It allows students who wish to earn a degree in music the opportunity to devote more time to liberal arts studies than is permitted in the program leading to the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) degree. Students accepted into the B.A. program must complete the same core of creative and professional music study.

At least 44 credits are taken in The College of Arts and Sciences. At least 63 credits must be taken in music courses and 15 to 19 credits are apportioned to special music courses that support the principal performance area (or music electives), and to academic electives.

The Arts and Sciences requirements consist of 6 credits in writing (English), 8 credits in foreign language, and 6 credits in each of the following groups plus an additional 6 credits in each of two of the following groups: the social sciences; the natural sciences/mathematics; and humanities.