Degrees/Programs

The University of Central Arkansas Music Department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Master of Music in Performance
Master of Music in Music Theory
Master of Music in Conducting
Master of Music in Education

For detailed information on each degree, please refer to Undergraduate Bulletin or Graduate Bulletin.

Music Minor
The UCA Music Department also offers an academic minor in music, which is intended for students with background, talent, and interest in music. Students will be accepted into the program with completion of an interview with the coordinator of undergraduate studies in music or the department chairperson. Students must complete a UCA Major/Minor form declaring music as a minor. (learn more)

Departmental Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Students may apply for admission to undergraduate music study at the University of Central Arkansas for the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process late in their junior year or early in their senior year of high school.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the University of Central Arkansas, students desiring to pursue a major or minor in music must submit an additional application and supporting materials to the Department of Music.

Admission from High School
• Submit all general materials to the UCA admissions office.
• After matriculation, submit music application to Department of Music (forms available from music office, SFA 103).
• Audition in the principal applied area. A satisfactory audition is essential to determine acceptability to the department. No student is allowed to declare any major in music without this audition.
• Audition for placement in piano. Piano proficiency is not required for admission. All students will be placed in an appropriate level of piano instruction. Time and date of placement tests will be sent to all students who pre-register.
• Complete the Basic Musicianship Evaluation, a brief test of rudimentary music skills. Both the audition and the Basic Musicianship Evaluation are vital in the screening process; it is desirable that these take place on campus. This will permit personal interviews and opportunities for applicants to meet students and faculty and to familiarize themselves directly with UCA.

Admission as a Transfer from Another College
• Same as admission from high school.
• Examinations in theory and music literature/history are required for placement or verification of transfer credits in music courses.

Departmental Graduate Admission Requirements
• In addition to the Graduate School admission requirements, a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is required within one semester of matriculation at the latest.
• For performance and conducting areas: An audition with area faculty. Performance in the area of specialization is to reflect the basic proficiency of a college undergraduate.
• For conducting and pedagogy areas: A taped performance of the applicant's ensemble.