Music
Find your passion for creating music, performing on stage, managing behind-the-scenes business details, or educating the next generation. The Music program reaches beyond expectations, both creatively and academically, and students gain hands-on experience in professional settings.
Careers in Music
The Music Program prepares students for diverse careers in producing, managing, and performing, as well as composing for film and multimedia, teaching, music therapy, and leading community ensembles. With this degree, you can turn your passion for music into a rewarding profession in various dynamic fields.- Musician
- Musical Therapist
- Music Composer
- Music Director
- Music Teacher
- Music Producer
Potential Salary
Median Salary $62,590
Music Degrees at MSU
Music, Bachelor of Arts
Whether seeking a career on the stage, in the box office, or in entertainment law, the Bachelor of Arts allows students to customize an experience that fits their current and future goals. While students will learn all of the fundamentals and be fluent in the musical world, they will also have enough flexibility to add a minor in any field, study languages, or pursue electives in complimentary areas.
Music Performance, Bachelor of Arts
The degree is ideal for students seeking a career on stage, in the teaching studio, or in a sacred setting. The degree provides students the opportunity to practice and refine their craft. Students studying performance will have more access to one-on-one applied lessons with faculty and work side-by-side with other performers to create dynamic, professional-level concerts and media projects.
Music, Minor
The music minor combines elements from Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Industry, while also developing creative and critical thinking skills applicable to various professions.
Music Education Instrumental General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students will be prepared to teach music in a variety of settings and gain the skills needed to become proficient in teaching brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments in K-12 public and private schools.
Music Education Vocal General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students will be prepared to teach music in a variety of settings, as well as lead choral ensembles and teach general music classes in K-12 public and private schools.
Music, Master of Music
The Master of Music degree is a professional degree, most appropriate for students who desire to increase their knowledge as public school teachers, to teach at the college level, or to work toward their doctorate. It is also a degree useful for those who perform professionally, compose, or conduct. The Master of Music is offered in four areas of specialization: Piano Performance, Choral Conducting, Wind Band Conducting, and Music Education.
Music, Bachelor of Arts
Whether seeking a career on the stage, in the box office, or in entertainment law, the Bachelor of Arts allows students to customize an experience that fits their current and future goals. While students will learn all of the fundamentals and be fluent in the musical world, they will also have enough flexibility to add a minor in any field, study languages, or pursue electives in complimentary areas.
Music Performance, Bachelor of Arts
The degree is ideal for students seeking a career on stage, in the teaching studio, or in a sacred setting. The degree provides students the opportunity to practice and refine their craft. Students studying performance will have more access to one-on-one applied lessons with faculty and work side-by-side with other performers to create dynamic, professional-level concerts and media projects.
Music, Minor
The music minor combines elements from Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Industry, while also developing creative and critical thinking skills applicable to various professions.
Music Education Instrumental General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students will be prepared to teach music in a variety of settings and gain the skills needed to become proficient in teaching brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments in K-12 public and private schools.
Music Education Vocal General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science
This degree is a pathway to licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students will be prepared to teach music in a variety of settings, as well as lead choral ensembles and teach general music classes in K-12 public and private schools.
Music, Master of Music
The Master of Music degree is a professional degree, most appropriate for students who desire to increase their knowledge as public school teachers, to teach at the college level, or to work toward their doctorate. It is also a degree useful for those who perform professionally, compose, or conduct. The Master of Music is offered in four areas of specialization: Piano Performance, Choral Conducting, Wind Band Conducting, and Music Education.
Music Events
The Music program hosts a variety of events throughout the academic year, featuring classical and jazz ensembles, chamber singers, gospel groups and performances by nationally renowned artists across all genres.
Music Ensembles
Do you play an instrument or sing? Not a music major? Not a problem. All of our ensembles are open to any student regardless of major (some require auditions)!
Maverick Machine Athletic Bands
The Maverick Machine Athletic Bands offer student and community musicians an opportunity to bring spirit, energy and enthusiasm to Minnesota State Mankato athletic events. Musicians of all levels can participate in our musically innovative bands without making an intensive time commitment.
Related Programs
Theatre Arts
The Theatre Arts program offers opportunities to explore dramatic literature and movement in three performance venues. We provide top-tier theatre training and a multifaceted, high-quality theatrical experience in southern Minnesota.
Film and Media Studies
Students in Film and Media Studies look at all aspects of film and media, including aesthetic, creative, critical, cultural, technical, and theoretical perspectives.
Music Industry
Our Music Industry program equips students to identify opportunities and develop solutions for industry needs through coursework, technical experience, and real-world opportunities, preparing them for careers in management, marketing, studio operations, and more.
Dance
Our Dance Program is a dynamic and growing field of study that provides students with a rich program of study, five degree options, diverse performance opportunities and off-campus events. Students receive a comprehensive education grounded in a liberal arts education that prepares them for a lifetime in dance such as: teaching, performing, private studio ownership, choreographing, dance therapy, arts administration, dance writing and related fields.
Music Department
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences