The Music Department offers two undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education. The Bachelor of Music Education prepares the student to work in a school setting and provides the necessary coursework for licensure by the State of New Mexico. Students may choose a vocal or instrumental concentration. The Bachelor of Music degree is designed to allow students to pursue one of the following concentrations; Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Piano Performance, or Music Business. The Master of Music degree allows graduate students to pursue studies in Conducting, Performance or Music Education.
The Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Students in the Music Education program are also under the supervision of the NMSU College of Education, and must meet requirements established by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the New Mexico State Board of Education.
All music majors begin a course of music study their freshman year that consists of five consecutive semesters of music theory, and in their sophomore year that consists of three consecutive semesters of music history. Applied lessons, ensemble performance, and recital attendance are required for each semester. Depending on the area of emphasis, the remaining music core is required accordingly. Although it is possible for students to complete the degree requirements in eight semesters, many students take nine or 10 semesters.