Degree requirements and the University Core Curriculum

Occasionally a course required for a degree may also satisfy a requirement of the University Core Curriculum. In addition to taking the required course, a student may elect to take a different course from among those available to fulfill that core requirement; doing so, however, may add to the total number of hours required for the degree. Students who have questions regarding degree requirements and core requirements should consult a degree program advisor.

Bachelor of Music

This degree may be earned with a major in (1) performance; (2) general, choral and instrumental music; (3) composition; (4) music theory; or (5) jazz studies.

The student who majors in performance may choose piano (performance), organ (performance), organ (church music), harpsichord, voice or an orchestral instrument. Additional choices include classical guitar and multiple woodwinds.

Each student should secure from the music office or advisor the eight-term/semester outline for the chosen major.

Instruction in each area is designed to train students for public performance and teaching in schools or private studios, to prepare them for passing barrier examinations, to develop them culturally, to develop musicianship and technical proficiency, to strengthen sight-reading and the ability to assimilate music without guidance, and to prepare them for participation in church services, orchestras, ensemble groups or graduate work. The curriculum for general, choral and instrumental music majors also leads to teacher certification by the State of Texas. Instruction is given in both group and individual settings.

Degree requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music must meet the following requirements.

1. Hours required and general/college requirements: Completion of a minimum of 121–134 total semester hours (depending on major, see below); 31 hours must be completed at UNT; 42 hours must be advanced (24 of which must be taken at UNT). Fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Music requirements.
2. Major requirements: Major of 32–66 hours in music in a prescribed field, depending on the program. See specific degree for exact hours.
3. Other course requirements: See individual major below.
4. Minor: Minor of 18 hours minimum, 6 of which must be advanced. See specific degree plan for required minor below.
5. Electives:  See individual major.
6. Other requirements:
   • Theory Proficiency Examination.
   • Piano Proficiency Examination.
   • Other proficiency examinations as required in specific programs. See individual major.
   • Participation in a music laboratory (MULB) each long term/semester with a minimum of eight terms/semesters, except the BM with a major in general, choral and instrumental music (teacher certification), which requires a minimum of seven terms/semesters.

General academic requirements

• Completion of University Core Curriculum (42 hours). See University Core Curriculum  in the Academics section of this catalog. Some courses required on degree plans may be used to fulfill requirements under the Creative Arts; Language, Philosophy and Culture; and Component Area Option categories of the core.
• Completion of College of Music Core Curriculum (50 hours): music theory, 14 hours; music history and literature, 12 hours; music laboratory each long term/semester (a minimum of 8 hours); concentration or major instrument, 12 hours; secondary instrument, 2 hours; conducting, 2 hours.
• Completion of major program requirements and electives, for a total of 121–134 hours.

General academic requirements for all music majors include completion of courses in the University Core Curriculum. Consult the degree outlines for the various programs and the list of courses to satisfy University Core Curriculum Requirements available from the degree program advisor.

Majors in general, choral and instrumental music also must satisfy specific Teacher Certification course requirements, most of which are included in the University Core Curriculum (consult the degree outline). In addition to developmental reading, music theory, music history and literature, performance, conducting, and music laboratory requirements, a general, choral and instrumental music major must complete 18 hours of professional education that include 6 hours of music education courses to complete the course requirement of 129 hours.

Teacher certification

Requirements for all-level music certification are included in the requirements for the BM with a major in general, choral and instrumental music.

Consult the College of Music and the College of Education  for further requirements.

Bachelor of Arts

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music will have developed a strong understanding of music history, literature, and theory. Musicianship skills will be developed to a level commensurate with a liberal arts degree. The curriculum can serve as a basis for advanced degrees in non-performance areas of music. This degree may be earned with an emphasis in (1) general music or (2) music history and literature.

Degree requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts with a major in music must meet the following requirements.

1. Hours required and general/college requirements: Completion of a minimum of 120 total semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the “General Degree Requirements ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Music requirements.
2. Major requirements: Major of 51 hours in music, depending on the program. See specific degree for exact hours.
3. Other course requirements: See individual major.
4. Minor: Optional.
5. Electives:  See individual major.
6. Other requirements:
   • Theory Proficiency Examination.
   • Piano Proficiency Examination.
   • Computer Proficiency Examination.
   • Successful completion of Upper Division Examination in applied lessons (MUAC).

General academic requirements

• Completion of University Core Curriculum (42 hours). See University Core Curriculum  in the Academics section of this catalog. Some courses required on degree plans may be used to fulfill requirements under the Creative Arts, Life and Physical Sciences, and Component Area Options categories of the core.
• For the emphasis in music history and literature, students must complete all music history credits with no grade lower than B.