Program Details

Music Education Major - BA

Bachelor of Arts

Bridgewater College

In the Department of Music at Bridgewater College, you will be quickly immersed into a supportive musical environment that will help you hone your skills to reach your musical goals. Through ensembles, applied lessons, and academic music courses, you will explore many facets in the field of music. Ensembles on campus are open to all students on campus, regardless of major. Ensembles include the Screamin' Eagles Marching Band, Concert Choir, Chorale, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Strings. We also offer smaller chamber ensembles like a cappella choirs, handbell choir, jazz combo, and many more! Music majors may specialize in Music or Music Education. The Music minor has the flexibility to fit the interest and goals of all students. Numerous exciting courses offered by the Department of Music meet the College's general education requirement in fine arts.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	This is the perfect degree for anyone looking to be licensed to teach K-12 music (choral or instrumental). This program has you in classrooms working with kids, taking classes in music education and then student teaching all within four years.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Bridgewater College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	All courses must be completed with a C of better.
Doing More With Your Degree	Many of our students choose to pursue a dual licensure in both choral and instrumental music, which allows you to explore even more teaching opportunities after graduation.
Program Successes & Highlights	We have a 100% placement rate of our graduates that pursue teaching as a career, getting jobs teaching music all over Virginia and other neighboring states.

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
New River Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 total credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit).
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit).
Credit for Prior Learning	Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies.
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Bridgewater College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

89%

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	VCCS Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. VCCS Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from VCCS.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Randolph-Macon College	Music with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Instrumental Music (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Music with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Vocal/Choral Music (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Music (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Music	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Fine Arts - Music	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Music in Music Education	Bachelor	Bachelor of Music	4-Year	In-Person
Bluefield University	BA in Music Education - Voice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Bluefield University	BA in Music Education - Instrument	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Music (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Music Performance (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Music Instrumental Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Music Voice Performance (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Music Vocal Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Music	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
25-1121.00	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-2042.00	Musicians and Singers	Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-1081.00	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2022.00	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2031.00	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Bridgewater College These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$8,200	Per Semester	$65,600	$0	$65,600	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
Fees
Student Services Fee	$288	Per Semester	$2,304	0	$2,304	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
Technology Fee	$273	Per Semester	$2,184	0	$2,184	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Ask about additional costs for housing, meals, books, parking, and other services.

Fall 2025 Scholarships for Transfer Students

Guaranteed transfer merit scholarships:
These scholarships are based on a student's cumulative college grade point average (GPA), and the merit level is established at the time an admission decision is made. Test scores submitted will be considered in the application review and will not typically affect merit scholarship consideration.

CUMULATIVE COLLEGE GPA	AMOUNT	BC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
3.6 minimum	$4,250	Transfer Leadership Scholarship
2.8-3.59	$3,250	Transfer Excellence Scholarship
2.79 and under	$2,250	Transfer Eagle Scholarship

Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant
A $1,000 grant is available to transfers who earned an associate degree from a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of $15,000 or less. A complete description of eligibility and application requirements is available from this 2024-25 Two Year College Transfer Grant Application (schev.edu) from State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Please see this link for additional information: https://www.bridgewater.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.