Academic Catalog

Music | Bachelor of Arts: Performing Arts (Music - Music Theatre)

Interested in musical theatre? The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Music Theatre degree is a liberal arts degree for students who desire to pursue music studies combined with a focus on theatre.  While not a professional music degree, students will find flexibility in the program to develop practical, innovative, creative, and synthesizing abilities that can be applied to a variety of careers and/or graduate programs. 

FHSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Program Summary

General Education34
Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10
Required Courses
Performing Arts Core12
Music Core Curriculum22
Music Theatre9
Applied Lessons8
Large Ensemble4
Open Electives 121
Total Hours120
1

Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours.  The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed.  This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed.  Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.   

Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.

 Program Requirements

General Education

All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education

Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement.  Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the university elective category.  This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree.  Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.  

General Education34-35

 BA Language Requirement

All FHSU students pursuing a BA degree are required to take two consecutive non-English language classes. Students taking beginning Spanish or French classes may be able to apply the first class to the Arts and Humanities area of the general education requirement.  

Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10

Students can satisfy the Art and Humanities area of the general education curriculum (6 hours) with courses specifically required in the major. 

Performing Arts Core
MUS 161Listening to Music GE3
or MUS 192 Music Styles and Context
MUS 361World Music3
THTR 120Introduction to Theatre GE3
COMM 125Introduction to Motion Pictures GE3
Total Hours12

Students can satisfy the Art and Humanities area of the general education curriculum (6 hours) with courses specifically required in the major.

Music Core
MUS 121Group Piano I1
MUS 122Group Piano II1
MUS 181Music Theory I3
MUS 182Aural Skills I1
MUS 183Music Theory II3
MUS 184Aural Skills II1
MUS 291Rock Music Styles3
MUS 491Music History I3
MUS 492Music History II3
MUS 391Jazz3
Total Hours22
Theatre Core
MUS 153English/Italian/Latin Diction1
THTR 122Acting3
THTR 226Rehearsal and Performance (Minimum 2 Semesters)2
THTR 661Advanced Acting3
Total Hours9

Ensembles & Applied Lessons

All students must complete 4 credit hours of ensemble credit: MUS 600 Concert Choir. Students must participate in ensembles for 4 semesters.  Students also take lessons each semester and must complete 4 credit hours in Applied Lessons: MUS 252 Applied Lessons II: Voice.  They take the lower division lessons for the first two years, and upper division lessons the second two years.  Specific registrations are noted in the areas when required for the concentration

Ensembles
4 semesters of:4
Concert Choir
Applied Lessons II
MUS 252Applied Lessons II: Voice (4 semesters)8

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement
Two consecutive semesters of a non-English Language
All bachelor degrees require:
GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set)
A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A
Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated)
A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit
A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.