Often recognized for its national leadership and innovative programming at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Ball State’s School of Music can make you real-world ready for a wide range of careers.

Majors

Whether your degree interest is in music education, music media production, performance, or other music programs, the School of Music has a place for you to achieve your goals for a career in music. Our incredible faculty is also ready to help you reach the next level in diverse performance areas including traditional/classical, jazz, commercial music, and/or composition. Click below to see what all our degrees have to offer!

instructor and students in class with instruments

Music Education

Bachelor of Music Education

Ball State has one of the nation’s leading music teacher education programs that prepares more than half of all Indiana music teachers. Learn more.

instructor and two students working on music media production in a studio

Music Media Production

Bachelor of Science

The bachelor’s degree in music media production offers courses in recording techniques, music production, songwriting, mixing, mastering, live sound, and music business. Learn more.

student orchestra performing on stage

Music Performance

Bachelor of Music

A bachelor’s degree in music performance offers students intensive training with award-winning faculty who possess a wealth of experience in both performance and teaching. Learn more.

conductor with students performing jazz on stage

Jazz Studies

Bachelor of Music

A bachelor’s degree in jazz studies immerses students in jazz and commercial music with award-winning jazz faculty. Learn more.

Major in Music (BA)

Music

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Study composition, applied music, or general music through this versatile degree program. Learn more.

Did You Know?

The Ball State University School of Music is a proud All-Steinway School, where all pianos used by music students for practicing or performing are Steinway. Likewise, our school maintains a long-term partnership with Conn-Selmer Inc., the leading manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments for both students and professionals. And all of our degree programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Enhance Your Degree with a Minor

The School of Music offers several undergraduate minors that can complement a student's major area of study, career goals, and personal interests. You’ll receive intensive instruction from our faculty, and you may take advantage of the many resources and opportunities we provide.

Sacred Music

The minor in sacred music requires 26 credits in applied study (private lessons), music theory, music history, ensembles, and a specialty in organ or voice. Learn more.

Jazz/Commercial Music

The newly revised minor in jazz/commercial music requires 25 credits in applied study (private lessons), music history, music and jazz theory, improvisation, and jazz electives in a number of interest areas. Learn more.

Symphonic Instruments or Guitar

The minor in symphonic instruments or guitar requires 24 credits in applied study (private lessons), music theory, music history, piano, and ensembles. Learn more.

Piano

The minor in piano requires 24 credits in applied study (private lessons), music theory, music history, piano, and ensembles. Learn more.

Voice

The minor in voice requires 24 credits in applied study (private lessons), music theory, music history, piano, and ensembles. Learn more.

Music History

The minor in music history requires 24 credits in music history, music theory, and other fine arts and foreign language/history classes. Learn more.

Music Composition

The minor in music composition is only open to students already majoring in music. It requires 15 credits in acoustic and electronic music composition of varying styles. Learn more.

Music Theory and Composition

The minor in music theory and composition is only open to students not majoring in music. It requires 26 credits in composition lessons, music theory, computer music, and music literature. Learn more.

Music Literature

The minor in music literature requires 24 credits in applied study (private lessons), music theory, music history, piano, and ensembles. Learn more.

Music Recording

The minor in music recording requires 26 credits in music history, music theory, and music media production. Learn more.

Entrepreneurial Programs 

We recognize the importance and value in entrepreneurial learning. As the professional landscape for music in the 21st century changes, musicians must increasingly rely on their ability to spearhead fulfilling artistic endeavors and create employment opportunities for themselves. That is why we offer an undergraduate certificate, graduate certificate, and doctoral secondary area of study in entrepreneurial studies in music. Learn more.

Artist Diploma

The artist diploma is a highly selective nondegree graduate program for the specialized training of gifted and accomplished performers. It is open to both traditional classical-music artists and jazz musicians. Learn more.

female student playing cello on stage

The Ball State School of Music offers two master’s degrees: the Master of Music (MM) and the Master of Arts (MA).

students playing flutes on stage

Master of Music

If you are looking for a comprehensive exploration of performance, music education, conducting, theory, composition, or research, our two-year Master of Music degree offers a diverse range of programs tailored to match specific interests. Learn more.

Master of Music: Music Education Concentration (Online)

In addition to our on-campus version, the School of Music offers a fully online Master of Music: Music Education Concentration option that’s designed for working teachers. Learn more.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree cultivates a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of music, encompassing various aspects such as music performance, theory, education, and music history/musicology. This program ensures a balanced and robust foundation of knowledge in the field of music. Learn more.

Doctor of Arts in Music

The doctor of arts degree prepares students for careers that combine teaching, performance, and scholarship. The program integrates in-depth preparation in a primary area of study with an area of secondary emphasis and additional courses in music. The successful student will be ready to perform professionally, to undertake research or compose, and/or to teach at the college or university level. Learn more.

Julie Lyn Barber working with colleagues around a table