Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Updated 
    
2018-2019 Updated [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Degree Requirements


Four Baccalaureate degrees are offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) and Bachelor of Music Therapy (B.M.T.). The requirements for each of these degrees are listed below. Although each student has a faculty adviser, the student is responsible for understanding the requirements for the degree and for meeting these requirements. Students should review their progress toward meeting graduation requirements with their faculty adviser each semester.

Bachelor of Arts

32 course credits are required for graduation, subject to restrictions on residency, fractional credit, transfer credit, and course load. Except where noted, individual courses may be counted toward multiple requirements.

First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry (1 course)

Students will complete the First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry in their first semester.

Writing

In coordination with the First-Year Seminar Program and the Program in Writing:

Writing Proficiency (0-1 courses)

Students will demonstrate basic writing proficiency in their first year, through placement examination or completion of the College Writing course.

Writing Intensive Course (1 course)

Students will complete a course designated as Writing Intensive (W) in any semester between the completion of the First-Year Seminar and the beginning of Junior Independent Study.

Global and Cultural Perspectives

Foreign Language (0-2 course)

Students will demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the second-level course in a given language sequence, through placement examination or course work.

Studies in Cultural Difference (1 course)

Students will complete a course (C) that examines either a culture outside the United States or the culture of an American minority group (e.g., African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native American). Courses may be taught in English or in a foreign language.

Religious Perspectives (1 course)

Students will complete a course (R) from any department or program that examines the religious dimension of humankind in relation to issues of cultural, social, historical, or ethical significance.

Note: A student may not use the same course in fulfillment of both the Studies in Cultural Difference requirement and the Religious Perspectives requirement.

Quantitative Reasoning (1 course)

Students will demonstrate basic quantitative proficiency through completion of a course (Q) that involves a substantial element of quantitative reasoning.

Learning Across the Disciplines (6 courses)

Students will complete no fewer than two approved courses in each of three academic areas: Arts and Humanities (AH), History and Social Sciences (HSS), Mathematical and Natural Sciences (MNS). [An individual course may be counted toward only one of these three areas.]

Learning in the Major (10-16 courses)

Students will complete a major in a department or program. The number of courses required in the major shall be no less than ten and no more than sixteen, including the Independent Study Sequence. The major shall contain no more than twelve courses in the same discipline, including the Independent Study Sequence. (In addition, a maximum of fifteen credits in any one discipline may be counted toward graduation.)

Independent Study Sequence:

Junior Independent Study (Research, Methodology, and Theory) (1 course)

A one-semester course that focuses upon the research skills, methodology, and theoretical framework necessary for Senior Independent Study. The structure of this course depends upon the discipline and includes a variety of pedagogical formats, such as one-on-one mentoring experiences, small seminars, and labs.

Senior Independent Study (2 courses)

A two-semester one-on-one mentoring experience in which each student engages in independent research and creates an original scholarly work.

Bachelor of Music

Three majors are offered under the B.M. degree: Performance, Composition, and Music History and Literature. 32 courses are required for graduation, subject to restrictions on residency, fractional credit, transfer credit, and course load. Except where noted, individual courses may be counted toward multiple requirements.

First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry (1 course)

Students will complete the First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry in their first semester.

Writing

In coordination with the First-Year Seminar Program and the Program in Writing:

Writing Proficiency (0-1 courses)

Students will demonstrate basic writing proficiency in their first year, through placement examination or completion of the College Writing course.

Writing Intensive Course (1 course)

Students will complete a course designated as Writing Intensive (W) in any semester between the completion of the First-Year Seminar and the beginning of Junior Independent Study.

Global and Cultural Perspectives

Foreign Language (0-2 courses)

Students will demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the second-level course in a given language sequence, through placement examination or course work.

Studies in Cultural Difference (1 course)

Students will complete a course (C) that examines either a culture outside the United States or the culture of an American minority group (e.g., African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native American). Courses may be taught in English or in a foreign language.

Religious Perspectives (1 course)

Students will complete a course (R) from any department or program that examines the religious dimension of humankind in relation to issues of cultural, social, historical, or ethical significance.

Note: A student may not use the same course in fulfillment of both the Studies in Cultural Difference requirement and the Religious Perspectives requirement.

