Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, BA


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The Bachelor of Arts in Music, offered by the School of Music and Dance , is designed for the student who seeks a liberal arts education with a major in music. The degree can be tailored to each student. A senior project is required.

An entrance audition is required. All students must complete the core classes and then select electives from at least two categories in consultation with the BA Music Advisor, and directed toward a specific Capstone project (MUSC 182 ). Four lower-division semesters of applied lessons are required. Ensemble participation is a co-requisite of applied lessons at all times.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 38
Major Requirements 60
University Electives 22
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

All courses in the preparation and major (all courses in preparation, and core) must be completed with a grade of “C or better”.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (24 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 15 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements And should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (3 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6 unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see the course description for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Requirements (60 units)


Core Courses (44 units)


Music Electives (15 units)


Take 15 Units from at Least Two of the Following Categories. Five units must be upper division. Select courses in consultation with a major advisor directed towards one of the capstone projects described below. All students must complete the capstone project under MUSC 182 , listed below.

Theory, Arranging and Composition


Applied Lessons


By audition and special permission from the Director.

Capstone Experience (1 units)


One of the following: undergraduate thesis, lecture/demonstration, or an appropriate project approved by the Director and area coordinator.

University Electives or Minor (22 units)


All university electives must be taken outside of music.

Total Units Required (120 units)


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