Overview

The Music - Music Studies at South Dakota State University provides students with a comprehensive liberal arts education focused on musical excellence. This undergraduate programme encourages learners to refine their artistic talents through a rigorous curriculum that balances creative performance with academic analysis. By integrating history and theory, the course prepares individuals for diverse professional paths within the arts.

Students benefit from a flexible academic structure that allows for the pursuit of specific musical interests alongside a broad humanities foundation. The programme is designed for disciplined and self-motivated individuals who possess prior musical training and a passion for collaborative creation.

Why Music - Music Studies at South Dakota State University?

This programme stands out for its integration within a vibrant liberal arts environment, allowing students to combine their musical passion with other academic disciplines. The School of Performing Arts offers a supportive community where students can participate in various ensembles and professional organisations. Facilities and faculty expertise help students build a versatile portfolio suitable for both creative and administrative roles in the arts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 387 per credit
National fee: USD 387 per credit
Local fee: USD 267 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Music Theory
Music History
Performance
Humanities
Social Sciences
Musicology

Careers with Music - Music Studies

Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of roles within the music sector and beyond. The versatile nature of the degree supports career paths in musicology, music librarianship, and private studio teaching. Many students also leverage their training to secure positions as professional musicians or to pursue advanced research in graduate school.

Musician
Collaborative Musician
Music Librarian
Private Studio Teacher
Music Leadership

Recent graduates have found success in diverse environments, including the United States military and various higher education institutions for postgraduate research. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those interested in performing arts administration or leadership roles within cultural organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic Music Theory
Music Literature and History
Recital Attendance
Advanced Music Theory
Pedagogy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Music Liberal Arts View 2691 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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IELTS

5.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Admission as a music major in any of the music degree programs requires the successful completion of an audition in the student’s major area of applied instruction.
Piano proficiency is required of all majors. Several approaches to meeting the requirements are available. See the Student Handbook published and available from the program for more specifics. The piano proficiency must be passed before the senior recital may be scheduled.

Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors.

All music majors must participate in at least one major ensemble each semester they are enrolled as a regular university student

For admission, we look for one of the following:

An ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970
Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment
A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher or
A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class.

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

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Out-of-State

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8010 USD / year

≈ 8010 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 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 - Music Studies.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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