Quantitative Reasoning (1 course)

Students will demonstrate basic quantitative proficiency through completion of a course (Q) that involves a substantial element of quantitative reasoning.

Non-Music Electives (0-5 courses)

Independent Study (3 courses)-see below

Learning in the Major (24 courses, including Independent Study)

A. Bachelor of Music (Performance Major)

  1. Applied Music (6-8 course credits, including Independent Study)
    This requirement includes a half recital of 25-30 minutes of music in the junior year (MUSC 40100 ) and a full recital of 45-60 minutes of music in the senior year (MUSC 45100 -MUSC 45200 ), each to be performed after a successful jury examination covering preparation and competence. These recitals constitute I.S. for the performance major. In the junior year, performance majors must enroll in one semester of one-hour lessons (200-level) and one semester of MUSC 40100 .
  2. Music Theory (8 courses)
    MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I , MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II , MUSC 20100 - Music Theory III , MUSC 20200 - Music Theory IV , MUSC 30100 - Theory of Music Since 1900 , MUSC 30200 - Form and Analysis , MUSC 30300 - Basic Conducting , and MUSC 30400 - Counterpoint  
  3. Music History (4 courses)
    MUSC 21200 (History I) and 21300 (History II), plus one period course (typically 19900 or MUSC 31100 ) and one additional course in Music History and Literature (19900, MUSC 21400 -MUSC 21900 , MUSC 31100 )
  4. Group Music (1.25 courses)
    Ten semesters (.125 course credit per semester per group) of participation in the following: MUSC 15000 -MUSC 15700  (Small Ensemble), MUSC 16000 - Wooster Singers , MUSC 16100 - Wooster Chorus , MUSC 16200 - Wooster Symphony Orchestra , MUSC 16300 - Marching, Symphonic, Concert, Pipe Bands , MUSC 16400 - Wooster Jazz Ensemble , or MUSC 16500 - Gospel Choir , with at least two semesters of participation in Wooster Singers or Wooster Chorus and at least four semesters of participation-in the major instrument or voice-in the most appropriate of the following major ensembles: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Wooster Singers.
  5. Pedagogy (.5 course)
    MUSC 37100 - Instrumental Pedagogy  for instrumental majors or MUSC 37000 - Vocal Pedagogy  for voice majors (.5 course credit)
  6. Music Technology (.5 course)
    MUSC 28000 - Intro to Music Technology  
  7. Music Electives (1.75-3.75 courses)
    Go be chosen by the student and the adviser; may include additional I.S. Keyboard skills must be sufficient to satisfy the Piano Proficiency requirement. Please note: MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I  and MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II  require concurrent enrollment in a quarter-credit Class Piano course (MUSC 18100 /MUSC 18200 ) unless the student places out of this requirement; therefore, for many students, one half-credit of “Music Electives” will be in Class Piano.

B. BACHELOR OF MUSIC (COMPOSITION MAJOR)

  1. Music Theory (9 courses)
    MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I , MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II , MUSC 20100 - Music Theory III , MUSC 20200 - Music Theory IV , MUSC 30100 - Theory of Music Since 1900 , MUSC 30200 - Form and Analysis , MUSC 30300 - Basic Conducting , MUSC 30400 - Counterpoint , and MUSC 30500 - Orchestration  
  2. Composition (1 course credit)
    1 credit from among MUSC 20800 /MUSC 30800  (Acoustic Composition) and MUSC 20900 /MUSC 30900  (Electronic Composition)
  3. Independent Study (3 courses)
    MUSC 40100 - Junior Independent Study  and MUSC 45100 -MUSC 45200  (Senior I.S.); for a student concentrating in Composition, the Independent Study will be a continuation of the composition study begun in MUSC 20800 /MUSC 20900 /MUSC 30800 /MUSC 30900 ; for a student concentrating in Music Theory, the Independent Study will be a written research project.
  4. Music History (5 courses)
    MUSC 21200 (History I), 21300 (History II), and MUSC 31100 - Seminar in Music Literature ; one period course (typically 19900 or another MUSC 31100 ); and one additional course in Music History and Literature (19900, MUSC 21400 -MUSC 21900 , or another MUSC 31100 )
  5. Applied Music (2 courses)
    Two total course credits on the same instrument (MUSC 12000-MUSC 14000 , MUSC 22000 -MUSC 24000 ).
  6. Group Music (1.25 courses)
    Ten semesters (.125 course credit per semester per group) of participation in the following: MUSC 15000 -MUSC 15700  (Small Ensemble), MUSC 16000 - Wooster Singers , MUSC 16100 - Wooster Chorus , MUSC 16200 - Wooster Symphony Orchestra , MUSC 16300 - Marching, Symphonic, Concert, Pipe Bands , MUSC 16400 - Wooster Jazz Ensemble , or MUSC 16500 - Gospel Choir , with at least two semesters of participation in Wooster Singers or Wooster Chorus and at least four semesters of participation-in the major instrument or voice-in the most appropriate of the following major ensembles: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Wooster Singers.
  7. Music Technology (.5 course)
    MUSC 28000 - Intro to Music Technology  
  8. Music Electives (2.25 courses)
    To be chosen by the student and the adviser; may include additional I.S. Keyboard skills must be sufficient to satisfy the Piano Proficiency requirement. Please note: MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I  and MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II  require concurrent enrollment in a quarter-credit Class Piano course (MUSC 18100 /MUSC 18200 ) unless the student places out of this requirement; therefore, for many students, one half-credit of “Music Electives” will be in Class Piano.

BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION (PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHING)

Because of the heavy requirements for these degrees, it is likely that the student will need to carry overloads or extend the time required to complete the degree program.

Note: Completion of the degree may require more than eight semesters of full-time academic work.

36.00 to 38.25 courses are required for graduation, subject to current restrictions on residency, fractional credit, transfer credit, and course load. Except where noted, individual courses may be counted toward multiple requirements. Students will complete 13.5 to 15.75 courses outside music.

First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry (1 course)

Students will complete the First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry in their first semester.

Writing

In coordination with the First-Year Seminar Program and the Program in Writing:

Writing Proficiency (0-1 courses)

Students will demonstrate basic writing proficiency in their first year, through placement examination or completion of the College Writing course.

Writing Intensive Course (1 course)

Students will complete a course designated as Writing Intensive (W) in any semester between the completion of the First-Year Seminar and the beginning of senior year.

Studies in Cultural Difference (1 course)

Students will complete a course (C) that examines either a culture outside the United States or the culture of an American minority group (e.g., African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native American). Courses may be taught in English or in a foreign language.

Religious Perspectives (1 course)

Students will complete a course (R) from any department or program that examines the religious dimension of humankind in relation to issues of cultural, social, historical, or ethical significance.

Note: A student may not use the same course in fulfillment of both the Studies in Cultural Difference requirement and the Religious Perspectives requirement.

Quantitative Reasoning (1 course)

Students will demonstrate basic quantitative proficiency through completion of a course (Q) in the Mathematical or Natural Sciences that involves a substantial element of quantitative reasoning.

Mathematical and Natural Sciences (1-1.25 courses)

Students will complete one to one and one-quarter courses in the Mathematical or Natural Sciences (MNS). [A student may not use this course in fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.]

History and Social Sciences (1 course)

Students will complete one course in History or the Social Sciences (HSS). [A student may not use this course in fulfillment of the Studies in Cultural Difference requirement or the Religious Perspectives requirement.]

Psychology (1 course)

Students will complete PSYC 11000 . [This course may not count toward the History and Social Sciences requirement.]

Education (2.75 courses)

Students will complete EDUC 10000 , EDUC 12000 , and EDUC 30000 .

Non-Music Elective (1 course)

Student Teaching (3 courses)

The student teaching sequence satisfies the College requirement of three courses of Independent Study. Students will complete EDUC 49600 -EDUC 49800 . All degree requirements except MUSC 39500 - Special Topics in Music Education  and the final semester of recital attendance must be completed prior to the semester in which the student registers for student teaching. Concurrent registration for MUSC 39500  and student teaching is expected; however, when student teaching is completed in the fall semester, MUSC 39500  must be completed prior to that semester. The recital attendance requirement continues through the student teaching semester.

