BA Music History and Cultures at Syracuse University

Programme overview

In-person major focusing on music in its historical, social and cultural contexts and in relation to other arts. Students can earn distinction through an independent Distinction Project and study abroad through Syracuse Abroad. Performance skills are encouraged but not required.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

Includes a Writing About Music seminar in the junior year; outcomes cover the cultural meanings of music in Western and non-Western societies, stylistic differences across eras and cultures, historical change in music, scholarly methods and clear writing.

Career pathways

Education, humanities and languages, and performing arts career paths; preparation for roles in the visual and performing arts, cultural heritage and academic sectors.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

College of Arts and Sciences (university-wide first-year requirements): Syracuse University first-year applicants submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, an official high school transcript, senior year grade report, a school counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation; SAT/ACT scores are optional. English proficiency for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 85+, IELTS 6.5+ or Duolingo 125+ preferred. Some programmes in the college may have additional requirements.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 69,180 a year (2026-27). 2026-27 Main Campus undergraduate full-time tuition ($34,590 per semester for 12-19 credits, shown as $69,180 for the academic year on the cost page); one undergraduate rate band, the same on the international costs page. Excludes housing, meals, miscella Source

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

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