Music Degree Programs
The Department of Music offers two undergraduate degree programs (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music) and two minor degree programs in music and musical theater performance. Each of these programs offers flexibility and can be customized to emphasize specialty areas in music or blend with studies in other disciplines. A brief outline of these programs is below, and you can find complete information in the Catalog.*
*View important information about the Transformations in Music Studies curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a versatile degree that offers maximum flexibility for combining with other degree programs. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree often have additional majors in biology, chemistry, history, economics, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dentistry, global studies, psychology, and many more. With fewer course requirements than the Bachelor of Music degree, this degree is perfect for students wishing to study music at the collegiate level while also pursuing another area of study. Optional pathways are available in any of the areas mentioned below.
View a sample plan for the B.A. degree.
Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
Our most intensive degree, the Bachelor of Music is the traditional course of study for students wishing to pursue music at the graduate and professional level. With the option to focus studies in areas such as composition, musicology, performance, and jazz studies, just to name a few, this degree option is ideal as a foundation for future music studies.
View a sample plan for the B.Mus. degree.
Minor in Music
The music minor is an easily attainable supplement to an undergraduate career. With a variety of courses available to satisfy the music minor requirements, students are allowed to mold this degree option however best fits them.
Minor in Musical Theater Performance
The minor in musical theatre performance, a joint program in the Department of Music and the Department of Dramatic Art, provides students with opportunities to improve their abilities in musical theatre performance. The minor has three components including acting literacy, music literacy, and movement literacy.
Students will have ample opportunity for performance experience through the departments’ productions and through other extracurricular, student-directed productions on campus.
Double-Majoring at UNC
Many students choose to have more than one area of study at Carolina. Our students often have diverse interests and strive to create their own paths toward success after graduation. Per University Advising, you may choose up to three areas of study. This could be two majors and a minor, or one major and two minors. Always see an advisor to determine which combination of majors and minors works best for you.
A common question that comes up around graduation by students who chose to have more than one area of study, is what will appear on their diploma. Learn more about degree hierarchy at UNC.