Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Requirements


Students will gain knowledge in a variety of areas while pursuing the BA and may include any approved KU minor without adding extra credit hours to their degree program.  Students will be studying with faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized in their fields and their instruments. Courses in Music Theory and Musicology are part of the exploration of music as are private instruction, ensemble and chamber music opportunities, as well as a senior performance recital. This particular BA works well when pursuing a double major, as there are 45 built-in elective requirements that may count towards another major.

With this degree, students will be well-rounded prospects for nearly any employer upon graduation.  Students can also go on to pursue graduate studies in music, establish private studios, audition for music ensembles, or create their own paths in music or music-related endeavors.

Contact Rita Riley, in the School of Music Student Services Office, Room 450 Murphy Hall, with any questions about this degree program.

A printed or PDF copy of this document may be requested from the Student Services Office.

120 credits required (45 at Jr/Sr level 300+)

Effective Fall 2021

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Check Sheet

KU Core (not fulfilled by Music courses) (27 credits)

CreditsCourse
3Goal 2 Outcome 1: English (GE21)
3Goal 2 Outcome 1: English (GE21)
3Goal 1 Outcome 2: Math (GE12)
3Goal 2 Outcome 2: Communications (GE22)
3Goal 3N: Natural Science (GE3N)
3Goal 3S: Social Science (GE3S)
3Goal 4 Outcome 1: Culture & Diversity (AE41)
3Goal 4 Outcome 2: Culture & Diversity (AE42)
3Goal 5: Social Responsibility & Ethics (AE51 or AE52)

Music Theory (8 credits)

CreditsCourse
3MTHC 105 Theory I (Fall only)
1MTHC 106 Aural Skills I (Fall only)
 Fulfills Goal 1 Outcome 1 (GE11):
3MTHC 115 Theory II (Spring only)
1MTHC 116 Aural Skills II (Spring only)

Musicology (6 credits)

CreditsCourse
 Fulfills Goal 3H (GE3H):
3MUSC 340 Music History II (Spring only)
3MUSC 440 Music History III (Fall only)

Electives (45 credits)

CreditsCourse
 May be fulfilled by additional major, minor, and/or "pre" area (premed, prelaw, etc)
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 

REC 100: 2 semesters S (Satisfactory) (0 credits)

CreditsCourse
0REC 100
0REC 100

Applied Music Lessons: 4 semesters (3.0 GPA required) (8 credits)

CreditsCourse
2121
2121
2221
2221

Ensembles: 4 semesters (4 credits)

CreditsCourse
1Ensemble
1Ensemble
1Ensemble
1Ensemble

Music Electives: Must include 1 Goal 6 below

CreditsCourse
4-6

2 semesters lessons/senior recital (422, 2 credits per semester) 

+

2 semesters ensemble (0-1 credits per semester)

3

1 semester lessons/senior recital (422, 2 credits)

+

MTHC 498 Composition Recital (1 credit)

3-42 semesters theory research project (MTHC 499, 1-2 credits first semester, 2 credits second semester)
3MUSC 499 Musicology senior thesis (3 credits)

Music Electives in support of Goal 6 (18-19 credits)

CreditsCourse
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
  
  
 Music electives total: 22 credits

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Plan

First Year - Fall Semester (16 credits)

CreditsCourse
3ENGL 101 Composition or any GE21 (English)
3MATH 101 Algebra or any GE12 (Math)
3Major/minor/pre class
3MTHC 105 Theory I (Fall only)
1MTHC 106 Aural Skills I (Fall only)
0REC 100 (2 semesters required)
2121 Lessons
1Ensemble

First Year - Spring Semester (16 credits)

CreditsCourse
3ENGL 102 Critical Reading & Writing or any GE21 (English)
3Natural Science any GE3N
3Major/minor/pre class
3MTHC 115 Theory II (Spring only)
1MTHC 116 Aural Skills II (Spring only)
0REC 100 (2 semesters required)
2121 Lessons
1Ensemble

Second Year - Fall Semester (15 credits)

CreditsCourse
3COMS 130 or any GE22 (Communications)
3Music elective
3Major/minor/pre class
3Major/minor/pre class
2221 Lessons
1Ensemble

Second Year - Spring Semester (15 credits)

CreditsCourse
3MUSC 340 Music History II (Spring only)
3Music elective
3Major/minor/pre class
3Major/minor/pre class
2221 Lessons
1Ensemble

Second Year - Spring Semester (15 credits)

CreditsCourse
3Music elective
3Music elective
3MUSC 440 Music History III (Fall only)
3Major/minor/pre class
3300+ major/minor/pre class

Third Year - Spring Semester (15 credits)

CreditsCourse
3Music elective
3Music elective
3Culture & Diversity any AE41
3300+ major/minor/pre class
3300+ major/minor/pre class

Fourth Year - Fall Semester (14 credits)

CreditsCourse
2Music B.A. Goal 6 (see options below)
3Social Science any GE3S
3Culture & Diversity any AE42
3300+ major/minor/pre class
3300+ major/minor/pre class

Fourth Year - Spring Semester (14 credits)

CreditsCourse
2Music B.A. Goal 6 (see options below)
3Ethics any AE51 or AE52
3300+ major/minor/pre class
3300+ major/minor/pre class
3300+ major/minor/pre class

Music Goal 6 options for Fall (minimum 2 credits)

CreditsCourse
2/0-1422 Lessons (Senior Recital)/Ensemble
2MTHC 583 Composition
1+2MTHC 499 Senior Research Project & 422 Lessons
2MUSC 499 Senior Thesis

Music Goal 6 options for Spring (minimum 2 credits)

CreditsCourse
2/0-1422 Lessons (Senior Recital)/Ensemble
1+2MTHC 498 Undergraduate Recital & 422 Lessons
2MTHC 499 Senior Research Project
2MUSC 499 Senior Thesis