Learning in the Major (22.25-22.75 courses)

  1. MUSIC THEORY (7.5 courses)
    MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I , MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II , MUSC 20100 - Music Theory III  MUSC 20200 - Music Theory IV , MUSC 30100 - Theory of Music Since 1900 , MUSC 30300 - Basic Conducting , MUSC 30500 - Orchestration , and MUSC 30600 - Choral Conducting  
  2. MUSIC HISTORY/LITERATURE (3 courses)
    MUSC 21200 (History I), 21300 (History II), and one period course (typically 19900 or MUSC 31100 )
  3. PERFORMANCE (7.75 courses)
    1. Group Music (1.25 courses)
      Ten semesters (.125 course credit per semester per group) of participation in group music, including at least two semesters of participation in Wooster Singers, and at least four semesters of participation-in the major instrument or voice-in the most appropriate of the following major ensembles: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Wooster Singers.
    2. Class Instruments and Voice (2.5 courses) MUSC 17000 - Class Voice , MUSC 17100 - Class Brass Instruments , MUSC 17200 - Class Brass Instruments II , MUSC 17300 - Class String Instruments(Violin/Viola) , MUSC 17400 - Class String Instruments(Cello/Bass) , MUSC 17500 - Class Woodwind Instrs(Flute/Clarinet) , MUSC 17600 - Class Woodwind Instruments(Ob/Bas/Sax) , MUSC 17700 - Class Percussion Instruments , and MUSC 37200 - Functional Piano  
    3. The remainder (4 course credits) is to be taken in performance areas (MUSC 12000-MUSC 14000 , MUSC 22000 -MUSC 24000 ) depending upon the pre-college preparation of the student. Keyboard skills must be sufficient to satisfy the Piano Proficiency requirements. Each student is required to give a half recital of 25-30 minutes of music in either the junior or senior year (prior to the semester in which student teaching is scheduled). The recital is to be performed after a successful jury examination covering preparation and competence.
  4. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (.5 course)
    MUSC 28000 - Intro to Music Technology  
  5. MUSIC EDUCATION (3.5 courses)
    MUSC 29000 - Foundations of Music Education , MUSC 34200 - Pre-K & Elementary Methods , MUSC 34300 - Choral Methods , MUSC 34400 - Instrumental Methods , MUSC 37000 - Vocal Pedagogy , and MUSC 39500 - Special Topics in Music Education  
  6. CLASS PIANO (.50 course credit)
    Please note: MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I  and MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II  require concurrent enrollment in a quarter-credit Class Piano course (MUSC 18100 /MUSC 18200 ) unless the student places out of this requirement; therefore, Music Education majors who test out of Class Piano will not have this 0.50 course credit required.

Bachelor of Music Therapy

32.00 courses are required for graduation, subject to current restrictions on residency, fractional credit, transfer credit, and course load. Except where noted, individual courses may be counted toward multiple requirements. Students will complete 9.00 courses outside music.

First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry (1 course)

Students will complete the First-Year Seminar in Critical Inquiry in their first semester.

Writing

In coordination with the First-Year Seminar Program and the Program in Writing:

Writing Proficiency (0-1 courses)

Students will demonstrate basic writing proficiency in their first year, through placement examination or completion of the College Writing course.

Writing Intensive Course (1 course)

Students will complete a course designated as Writing Intensive (W) in any semester between the completion of the First-Year Seminar and the beginning of senior year. Please note: It is expected that this College-wide requirement will be met by a Music course in the case of Music Therapy majors; therefore the 1.00 credit is not counted here towards the total of non-music courses.

Studies in Cultural Difference (1 course)

Students will complete a course (C) that examines either a culture outside the United States or the culture of an American minority group (e.g., African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native American). Courses may be taught in English or in a foreign language. Please note: This requirement may often be met by one of the other Music Therapy major requirements. In this case, a non-music elective course may be required to bring the total non-music course credits to 9.00.

Religious Perspectives (1 course)

Students will complete a course (R) from any department or program that examines the religious dimension of humankind in relation to issues of cultural, social, historical, or ethical significance.

Note: A student may not use the same course in fulfillment of both the Studies in Cultural Difference requirement and the Religious Perspectives requirement.

Psychology (3 courses)

Students will complete PSYC 10000 , PSYC 21200 , and PSYC 25000 . Please note: the PSYC 25000  requirement will also fulfill the College-wide requirement for a course in Quantitative Reasoning (Q).

Natural Sciences (1 course)

Students will complete a course dealing with human anatomy.

Sociology (1 course)

Students will complete SOCI 10000 .

Education (1 course)

Students will complete EDUC 20000 .

