Bachelor of Arts in Music

Location

Curriculum

120 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 48 months

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

Take Your Music Skills to the Next Level with BA in Music 

Whether you aspire to be a performer, songwriter, private music teacher, cross-cultural missionary or church musician, CIU’s Music program can help you achieve your goals. The Music program at Columbia International University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in music, enabling them to develop and refine the skills necessary for success in any area of music.

Studying Music at CIU enables you to: 

Sharpen your performance skills through one-on-one private instruction and coaching, as well as ensemble performance opportunities 
Increase your musical analysis skills, which are essential for stronger and more nuanced performances 
Broaden your knowledge and understanding of diverse musical styles, including classical, jazz, popular, and world music 
Expand your creativity through collaborative projects, improvisation and exploration of new musical ideas and techniques 
With a faculty of experienced and accomplished musicians, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant community of fellow musicians, CIU’s Music program is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a rigorous and rewarding music education.​ 

Harrison

Why choose CIU?

Columbia International University’s Bachelor of Arts in Music program offers a unique and comprehensive education that sets it apart from other music programs.

  • Focus on a Christian worldview: CIU is grounded in a Christian worldview that integrates faith and music, preparing students to use their musical gifts in a way that honors God and serves others.
  • Personalized instruction: The Music program offers personalized instruction with a low student-to-faculty ratio. This enables students to receive one-on-one attention and feedback from experienced and accomplished faculty members who are passionate about teaching.
  • Diverse musical styles: We also offer a diverse range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, popular and world music. This allows students to explore a variety of musical genres and develop a well-rounded skill set.
  • Performance opportunities: Additionally, CIU’s program offers a variety of performance opportunities, including ensemble performances, recitals and master classes. These experiences allow students to develop their performance skills and gain valuable real-world experience.
  • Collaborative projects: Here in CIU, we emphasize collaboration and creativity, providing opportunities for students to work together on projects such as songwriting, arranging and recording.
  • Well-rounded education: A well-rounded education that includes music theory, history and performance, as well as general education courses in areas such as English, math, and science. This provides students with a broad foundation that can be applied to a variety of careers.
     

What Can I Do With This Degree? 

Having a BA in Music can open up diverse career paths beyond performance. Here are some potential areas to explore: 

  • Music Education: Teaching music to a variety of age groups in schools, community centers or private lessons. 
  • Music Therapy: Using music to promote physical, emotional and cognitive healing in patients. 
  • Music Journalism: Writing reviews, articles or blogs about music and music events for publications. 
  • Music Business: Working in the music industry as an artist manager, record label executive or concert promoter. 
  • Music Technology: Working in the technical aspects of music production, such as sound engineering or music software development. 
  • Musicology: Researching and analyzing the cultural, social and historical context of music. 
  • Music Composition: Creating original music for film, television, or video games, as well as for personal artistic projects. 

These are just a few examples of the wide variety of opportunities available to graduates with a BA in Music. With a passion for music and the necessary skills and knowledge, there are many paths to a fulfilling and successful career in the music industry. 

Featured Faculty

What Will I Study?

  • BIB 1116 Old Testament Survey

    In this course, you will become familiar with the basic contents of each book of the Old Testament and the broad historical framework of Old Testament events. You will pay special attention to key passages and prominent themes of the Old Testament. You will read the Old Testament with a view to using it for spiritual formation and discipleship.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 1120 New Testament Survey

    This course is an overview of the books of the New Testament and the historical circumstances surrounding these writings. You will focus on the background, content, message, and personal application of each book in the New Testament. You will also examine the process by which the New Testament canon was formed and the New Testament was transmitted through the history of the Church.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3420 Principles of Bible Interpretation

    This course will guide you through the hermeneutical principles basic to interpreting Scripture. Many of these principles are common to language and literature, while others apply uniquely to the Bible. All of them are based on the way in which the Bible interprets itself. You will begin to lay a foundation of cognitive understanding, with an emphasis on practice in applying the principles.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3616 Romans

    Within the framework of an exegetical study, you will focus on the New Testament's most organized, thorough exposition of the Christian faith and its relation to human history and implications for Christian living. Giving special attention to the personal application of the message, you will apply principles of biblical interpretation to the study of this book.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 4310 Progress of Redemption

    In this course, you will explore God's plan of redemption as it progressively unfolds in the Bible. You will trace the basic historical revelation in the Old and New Testaments to see what God is doing and by what method. You will consider the spoken revelations as you observe the progress of doctrine.

