2023 Most Affordable Online Degrees in Music

Valley City State University (VCSU) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Music that requires 120 credit hours. Students have the option to choose from four tracks: (1) Audio Production, (2) Performance, (3) Music Education, and (4) General Studies. The program can be completed in four years if students maintain a full-time schedule.

At VCSU, online synchronous learning is facilitated through Blackboard. A music curriculum gives students the foundation to explore their passion for creating music. Sample coursework includes Introduction to Music Technology, Applied Music, and Speech Communication. Students must participate in an ensemble each semester. Graduates pursue careers like music producer, artist manager, or composer.

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Music in Contemporary and Popular Music, which totals 121 credit hours. Students can complete the online program in the standard four years on a full-time schedule.

At UMA, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. Students gain music technology and teaching skills in a bachelor's of music program. The program offers five emphases: (1) Performance, (2) Audio Recording, (3) Composition/Songwriting, (4) Sonic Arts, and (5) Music Education. An audition is not required for applicants pursuing an associate degree before their bachelor's. Students can audition for the bachelor’s program after two semesters in the associate program.

Northern Vermont University (NVU) is a public institution that offers two online bachelor’s programs in music: a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Industry (60-63 credit hours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Performance, Art, and Technology - Music (49 credit hours). The first program offers three concentrations, while the second has six. Even if you're studying 100% online, if you live close by, NVU has a recording studio that's open 24/7 for music students to develop personal projects.

NVU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Canvas. A music program’s curriculum covers topics like music history, music publishing, and music composition. Students are required to take an internship and participate in an ensemble each semester.

The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) is a private, Christianity-affiliated institution that offers three online bachelor's programs in music: (1) Bachelor of Arts in Music, (2) Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership, and (3) Bachelor of Music Education. These are each 120 credits, and full-time students typically finish their degree in about four years.

BCF’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the eLearning platform. A music degree gives students knowledge in music history, literature, and composition. Sample coursework includes Music History, Basic Conducting, and Elementary Harmony. Students must take ensemble, recital lab, and piano classes. Graduates pursue careers like music composers, music teachers, or choir directors.

Washington State University (WSU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities - Music. Students must take UCORE classes and at least 24 credits in one humanities discipline to graduate. Since it requires a total of 120 credit hours to complete, full-time students often take at least four years to finish their degree.

At WSU, online students complete coursework, which is delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats through Blackboard. The curriculum for a music program covers fundamental music topics for students, with courses that include Applied Music and Music Ensemble, for example. Prospective industries for graduates of this online program include education, retail, and entertainment.

Liberty University (LU) — a private, nonprofit, Christian institution — offers three online bachelor’s music programs, each requiring 120 credit hours: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music, which has seven concentrations; (2) a Bachelor of Science in Worship Studies - Commercial Music; and (3) a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Music Business. All of these online programs take four years to complete for full-time students.

LU Online facilitates synchronous online learning via Canvas. This music program offers skill development in musicianship and leadership. Sample coursework includes Commercial Musicianship, Basic Conducting, and Music History. Additionally, students are required to take eight hours of Christianity courses. Graduates can pursue careers as sound engineers, music artists, or producers.

Full Sail University (Full Sail) is a private, for-profit institution that offers two online, 120-credit bachelor’s degrees in music: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Music Production. Students can graduate within 27 months.

At Full Sail, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the school's own learning management system, Full Sail DC3. A music curriculum offers skill development in business management, musicianship, and audio engineering. Sample coursework includes Fundamentals in Music, Topics in Music Theory, and Business Accounting. Students must take career readiness and English courses as well. Careers for graduates of this program range from music producer and artist manager to record label executive.