BA Music at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The Music Department supports an unusually diverse curriculum for a department of its size. By a choice of concentrations within the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree, the student can emphasize different aspects of music. The “Compositional Practices” and “Global Musics” concentrations offer a variety of modules (groupings of courses with various focuses) that students will be required to select from in addition to core requirements designed specifically for each concentration.

Faculty: Arts Division | Department: Music | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include Beginning Western Theory and Musicianship, Theoretical Foundations of Music, Theory, Literature, and Musicianship I, Theory, Literature, and Musicianship II, Ear Training, Seminar in Music Composition.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): In order to qualify for the music major, students must successfully complete MUSC 14 or MUSC 30A (depending on major track) with a grade of "C" or better. A "Pass" grade is also acceptable since letter grades are not required for lower-division courses.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents first enrolled in 2026-27 (Tuition Stability Plan cohort rate); one rate for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, UC SHIP health insurance and records fee. Non-residents ad Source

Fall quarter entry (classes for fall 2026 began September 24, 2026); winter quarter entry (winter 2027 instruction begins January 4, 2027).

UC Application for fall 2027 opens October 1, 2026 and the filing deadline is November 30, 2026; the application is available online from August 1, 2026. Fall 2027 first-year decisions appear on the Admissions Portal late February to mid-March 2027; transfer decisions April 1-30, 2027. Transfer Academic Update due January 31, 2027; UCSC TAG filing period September 1-30, 2026.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process. Applications are made through the UC Application. Minimum GPA is 3.00 for California residents and 3.40 for non-residents and international applicants.

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