COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 for graduation. Students must complete the university’s general education requirements, College of Fine Arts requirements, and earn at least 45 upper-division credit hours. The program combines comprehensive music studies with flexible academic options that allow students to tailor their education to individual interests and career goals. The major includes 38 credit hours in music, covering performance studies, musicianship, aural skills, music history, music culture, and professional development. Students complete performance-based courses through ensembles or applied music studies while building foundational skills in music theory, listening, and musicianship. The curriculum also explores music within historical, cultural, and social contexts through courses in global music cultures, American popular music, jazz history, Western music traditions, and specialized musicology topics. To prepare students for the modern music industry, the program includes coursework in music technology, music marketing, music business, and arts leadership. Students further develop professional and academic skills through the Junior Seminar in Music Studies and complete either a Senior Capstone Project or an internship that provides practical industry experience. A distinctive feature of the degree is the guided focus area, consisting of 14–15 credit hours selected in consultation with faculty. Focus areas may include music performance, composition, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, audio and media production, or music pedagogy, allowing students to customize their studies according to personal interests and career aspirations. In addition, students complete 15 credit hours outside the music department, which may include a minor, certificate, or courses in another discipline, helping them build interdisciplinary expertise. Open electives provide additional flexibility to reach the required 120 credit hours and may include further music studies or courses from other academic areas. The program combines artistic training, liberal arts education, professional preparation, and applied learning experiences, equipping graduates for careers in performance, arts administration, music business, media production, education, entrepreneurship, and other creative industries, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate study in music and related fields.