At Valparaiso University, you can select music majors to match a wide range of career aspirations:

Some students know for sure that they will seek careers as musicians. For students preparing for careers as music educators, as full-time church musicians, or as professional performer-teachers, our department offers intensive professional training. As a student in one of the professional tracks (Bachelor of Music Education or Bachelor of Music), you will have music as your only major.  Your curriculum is designed to prepare you for professional employment or for graduate school in your field.

Bachelor of Music (Professional Music Major)

• Performance Major: 74-84 credit hours in music, 50-54 credit hours in general education and elective courses. Graduation recital required.
• Composition Major: 74 credit hours in music, 54 credit hours in general education and elective courses.
• Church Music Major (organ/ voice): 86 credit hours in music, 50 credit hours in general education and elective courses. Graduation recital required.

Bachelor of Music Education (Professional Credential Major)

• Combination Vocal/Instrumental/General Music Education: 66 credit hours in music, 31 credit hours in professional education (including supervised teaching), and 45 credit hours in general education.

Other students expect to make their careers in music-related fields (including in business, arts administration, church work, and theatre). If you are one of these students, our department offers you a liberal arts music major (Bachelor of Arts in Music) with specific concentrations in related fields.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Liberal Arts Music Major)

• Church Music Option:  40 credit hours in music (including a practical internship and selected studies in church music and liturgy) and 84 credit hours in general education and electives.
• Music Industry Option:  40 credit hours in music (including a professional internship), and 84 credit hours in general education and electives.

Many students do not expect that music will be how they will make their living, but they know for sure that music will be an important part of their lives. If you seek a full music major curriculum while planning for a profession in another field, our Liberal Arts Music Major (Bachelor of Arts in Music) offers full performance opportunities and plenty of flexibility for an additional major or minor

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Liberal Arts Music Major)

• Liberal Arts - Performance Option:  40 credit hours in music and 84 credit hours in general education and electives. A second major, minor, or an international semester are possible.

For more information, please contact the Department of Music Office at 219-464-5454 or music@valpo.edu.

Music degree programs at Valparaiso University are fully accredited
by the National Association of Schools of Music