Learning in the Major (23.00 courses)

  1. MUSIC THEORY (7 courses)
    MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I , MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II , MUSC 20100 - Music Theory III  MUSC 20200 - Music Theory IV , MUSC 30100 - Theory of Music Since 1900 , MUSC 30300 - Basic Conducting , and  MUSC 30500 - Orchestration  
  2. MUSIC HISTORY/LITERATURE (3 courses)
    MUSC 21200 (History I) and 21300 (History II) plus a period/topics course, typically 19900 (Special Topics in Music) or MUSC 31100 - Seminar in Music Literature  
  3. MUSIC THERAPY (6 courses)
    MUSC 19000 - Intro to Music Therapy  and MUSC 19100 - Recreational Music , each for .5 course credit; MUSC 29100 - Music Therapy in Psychiatry & Rehab Music Therapy/Psych & Rehab ; MUSC 29200 - Music Therapy W/Developmentally Disabled ; MUSC 29300 - Practicum I in Music Therapy , MUSC 29400 - Practicum II in Music Therapy , and MUSC 29500 - Adv Practicum in Music Therapy , each for .25 course credit; MUSC 39200 - Psychology of Music I  and MUSC 39300 - Research Seminar in Music Therapy , each for .5 course credit; and MUSC 39400 - Program Development and Administration In Music Therapy  and MUSC 41000 - Music Internship , .25 course credit, a six-month, full-time clinical experience at a facility approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
  4. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (.5 course)
    MUSC 28000 - Intro to Music Technology  
  5. PERFORMANCE (6 courses)
    1. Group Music (0.75 course credit)
      Six semesters (.125 course credit per semester per group) of participation in group music, including two semesters of participation in Wooster Singers, and four semesters of participation-in the major instrument or voice-in the most appropriate of the following major ensembles: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Wooster Singers.
    2. Class Instruments and Voice (1.75 courses)
      MUSC 17000 - Class Voice , MUSC 17700 - Class Percussion Instruments , MUSC 17800 - Functional Guitar , MUSC 37000 - Vocal Pedagogy , and MUSC 37200 - Functional Piano  
    3. Applied Music (3.5 courses)
      The remainder is to be taken in performance areas (MUSC 12000-MUSC 14000 , MUSC 22000 -MUSC 24000 ) depending upon the pre-college preparation of the student. Keyboard skills must be sufficient to satisfy the Piano Proficiency requirement. Each student is required to give a half recital of 25-30 minutes of music in either the junior or senior year. The recital is to be performed after a successful jury examination covering preparation and competence.
  6. MUSIC ELECTIVES (.5 course credit)
    Please note: MUSC 10100 - Music Theory I  and MUSC 10200 - Music Theory II  require concurrent enrollment in a quarter-credit Class Piano course (MUSC 18100 /MUSC 18200 ) unless the student places out of this requirement; therefore, Music Therapy majors who test out of Class Piano will not have this 0.50 course credit required.

Music Double Degree

Double Degree: Bachelor of Music or Music Education and Bachelor of Arts

A double degree enables students to make connections among fields that can enrich the study of each and expand career opportunities. Full double-counting of requirements for the two degrees is allowed. Upon graduation, the student will receive two diplomas and will participate in one Commencement ceremony. In most cases, completion of a double degree will require five years. Interested students should confer with the chairperson of the Department of Music and must have written approval from the Dean for Curriculum and Academic Engagement. Students who wish to pursue a double degree must declare their intention to do so no later than October 1 of the junior year.

Graduate and Professional Dual Degree

The College has established formal programs with a number of leading universities to provide students with the opportunity to pursue a liberal arts degree from Wooster in conjunction with a graduate/professional degree from the other insti - tution. These programs provide students with a rich liberal arts experience that focuses upon a dynamic understanding of multiple disciplines, independent and collaborative inquiry, global engagement, and social responsibilities and also facilitate their progress towards a graduate or professional degree.

Graduate or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, law, physical therapy, engineering, nursing, architecture, and forestry and environmental studies are examples of eligible programs that may be approved. The Dean for Curriculum and Academic Engagement determines which graduate and professional programs are consistent with a Wooster baccalaureate degree and will set conditions for awarding the degree. The conditions for participation in a dual degree program are provided in the Catalogue under Pre-Professional and Dual Degree Programs .