    3.00 credit hours
  • THE 3310 Christian Theology

    This course provides a study of the theological truths of the Bible, during which you will focus on the basic doctrines necessary for a Christian worldview: Scripture, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, sin and salvation, church, and future events. You will examine the doctrinal teaching of the Bible, supplemented with insights from the theological reflections of the church throughout its history and from contemporary theological discussions.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1110 Composition and Research

    This course provides you an introduction to reaching well-reasoned conclusions based upon the most credible evidence available, skills fundamental to college writing but also for life as an educated adult. You will develop your abilities with modern academic library resources as evidenced through an annotated working bibliography, among other assignments. You will spend the majority of the course drafting and revising papers which demonstrate the effective use of secondary resources.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1111 Literature and Research

    This second writing course is designed to foster an appreciation of literature, use literary texts as a platform for strengthening skills in reading, writing, and analysis, and continue to emphasize foundational skills in library research. Texts and genres (such as short fiction, poetry, and drama) will vary.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2110 Introduction to Philosophy

    In this course, you will explore some of the fundamental issues that must be addressed by anyone attempting to formulate a comprehensive understanding of things (worldview), and will examine primary texts in order to observe some of the very best thinking regarding these fundamental issues.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 4140 Seminar in Ethics

    In this capstone course, you will integrate Scripture, theology, and philosophy as they relate to who we are, what we should do, and living well. You will develop a Christian framework for ethical thinking and decision-making based on the Christian understanding of human nature as bearing the Image of God. Course limited to students classified as seniors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 2110 General Psychology

    In this survey of scientific psychology, you will focus on historical roots, human development, and the physiological basis of behavior, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, socialization, and pathology. You will learn how to filter psychological data through biblical principles to help produce a biblically-consistent model of human psychology which can then be used in both Christian and non-Christian environments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 1110 College Algebra

    This course covers standard college algebra such as functions and expressions, linear, quadratic and rational expressions, and financial formulas. The course will also include real numbers, equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 2100 Introduction to Statistics

    This course provides an elementary overview of probability and statistics that will prepare students to conduct and interpret research in a variety of scientific fields. The content will include descriptive statistics; probability; discrete and continuous random variables; binomial, normal, and student-t distributions; methods for conducting inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; and linear correlation and regression. (3 semester hours)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2610 Introduction to Logic

    This is an introduction of the science of reasoning in both formal and informal logic, so that you can begin to accurately apply the logic/ mathematical properties of validity, satisfiability, consistency, logical truth, and logical equivalence.

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 1110 Introduction to World History

    This course gives an overview of the major trends in global history that have created our modern world. The course will explore the major chronology of world history, focusing on the changes, continuities, and connections between major world regions during this period focusing on Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The course will examine the cultural, technological, political, economic, religious and social transformations which shaped the societies. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2310 United States History and Government

    In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ART 2110 Art Appreciation

    This course introduces students to the fine arts in their various media and period styles, with the goal of developing students' understanding and experience of the role of the arts in life. An ongoing focus on the relationship between art and the Bible will encourage students to develop a theology of art.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2110 Music Appreciation

    This course will introduce the student to the place that music traditionally held as one of the seven liberal arts as an apologetic to the study and enjoyment of music. The goal of the class is to enhance critical listening skills and to develop a working vocabulary of music that is meaningful to the non-musician. The course will introduce the basic elements of music and a brief overview of the history of Western classical music, American Jazz, World, and Pop music. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIO 2113 General Biology

    In this course, you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms. Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular biology, botany, zoology, and human biology.

    3.00 credit hours
  • NTR 2110 Introduction to Nutrition

    This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge about nutrition as health science that discusses the nutrients essential for human life. Students will begin to learn and better understand the biochemical composition, metabolic action, requirements, and food sources of the nutrients studied. Students will also learn scientific basis for promoting health and quality of life. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHE 2120 Health Science & Personal Wellness

    This course provides an introduction to health science and personal wellness concepts. You will have the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge that will help you actively pursue a healthy and well lifestyle. An introduction to and application of the foundations of physical, aerobic, and muscular fitness will be included. Strategies to maintain personal health and wellness, including weight control through nutrients and physical activity, will be covered. You will gain an understanding of the impact physical activity has on personal wellness as well as the broad spectrum of health science issues. This course provides information and experiences that will enable you to make informed decisions by incorporating healthy solutions as they relate to quality of life and longevity.

