Degrees & Programs
B.A. in Music (Undergraduate)
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree offers intense study in western art music, jazz, and music of other cultures that has appeal and relevancy to all musicians regardless of discipline. Beginning freshman year, students are engaged in the study and practice of music through courses in music theory, ensemble performance, small chamber ensemble coachings and private lessons.
The B.A. in Music degree is comprised of 87 units. In addition to university mandated general education units and other requirements, B.A. students take the following courses throughout their four years at CSUEB.
B.A. in Music Degree Roadmap
Freshman Year (28 units)
- Music Theory I-III
- Sight Singing I-III
- Basic Piano I-III
- Music through the Ages
- Applied lessons
- Large ensemble performance
- Performance benchmarks: Level 10
- Recital attendance
Sophomore Year (21 units)
- Music Theory IV-VI
- Sight Singing IV-VI
- Intermediate Piano I-III
- Applied lessons
- Large ensemble performance
- Performance benchmarks: Level 20 and performance on two recitals
- Recital attendance
Junior Year (16 units)
- Form and Analysis or Counterpoint I or Counterpoint II
- Chamber Ensemble (three quarters)
- Applied lessons
- Large ensemble performance
- Performance benchmarks: Level 30 and a junior recital
- Recital attendance
Senior Year (22 units)
- Music Literature and Analysis
- Chamber Ensemble (at least one quarter)
- Applied lessons
- Large ensemble performance
- Performance benchmarks: Level 40 and a senior recital
- Recital attendance
For more information regarding the specifics of the curriculum for the B.A. in Music, see the student resources page.
Do you have questions about the undergraduate curriculum? Contact Dr. John Eros.
M.A. in Music (Graduate)
M.A. program is designed to prepare students for professional work or advanced study in the field of music. Our graduates hold positions as composers, teachers, performers, and researchers across the country. We take pride in our dedicated and accomplished faculty, the flexibility of our courses of graduate study, and an environment that encourages collaboration and intellectual curiosity. Our program is uniquely designed to accommodate the needs of professionals seeking additional training and experience.
Incoming students chose one of four areas of emphasis: performance, composition, education, or musicology.
For admission process steps, see Admissions page. For more information regarding the specifics of the curriculum for the M.A. in Music, see the student resources page.
Do you have questions about the graduate curriculum? Contact Dr. Peter Marsh, the director of the graduate program.
Music Minor
With the music minor, students can pursue their passion in music while earning a degree in another discipline. Music minors are afforded the same privileges as a music major for one year: music theory, ensembles, and private lessons on their instrument.
For more information regarding the specifics of the Minor in Music, see the student resources page.
Do you have questions about the music minor? Contact Dr. Buddy James, advisor for the music minor program.
Music Education
Music students interested in Music Education at CSUEB receive what they need most: Experience. Future teachers gain invaluable experience in schools teaching side by side with professional teachers and their students while taking comprehensive classes in conducting, methods, and vocal and instrumental instruction. Individual experiences in every class make CSUEB a unique and exciting place to learn the craft of music education.
Music Education Roadmap
Mandatory Courses (17 units)
- MUS 4435: Seminar in Public School Instrumental Teaching Techniques
- MUS 4440: Seminar in Public School Choral Teaching Techniques
- MUS 4445: Seminar in Elementary Classroom Teaching Techniques
- MUS 3014: World Music and Culture
- MUS 3095: Technology for Music Education
- MUS 4900: Senior Project in Music Education
Conducting Courses (6 units)
- MUS 3370: Basic Conducting
- MUS 3380: Choral Conducting
- MUS 3390: Instrumental Conducting
Instrumental and Vocal Techniques (6 units minimum)
Students are required to select courses in all instrument families outside of their own.
- MUS 2321: Basic Voice
- MUS 2331: Basic Violin and Viola
- MUS 2332: Basic Cello and Bass
- MUS 2341: Basic Clarinet
- MUS 2342: Basic Double Reeds
- MUS 2343: Basic Flute and Saxophone
- MUS 2355: Basic Brass (high)
- MUS 2356: Basic Brass (low)
- MUS 2361: Basic Percussion
Guitar (credit by examination or 1 unit)
- Guitar Proficiency examination or MUS 2371 (Basic Guitar)
Do you have questions about the music education curriculum? Contact Dr. John Eros, advisor for music education.
