Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Music, Music Education Concentration, BM


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Students in the Music Education program complete the subject matter preparation for the California Teaching Credential in Music, K-12.

The BM-Bachelor of Music in Music Education, offered by the School of Music , is approved as subject matter preparation for a single subject credential by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Individuals who do not wish to complete one of the degree programs, or individuals seeking a single subject credential in subject areas not listed, must pass all portions of the appropriate Commission-approved subject matter examination(s).

Students receive 60-minute weekly lessons every semester in their area of specialty and must participate in the major ensemble of their respective applied area as a co-requisite. In the final semester of applied study, a solo recital is required.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 38
Major Preparation 15-18
Major Core Requirements 43
Concentration Requirements 29-30
University Electives 3-7
Total 132

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 ).

Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements  apply to this major. 

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, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 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 sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions 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


At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a  grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. For this major, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major.

Piano Proficiency (0-3 units)


Students must also satisfy piano proficiency; this requirement may be satisfied with completion of:

Major Requirements (72-73 units)


Music Education Concentration (29-30 units)


Select an area of specialization from either the Instrumental or the Choral/General below. All students must take the Common Courses below.

Complete one course (2-3 units)

Breadth Requirement (2 units)

By advisement select two units of large or chamber ensemble outside of major performing area to satisfy breadth requirement 2 unit(s)

University Electives (3-7 units)


Total Units Required (132 units)


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