Program Overview

Music - BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a versatile degree that goes beyond performance and composition, equipping students with the knowledge and expertise for diverse professional opportunities.

Program Overview

The accredited Music BA offers a well-rounded education, opening doors to careers in the music industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Students cultivate essential skills like discipline, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability, all while nurturing a lifelong love of music.

Program Type and Format

• Program Type: Major, BA
• Format: On-Campus

Enhancing the Music BA Experience

All Bachelor of Arts in Music students are required to join a large ensemble: choir, orchestra, or wind ensemble. Ensemble participation sharpens stage presence, expands repertoire, and fosters a collaborative spirit that benefits students throughout their music career.

Why Earn a Music Degree at UMSL?

The Bachelor of Arts in Music offers flexibility, support, and resources to launch a successful music career, including:

• Diverse Academics: Several elective course options allow students to tailor their studies to their goals.
• Renowned Faculty: Dedicated and accomplished faculty mentors share their expertise.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: The Touhill Performing Arts Center and renovated Arts Administration Building provide state-of-the-art venues for concerts, recitals, and rehearsals.

Career Opportunities

The bachelor's degree in music equips students with technical skills and a theoretical foundation to thrive in music-related fields. Possible career paths include:

• Accompanist
• Artistic Director or Manager
• Composer
• Entrepreneur
• Film Scoring
• Music Production
• Music Therapist
• Performer
• Song Producer
• Sound Design
• Talent Scout/Representative
• Vocal/Instrumental Coaching

Employment and Salary Projections

Employment of music majors is projected to grow up to 1% by 2032, with a median annual salary of $81,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Degree Information

• Plan of Study: All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
• Students can review full degree requirements and sample four-year plans.

Student Involvement

Students can make new friends and learn new skills by joining recognized student organizations, such as:

• Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
• Student Government Association
• Students of the University of Missouri

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes are seminar-style, focusing on reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking.

Undergraduate Research

Students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research and scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations in their field.

Related Majors

Explore more degree options, such as Music BM, Studio Art, and Liberal Studies, offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

College Overview

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs covering the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities, and social sciences to natural and applied sciences. An undergraduate degree from the college provides a strong intellectual base for various career paths, advanced study, and research.