Your Music Degree Game Plan: What to Know Before You Choose a College Program

For every parent, student, or teacher wondering what a music degree really means—this guide breaks it down, clears the fog, and helps you plan with purpose.

If you're thinking about majoring in music after high school—whether as a performer, teacher, or music tech expert—you need to know what degree paths are out there. You'll have to choose the right kind of program to fit your goals, and that starts by understanding what different music degrees mean, how they're structured, and how they prepare you for your future.

One big thing to know right away: you can't start with a master's degree. Everyone begins with an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree. Once that's finished, you can move on to graduate school for your master's or doctorate if needed.

Understanding Undergraduate Music Degrees

Undergraduate degrees are the first step in your college journey. These typically take four years and are made up of classes that follow a numbering system:

100–199 level courses = freshman-level (introductory)
200–299 = sophomore-level
300–399 = junior-level (more advanced)
400–499 = senior-level or capstone classes

Types of Bachelor's Degrees in Music

Degree Type	Focus	Best For
Bachelor of Music (BM)	Most specialized; heavy focus on performance, theory, and composition	Serious music students planning professional careers
Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)	Broader education with fewer music classes, more general studies	Students wanting flexibility to double-major or minor
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)	Performance and composition focused, deeper than BA	Performance-focused students, ensemble leaders
Bachelor of Science in Music (BS)	Music combined with technology or business	Audio engineering, music production, industry careers

Graduate Degrees (You'll Choose These After Your Bachelor's)

Once you complete your bachelor's, you can choose to keep going with advanced degrees.

Master's Degrees

Master of Arts (MA): Often more general than other graduate degrees. MAs in Music Education help future teachers build skills in curriculum and classroom strategy.
Master of Science (MS): For students focusing on technology—like sound recording or music tech. This degree is less common for performers or educators but great for studio-based careers.
Master of Music (MM): A focused, performance-heavy degree designed for serious musicians. MM students usually specialize in performance, composition, theory, or conducting.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music: This is a research-based degree for students who want to publish, teach college-level theory, or dive deep into musicology or education policy.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA): This degree is all about mastery in performance, conducting, or composition. It's often the terminal degree for music performers and college-level educators.
Artist Diploma (AD): An advanced non-degree program for professional musicians who want to refine performance skills. No general education or classroom work—just music, all the time.

What Is Accreditation—And Why Does It Matter?

Before you choose a music program, it's essential to ask: Is this school accredited?

Accreditation means that a college or university has been reviewed and approved by a recognized agency for meeting high standards in academics, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. This process ensures that the education you receive is legitimate, transferable, and respected by other institutions and employers.

Two Types of Accreditation

Type	What It Covers	Why It Matters
Institutional Accreditation	The entire college or university	Credits transfer, federal financial aid eligibility, employer recognition
Programmatic Accreditation (NASM)	Specifically the School of Music or music department	Professional standards, curriculum quality, faculty qualifications

Institutional Accreditation

This applies to the entire college or university, not just the music program. It's granted by regional accrediting bodies like:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
...and others, depending on the region.

Why it matters: If your school is not institutionally accredited, you may run into serious problems:

Credits may not transfer to other schools
Grades may not be recognized by graduate programs
You may be ineligible for federal financial aid
Employers may question the value of your degree

Programmatic Accreditation

This applies specifically to the School of Music or music department. The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is the primary accrediting body for collegiate music programs in the U.S.

Why it matters: NASM accreditation ensures that the music curriculum, performance expectations, faculty qualifications, and facilities meet professional and educational standards.

In short: Look for both institutional and music program accreditation. It protects your investment, your degree, and your future.

Final Thoughts: Build a Foundation That Lasts

Choosing a music degree isn't just about what sounds interesting now—it's about setting yourself up for success five, ten, even twenty years down the road.

If you dream of performing on stage, leading a classroom, composing film scores, or working behind the scenes in the studio, your college path matters. And so does the type of degree you earn.

Key Steps for Success:

Start with the right bachelor's degree: Understand the difference between a BM, BA, BFA, and BS—and choose one that aligns with your strengths and goals.
Make sure the school is accredited: Your credits, financial aid, and professional future depend on it. Don't skip this step.
Ask about the course structure: Understand how the 100–400-level course numbering system works so you're prepared to build from beginner to advanced skills.
Plan with your future in mind: If graduate school is on the horizon—or even if you're not sure yet—choose a program that gives you options later.

Most importantly, remember this: Your degree is more than a diploma. It's the training ground for your talent, the launchpad for your career, and the community that will support your growth.

Invest wisely. Study intentionally. And let your music take you further than you imagined.

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