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Music Major

Bachelor of Science in Music

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Boyer College of Music and Dance integrates a comprehensive liberal arts education with a rigorous music-generalist curriculum. Coursework and internship opportunities prepare you for diverse careers in music editing, journalism and publishing, as well as fields such as law, library science and medicine, among many others.Ìý

While a more performance-based degree program trains students to be professional musicians, Music BS students learn to think analytically, creatively and critically about music. The 124-credit academic degree program’s dynamic curriculum includes classes that span music history and theory to digital composition of classical and electronic music. Since much of the required coursework comprises general education and music electives, students have the flexibility to choose courses that complement their career goals and interests.Ìý

The Music BS helps you toÌý

  • acquire the skills you’ll need in your professional endeavors and graduate school;Ìý
  • express yourself creatively; and
  • gain a broad understanding of music and its place in society.Ìý

The Music Studies Department is a small, close-knit community. Small class sizes and one-on-one mentorships with faculty mean students receive guidance throughout their time in the bachelor's degree program. Boyer faculty are nationally and internationally recognized educators, performers, scholars, and Grammy- and Bessie-award winners. Learn more about the Music BS faculty.Ìý

In your final year, you’ll complete an intensive internship placement to gain hands-on field experience in the music industry. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Main Campus is in close proximity to many highly regarded institutions, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Opera Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

    Classes & Curriculum

    Students study music and the important role it has played in societies around the world. You’ll take a blend of elective, ensemble, general education, music history, music theory, performance and world music courses. In your final year, you’ll complete an internship in the music industry over one semester, with the option for two.Ìý

    With the flexibility to include both general and music electives, students can tailor their curriculum to meet their professional interests or form the pathway for graduate studies.Ìý

    Some of the required courses includeÌý

    • Latin American Music Ensemble,Ìý
    • Music in History, Ìý
    • Music TheoryÌýandÌý
    • World Music.Ìý

    Learn more about the required courses for the Music BS.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Boyer College of Music and Dance students sit in a classroom together and examine papers in front of them.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

    These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
    Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

    Our Academic Advisors

    The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with five staff members. This advising team serves all undergraduate students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.

    Advisors help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program. The academic advising team for music, dance, theater, and film and media arts majors is located in Mitten Hall, Suite 200 West.

    To schedule an advising appointment based on your individual needs or for more help, contact the advising team.
    Phone: 215-204-2227

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    Program Contact

    Cynthia Folio is a professor of music theory and chair of the Music Studies Department.
    Phone: 215-204-8316
    Email: Ìý

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts.ÌýThere are more than 200 student organizations at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

    • hosts numerous concerts, forums and seminars to foster a community of musicians who are dedicated to exploring contemporary musical ideas and performing new compositions.
    • gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. THEMUS organizes a regional graduate student conference each year for theory and musicology.

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    Study Away

    51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s study away programs offers all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Host countries include Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

    Study abroad advisors will help you with your study abroad plans for either a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø program or an external program.

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    Accreditation

    The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

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    Additional Program Information