Degrees & Programs

The Music Department at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers programs of study which lead to degrees from the Baccalaureate to the Ph.D. These programs accommodate a wide range of specializations within the field of music and allow the student access to the highest levels of study and training. All programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and supported by a vibrant faculty actively engaged in teaching, traditional research, performance and composition.

The music faculty measures the objectives of the department by evaluating Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs).

Student playing the UH Mānoa Gamelan

Undergraduate Degrees

In music, we offer three types of undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Education. The Bachelor of Arts degree is a liberal arts program with an emphasis in music. Students with interests in almost any area of music can be accommodated in this program. The Bachelor of Music degree is designed to prepare students as composers, performers, private teachers or college teachers. The Bachelor of Education degree is completed in conjunction with the College of Education and grants certification to teach in the public schools of Hawai‘i as well as in 30 other states. The Minor in Music allows students majoring in other disciplines to define a secondary focus in music.

Graduate Degrees

The graduate program of the Music Department at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers advanced study at both the Master’s and Ph.D. levels. The Master’s programs include the Master of Arts (Ethnomusicology, Music Education, and Musicology) and the Master of Music (Composition and Performance). There are 50–60 graduate students (either on-campus or online) from the U.S., the Pacific region, Asia and Europe. Many of our graduates are now professors, teachers, and professional performers in music.

Non-Degree Opportunities

Non–music major students, UH faculty/staff, and members of the wider O‘ahu community are welcome to participate in various programs designed for more open participation. Click below to learn about these opportunities.