Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of ArtsVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design is a community of courageous architects, designers, artists, and creators of communities who care about — and work to improve — our shared natural and built environments. AAD is composed of four schools sharing a vision to understand and shape the spaces and places where we live, work and play.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The music program at Virginia Tech offers a dynamic and well-rounded education in the study and practice of music, blending performance, theory, history, and music technology. You can choose from a variety of ensembles and applied study options while developing a strong foundation in musicianship and critical listening. The curriculum encourages both academic inquiry and creative expression, with opportunities to explore composition, conducting, music education, and more. Through one-on-one instruction, ensemble collaboration, and live performance experiences, you’ll gain the skills, discipline, and confidence needed for a successful career in music or continued study at the graduate level. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | https://aad.vt.edu/academics/majors-minors/music.html#learning |
| Program Successes & Highlights | https://aad.vt.edu/academics/majors-minors/music.html#why |
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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.
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 | Completion of a transferrable associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning score requirements:Â https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Hollins University | BA in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Music Major - BA | 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 |
| William & Mary | Music - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Music | 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 |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in 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 |
| 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 |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Film Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts, Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Acting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Arts Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Directing/Dramatic Literature | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Design/Technical Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Musical Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Theater Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art - Art Education PK-12 BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Artist’s Books and Printmaking BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Design in Craft BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Painting/Drawing BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Photography BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music - Piano Pedagogy Emphasis BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Choral Track BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Instrumental Track BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Performance BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Design and Technology BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Performance BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Education PK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Generalist BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Art and Visual Technology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Art and Visual Technology, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Composition-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Fine Art-BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Education-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Performance-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Sound Recording Technology-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Graphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Art Education-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.F.A. in Music and Theatre: Professional Stage Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Emory & Henry University | Art: Studio (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BFA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Dance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BFA in Dance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BFA in Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Design | 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 Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 27-1019.00 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | All artists and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1012.00 | Craft Artists | Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1013.00 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-4021.00 | Photographers | Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete

