Music Ministry B.A.

Degree Overview

If you enjoy music and have a desire to serve others, a music ministry degree from the University of Sioux Falls will give you the necessary musical abilities and knowledge of the Word of God to work as a minister of worship and music in a local church or parachurch agency. In addition, with supplementary training, you will be equipped to serve in the pastorate, Christian education, missionary service, campus ministry, media and arts ministry or institutional chaplaincy.

All music majors are required to:

  • Participate in a USF large music ensemble for 8 semesters
  • Pass a piano proficiency examination (freshman or sophomore year)
  • Receive approval to continue as a music major during annual evaluations
  • Take applied lessons for 6 semesters (these courses may be taken for no credit)
  • Maintain acceptable attendance at concerts, recitals and community events (10 per semester)
  • Perform in at least one departmental recital per semester (when enrolled in applied lessons)

Outcomes

A music degree from USF equips students for immediate career opportunities and further graduate study. Graduates can pursue careers as professional instrumental or vocal performers, conductors for large and chamber ensembles in various organizations, private lessons teachers in professional or private music studios, among other fields.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $52,460
  • Job Postings: 164

Average salary is based on an instructor - music position from Salary.com. Job posting data is for music instructor positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

Courses

In addition to meeting the liberal arts core requirements of the University, you must take the following courses.

Required Major Core Courses

Complete the following courses.

MUS323

Conducting

(3 s.h)

MUS250

History of Music I: Ancient to 18th Century

(3.0 s.h)

MUS255

History of Music II: 18th Cent. to Present

(3.0 s.h)

MUS318

Music Computer Applications

(3.0 s.h)

MUS190

Music Theory and Aural Skills I

(4.0 s.h)

MUS195

Music Theory and Aural Skills II

(4 s.h)

Required Music Ministry Concentration

Complete the following courses.

MED326

Digital Audio

(3.0 s.h)

MUS395

Internship in Music

(1-4 s.h)

MED204

Introduction to Media and Visual Arts

(3.0 s.h)

MUS235

Worship Perspectives & Planning

(3 s.h)

MUS228

Worship Technology

(2.0 s.h)

Required Theology Courses

Complete the following courses. Alternatives for the following courses: THE317 or THE318.

THE413

Christianity and Culture

(3.0 s.h)

THE381

Foundations of Professional Ministry

(3.0 s.h)

THE303

History Of Christianity

(3.0 s.h)

THE317

Jesus & the Gospels

(3.0 s.h)

THE318

Letters of Paul

(3.0 s.h)

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