Music, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Music, offered by the Department of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University, is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Admission requires an audition and interview, ideally before starting university, though students may enter as intended majors and complete this in their first year. The program demands 120 credit hours with a minimum 2.00 GPA, fulfillment of college writing and mathematics requirements, and ten general education courses across five areas, including a lab science in the natural and mathematical sciences.Major requirements total 53 credit hours with grades of C or better, including four semesters of private instrumental or vocal study, jury examinations, and performance ensembles. Students must also complete music prerequisite courses unless waived, along with core courses in music theory, history, and musicianship. An area of concentration, such as arts management, composition, jazz studies, performance, or history and literature, requires 14-16 additional credit hours, with options for customized plans. Opportunities for combined bachelor's and master's degrees are available.