Choral and instrumental ensembles perform together

Bachelor of Science or Art in Music Degree

Learn about SBU's music degree options

Southwest Baptist University offers five bachelor's degrees in the area of music. You can choose a music major that fits your career goals and interests. Graduates of SBU's music programs are prepared for a variety of professional careers and equipped to continue their education in graduate school.

As a music student, you will complete a core of music classes including theory, piano and conducting, and will participate in one or more music ensembles. You will have the opportunity to fine-tune your music skills and knowledge, learning from highly qualified faculty who are all accomplished musicians.

Both the Bachelor of Art in Music degree and Bachelor of Science music degrees are offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Earn a Bachelor of Art degree in Music

Do you love music but want to pursue a career in another field? SBU's unique Bachelor of Arts in Music degree can be added to any degree outside of the area of music as a second degree. This allows you to receive a music degree and quality music training, while concentrating on career preparation in a non-related field.

This unique and flexible music degree program opens the door to countless employment opportunities based on the combination of this degree with whichever other degree you choose!

Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music

If you have intentions of pursuing a graduate degree in music, our Bachelor of Science in Music might be the right undergraduate degree for you.

If you are interested in a career in music and plan to pursue graduate studies in music, SBU's Bachelor of Science in Music degree is a great fit for you.

This flexible music program allows you to combine the study of music with a large number of elective courses based on your own unique interests and gifts. Students primarily use this degree as preparation for graduate school and further study as they pursue a variety of music career paths.

The SBU Advantage

SBU's music programs are an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Nearly 100% of SBU music graduates find positions within their field upon graduation or continue their education at graduate school.
Many of SBU's performance ensembles tour regionally, nationally and even internationally.

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(Both music and non-music majors at SBU can audition to perform in one or more of SBU's 15 vocal and instrumental ensembles.)

Faith Integration

Faculty in SBU's department of music are all professing Christians while also highly acclaimed musicians in their own rights. Courses are intentionally taught through a Christian perspective and the personal faith of the faculty is naturally integrated in how they teach and interact with students.

Faculty in other divisions across SBU also are committed to the integration of faith and discipline. So whichever degree you choose to pair with your B.A. in Music, you can be sure that Christian faith will play an important role in the classroom.

Clubs and Organizations

Pi Kappa Lambda

Join SBU's Zeta Zeta chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music honor society. It is the only music organization recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Each year, a select few of the top junior and senior music majors are voted upon by music faculty to join this distinguished national organization.

Student Advisory Council

Student presidents of Chorale, Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, University Band, Chamber Orchestra, Church Music Conference, and National Association for Music Education, along with a representative of keyboard students and one at-large member comprise the Student Advisory Council. This group serves the department of music by assisting in planning social events, identifying problem areas, and setting goals for the future. By serving on this council, you will help represent other music students to faculty and administration, and grow in leadership opportunities.

Performing Groups

wind symphony performing on stage

More than 15 music performance ensembles provide you many opportunities for developing your music performance skills. Ensemble options include various vocal ensembles, bands, orchestra and more.

Audition for one or more of these groups as you put your learning into action!

Learn about music ensembles

Church Music Conference

Join SBU's student chapter of the national Baptist Church Music conference. Membership is open to all students with an interest in worship leadership regardless of major. By joining this organization you will have the opportunity to attend the annual conference each spring and benefit from fellowship and informational meetings each semester.

Collegiate National Association for Music Education

SBU's collegiate chapter of NafME introduces music education students to the world of professional music educators. In addition to regular on-campus meetings, you also will have the opportunity to attend the Missouri Music Educators Association in-service conference each January.

Scholarships

The majority of SBU music students are selected to receive financial assistance through a music performance scholarship in one or more areas (keyboard, vocal and instrumental). Awards are renewable annually. Requirements for receiving scholarships are listed with each scholarship:

Choral and Instrumental Scholarships — Participate in an assigned role in SBU ensembles
Keyboard Scholarships — Perform assigned accompanying duties for soloists and/or ensembles in the department

All scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 minimum grade point average in all college coursework.

Music Scholarship Application (PDF)

Repertoire Guidelines (PDF)

Other Music Degree Options at SBU

Church Music

Combine your love for music and your passion for ministry by studying Church Music at SBU! You will be equipped to serve in music ministry by studying music, theology, and ministry at SBU.

Church Music Degree

Music Education

SBU's music education degree will prepare and equip you to become certified as a music teacher for all grade levels, K-12. You can choose a concentration in vocal or instrumental...or do both! Studying with expert faculty in both music and education academic disciplines will equip you for success.

Music Education Degree

Music with Elective Studies

SBU's unique music industry degree, Music with Elective Studies, allows you to blend the core music classes with your choice of a minor or second major based on your unique interests. You will create a flexible degree program to prepare for a variety of career paths in the music industry.

Music with Elective Studies Degree

General MUSIC FOUR YEAR PLAN

Instrumental Music FOUR YEAR PLAN

Keyboard MUSIC FOUR YEAR PLAN

Vocal MUSIC FOUR YEAR PLAN

Discover Core Curriculum