    3.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0101 Christian Service Learning I

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 20 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0201 Christian Service Learning II

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0202 Christian Service Learning III

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • ICS 1210 Discovering the Mission of God

    This course is designed to help you develop world-Christian characteristics. You will explore the Christian's heritage in the history of the church and missions, begin to develop a scriptural perspective on the purpose of the gospel in confronting ideologies, religions and spiritual needs of the world, and discuss current strategies for identifying and reaching the lost.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MSD 1110 Encountering Spiritual Formation

    This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational principles of spiritual formation for effective life, ministry, and vocation. The process of the student's spiritual formation includes their relationship with God, their biblical self-image, their relationship with the Body of Christ, their personal relationships, and their relationship with the world. Students are invited into a multiple-year journey of encountering spiritual formation in community. The goal of this course is to help students build a foundation for continued spiritual formation at and beyond their time at CIU.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 1000 Convocation

    This is a requirement for all students with a major in music and music minors enrolled in other music courses. Convocation involves weekly recitals, lectures, and presentations by the Music department faculty, students, and guest musicians.

    0.00 credit hours
  • MUS 1100 Practical Musicianship

    The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to read and play melodies, simple hymn style harmony, play major and minor scales in all keys, and primary I-IV-V-I progressions in all inversions. Note: This course is required of all music majors during their first semester. Completion of the course will satisfy the music program piano proficiency requirement. The class must be passed before a student may take Music Theory I or Aural Theory I.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2200 Aural Theory I

    Emphasizes strategies for accurate and expressive reading, improvisation, singing, and dictation using elementary rhythms and diatonic pitch materials in treble and bass clefs. Includes the singing of all intervals and scales, melodic and interval dictation, identification of major and minor triads, rhythmic exercises, and sight-singing in a limited vocal range. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory I.

    2.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2210 Aural Theory II

    Students will complete an aural understanding of diatonic harmony through harmonic dictation in addition to a continuing practice of sight singing and melodic and rhythmic dictation. Includes intervallic, melodic, two and four-part, and rhythmic dictation. Recognition of bass and soprano factors as well as triad function in four-part dictation. Rhythmic exercises including subdivision level. Sight-singing with modal inflections and in tenor and alto clef. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory II.

    2.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2300 Music Theory I

    In this course, you will review of the fundamentals of music (rhythm, scales, key signatures, reading, and writing), followed by a detailed study of harmony, intervals, keyboard harmony, and melodic and choral analysis. You will apply your knowledge in composition of traditional and contemporary music.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2310 Music Theory II

    In this course, you will continue to review the fundamentals of music (rhythm, scales, key signatures, reading, and writing), followed by a detailed study of harmony, intervals, keyboard harmony, and melodic and choral analysis. You will apply your knowledge in composition of traditional and contemporary music.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2899 Piano Proficiency

    This is a requirement for music majors that involves a demonstration of competency in all the keyboard skills described in the Piano Proficiency handbook.

    0.00 credit hours
  • MUS 3300 Music Theory III

    In this continuation of the study of music theory, you will focus on advanced sight-singing and ear training, dictation and transcription, keyboard harmony, writing in 3 and 4 parts, and introduction to contemporary chord symbol notation.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 3302 Music Theory IV

    In this continuation of the study of music theory, you will focus on advanced sight-singing and ear training, dictation and transcription, keyboard harmony, writing in 3 and 4 parts, and introduction to contemporary chord symbol notation.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4200 History of Western Music I

    In this course, you will cover the time period from about AD 600-1750. The course begins with an introduction to ancient music and continues through the periods of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque. You will study the musical characteristics, instruments, and theory of each period as well as the cultural and historical contexts including philosophy, religion, politics, art, architecture, and daily life. Connections are made to music from other cultures as well as contemporary musical styles.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4201 History of Western Music II

    In this course, you will examine the history of Western music from the Classical Period through the present day, stressing the origin and evolution of musical forms and musical styles and the important composers since 1750. Students will also be placing this knowledge in the broader cultural context of each period.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4810 Contemporary Christian Worship

    In this course, you will begin to examine the many facets of music ministry in today's church, including service planning, worship philosophy, sound reinforcement and recording, musical/drama production, team building, and contemporary worship styles. Segments may be taught by a variety of specialists.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4898 Recital

    A requirement for music majors that involves a 25-35 minute, public recital in their primary performance area, consisting of music selected from their private studies.

