Degrees Offered
The Department of Music and Performing Arts offers six Bachelor Degree programs: 1) Performance; 2) Music Education (Pre-Certification); 3) Music Recording Technology; 4) Audio Production, which does not require the student to play an instrument; 5) Theatre Performance; and 6) Theatre Technical. Programs can be completed in four years. Some of these programs require internship or student teaching. They have opportunities to perform as soloists in large or small ensembles as well as theatre productions. Our students perform on campus, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
B.A. in Music (Performance)
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance is designed for the student who seeks to develop outstanding performance skill and musicianship within a liberal arts concentration. Music performance lessons, which pair students with a professor/professional on their primary instrument, are offered, and a variety of complementary activities in music theory, music history, jazz improvisation, and performance ensembles are provided. Students complete this four-year program in preparation for professional music opportunities or for future graduate study.
- Performing Artist (Recording Artist/Group)
- Vocal/Instrumental Soloist
- Session Musician
- General Business Musician
- Orchestra/Band Member
- Background Vocalist
- DJ/Remixer
- Floor Show Band
- Theatre Musician
- Theatre Performer
- Accompanist/Rehearsal Pianist
- Cantor
- Church Musician: Choir Director, Worship Leader, Praise & Worship Band Member, Organist, and Soloist
- Product Demonstrator
- Broadcast and Engineering Technicians
- These professionals set up, operate, and maintain electrical equipment to make sure everything sounds crisp and clear. Broadcast and engineering technicians may assist a producer in a recording studio, synchronize dialogue for a television show, or produce audio, video and lights for a concert.
- Audio technician roles typically require a certificate or non-degree award, and engineering technicians should have an associate degree.
- Musicians
- Whether a songwriter, session guitarist, touring drummer or solo singer, the possibilities for individuals who can play an instrument are innumerable. Work settings are wide ranging, and musicians may find themselves in recording studios, orchestras, cruise ships, or touring. Some mainly focus on playing in the studio, while others enjoy performing for a live audience.
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
- With a great ear for how instruments should sound, repairers and tuners evaluate how an instrument plays when brought to them before identifying the problem. If the instrument must be repaired, they are trained in how to replace parts or create new ones. If it is out of tune, they modify string tension, adjust drum skin tautness, or use electronic tuning devices. Professionals in this field may also work in instrument restoration.
- Composers and Conductors
- Composers write pieces of music for a variety of productions, while conductors lead a group of musicians in playing a piece. Composers can be found writing music for leading pop acts, movie scores, or commercials, while conductors are often employed by symphonies or orchestras. Both roles frequently allow much autonomy and flexibility in scheduling, but may require travel.
- Music Therapist
- Music therapists use their understand of human emotion and behavior to improve a patient’s cognitive development, well-being, and socialization through music.
- Postsecondary Music Teachers
- Stage Directors
- Producers
B.A. in Music (Pre-Certification)
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Pre-Certification prepares students for a career in K-12 Music Education. This program, offered in collaboration with the Department of Music and Performing Arts and the Department of Education, leads to the Master in Teaching Degree, a fifth-year program in Education. The University conforms to the accreditation.
- Teacher (prek-12)
- Professor
- Arranger
- Composer
- Arts Administrator
- Music Supervisor
- Performer
B.S. in Music (Recording Technology)
The Music Recording Technology program is designed for the student who desires a career in audio engineering, music recording, audio equipment design, sound reinforcement, broadcasting, audio sales, or studio maintenance. Students who complete this four year degree program, including one summer, earn a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in Audio Recording. Combining audio recording with music ensures that graduates are well prepared for successful employment in the music and entertainment industries.
- Recording/Studio Engineer
- Foley Artist
- ADR
- Forensics
- Marine Audio
- Military Audio
- Sound Design
- Radio Engineer
- Cinema Installation
- Lobbyist
- Sports Audio
- Television Audio
- Event Planner
- Audio Sales
B.S. in Music (Audio Production)
The Bachelor of Science in Music degree (Audio Production emphasis) is designed for students who wish to participate in audio production and related sound capture experiences (live recording, studio recording, digital and analog recording, etc.) This music-based program does not require students to study a major instrument; however, the program enhances the proficiency of its majors by exposing them to essential music courses, and courses in recording technology. In addition, students are required to have at least one internship experience.
Students who pursue these degrees can become Performers in Musical Theater, Professional Choirs, Opera, or Professional Performers. They can also become Private Studio Teachers, Private School Teachers, and Recording Engineers.
- Software Designer
- Hearing Impaired
- Airline Forensics
- Teacher
- Editor
- Post Production
- Live Sound
- Automotive Design
- Theater
- Gaming
- Digital Media
- Studio Manager
- Stage Performances
- Cinema
- Automotive design
B.A. in Theatre Arts (Theatre Performance)
Stand in the limelight and let your voice be heard! With a BA in Theatre Performance, you will be instructed by industry professionals on how to let your inner light shine. A wide variety of course work relies more on your efforts on the stage as well as in the classroom. Learn to build your knowledge while doing what you love with a degree in Theatre Performance!
- Actor / Performer
- Community Arts Worker
- Dancer
- Drama Therapist
- Theatre Director
- Theatre Stage Manager
- Secondary School Instructor
- Film Director
- Film Actor
- Choreographer
- Casting Assistant
- Stagehand
- Acting Company Member
- And Many More…
B.A. in Theatre Arts (Technical Theatre)
Design it, Build it, Light it! Set the stage and get ready for tonight’s performance! With a BA in Technical Theatre, you will become the professional support to ensure that the show goes on. Behind the scenes and working hands-on with the campus productions, you will learn to design for the stage.
- Lighting Technician
- Lighting Designer
- Stage Crew
- Seamstress / Costume Designer
- Set Design Instructor
- Stage / Set Designer
- Playwright
- Theatre Technician
- Makeup Artist
- Special Effects Makeup Artist
- And Many More…
