Completing an online bachelor’s in music degree provides a broad education in music, and prepares students for a variety of career options. Students complete online course requirements, and may have other program requirements, such as an internship or capstone project.
Why Earn an Online Bachelor’s in Music?
Prospective students that have an interest in working as a musician, an educator, or in technical careers related to music have broad options if they choose to earn an online bachelor’s in music degree. Some students start their career after successfully completing their program, while others continue their education. Some music programs are structured so that students who desire to continue their education can easily transition into a master’s degree in music program. Some students decide to provide private music instruction, or to work for small companies. Other graduates work for large companies, organizations, orchestras, directing, editing, or music production. Graduates have a variety of other music career options such as mix engineer or sound technician, or working in music therapy.
The online bachelor’s in music program allows students flexibility in completing the degree requirements, that students learning in the on-campus environment often do not have available to them. Online students have options related to when they complete coursework, allowing them the opportunity to continue with their family or work responsibilities, without having to take time away to attend face-to-face classes.
Another benefit to completing the bachelor’s in music program online is that students have the same or similar resources available to them as the students completing the traditional music degree program. Academic advising, tutoring, access to online and campus resources are examples of these resources, which may vary from one school to another college or university that offers an online bachelor’s in music degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the 2019 median pay for musicians at $30.39 per hour. The pay will potentially vary, based on the specific career path.
These nine schools made our list of the best online bachelor’s in music programs for students that want to start or to enhance their skills and career opportunities in music. It is important to note that the tuition rate includes the cost of one credit hour of study, and does not cover the cost of any required fees, or other costs.
Best 9 Online Bachelor’s in Music
1. University of Maine at Augusta
The University of Maine at Augusta offers a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary and Popular Music program in an online format. The challenging program is designed for students that want an innovative, progressive music program with a variety of stylistic options. Students can choose to focus on a single area of interest such as performance, composition, audio, or a mixture of different areas.
Graduates are well-prepared to continue their music education beyond the baccalaureate degree, and to have knowledge and skills related to contemporary music styles, production, and the business of music.
- Tuition: $245 per credit hour
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
2. Washington State University
Washington State University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, Music Concentration program. The multi-disciplinary approach to this program allows students the flexibility to study online, explore and develop skills across a variety of areas, while also focusing on the music concentration. Students complete required humanities and music courses for a well-rounded music education that prepares students for advanced study or to start their music career after graduation.
- Tuition: est. $298.88 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
3. Liberty University
The online Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music at Liberty University allows students to transfer in up to 75 percent of the total degree coursework. Students follow a curriculum consisting of core courses, and courses in recording engineering and music technology. The program provides students with in-demand skills in the competitive commercial music industry.
Some topics that students study include music theory, musical style, conducting, and songwriting, film scoring, recording, and mixing. Students also learn about improvisation, entrepreneurship, and professionalism in commercial music performance.
Members of the military receive a tuition discount.
- Tuition: $390 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4. Valley City State University
The Bachelor of Music General Studies Concentration program at Valley City State University provides students with a high-quality, flexible approach to their music education program that is often needed for online students. Students complete required courses and select electives to tailor their program to their specific music interests. The program offers a pathway to advanced music education programs, and to work as a performer or musical artist.
- Tuition: est. $407.93 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, National Association of Schools of Music, Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
5. Los Angeles Recording School
Some students that complete the online associate’s degree program at the Los Angeles Recording School continue their education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science Music Production program, while other students enroll directly into the bachelor’s degree program.
Students engage in an immersive curriculum in the 38-month program, which is designed for students that want to produce their own songs, scores, and soundtracks in an accelerated online learning environment. The curriculum consists of courses in music production technology, music composition programing, and music business management.
- Tuition: est. $454.16 per credit hour
- Accreditation: ACCSC
6. University of Michigan – Flint
The University of Michigan – Flint offers a unique online bachelor’s degree program that allows students to customize their music program. The university offers the Bachelor of Applied Studies, with students having the opportunity to “choose from more than 50 focus areas” in their degree completion program. The school accepts all associate of applied science (AAS) and similar associate degree programs towards the Bachelor of Applied Studies program.
Students choose courses from the areas of general music courses, music composition, music theater, music performance, music education, and music technology.
- Tuition: $491.50 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. Judson College
The online Bachelor of Arts in Music at Judson College consists of 47 to 51 credit hours of study, and is designed for students that want a degree in music within the context of a liberal arts education. The online program includes courses in music theory, music history, form and analysis, sight singing, ear training, ensembles, elective courses, and other requirements. Online students may complete the 10-credit hours of applied lessons with a private teacher that holds at least a master’s degree.
- Tuition: $495 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
8. Full Sail University
Full Sail University offers students options in their online bachelor’s in music program. The Music Production program guides students through developing an understanding of contemporary music hardware and software technology, recording principles, audio engineering techniques and other required skills.
The Audio Production Bachelor’s degree program focuses on the fundamentals of the music business, contemporary music production techniques, and audio post-production.
- Tuition: $717 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
9. Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music offers an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Production program. Students gain expertise in creating and producing music, how to mix music, multitrack record, overdub, and edit music, while using a variety of digital audio systems.
The 120-credit hour program includes required courses such as Music Production Analysis, Art of Mixing, and Audio Fundamentals of Recording. Students choose from electives such as Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools, Audio Mastering Techniques, and Producing Music With Reason.
- Tuition: $1,497 per credit hour
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Our Methodology
We searched online bachelor degree programs across the country, and developed our ranked list of the best online bachelor’s in music degrees, based on the fact that each school is properly accredited, with affordable tuition. The schools offer outstanding potential career pathways, with a variety of music program options.
Would you like to have your school included in our rankings? Please feel free to contact us.
If you need help finding the best online college or university, we can assist you, based on your selected program.
