Bachelor in Music (Bachelor's)

Millsaps College’s Methodist connection is visible on campus through a sculpture of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and a service-oriented academic community. Students are encouraged to pursue scholarly inquiry, intellectual growth, personal honesty and mutual trust through the college’s honor code. The college has developed a liberal arts experience focused on helping students connect education with purpose, professional preparation and community life.

Academic study begins with the Compass Curriculum, which develops core skills and introduces students to areas beyond their major. The Pathways program guides a four-year exploration of academic interests, professional curiosity and practical experiences, with six specialized tracks that students can change as their interests develop. Millsaps offers 39 majors, 51 minors, 15 pre-professional programs and the option to create an individual program. Research, internships, honors work and the Ford Teaching Fellowship give students additional ways to work closely with faculty. All classes are taught by faculty, and 95 percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their fields.

The campus is in Jackson, Mississippi’s capital and largest metro area. Its location near the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the state capitol and major law firms supports internship access. Jackson also offers the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Fondren arts district, restaurants and arts activities. International study includes faculty-led programs, direct exchanges, ISEP and affiliate providers. Millsaps also operates the 4,500-acre Kaxil Kiuic Biocultural Reserve in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Students planning to study abroad should arrange advising and may need approval for some options.

This programme prepares students for careers in music performance, education, and production through a combination of applied music study and liberal arts coursework. Students engage in private lessons, ensemble participation, and research-based projects under faculty supervision. The curriculum emphasizes practical musicianship alongside critical analysis of music in cultural and historical contexts. Study abroad opportunities are available in Europe and Asia, enhancing global musical perspectives.

Focus areas include Performance, Music Education, Composition, Music Production, Music Therapy, Choral and Instrumental Conducting.

The Music, B.A. degree requires a total of 120 credits, including applied music lessons, ensemble participation, and coursework in music theory, history, and performance. All majors complete a senior thesis or capstone project in their final year.

Graduates pursue roles as music educators, performers, composers, music producers, conductors, and music therapists in schools, orchestras, recording studios, and community organizations.

Applicants must submit a completed application, high school transcripts, and a music audition. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. International students must also provide English proficiency test scores.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 49% of applicants.