Music Requirements

  • The music department offerings are designed to provide an understanding of music through a study of styles and theory as well as performance opportunities. The curriculum is designed to integrate history and theory across historical periods and stylistic idioms while providing ensemble and applied music instruction as a basis for connecting practical and analytical aspects of the discipline. Students who complete a music major can pursue graduate study but also apply their knowledge of music to performing arts administration, music therapy and business applications.

    Requirements for Majors

    A major in Music consists of 40 credits in both academic (36 hours) and applied/ensemble (4 hours) music courses. 

    • Three semesters (12 semester hours) of Music Theory courses: MUS-221, 222, and one of the following: MUS-226, 321, 322, or 328.
    • Three semesters (12 semester hours) of Music History courses: MUS/HIST-203; MUS-205W*, 206, and one additional course chosen from the following: MUS-207, 305, 306, or 307.
    • Two elective courses (8 semester hours)
    • Either MUS-401 or 491 (4 semester hours).
    • Four semesters (4 semester hours) of music ensemble and/or applied music chosen from the following: MUS-00X, MUS-01X, MUS-02X, 03X, 04X, or 05X. Students may only count one credit per semester towards this requirement for a total of two years of ensemble participation.
    • MUS-401* (4 semester hours) Fulfills Capstone Requirement

    *MUS-206W will fulfill the writing-intensive (W) requirement.

    *MUS-401 will fulfill the oral presentation requirement as all students enrolled will present their research at an end-of-year symposium.

    Requirements for Minor

    A minor concentration in music consists of a minimum of five courses in music. Two courses must be selected from the Music History* area (MUS-205, 206, 207, 208, 305, 306, and 307W). An additional two courses must be selected from the Music Theory area (MUS-121 or 221, and one of the following: MUS-222, 226, 321, 322, 328). One course MUST be chosen from the 300-level.