Rutgers offers two distinct programs of study in music: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Music (BA).

Students can pursue the BA in Music through the School of Arts and Sciences. This is a generalist liberal arts program. The Bachelor of Music degree offered through the Mason Gross School of the Arts is more specialized and oriented towards professional careers in performance, jazz, or music education. Both degree programs provide a thorough study of music theory and music history. While some performance is included in the BA program, the BM program offers much more intensive training in this area.

Some students pursue careers closely related to music, such as performers, educators, songwriters, conductors, arrangers, and composers. Others choose careers behind the scenes or in the business area of music in careers such as producers, engineers, managers, and agents, as well as in music publishing. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Thus some graduates pursue careers in fields quite unrelated to music. Regardless of your career choices, increasing your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work ethic, good grades and involvement in college activities is important. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, but for advancement in an area of specialization, a graduate degree may be required.

• Explore the career paths of Student-Alumni Career Connections mentors.
• Discover your interests and take our Career Cluster Survey.
• Explore Rutgers University academic department information related to this major.
• See the Occupational Outlook Handbook for additional career information.