Overview

The A Music - Jazz Studies BA program from Portland State University provides a thorough music foundation with specialized coursework in jazz performance, improvisation, jazz history, and arranging. You’ll participate in immersive performance experiences in large ensembles, combos, and solo recital performances.

Completing this degree will give you the skills and confidence to pursue professional work as a jazz musician and/or private instructor, or go on to graduate school before entering into the profession. Our alumni are accepted into top jazz studies graduate programs and put their creative skills to use in a variety of careers. Join them in this dynamic field.

Career opportunities:

Most of our alumni go on to grad school or a career as a freelance jazz musician. Related careers include: music teacher, arts administrator, arranger, and composer.

Recent graduates have performed in venues ranging from the Tonight Show to Smalls Jazz Club in New York. Some stay in the region and perform regularly in jazz venues, restaurants, and theaters. Others have presented concerts nationally and internationally on tour.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory

Sight-Singing/Ear Training

Jazz Improvisation

Advanced Class Piano

Music History: 20th Century

Jazz History

Jazz Combo

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

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

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 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 - Jazz Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Career opportunities:

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

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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