Overview

Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni said “music is sonorous air.” A more scientific definition might be “sounds organized in time.” With a history that likely pre-dates language, music is an in integral part of all societies for expression, communication and the fostering of community. In the words of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “without music, life would be a mistake.”
The B.A. in Music degree program at Pennsylvania State University includes a General Music Studies Option and an additional option in Music Technology. Students are required to pass a piano proficiency examination, enroll in a core ensemble for two semesters, and satisfactorily complete a senior project.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music program provides students with a strong foundation in all areas of music. Students on the general music studies track may pursue a wide range of potential careers, as well as graduate study in more specialized areas of music. Students on the music technology track develop a range of knowledge and skills that prepare graduates for numerous career options and graduate study opportunities.

Careers

A wide range of careers is possible for graduates of the B.A. in music program’s general studies option. From performance to arts management to entrepreneurial pursuits, the possibilities are extensive.

Graduates of the music technology option have the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in many areas of the field.
Producers, acoustic consultants, sound technicians, audio and sound engineers, recording engineers and mixers, music editors, sound designers, and audio developers are just some of the careers that use music technology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Survey of Music History
Tonal Analysis
Analysis of Twentieth Century Music
Digital Audio
The Science of Music
History of Electroacoustic Music
Recording Studio Training
Computer Music Synthesis
Electronic Music Composition
Sound Recording Techniques
Computer Programming for Musicians

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2689 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

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application
Official secondary school records
Official test scores: SAT or ACT
English language proficiency, if your native language is not English

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

43290 USD / year

≈ 43290 USD / year
Out-of-State

41790 USD / year

≈ 41790 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20644 USD / year

≈ 20644 USD / year

Living costs

University Park

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

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

About

Overview

Careers

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

University Park

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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