Explore Music Degrees

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music and offers three types of music degrees (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts) with a variety of majors and a minor.

All music majors and the minor require a successful audition into MUS 1710, Private Instruction I.

The Bachelor of Music degree prepares students for further graduate studies, or for careers as performers, composers, or private studio teachers. To be admitted to this program, students must demonstrate the capability of developing a high level of musicianship.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree may major in Composition, Jazz & American Improvised Music Performance, or Performance with a vocal or instrumental concentration. Select a major to view the recommended course sequence:

• Bachelor of Music in Composition (PDF)
• Bachelor of Music in Jazz and American Improvised Music Performance (PDF)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance – Piano or Guitar Concentration (PDF)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance – Voice Concentration (PDF)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance – Woodwinds, Strings, Brass, or Percussion Concentration (PDF)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance – Multiple Woodwinds Concentration (PDF)

The Bachelor of Music Education degree prepares students for careers teaching instrumental, choral, and general music in K-12 schools, and satisfies the requirements for K-12 licensure in the State of Colorado. This degree program is approved by the Colorado State Department of Education and has full accreditation by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

View the recommended course sequence for the Bachelor of Music Education degree:

• Bachelor of Music Education (PDF)

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers vigorous study of music alongside a strong liberal arts education, equipping students with versatile skills that are highly valued in the broad spectrum of music-related careers. Music at MSU Denver offers a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Music (which allows space to pursue general electives and/or a minor), as well as numerous emphases options.

Select an option to view the recommended course sequence:

• Bachelor of Arts in Music (PDF)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Music Theory Emphasis (PDF)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Musicology and Ethnomusicology Emphasis(PDF)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Songwriting and Music Production Emphasis (PDF)

The Music Minor is well-suited to students who wish to expand their background in music, offering extensive ensemble performance opportunities, one-on-one private instruction, and a basic understanding of music theory. Since many of the music courses have co-requisites, students minoring in music are encouraged to work closely with their music academic advisor to develop a course sequence that fits well with the courses in their major.

View the recommended course sequence for the music minor:

• Minor in Music (PDF)

The Music Department collaborates with other departments in the offering of interdisciplinary degrees.

Bachelor of Arts in Mariachi Performance and Culture
Offered by the Individualized Degree Program

With a combination of coursework from multiple departments including Music, Chicano/a Studies , and Spanish, the IDP’s Bachelor of Arts in Mariachi Performance and Culture degree provides students with a solid foundation in this interdisciplinary field. Students pursuing this degree will perform in the Music Department’s Mariachi los Correcaminos de MSU Denver, and will take private lessons as part of their coursework.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a Concentration in Music Theatre
Offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Music Department collaborates with the Department of Theatre and Dance in offering coursework to support their B.F.A in Theatre with a Concentration in Music Theatre degree, including private voice lessons, music theory, class piano, and choir.