The department is committed to providing music degree programs that foster creativity, skill development, critical thinking, independent learning, and understanding of and respect for multiple perspectives. For students majoring in other fields, the department offers a program leading to a minor as well as a variety of courses and activities for the general student. WSU is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

This degree program requires either an outside minor or a double major (for example, Music and English) to focus the remaining credits necessary for graduation on an area of particular interest in another discipline. Students may use this degree to prepare for graduate work in non-performing areas of music study such as theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, music therapy, or other specialized interests.