B.A. in Music

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $75

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 51 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 100.

Murray State University (MSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals in the United States. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the university community. 

International Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to promote diversity and global perspectives on campus. It is awarded to a limited number of international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and leadership skills. The award amount varies and is renewable.

International Transfer Scholarship: MSU offers scholarships for international transfer students who are transferring from a U.S. community college or another university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be renewable.

Global Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is available to new, first-time international undergraduate students with strong academic records. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a specified GPA.

International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to international students based on their academic achievements and standardized test scores. The scholarship amounts vary, and they are typically competitive.

Athletic Scholarships: International student-athletes who excel in sports may be eligible for athletic scholarships if they join one of MSU's athletic teams.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and colleges within MSU may offer scholarships specific to their fields of study. These scholarships can vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria and award amounts.

Honors Program Scholarships: High-achieving international students who are admitted to the MSU Honors Program may receive scholarships that support their participation in this academically enriching program.

External Scholarships: MSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and through international scholarship programs. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance on external scholarships.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from Murray State University are well-positioned for a variety of career paths within the music industry and related fields. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, combined with practical performance experience and industry engagement, opens doors to numerous opportunities.

Music Educator: Many graduates pursue careers as music teachers in primary and secondary schools. They teach music theory, history, and performance, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Opportunities also exist for teaching music in private studios or community education programs.

Professional Musician: With a strong foundation in performance, graduates may become professional musicians, performing solo or as part of ensembles such as orchestras, bands, and chamber groups. They may work in various genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and folk.

Music Director: Music directors oversee musical productions, including orchestral concerts, theater productions, and choral performances. They are responsible for selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals, and leading performances.

Composer and Arranger: Graduates with a flair for creativity may work as composers or arrangers, creating original music for film, television, theater, and other media. They may also arrange existing music for different ensembles or genres.

Music Therapist: Music therapy professionals use music to address emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, helping clients through therapeutic musical interventions.

Music Business Professional: With additional training or interests in the business side of the industry, graduates can work in roles such as music management, artist representation, and music promotion. They may work for record labels, booking agencies, or talent management firms.

Music Critic or Journalist: Graduates with strong writing skills may become music critics or journalists, writing reviews, articles, and features about music and musicians for publications, websites, or media outlets.

Sound Engineer: For those interested in the technical aspects of music, a career in sound engineering involves working with audio equipment to record, mix, and produce music. Sound engineers are essential in studios, live venues, and media production settings.

Music Librarian: Music librarians manage collections of music scores, recordings, and other music-related materials. They work in academic institutions, public libraries, and music organizations, assisting with research and archival tasks.

Arts Administrator: Graduates may also work in arts administration, managing music organizations, festivals, and cultural institutions. They handle tasks such as budgeting, event planning, and community outreach, supporting the arts on a broader scale.