The Bachelor of Music offered through the Department of Visual and Performing Arts is a professional undergraduate degree that program provides you with a comprehensive foundation in musicianship through coursework in music theory, aural skills, music history and applied performance. You can specialize your degree with a concentration in music education, music performance or music therapy.
The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Our faculty bring years of professional experience and performance techniques to you in the classroom.
You'll develop the skills to teach band, orchestra, choir or elementary music and you can choose a specialization in vocal or instrumental music. Upon graduation, you'll be certified to teach K-12 music, with a credential that is recognized in 41 states.
Through our partnerships with local music educators, you'll gain classroom experience beginning your first year in a variety of school settings, including Catholic schools, a suburban elementary school and the choral program at Dayton's Stivers School for the Arts. Field experiences also includes conducting music at local high schools, coaching and conducting bands for senior adults.
As a music performance student, you'll receive extensive private instruction in your area of specialization. Solo recitals will enhance your performance skills and you'll take special courses related to your performance area. For example, vocalists take classes in diction and vocal literature, while keyboard players may take classes in pedagogy.
A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles allow you the opportunity to perform regularly on and off campus.
As a music therapy student, you'll design and provide music therapy services to children with special needs and other clients in our on-campus music therapy clinic.
Each year students provide clinical services to individuals and groups in various community settings like children's hospital, local shelters, drug rehabilitations and more. An estimated 350 individuals were served last year by music therapy majors and members of the award-winning UD Music Therapy Club.
As one of few music therapy degree programs in Ohio approved by the American Music Therapy Association, our program prepares you for acceptance to an approved, intensive internship. Upon successful completion of the internship and subsequent board certification, you're eligible to practice music therapy in a wide variety of educational, health and mental health settings.
Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about music education at UD.
Students seeking admission to any Bachelor of Music degree program must be admitted to the University of Dayton by the Office of Admission and accepted by the Department of Music through a process that includes:
Transfer students pursuing a major in music education must complete at least 20 of the required semester hours in the Department of Music while in residence at the University of Dayton.
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. The George Koenig Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding music education major in the Pride of Dayton marching band.
The Bachelor of Music degree requires a total of at least 120 hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).
The Bachelor of Music degree has four concentrations available, each with a recommended plan of study:
The Bachelor of Music degree is a professional undergraduate degree designed for students pursuing advanced study and careers in music. The program provides you with a comprehensive foundation in musicianship through coursework in music theory, aural skills, music history and applied performance, while fostering artistic, intellectual and professional growth.
Through a unified curriculum with specialized concentrations in areas such as music education, music performance and music therapy, the B.M. allows you to develop both a shared core of musical competencies and focused expertise aligned with your career goals. You'll engage in individualized instruction, ensemble participation and experiential learning opportunities that cultivate technical proficiency, creative expression, critical thinking and collaborative skills.
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.
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.
At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.
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.