Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Bachelor of Music
Norfolk State University

The Division of Music offers one undergraduate degree with two emphases and one graduate degree with three concentrations. The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed to prepare teachers of music in elementary and secondary schools. The program includes theoretical and applied music studies, general studies, music history, literature, methodology, and practicum with concentration in Voice, Keyboard and Band/Orchestral instruments. The Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Media is designed to expand the career preparation of students by providing knowledge, skills, and practical experience central to the needs of the music industry as represented by the broadcast and recording media. The program includes courses in Music and Mass Communications. Eligibility to major in music is determined by the Music faculty on the basis of musical background and experience, results of auditions and tests, and general qualifications to pursue music as a major field. The Music Division is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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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 The Music Program is a rigorous study of music theory, music history, applied music, and performance. The Music Education program requires students to take education courses in the School of Education during your junior and senior years. State assessments must be passed in order to complete student teaching. The Music Media emphasis includes four semesters of secondary piano with a proficiency exam that must be passed.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Eight semesters of Applied Music courses are required. Applied courses are individual instruction on your major instrument or voice. Seven semesters of Ensembles are required. They include Concert Choir, Marching Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble (instrumental), or Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Recital Class is required for seven semesters.

  • 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 Norfolk State University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Grades of C or higher are required for all MUS courses. Piano is a required minor for all music majors, unless your major instrument is piano.
Doing More With Your Degree Internships are part of the Music Media degree program. Students take courses in Mass Communications as part of the curriculum.
Program Successes & Highlights The Music Program's Concert Choir is nationally renowned and tours throughout the country each year. The Spartan Legion Marching Band will be featured in the 2023 Rose Bowl Parade. Music Education majors are able to be certified to teach in Virginia upon completion of the degree program. Students and graduates participate in many of the area's cultural institutions, such as the Virginia Opera and Virginia Symphony.
Program Credit Requirements
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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
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Norfolk State University 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.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the NSU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete 3 college-specific general education courses. All courses are evaluated and trasnferred as applicable to your degree.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations.
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: Norfolk State University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Norfolk State University enrolls approximately 400 transfer students each fall. The average class size is 23 students . The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. On campus housing is available. Our top five academic programs for transfer students is Pre-Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Business, and Interdisciplinary Studies
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Students may confirm intent to enroll via the Transfer VA Portal using College Connect.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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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
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts Degree in MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeMusic, A.F.A.AssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts - MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Radford UniversityBA in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBM in MusicBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in MusicBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Musical ArtsBachelorBachelor of Musical Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Digital Music (Online Program)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearOnline
William & MaryMusic - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBA in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeMusic Major - BA (Music Performance Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in Music - Applied PianoBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in Music - Church MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in Music - General MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Performance (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Instrumental Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Voice Performance (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Vocal Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeMusic (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
27-2042.00Musicians and SingersPlay 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
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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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 127 credits remaining to be completed

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 Norfolk State University
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 $463 Per Credit $58,801 $0 $58,801 Caps at 12-18 credits for $3038.00
Fees
Mandatory Fees $2,052 Per Semester $16,416 0 $16,416 All Full time 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
    • Miscellaneous fees include parking fee, graduation fee , and program-specific fees, such as Fine Arts, Music, and Nursing. Dorm/Meals cost depend on the dorm and meal plan chosen.
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.