Best institutions to study Jazz/Jazz Studies
A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of Jazz.
59 U.S. institutions graduated 592 Jazz/Jazz Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0910, a specialization of Music (CIP 50.09), and leads most directly to the Musicians and Singers occupation (BLS SOC 27-2042).
About Jazz/Jazz Studies programs
A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of Jazz. Includes instruction in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Jazz/Jazz Studies program is designed for individuals seeking to master the performance and composition of jazz music. This program encompasses a comprehensive study of jazz history, theory, improvisation, and ensemble performance, making it suitable for aspiring musicians and educators in the field of music.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes instruction in jazz composition, performance techniques, and the study of related musical styles like the Blues.
Credentials awarded
What Jazz/Jazz Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree373 graduates / yr · 48 institutions63%
- Master's degree178 graduates / yr · 21 institutions30%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship17 graduates / yr · 4 institutions2.9%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year15 graduates / yr · 6 institutions2.5%
- Post-master's certificate4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.7%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Jazz/Jazz Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 490 |
| 2013 | 468 |
| 2014 | 505 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 542 |
| 2017 | 577 |
| 2018 | 554 |
| 2019 | 506 |
| 2020 | 523 |
| 2021 | 570 |
| 2022 | 517 |
| 2023 | 580 |
| 2024 | 517 |
| 2025 | 592 |
Top 50 institutions for Jazz/Jazz Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The New School New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 57 | 69% | $54,185 | $12,109 |
| 2 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 43 | 75% | — | $19,507 |
| 3 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 42 | 61% | — | $31,450 |
| 4 | The New England Conservatory of Music Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 34 | 73% | $38,781 | — |
| 5 | Manhattan School of Music New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 33 | 78% | $53,742 | — |
| 6 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 25 | 92% | $26,873 | $12,947 |
| 7 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 24 | 84% | $26,589 | $15,492 |
| 8 | The Juilliard School New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sMaster's | 23 | 93% | $29,763 | — |
| 9 | University of Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 20 | 85% | $25,874 | $14,310 |
| 10 | California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 18 | 67% | $42,045 | $18,896 |
| 11 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 16 | 81% | — | $38,656 |
| 12 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 15 | 68% | $28,141 | $19,155 |
| 13 | CUNY Queens College Queens, NYPublicMaster's | 15 | 53% | — | — |
| 14 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor's | 14 | 93% | — | $22,125 |
| 15 | CUNY City College New York, NYPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 14 | 57% | — | $19,145 |
| 16 | Oberlin College Oberlin, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 81% | $28,313 | $17,141 |
| 17 | SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NYPublicBachelor's | 13 | 63% | — | $17,887 |
| 18 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 10 | 72% | — | — |
| 19 | Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music San Juan, PRPublicBachelor's | 10 | 67% | — | $5,005 |
| 20 | University of Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 9 | 54% | $28,311 | $24,511 |
| 21 | University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, ARPublicMaster's | 8 | 49% | — | — |
| 22 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicBachelor's | 8 | 93% | — | $22,272 |
| 23 | University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, NCPublicBachelor's | 8 | 54% | — | — |
| 24 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 59% | $22,906 | — |
| 25 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicBachelor's | 7 | 58% | — | $24,775 |
| 26 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicBachelor's | 7 | 51% | — | $47,151 |
| 27 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor's | 7 | 89% | — | $39,564 |
| 28 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 6 | 95% | $14,799 | $34,823 |
| 29 | Roosevelt University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 35% | $21,085 | — |
| 30 | San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 74% | $39,487 | $26,916 |
| 31 | University of North Florida Jacksonville, FLPublicBachelor's | 5 | 69% | — | $24,405 |
| 32 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 67% | — | $32,781 |
| 33 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 34 | University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicBachelor's | 4 | 55% | — | $22,315 |
| 35 | North Carolina Central University Durham, NCPublicMaster's | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 36 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 4 | 85% | — | — |
| 37 | Elmhurst University Elmhurst, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 70% | $20,794 | $21,759 |
| 38 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, ILPublicBachelor's | 3 | 85% | — | $13,128 |
| 39 | Millikin University Decatur, ILPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 55% | $8,373 | $21,138 |
| 40 | University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicBachelor's | 3 | 70% | — | $23,991 |
| 41 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicBachelor's | 3 | 64% | — | $20,632 |
| 42 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 3 | 37% | — | $19,162 |
| 43 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 80% | $35,682 | $10,210 |
| 44 | Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 51% | $25,813 | $21,219 |
| 45 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublicBachelor's | 2 | 62% | — | — |
| 46 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor's | 2 | 62% | — | — |
| 47 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublicBachelor's | 2 | 51% | — | — |
| 48 | Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MNPublicBachelor's | 2 | 57% | — | — |
| 49 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 50 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 76% | $28,970 | $23,119 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Music field (CIP 50.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 30 states & territories
Where Jazz/Jazz Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Music programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-2042, Musicians and Singers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Jazz/Jazz Studies program can pursue careers as musicians, singers, or postsecondary music educators. With an annual opening of approximately 19,400 positions and a projected growth rate of 1.1%, opportunities in this field remain stable, although many musicians may not require formal educational credentials.
Career pathways for CIP 50.0910
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Musicians and Singersprimary SOC 27-2042 | — | +1.1% Little or no change | ~19,400 | No formal educational credential |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Jazz/Jazz Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
- Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
Tools and technology used
Other Music specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Music (CIP 50.09).
- MusicCIP 50.090110,232 graduates / yr976 institutions
- Music PerformanceCIP 50.09036,946 graduates / yr375 institutions
- Music TechnologyCIP 50.09132,092 graduates / yr122 institutions
- Music Theory and CompositionCIP 50.09041,282 graduates / yr145 institutions
- MusicCIP 50.09991,199 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Voice and OperaCIP 50.0908641 graduates / yr81 institutions
- Stringed InstrumentsCIP 50.0911583 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Keyboard InstrumentsCIP 50.0907528 graduates / yr59 institutions
- Music PedagogyCIP 50.0912397 graduates / yr51 institutions
- Musicology and EthnomusicologyCIP 50.0905165 graduates / yr36 institutions
- ConductingCIP 50.0906159 graduates / yr53 institutions
- Woodwind InstrumentsCIP 50.0915148 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Music History, Literature, and TheoryCIP 50.0902131 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Brass InstrumentsCIP 50.0914103 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Percussion InstrumentsCIP 50.091640 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Sound ArtsCIP 50.0917partial data38 graduates / yr7 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Jazz Studies?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Doctor's degree in Jazz Studies.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and music performance.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Jazz Studies?+
You can work as a musician, singer, or music teacher at the postsecondary level.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 19,400 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Jazz/Jazz Studies?+
Jazz/Jazz Studies is CIP 50.0910 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Music (CIP 50.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of Jazz. Includes instruction in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.
How many institutions offer Jazz/Jazz Studies programs?+
59 U.S. institutions reported Jazz/Jazz Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 30 states & territories, awarding 592 credentials in the year. That is 2.3% of all Music graduates.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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