Overview

The Music programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides students with a robust foundation in performance, theory, composition, and musicology. This degree is designed to prepare undergraduates for professional careers in the arts or further academic study at the graduate level. By blending practical skills with historical and cultural contexts, the curriculum ensures a well-rounded musical education.

Why Music at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department offers a uniquely diverse curriculum that allows students to specialise in areas such as Contemporary Practices, Global Musics, or Western Art Music. Facilities at the Music Centre support a wide range of creative endeavours, from traditional orchestral performance to cutting-edge digital arts. Students benefit from an environment that encourages both individual excellence and collaborative spontaneous composition.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates literature, history, and culture with technical musical training. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Compositional Practices
Ethnomusicology
Performance
Western Music
Recording
Global Musics

Careers with Music

Graduates from University of California, Santa Cruz are well-equipped for diverse roles within the global music industry. The programme develops the technical and creative skills necessary for success in both traditional and emerging fields. Many alumni pursue professional paths in performance, education, or the technical sectors of the arts.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

Arts Administration
Broadcasting
Composition and Music Arrangement
Conducting
Film, Television, and Video Game Scoring
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Recording and Digital Arts
Teaching

The rigorous training provided ensures that students can adapt to various professional environments, whether they are performing on stage, working in a studio, or managing cultural organisations. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced research or specialised conservatoire training.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory & Musicianship

Theory, Literature, and Musicianship

Preparatory Musicianship

Performance

Practice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2676 other Bachelors in Music in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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

Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses ("a-g" courses), with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year.

Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (3.40 or better for a non-resident of California) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

Proof 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

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners