USAO offers three degree tracks in music:
- Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Music Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Performance
- Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Business
Bachelor of Arts in music with an emphasis in Music Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in music education, ideal for those students who want to teach, leads to Pre K-12 music certification in Oklahoma in the specializations of either vocal music or instrumental music. The degree consists of IDS courses, the professional education core, the musicianship core, private studio instruction and additional music coursework in the area of specialization. All students pursuing this degree select a specialization in either vocal music or instrumental music. Students also choose a primary specialization (from the areas of brass, percussion, piano, voice or woodwinds) on which they will perform a senior recital or present a senior project. Students pursuing the emphasis in music education must complete all professional education requirements for teacher certification. These requirements include one trimester of student teaching. At least two trimesters of summer enrollment are necessary to complete all degree requirements within four years. Specific requirements for the IDS core are found in the university catalog. Requirements for teacher education preparation are found on the education division website or in the university catalog. A checksheet for this degree is found in the music department policy handbook and on the music department home page.
Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in performance
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in performance is a liberal arts degree in music with a selected primary specialization. Though featuring an emphasis in performance, the bachelor's in music is not a professional performance degree. The degree is suited for students who plan to pursue graduate study in music, want to pursue careers in music or music-related careers, want to serve as music leaders in churches or communities, or plan to enter graduate professional programs outside of music, such as law. All students pursuing this degree select a primary specialization from the areas of brass, composition, guitar, percussion, piano, voice or woodwinds on which they will perform a senior recital or present a senior project. A checksheet for this degree is found in the music department policy handbook and on the music department home page.
Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in business
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in business allows students to develop their musical skills while acquiring theoretical and practical skills of the business industry. It is not a professional degree and is suited for students who seek a basic, comprehensive knowledge and skills foundation for work and growth in the music industry through a collegiate experience that includes the completion of a music degree. It is designed for students with an interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in music-related business. A checksheet for this degree is found in the music department policy handbook and on the music department home page.
Minor in music
USAO students majoring in other academic fields but with a secondary passion for music may choose to minor in music. The music minor is comprised of a minimum of 21 hours of coursework including music theory, music history, primary and secondary applied studio instruction, recital attendance and major ensemble enrollment. Students must complete at least 6 hours of upper division coursework in music as part of the music minor. A checksheet for this degree is found in the music department policy handbook and on the music department home page.