Undergraduate Programs

Music education combines musicianship with hands-on teaching experience. Students learn to play instruments or sing while developing skills in music instruction through methods courses, peer teaching and classroom clinical experiences. The program culminates with a student teaching internship alongside a master teacher. Graduates are certified to teach band, orchestra, choir and general music for grades K-12.

A degree in music performance prepares students for careers as professional musicians. Students study music theory and history while refining their skills through one-on-one instruction with faculty on their instrument or voice. Performance opportunities include ensembles and solo recitals. Graduates have gone on to careers in military bands and professional orchestras or continued their studies in graduate school.

The Marshall University Jazz Studies Program prepares students for careers in today’s music industry through performance, teaching and professional training rooted in jazz traditions. Students gain experience in large and small ensembles, studio music and jazz education while studying with nationally recognized faculty in the Jomie Jazz Center. Graduates have performed worldwide, appeared on national broadcasts with Grammy-nominated artists and built careers in music performance, education and related fields.

The Marshall University music composition program prepares students to write music for concert performance, film, television and gaming. Students study composition through private lessons with faculty while building portfolios and having original works performed by university ensembles. Graduates have gone on to compose for television, video games and professional ensembles around the world.

One of two music degree options alongside the Music B.F.A., this program allows students to combine music studies with coursework outside the field to create a path tailored to their interests and career goals.

The Music B.A. is one of two flexible music degree options that lets students pair music studies with another academic area, creating a customized program aligned with their personal and professional interests.

Students may complement their studies with either a general music minor or a music entrepreneurship minor. These options allow students to expand their musical knowledge, develop creative and business skills, and add versatility to their academic and career goals.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music Industry offers students the opportunity to pursue a career in multiple areas of the music industry including audio engineering (recording), music production, management, publishing, retail, and administration.