Degree Programs
Music Degrees at K-State
The Music Program of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, offers four Bachelor degrees:
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Music Education
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Music & Master of Business Administration (4+1) Accelerated Degree
For more information on music courses offered at Kansas State, see the Music Program in the K-State Undergraduate Catalog.
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music degree is structured for those students who wish to emphasize performance or prepare for private or college-level teaching. This degree could lead to graduate study.
Students may take additional courses so that upon completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree they are eligible for Independent Music Teacher Certification by the Kansas State Department of Education. This credential is intended for independent teaching situations, NOT public school music. The emphasis in theory and composition is for students who wish to become composers, arrangers, or teachers of music theory.
Degree Requirements
- Applied Music - Composition (BM)
- Applied Music - Composition (BM) Academic Degree Map
- Applied Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
- Applied Music - Instrumental Performance (BM) Academic Degree Map
- Applied Music - Musical Theatre (BM)
- Applied Music - Musical Theatre (BM) Academic Degree Map
- Applied Music - Vocal Performance (BM)
- Applied Music - Vocal Performance (BM) Academic Degree Map
Bachelor of Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education is intended for those student-musicians who plan to teach music in elementary, middle and/or secondary schools. It also prepares one for graduate work in the field of music education. A majority of music students concentrate in this rewarding and important career program.
Degree Requirements
- Music Education - Instrumental (BMED)
- Music Education - Instrumental (BMED) Academic Degree Map
- Music Education - Vocal/Choral (BMED)
- Music Education - Vocal/Choral (BMED) Academic Degree Map
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree follows the broadest aspect of a college education with an emphasis in music. The student entering this program will be expected to take more courses in liberal arts than those in either the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Music Education. The degree can prepare one for graduate study leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as careers based on cultural concerns. This degree can also be oriented toward pre-professional or social and/or business opportunities.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Music & Master of Business Administration (4+1) Accelerated Degree
Beginning Spring 2024
The performing arts industry is one of the fastest growing in the United States. This accelerated degree allows students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just five years and is designed for students who seek career opportunities beyond performing and teaching careers, especially those in music marketing and arts management. Combining a liberal arts degree in music with an M.B.A. allows students to more quickly complete both degrees and would improve the breadth of job opportunities available to them immediately upon graduation.
Students that successfully complete this program will receive both a Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A. Music) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in an accelerated 5-year plan. Typically, students begin master's degree coursework in their senior year, and finish their master's degree one year later.
Degree Requirements
Minors in Music
We also offer six minor or certificate options:
A minor and certificates require 12-23 hours of music courses.