Overview

The Music programme at the University of Colorado at Boulder provides a versatile education that blends intensive musical training with a broad liberal arts foundation. Students are encouraged to explore diverse areas such as technology, composition, and world musics while developing their unique artistic voice. This degree is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of professional paths within the global creative economy.

Why Music at University of Colorado at Boulder?

Students join a prestigious institution ranked among the top 50 public universities in the country, featuring an impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The College of Music offers a personalised learning environment where 75% of required classes have fewer than 20 students. Learners gain access to a vast network of faculty and alumni, including over 30 Grammy nominees and five Nobel Laureates across the wider university.

The programme emphasises practical experience through more than 30 student ensembles, ranging from the Symphony Orchestra to traditional Japanese Ensembles. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Centre for Music helps students bridge the gap between creative passion and professional startup success, ensuring they graduate with applicable business skills.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46848 per year
National fee: USD 44748 per year
Local fee: USD 14606 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

To earn this degree, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. The curriculum allows for specialisation in areas such as General Music, Musicology, or Music Technology. Modules may include:

Musicology
World Musics
Music Technology and Media Studies
Music Performance
Music Entrepreneurship
Composition
Music Theory

Careers with Music

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in education, performance, and the music industry. Alumni have secured positions as directors of bands, professional saxophonists, and founders of music non-profit organisations. Many students choose to pursue a second major outside of music to further diversify their career options.

Statistics show that 70% of recent graduates had secured full-time employment or moved into graduate study immediately after finishing their degree. Common career paths include music education, professional performance, and roles within music technology or arts administration. The median salary for graduates within the first five years is approximately $55,800.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Instruction

Aural Skills Lab

Keyboard Musicianship

Guitar Musicianship and Accompanying

History of Western Music

Musicology

Sophomore Proficiency

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boulder, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2682 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application

Application fee ($65 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants

Personal Essay (required, 250–650 words)

Letter of recommendation

High school or secondary school transcripts

In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46848 USD / year

≈ 46848 USD / year
Out-of-State

44748 USD / year

≈ 44748 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14606 USD / year

≈ 14606 USD / year

Living costs

Boulder

United States

950 - 1350 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boulder

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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