At UD, we help each student discover the transformative power of music and develop musical interests, talents and skills that you'll use to change the world. A solid music curriculum with two available concentrations — combined with an arts and sciences education — provides you the ability and flexibility to pursue your interests and prepare for your career.
A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles give students the opportunity to perform regularly on and off campus.
Whether you are an undergraduate student or someone who desires a deeper knowledge in the specialized profession of church music, you can gain supplemental training and guidance by completing the institute's 12 credit hour curriculum. Subjects include music fundamentals, worship planning, leadership and music resources, as well as liturgical, scriptural and theological understanding.
The jazz studies concentration focuses on the musical and historical elements of jazz. Students will study jazz improvisation, theory, history and jazz composition and arranging, in addition to core studies in music theory, aural skills and functional keyboard. And our faculty bring years of professional experience and performance techniques to you in the classroom.
Through the Cityfolk Legacy Series, students can earn a residency with the jazz artists who perform in the annual series, providing an opportunity for them to work with internationally renowned musicians.
The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about music at UD.
The Bachelor of Arts degree offers students the flexibility to pursue their individual interests in music as well as in other fields (sometimes through a second major or minor). All music majors develop creativity, discipline, teamwork and critical thinking skills that transfer to a wide variety of careers.
The music degree has two concentrations available: Jazz Studies and Music Studies.
The concentration in jazz studies focuses on the musical and historical elements of jazz. You'll study jazz improvisation, performance, theory, history, composition and arranging.
You also can participate in both large and small jazz ensembles, which provide the opportunity to become skilled in the art of practice and performance of jazz. To take advantage of the diverse academic environment at the University of Dayton, you're encouraged to earn a minor or to complete a second major within another discipline.
View the jazz studies sample plan of study.
Our music studies concentration is a broad interdisciplinary undergraduate degree. Along with an arts and sciences education, a solid music curriculum provides you the ability and flexibility to pursue your interests and prepare for your career.
View the music studies sample plan of study.
At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.
Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.
Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.
To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.
A Performing Arts Scholarship is available for music students who participate in audition day.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.
Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.
Our faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your music journey at UD.