Music Major

Requirements

Music (BA) is a 120 credit, four-year program of study. 

For Music Education Licensure requirements, see further below.

Total credits: 120

Music Education Licensure

The Music Department is approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to offer courses for Initial Licensure in Music Education (K-12). Reciprocal agreements allow this certification to be valid in many states in addition to Massachusetts. This program is open to all qualified baccalaureate music majors. It is also available to individuals with degrees who wish to gain certification in music education. Requirements to enter and remain active in the student teaching preparation curriculum:

• Grades of B- or above in all music courses
• Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the Director of the Music Education program, and at least one other from a member of the Music faculty.
• An interview with the Department Chairperson and  Music Education Coordinator.
• Pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLST) of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL) and the Music Content Area test of the MTEL as a prerequisite to student teaching.

Program requirements will be revised to reflect on-going developments in state regulations and educational reform.

Requirements are also listed on the CVPA website at:  www.umassd.edu/cvpa/undergraduate/music/curriculum/

As part of the BA degree, students must complete six credits in a foreign language and must satisfy University Studies requirements not already embedded in the Requirements listing below.  University Studies courses not listed below include three credits in Mathematics, three credits in Literature, three credits from The Social World (US Society) and six credits of Science (three in Natural World and three in Engaged Community).  Additionally, students will enroll in MUS 1XX Ensemble for the first four semesters and MUS 3XX for the next four semesters for a total of eight credits in ensemble.  Also, students will enroll in each of the following Instrumental/Vocal Method Courses:
 

• MUS 214 - Vocal Methods 1 credits
• MUS 215 - String Methods 1 credits
• MUS 216 - Percussion Methods 1 credits
• MUS 217 - Woodwind Methods 1 credits
• MUS 218 - Brass Methods 1 credits

• Students will select one course from the following for three credits:

• MUS 394 - Seminar in Advanced Topics in Electro Acoustic Music 3 credits
• MUS 397 - Seminar in Music Theory 3 credits
• MUS 398 - Seminar in World Music: Topics in World Music Performance 3 credits
• MUS 318 - Jazz Arranging and Composition 3 credits

Total Credits: 136