The Music Ministry at Duquesne University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Pittsburgh , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Bachelor of Music Ministry

Music Ministry

In the Bachelor of Music in Music Ministry program, you will develop career-enhancing skills including music technology, performance, leadership, and more. This unique approach will enable you to become a well-rounded music minister prepared for work in Christian-tradition churches, including Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and other denominations.

As the only Catholic institution of higher education offering a degree in Music Ministry, this program addresses a growing need for creative and adaptable leaders in Christian churches around the world by integrating traditional studies with contemporary worship.
Your comprehensive music experience will include applied lessons on your primary instrument, music ensembles, conducting, choral rehearsal techniques, worship leading labs, as well as voice, piano, keyboard, and guitar studies.
In addition to your core music curriculum, you will learn to navigate and utilize cutting-edge music technologies including digital audio workstations, notation software, video production/streaming platforms, and other skills that are essential to modern-day music ministry.
With a minor in Theology built into the curriculum, you will graduate with the ability to speak the language of the pastor, priest, or theologian in addition to speaking the language of music.
Through internships with an extensive network of local churches and congregations, including Duquesne's own Spiritan Campus Ministry, you will be able to apply the skills you learn in the classroom directly to ministry sites in the real world.
The Mary Pappert School of Music provides you with access to superior facilities, including 69 Steinway pianos in performance and rehearsal spaces, multiple recording studios, computer labs with the latest software, and seven on-campus organs where you will have opportunities to perform for liturgies and recitals.

View the 2022–2023 Curriculum

Audition Overview

Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music also includes a formal audition. Learn more about the audition process & guidelines.

Program includes a minor in Theology

Disciplines

Mary Pappert School of Music

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Music Ministry at Duquesne University

Entry Requirements

Required Documents

Completed Application
Transcripts
- Original or attested copies of official academic records from the last four years of your education.
- Credentials should be submitted in the native language with certified English translations and sent directly from the school and/or university you attended. Photocopies are not considered official.
- Scanned copies are accepted for evaluation of your application, but originals must be received before you begin classes at Duquesne.
- If you have enrolled in an ESL program in the United States, you also must submit the ESL transcripts.
Recommendation Letter
- At least one (1) letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to both your academic and personal strengths.
Freshman Essay
- Submit a personal statement of at least 300 words which answers the following questions and includes examples of research, shadowing or volunteering experiences:
  1. What is unique about you?
  2. Why have you chosen this major?
  3. How will Duquesne help you to achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals?
English Language Scores
- International undergraduate students can apply in one of two ways:
  1. Submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Duolingo English Test, or a score of 540 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
  2. Test upon arrival to campus.

Eligibility

To be considered for admission you must have graduated from a secondary school recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. high school and you must demonstrate a record of acceptable academic success.

In general, undergraduate applicants are expected to obtain the U.S. equivalent of a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for most majors.

The Center for Global Engagement takes into the account the educational system and grading system particular to your country; therefore, you are evaluated against students from the same country.

Click here to see a list of countries and relevant documents that we consider the equivalent of a high school transcript.

Please Note:

Once your application is complete, it takes about two to three weeks for an admissions decision to be made.
Please read our English Proficiency Requirements page for detailed information on how we evaluate your application.
An initial interview is not formally required before your application, but you can request an interview with an admissions officer if you would like to articulate additional information. The Center for Global Engagement reserves the right to require an interview after examining your admissions materials if we would like more information before our admissions decision.
Duquesne is a holistic institution that takes into consideration other skills outside of academic life, such as teamwork, leadership, initiative and compassion.

English Requirements

PTEMin 48
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 70

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Music Ministry at Duquesne University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Music Ministry at Duquesne University

Prospective undergraduate students may apply to Duquesne University directly through our Future Focused Application, Common App or Coalition Application.