2014-2015

Music, Bachelor of Arts

School of Music

College of Arts and Letters

This degree builds on a strong set of core requirements, then sends students through a well orchestrated curriculum that includes private lessons, a performance exam, and major ensemble experience.

This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 51 units of major requirements
  • At least 16 units of language requirements
  • At least 18 units of minor requirement

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • For this major the liberal studies prefixes are MUS and MUP

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Foreign Language Required
Research Required
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • In order to declare a Music Major, you must apply to and be accepted to the Kitt School of Music. Please visit the Kitt School of Music website.
Major Requirements

  • Take the following 51 units with a Grade of "C" or better in all music courses:

      • Voice Track - MUP 160, MUP 260, and MUP 360, (1 unit each). To satisfy this requriement, choose from Shrine of the Ages Choir, Men's Chorale, and Women's Chorale. (5 units)
      or
      • Instrumental Track - MUP 170, MUP 270, and MUP 370, (1 unit each). To satisfy this requirement, choose from Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Guitar Ensemble (if Guitar major) and Piano Ensemble (if Piano major). (5 units)
    • MUS 330W which meets Northern Arizona University's junior writing requirement (3 units)
    • MUS 485C which meets Northern Arizona University's senior capstone requirement (3 units)
    • Additional MUS or MUP elective courses with your advisor's consent. Note that you may count up to 3 units of MUP ensemble courses toward this requirement. (6 units)
Minor Requirements

  • You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.

Foreign Language Requirement

  • You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams. 

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.