    0.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4930 Internship in Music

    This is an independent study available to juniors and seniors by special arrangement with instructor. You will demonstrate skills in an on-site experience in a church, recording studio, camp, or other location appropriate to your area of interest and specialization. A minimum of 50 clock hours of direct experience is required for a unit of credit. Consult with your academic advisor.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 2510 Diction for Singers

    A comprehensive study of the rules for proper diction in the singing of English, Italian, and Latin vocal literature with practical exercises in a comparative approach for American Singers. Languages will be studied using the specific symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

    2.00 credit hours
  • MUS 3700 Music in Cross-cultural Settings

    In this course, you will discover the music of various cultures from around the world and will investigate current efforts and apply biblical guidelines to the development of ethnic hymnody.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4416 Advanced Conducting

    Practical training in directing music ensembles. Development of basic conducting techniques with emphasis on musical interpretation of selected works. Includes ensemble management, score study, rehearsal techniques, and performance techniques.

    2.00 credit hours
  • MUS 4811 Music Seminar

    This is a seminar in which you will explore a specific area of music in greater depth. Includes topics that address current developments and/or special-interest topics in Music. This course aims at developing both an in-depth understanding of the content area but will also aim to develop your thinking and application skills.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 2504 Vocal Ensemble Ambassador Singers

    Ambassador Singers is composed of 20-25 members who are selected by audition for the academic year. Selectons occur during the first week of the fall semester and a small number of slots may be filled during the first week of the spring semester. The singers minister regularly for local churches, organizations, and school events throughout the school year. Some out-of-town tours also may be scheduled. Members are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and sectionals.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 4504 Vocal Ensemble Ambassador Singers

    Ambassador Singers is composed of 20-25 members who are selected by audition for the academic year. Selectons occur during the first week of the fall semester and a small number of slots may be filled during the first week of the spring semester. The singers minister regularly for local churches, organizations, and school events throughout the school year. Some out-of-town tours also may be scheduled. Members are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and sectionals.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 5506 Vocal Ensemble Ambassador Singers

    Ambassador Singers is composed of members who are selected by audition for the academic year. Selections occur during the first week of the fall semester and a small number of slots may be filled during the first week of the spring semester. The singers minister regularly for local churches, organizations, and school events throughout the school year. Some out-of-town tours also may be scheduled. Members are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and sectionals.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 2523 Vocal Ensemble Praise Team

    The Praise and Worship team is a group of vocalists and instrumentalists that leads the CIU family in worship through a blend of traditional and contemporary worshp music. By audition.

    1.00 credit hour
  • MUS 4523 Vocal Ensemble Praise Team

    The Praise and Worship team is a group of vocalists and instrumentalists that leads the CIU family in worship through a blend of traditional and contemporary worshp music. By audition.

    1.00 credit hour

Accreditation and Accolades

SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Top FAQs

What qualifications do I need to apply for a music program?

CIU requires an audition or a portfolio of your work to be considered for admission.

What kind of music courses will I take in a music program?

You will take a wide range of courses such as music theory, music history, performance, conducting, and more. You will also take general education courses in areas such as science and English.

Can I study music if I don’t have a strong performance background?

Yes, you can still pursue a music degree even if you don’t have a strong performance background. CIU offers courses in music theory, music history, conducting, as well as hands on learning opportunities through internships.

What kind of career opportunities are available with a music degree?

There are many career paths available to graduates with a music degree, including performance, education, therapy, journalism, business, technology and musicology.

How important is it to have private lessons in a music program?

Private lessons are a valuable component of the music program, providing one-on-one instruction and feedback from an experienced music teacher.

Will I have opportunities to perform in a music program?

Yes, students will have opportunities to perform in a variety of venues. These experiences allow students to develop their performance skills and gain valuable real-world experience.

How much practice time will I need to dedicate to my studies in a music program?

The amount of practice time will vary by individual. Generally, students are expected to practice every day to maintain and improve their skills.

What kind of scholarships or financial aid are available for a music program?

Please check with the financial aid office for a full listing of the scholarships and financial aid available to students pursuing a music program at CIU.

 

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