M.S. in Computer Science
The MSCS program at William Jessup University is structured to provide a comprehensive ...
B.A. in Music
Rocklin, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Music is a four-year, on-campus program that offers a comprehensive exploration of musical disciplines. Students develop performance skills and acquire new musical proficiencies appropriate to their chosen career path. The program provides opportunities for all students to be involved in a wide variety of performance groups who travel regionally to represent Jessup. Students can specialize through various concentrations, including General Music (often for transfer students), Commercial Music Audio Recording, Music Education, Performance, and Worship Arts. This allows students to tailor their studies to specific career goals, whether in performance, production, education, or ministry. The curriculum emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful careers in the field of music and acceptance into post-graduate degree programs.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Music at Jessup University is designed to provide a thorough understanding of music theory, history, and performance. Core requirements typically include courses in music theory, ear training, piano proficiency, and music literature (e.g., Western Music to 1750, Western Music from 1750, World Music). Students also engage in applied music lessons (instrumental or vocal). Depending on the chosen specialization, the curriculum varies significantly. For example, the Commercial Music Audio Recording specialization includes courses like Live Sound Mixing, Logic Pro, Pro Tools I & II (with Avid Cert Test opportunities), Sequencing, and Music and Business – Portfolio Development. The Music Education specialization includes applied techniques for various instruments (woodwind, string, brass, percussion), Advanced Conducting, and Vocal Pedagogy. The Worship Arts specialization features Applied Music Lessons for Worship, Live Sound Mixing, Worship Leadership and Planning, and Theology for Worship. The program stresses sound musicianship, active musical experience, and the ability to analyze, compose, and arrange music for various media.
Research Focus: While the B.A. in Music is primarily focused on practical application and performance, the program at Jessup University encourages a form of applied research. The curriculum aims for students to acquire "a broad knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of music literature through study and performance" and "knowledge of the history of music and worship and its relationship to contemporary society." This requires students to engage in critical analysis of musical forms, historical contexts, and the impact of music on culture. Faculty members, such as Dr. Elizabeth Stanley, whose primary research focus is in applied voice teaching expertise, bring their scholarly and practical insights into the classroom, guiding students in their own exploration and understanding of musical concepts and techniques. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to articulate verbally and in writing the principles of music and its sub-disciplines.
Industry Engagement: William Jessup University places a strong emphasis on practical industry engagement for its Music students, aiming to make them "exceptionally employable." Students gain valuable skills in performance, live-sound production, and recording with industry professionals. For instance, music students have opportunities to learn at Skywalker Sound, located at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, providing direct exposure to high-level industry environments. The Commercial Music Audio Recording specialization is specifically designed to prepare students for technical roles in the music industry, including offering Avid Cert Test opportunities. Students are involved in a wide variety of performance groups that travel regionally, offering practical performance experience and networking. The curriculum also includes courses like "Music & Business – Portfolio Development" to prepare students for the entrepreneurial aspects of a music career. Faculty experts actively mentor and train students, leveraging their professional backgrounds in music and ministry.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Music program at William Jessup University implicitly incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the diverse forms and historical contexts of music. The curriculum includes "Familiarity with non-western music and musical forms," fostering a broader understanding of global musical traditions. The university's overall mission to prepare "transformational leaders for the Church and society" implies readiness to serve in diverse cultural contexts, whether through worship arts, music education, or performance. By exploring the history of music and worship and its relationship to contemporary society, graduates gain an appreciation for how music transcends cultural boundaries and serves as a universal form of communication and expression, preparing them to engage with and contribute to the global music landscape.
Location
Rocklin, California
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 36000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $150
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 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
William Jessup University is making high-quality Christian education accessible to students from around the globe. As part of this mission, the university offers a variety of scholarships for international students to help reduce financial barriers and support academic success. These scholarships are based on merit, leadership, and sometimes financial need, making it easier for qualified international students to afford a U.S.-based degree.
Academic Merit Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These are automatically considered upon admission and awarded based on high school or prior college performance. Awards vary depending on GPA, test scores (if submitted), and other academic achievements.
Leadership Scholarships: Students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in school, community, or church settings may qualify for Leadership Awards. These scholarships recognize students who align with William Jessup University's core values and mission.
Athletic Scholarships: International students who excel in sports may be considered for athletic scholarships through the university’s athletics department. Jessup competes in the NAIA and offers scholarships across several sports for both men and women.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments offer program-specific financial awards based on a student's choice of major, such as business, education, or ministry-related degrees.
Church Partnership Grant: Students affiliated with churches that partner with WJU may be eligible for additional financial support, including partial scholarships for those recommended by their church leadership.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from William Jessup University offers graduates a versatile and comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary music. Rooted in a faith-integrated approach, the program prepares students to be "transformational leaders" in various musical and related fields, whether in performance, education, worship arts, or the commercial music industry.
Musician/Performer: This is a direct path for those in the Performance concentration, involving professional playing of instruments or singing for live audiences, in bands, orchestras, worship teams, or as studio musicians. Jessup's numerous performance groups provide valuable experience.
Worship Leader/Minister of Music: Given Jessup's Christian foundation and the Worship Arts concentration, graduates are well-prepared to lead musical worship in churches, ministries, or faith-based organizations, planning services, directing choirs, and selecting appropriate music.
Music Teacher/Educator: For those in the Music Education concentration, this involves instructing students of all ages in music theory, performance, and appreciation, in private studios, K-12 schools, or community music programs. Additional teaching certifications may be required for public school settings.
Sound Engineer/Audio Engineer: With the Commercial Music Audio Recording specialization, graduates can work in recording studios, live event venues, or broadcast media, managing sound equipment, mixing and mastering audio, and ensuring high-quality sound production.
Music Producer: Drawing on knowledge from recording and production courses, graduates can work with artists to oversee the entire recording process, from creative direction and arrangement to technical execution and final mixing.
Composer/Arranger: Graduates with a strong grasp of music theory and composition can create original musical works for various media, including film, television, video games, commercials, or for live performance by ensembles and artists.
Music Director: This role involves supervising music programs in diverse settings such as churches, schools, or theater productions, leading ensembles, directing rehearsals, and curating musical performances.
Booking Agent/Artist Manager: Graduates can work behind the scenes in the music industry, planning performances and tours for musicians, handling logistics, contracts, and promoting artists' careers.
Music Therapist (requires further specialized training/certification): While requiring additional postgraduate study or certification, a B.A. in Music provides a strong foundation for a career in music therapy, using music as a therapeutic tool to address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs in various clinical settings.
Arts Administrator/Event Coordinator: With strong organizational and communication skills, graduates can manage the operations of arts organizations, concert venues, or music festivals, handling programming, budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
