Academic Information

Degree Options and Diploma Programs

The IU School of Music offers a range of degree and diploma options including associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees and artist and performer diplomas. Following is a brief description of the different kinds of programs.

Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

Typically a two-year degree, the Associate of Science is offered in a variety of music-related areas including audio technology (with an emphasis on studio recording), costume construction technology, stagecraft technology, and string instrument technology. These programs do not necessarily require a substantial background in music unless they are being used as the outside field for a Bachelor of Science degree in music.

Bachelor of Music (B.M.)

The Bachelor of Music degree can be in performance (historical or modern instrument or voice), in composition, or in jazz studies. The degrees in performance and jazz prepare students for solo and ensemble performing careers or for private applied music teaching. The composition degree provides the skills necessary to begin a career as a professional composer.

Bachelor of Music Eduation (B.M.E.)

The Bachelor of Music Education degree prepares students for certification to teach band, orchestra, chorus, or general music in public schools. Students can choose an emphasis in choral music, general music, instrumental-band, or instrumental-orchestra.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science is offered in Recording Arts, Opera Scenic Design, and Ballet. The programs prepare students for professional careers in these fields.

Bachelor of Science and an Outside Field (B.S.O.F.)

Students taking the Bachelor of Science in Music and an Outside Field can study music as a major and take 27 credit hours in another field. The outside field can be in any area in which the university offers a degree or certificate. Some of the most popular choices are languages, theater, business, telecommunications, and math. The outside field can also consist of the major field course work of one of the Associate of Science degrees in music-related technical areas, such as audio technology (with an emphasis on studio recording), costume construction technology, stagecraft technology, and string instrument technology. With faculty approval, some students complete an individualized music cognate area as the outside field, choosing courses from a variety of areas to meet a particular interest.

Master of Music (M.M.)

The School of Music offers the Master of Music degree with majors in music performance, conducting (choral, instrumental, and wind), early music, jazz studies, organ and church music, composition, computer music composition, and music theory. This advanced degree prepares students to a variety of careers, including performance, teaching, and administrative positions.

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Students can earn the Master of Arts degree in musicology. For a master's in musicology, students earn a minimum of 30 credit hours, including musicology courses, history and literature courses, and a cognate area.

Master of Science (M.S.)

The School of Music offers the Master of Science degree in Stage Direction for Opera. This advanced degree prepares students for professional careers in this field, expanding on knowledge and skills beyond the bachelor's degree programs in music.

Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)

The Master of Music Education degree allows individuals with previous teaching experience in schools or private settings to expand their knowledge of musical and methodological techniques. Students may also design the curriculum to prepare for further study at the doctoral level. This degree is available with an emphasis in band conducting and literature, choral methods, general music, instrumental methods, Kodály and Orff, or individualized studies.

Master of Science in Music Education (with Certification)

The Master of Science in Music Education is designed for graduates of bachelor's degree programs in an area of music other than music education. Students gain knowledge of the principles and processes of teaching and learning music while preparing for teaching certification.

Master of Music in Music Theory/Master of Library Science
Master of Arts in Musicology/Master of Library Science

Students in these combined degrees take courses in both the School of Music and the School of Library and Information Science. Students have the opportunity to work with librarians and professional staff in one of the nation's largest and most technically advanced music libraries.

Specialist Certificate in Music Education

The Specialist's Certificate in Music Education offers a flexible program of study beyond the master's degree for students interested in public school teaching or supervision. Students must have at least three years of teaching experience. Courses may be chosen from music education theory and practice, performance, conducting, music theory and history, techniques, methods, and from areas outside music.

Doctor of Music (D.M.)

The School of Music offers the Doctor of Music degree in music literature and performance, music literature and pedagogy (brass instruments only), composition, and conducting. Students earning this degree must demonstrate a high level of performance competency in their instrumental area or in voice, as well as a broad knowledge of the pertinent instrumental or vocal repertoire, the ability to undertake independent research, and the ability to communicate knowledge in written and oral forms. This degree represents outstanding accomplishments in academic and performance areas.

Doctor of Music Education (D.M.E.)

The Doctor of Music Education degree prepares individuals for college music teaching. Each student selects a primary emphasis such as instrumental, choral, or general music teaching methodology, as well as studying current research in the field. This degree is offered with an emphasis in wind conducting and literature, choral methodology, college music teaching, or supervision and administration.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Students can earn the Doctor of Philosophy degree, conferred by the IU Graduate School, in the areas of music education, music theory, or musicology. A Doctor of Philosophy degree represents breadth of experience and training in the arts and sciences and is recommended for those planning to enter a field involving research or scholarly writing as well as college teaching. For a Ph.D., students complete 90 credit hours and produce a body of original research that makes a significant contribution to the field and culminates in a dissertation. Graduates with the Ph.D. in music from Indiana University hold important positions in music scholarship and education around the world.

Artist Diploma (A.D.)

The Artist Diploma is designed for outstanding performers who intend to pursue a career in performance. The program provides the opportunity for concentrated study in the appropriate repertoire. Students give four recitals during their course of study. The Artist Diploma requires an average of four semesters of study.

Performer Diploma (P.D.)

The Performer Diploma, like the Artist Diploma, is designed for outstanding performers who intend to pursue a career in performance. The program provides the opportunity for concentrated study in the appropriate repertoire. Students earning the Performer Diploma give one recital, and the program can be completed in two to four semesters.