Degree Programs

Music Degrees at K-State

The Music Program of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University, a program fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, offers three degrees:

  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music & Master of Business Administration (4+1) Accelerated Degree
  • Minor in Music
  • Minor in Jazz Studies
  • Minor in Musical Theatre

A minor in music is also available. 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.

Course lists and requirements

Bachelor of Music (Composition) (pdf)

Bachelor of Music (Instrumental Performance) (pdf)

Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre) (pdf)

Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) (pdf)

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

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (pdf)

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Music & Master of Business Administration Accelerated Degree


Minors in Music

A Minor in Music requires 19-23 hours of music courses. Click the button below and fill out the short form to declare a minor.

Declare a Minor form

Music Minor (pdf)

Jazz Studies Minor (pdf)

Music Theatre Minor (pdf) for Music or Theatre majors only.