By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.

Syracuse.edu
Visit
Apply
Give
Syracuse.edu
Visit
Apply
Give
A person formally dressed sings on a stage in front of a piano.

Music B.S.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree program in music is particularly appropriate for students who desire the challenge of an enriched program of intellectual stimulation.

The program offers you the opportunity to work extensively in music while devoting more time to liberal arts studies than is possible in our programs leading to the bachelor of music degree. While studying in the B.S. in music program, students may choose a course of primary applied study on their instrument or voice in either the classical or jazz/commercial music tradition.

Many B.S. in music students pursue minors and double majors, which can help prepare you for a variety of careers. For example, combining the B.S. in music and the jazz studies minor allows you to prepare for work in jazz and commercial music. Other B.S. in music students have pursued double majors and/or minors in such areas as music history, broadcast and digital journalism, psychology and political science to name a few.

A student formally dressed stands behind a music stand playing the flute.

Our alumni have gone on to pursue graduate study and careers in such areas as musicology, music theory, business, law and arts administration.

Admission and audition requirements
Request more information

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 123-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
A person walks up a flight of stairs in an old, historic building. A statue, "Winged Victory," is near the stairs.

Performance Honors

The performance honors program is intended for Setnor School of Music students in the B.S. music and B.M. composition, music education, music industry and sound recording technology degree programs who wish to maintain a level of performance at or near that required of students in one of the performance majors. The program’s purpose is to give tangible curricular and moral support to those students who see themselves as performing musicians first and foremost.

Students are eligible to apply for the program at the end of their sophomore year. Students accepted into the program take an hour of applied instrumental or vocal instruction per week and give both a junior and senior recital commensurate with the requirements for degree recitals in the performance majors. Official recognition of program participation and completion appears on student transcripts but does not appear on the diploma.

A person plays a trumpet and a person plays bass.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through Setnor or Syracuse Abroad. Music B.S. majors often choose to study at the Syracuse University center in London, England, in the spring semester of their second year.

In Setnor's Gilbert Week immersion program, students learn about career opportunities in music by meeting and learning from arts professionals and visiting some of the world’s leading performing arts institutions and organizations. Gilbert Week is held during Spring Break in a different city each year; past locations include New York City (pictured); Los Angeles; and Austin, Texas.

A group of students pose and smile on an outdoor terrace overlooking New York City. A sign reading Live Nation is affixed to the terrace's railing.

Career Exploration

In addition to the opportunities offered by the Setnor School, all music B.S. majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

Two people sit at a table. One person's back is to the camera. The other person is smiling.

Program Faculty

Janet Brown, Program Coordinator

All Setnor School of Music faculty teach in the music B.S. program.