Program Details
Music - Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of ArtsWilliam & Mary
The Department of Music is committed to teaching the discipline of music through its interrelated subdisciplines (music theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, performance, and composition) in the context of a liberal arts curriculum. The Department of Music strives to create a learning environment that encourages the intellectual and personal development of student and teacher alike; we do so by integrating the transmission of knowledge with original research, composition, and performance. The department’s course offerings represent a standing commitment to the study of diverse musical styles and the musics of many cultures. At the same time, we also recognize the vital importance of teaching the traditions that have historically informed the practice of music in the United States and Europe.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between William & Mary 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.
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 |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | If you are applying to W&M as a true transfer student, meaning you have graduated from high school AND have at least one full time semester in college SINCE your high school graduation, AND you have earned an Associates of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College you are granted junior academic status (you'll get at least 54 transfer credits). You will also have some of our general education requirements met via your Associates degree. An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. Students transferring (not new freshmen) who have earned an Associates degree after their High School graduation date, with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College are granted junior academic status (defined as at least 54 credits). An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students entering as new freshmen, who have earned an Associates degree concurrent with their High School graduation date, will NOT have the same guarantees as a Transfer student who has earned an Associates degree post their High School graduation date. |
Credit for Prior Learning | William & Mary does accept as transfer credit, credit for prior learning. Please check out this webpage to view the places where we do award transfer credit. https://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/studentsandalumni/transfercredit/apib/index.php |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Answer these questions to help you decide if William & Mary is right for you! Do you want to go to school in a small-ish town, but has easily accessible larger cities nearby (like Washington DC, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach)? Do you want to conduct research with a factulty member as an undergraduate? Do you want to have (mostly) small class sizes? Do you want to take part in service activities? Do you want to have fun, like take part in the "Seventh Grade Comedy Club", or participate in club sports and organizations? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then William & Mary might be right for you. Our students work hard and play hard. Be sure to dig deep into our web page to find out more about all there is to learn and do at W&M! |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. Https://catalog.wm.edu |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/how-to-apply/transfers/vccs_students/index.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in Music | 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 |
Northern Virginia Community College | Music, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Fine Arts - Music | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Radford University | BA in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BM in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 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 |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Musical Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Musical Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Music (Online Program) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Music in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Music in Music Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Music Major - BA (Music Performance Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in Music - Applied Piano | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in Music - Church Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in Music - General Music | 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 |
Randolph-Macon College | Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
25-2031.00 | 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
