The Music at The Ohio State 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 Columbus campus in 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 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Music

Explore creative, technical and theoretical approaches to music and sound studies in the 21st century.

Music

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Music program explore a wide range of creative, technical, and theoretical approaches to music and sound studies in the 21st century while pursuing one of three tracks: computer sciences, media and enterprise or sonic arts.

Get started

After applying to the university, students planning to pursue a music major must complete a separate School of Music application and submit any required materials.

Auditions for the BS in Music program are not required; however, students who wish to also be considered for any other music degree will need to schedule an audition. Students will also be required to take a theory placement examination.

Transfer students and students already at Ohio State must also complete these steps before entering the program. Find a step-by-step application guide at music.osu.edu/future/undergrad/apply/bs-application.

Curriculum

Core courses:

Acoustics
Keyboard Skills
Music History
Music Theory
Aural Training

Required and elective major courses:

Audio Recording
Electronic Music Synthesis
Multimedia for Musicians
Software
Music Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Study abroad

The Office of International Affairs offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 40 different countries. Students have the opportunity to take classes through an exchange program or foreign university, complete an independent study or service-learning project, conduct research or participate in an internship program.

Education abroad allows you to engage in cross-cultural interactions and enjoy a rewarding educational experience in another country â€” all at the same time. It can expand your worldview, enhance your career prospects and ultimately change your life. Learn more at https://educationabroad.osu.edu/.

Internship

Students are encouraged to (and often do) find educational, performance and administrative internship opportunities with local arts organizations such as the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Opera Columbus and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

Honors and Scholars

The Arts Honors Program is open to students pursuing majors in the arts (Art, Art Education, Dance, Design, Music, Theatre) in the College of Arts and Sciences. The purpose of the Arts Honors Program is to provide opportunities for students with exceptional capabilities and motivation to achieve personal satisfaction and intellectual growth through honors courses, advanced course work, and special academic enrichment programs.

Students in the Arts Scholars program may have a major in any university college or department. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in programs that enhance their educational experience. These programs include lectures and specialized workshops, group excursions to museums and professional performances, a juried student art exhibition and performance showcase, community involvement, and trips outside of Columbus.

Student organizations

Music students may be interested in organizations offered through the Office of Student Life, such as the Jazz Club, Music Industry Club and Music Producers Club; ensembles such as Menâ€™s Glee Club and Womenâ€™s Glee Club; music fraternities such as Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia; and local and national professional organizations such as the National Association for Music Education, American String Teachers Association, American Choral Directors Association, Central Ohio Flute Association and many more. Learn more about these organizations here and here.

Possible careers

Graduates of the BS in Music program are prepared for employment in the computer and entertainment industries and equipped for graduate work in fields including business, communications, computer science and music technology.

More than resumes, the Center for Career and Professional Success (Career Success) is the center of opportunity and connections for arts and sciences students at The Ohio State University. As early as your first year on campus, our signature programs and events provide you with opportunities to network and learn about career options from alumni and connect with employers to learn about internships and other career opportunities. Leverage resources such as funding for unpaid or minimally paid internships, workshops, digital guides, career coaching and more to prepare for your lifetime of opportunity. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/CareerSuccess.

Program objectives

Regardless of their track of study, students in the BS in Music program will develop:

the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre and texture
an understanding of and the ability to read and realize musical notation
an understanding of compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces
an acquaintance with a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
the ability to develop and defend musical judgments
an understanding of procedures for realizing a variety of musical styles
knowledge or skills in one or more areas of music beyond basic musicianship appropriate to their needs and interests

Students in the computer sciences track will develop:

a basic understanding of the role of computer science in music
the ability to design, implement and evaluate a software system or component to solve problems either in computing or in music
the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
the ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society

Students in the media and enterprise track will develop:

a basic understanding of cultural, economic and media theories as they pertain to music
an understanding of historical and contemporary practices and patterns in the music and entertainment industries
a capacity for critical analysis of opportunities that arise from the intersections of music, technology, society and commerce

Students in the sonic arts track will develop:

a basic understanding of entrepreneurship
an understanding of music synthesis and its application to composition
a basic understanding in audio recording technologies and in audio recording concepts
a basic understanding of multimedia technologies

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Music at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Music at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Music at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.