Music Major (B.S.)
Degree Type: B.S. Minimum Credits Required: 120
University Degree Requirements
For complete details on these and other university degree requirements, refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section in the University Catalog.
- Minimum of 120 semester credits (some programs may exceed this minimum).
- Complete the University General Education requirements.
- Minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- Minimum of 30 credits in resident at NDSU.
- Minimum of 36 upper level credits (courses numbered 300 or higher).
- Students with transfer credit must meet the NDSU 30 credits in residence (#4). Of these 30 credits in residence, a minimum of 15 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 credits must be in the student's declared major curricula.
University General Education Requirements
A list of university approved general education courses along with the administrative policies governing the requirement and the categories is available
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Category C: Communication | 12 | |
| Category R: Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Category S: Science and Technology | 10 | |
| Category A: Humanities and Fine Arts | 6 | |
| Category B: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 6 | |
| Category W: Wellness | 2 | |
| Category I: Intercultural Knowledge and Competence | ||
| Category L: Digital Literacy | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Major Requirements
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all MUSC prefix courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Core Requirements | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | Skills for Academic Success 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Theory and Analysis III | 3 |
| MUSC 231 | Theory and Analysis IV | 3 |
| MUSC 232 | Ear Training & Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 233 | Ear Training & Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 340 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 341 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 385 | Music Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Vocal Music or Instrumental Music Track | ||
| Select either the vocal or instrumental track to complete the major. | 13 or 23 | |
| Total Credits | 42-52 | |
Instrumental Music Track (Default Track)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Music - Select 6 credits from the following (2 semesters each of 100 level, 200 level, and 300 level): | 6 | |
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Major Ensemble - Select 6 credits from the following: At least 2 credits must be MUSC 112 or MUSC 303 | 6 | |
| Marching Band | ||
| University Band | ||
| Wind Symphony | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Capstone Experience: Select from the following 2 | 1 | |
| Recital | ||
| Recital | ||
| Individual Study | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Vocal Music Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Vocal Support Courses | ||
| MUSC 108 | Roots of American Popular Music | 3 |
| MUSC 109 | World Music | 3 |
| MUSC 160 | Piano Class I | 1 |
| MUSC 161 | Piano Class II | 1 |
| MUSC 174 | Pronunciation for Singers I | 1 |
| MUSC 175 | Pronunciation for Singers II | 1 |
| Applied Music - Select 6 credits from the following (2 semesters each of 100 level, 200 level, and 300 level): | 6 | |
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Major Ensemble - Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Cantemus | ||
| Statesmen of NDSU | ||
| University Chamber Singers | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Capstone Experience - Select from the following: 2 | 1 | |
| Recital | ||
| Recital | ||
| Individual Study | ||
| Total Credits | 23 | |
- 1
MUSC 189 is only required for first-time, first-year students--A first-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has not yet completed a college course as a college student. Students that are not first-time, first-year students that either transfer into the university or change their major are not required to take MUSC 189.
- 2
B.S. Recital Capstone or Individual Study Capstone is fulfilled by registration in MUSC 380 Recital, MUSC 480 Recital, or MUSC 494 Individual Study. The MUSC 494 Individual Study registration is approved by the music faculty and supervised by the adviser. Possibilities include:
- Half (MUSC 380 Recital) or full (MUSC 480 Recital) recital with program notes.
- Approved research project on a topic related to music; requires a formal written document (MUSC 494 Individual Study).
- Approved internship, such as directing an ensemble (e.g. church choir), teaching at the NDSU Academy, observed regularly by the advisor, with a formal written document of the experience (MUSC 494 Individual Study).
- Approved “lecture recital” with a formal presentation. Lecture recital should be at least the same length as a half recital (MUSC 494 Individual Study)
- Performance or major opera role or a major solo with ensemble in a formal concert, accompanied by a summary document (MUSC 494 Individual Study)
Degree Requirements and Notes:
- Music majors may not declare the general Music minor, but may declare the minors under Music Education.
- Music majors must pass a Sophomore Screening or Barrier Jury prior to enrolling in the capstone experience. More information is available in the Area Handbook for your degree track.