)

  • MUS 450—Senior Seminar (1)

OTHER

  • Completion of Piano Proficiency Exam – Students who do not complete the piano proficiency exam must enroll in class piano or lessons until the exam is passed.  Piano classes and lessons taken prior to the completion of the exam do not count toward the 36 credits needed to graduate.

  • One “W” certified and one “S” certified course (may overlap with above requirements)

  • 2 Extended Studies Experiences

  • MUS 001—Concert Attendance is required every semester in residence