Best institutions to study Music
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts.
976 U.S. institutions graduated 10,232 Music students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0901, a specialization of Music (CIP 50.09), and leads most directly to the Musicians and Singers occupation (BLS SOC 27-2042).
About Music programs
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Music program, officially titled Music, General, offers students an introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about music, dance, and other performing arts media, providing a foundation for further exploration in these fields. With 976 colleges offering this program across the U.S., students have numerous options to pursue their musical interests.
Students in the Music program will develop core skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes instruction in music theory, performance techniques, and the history of music, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to interpret and present music creatively.
Credentials awarded
What Music graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree6,488 graduates / yr · 763 institutions63%
- Master's degree1,615 graduates / yr · 146 institutions16%
- Associate's degree1,220 graduates / yr · 200 institutions12%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship585 graduates / yr · 55 institutions5.7%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year223 graduates / yr · 39 institutions2.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate54 graduates / yr · 8 institutions0.5%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years20 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.2%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice13 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.1%
- Post-master's certificate11 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.1%
- Award of less than 12 weeks3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Music completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 11,355 |
| 2013 | 11,617 |
| 2014 | 11,425 |
| 2015 | 11,373 |
| 2016 | 10,939 |
| 2017 | 10,783 |
| 2018 | 10,900 |
| 2019 | 11,119 |
| 2020 | 10,963 |
| 2021 | 10,642 |
| 2022 | 10,514 |
| 2023 | 10,355 |
| 2024 | 10,105 |
| 2025 | 10,232 |
Top 50 institutions for Music, 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 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 118 | 61% | — | $31,450 |
| 2 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 110 | 89% | — | $39,564 |
| 3 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 97 | 75% | — | $39,121 |
| 4 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 93 | 53% | — | $47,318 |
| 5 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 93 | 69% | — | $49,906 |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, ILPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor'sMaster's | 90 | 85% | — | $13,128 |
| 7 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 90 | 69% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, COPublicBachelor's | 84 | 46% | — | $29,483 |
| 9 | University of Northern Colorado Greeley, COPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 84 | 51% | — | $26,944 |
| 10 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 79 | 65% | — | $52,799 |
| 11 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 77 | 55% | — | $51,158 |
| 12 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sDoctoral | 76 | 68% | — | $15,721 |
| 13 | Central Washington University Ellensburg, WAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 75 | 54% | — | $25,532 |
| 14 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Doctoral | 74 | 91% | — | $22,559 |
| 15 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicDoctoralMaster'sBachelor's | 73 | 85% | — | $25,803 |
| 16 | The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 73 | 74% | — | $31,888 |
| 17 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 72 | 89% | — | — |
| 18 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 72 | 65% | — | $27,977 |
| 19 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 68 | 65% | — | $42,548 |
| 20 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 67 | 36% | — | — |
| 21 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 64 | 86% | — | $19,429 |
| 22 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 64 | 55% | — | $59,926 |
| 23 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 63 | 37% | — | — |
| 24 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 63 | 67% | — | $38,277 |
| 25 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicDoctoralMaster'sBachelor's | 62 | 90% | — | $15,289 |
| 26 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 61 | 67% | — | — |
| 27 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 59 | 79% | — | $38,657 |
| 28 | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 59 | 51% | — | $27,353 |
| 29 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicBachelor's | 58 | 57% | — | $18,226 |
| 30 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 57 | 51% | — | $47,151 |
| 31 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 56 | 93% | — | $14,166 |
| 32 | Wayne State University Detroit, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 56 | 58% | — | $32,911 |
| 33 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 56 | 88% | — | $26,084 |
| 34 | University of Louisville Louisville, KYPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 54 | 61% | — | $20,125 |
| 35 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 53 | 65% | — | $26,011 |
| 36 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 52 | 91% | $18,925 | $21,978 |
| 37 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 52 | 75% | — | $35,939 |
| 38 | East Texas A&M University Commerce, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 51 | 43% | — | $52,282 |
| 39 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 51 | 50% | — | $56,062 |
| 40 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 50 | 68% | — | $17,293 |
| 41 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 50 | 74% | — | $25,484 |
| 42 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAssociate's | 49 | 21% | — | — |
| 43 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 49 | 53% | — | $47,010 |
| 44 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst Amherst, MAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 48 | 83% | — | — |
| 45 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 47 | 68% | — | — |
| 46 | Snow College Ephraim, UTPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 46 | 46% | — | — |
| 47 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 46 | 49% | — | $26,875 |
| 48 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 45 | 75% | — | — |
| 49 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 45 | 54% | — | $27,586 |
| 50 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CAPublicBachelor's | 42 | 68% | — | $20,887 |
* 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 54 states & territories
Where Music 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 Music program can pursue careers as musicians and singers, with an annual job outlook of 19,400 openings and a growth rate of 1.1%. While many musicians may not require formal educational credentials, those interested in teaching may consider secondary school teaching roles in music.
Career pathways for CIP 50.0901
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 |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor'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 Music 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).
- 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
- Jazz/CIP 50.0910
Jazz Studies 592 graduates / yr59 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 the Music program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, Associate's, or Doctor's degree in Music.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You'll develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Music?+
You can work as a musician, singer, or a secondary school music teacher.
What is the job outlook for music careers?+
The job outlook shows little change with 19,400 annual openings and a growth rate of 1.1%.
What is the CIP code for Music?+
Music is CIP 50.0901 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Music (CIP 50.09). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
How many institutions offer Music programs?+
976 U.S. institutions reported Music graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 54 states & territories, awarding 10,232 credentials in the year. That is 40.5% 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card