GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 27, 2018) – Bob Jones University announced today that its Division of Music will launch four new degrees beginning this fall including a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music and Church Ministries, Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Composition.
Existing programs in performance are also being updated to include additional credits in applied music study, new experiential learning internships in the community, and a seminar focused on developing entrepreneurial skills and mindset for the 21st-century musician.
“The ability to identify market opportunities, create and manage a unique brand, and develop audiences is critical for composers and performers in today’s economy,” said Dr. Darren Lawson, dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication. “These new courses will give our students a competitive edge in terms of professional success.”
Dr. Michael Moore, current head of the Department of Music Education, will become Chair of the Division of Music this summer.
Moore anticipates the new Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees will be attractive to students who show strong potential in music but are also interested in business, communications, arts administration, health sciences or ministry careers.
“The new music degree programs feature our strong BJU Core and a flexible music curriculum that together reflect the demands of the current workforce, economy, and ministry models,” Moore said. “Students and employers both recognize that the creativity and soft skills associated with music study bring unique value to an employee’s effectiveness in any field. These programs are a great platform for the student interested in music along with other disciplines.”
“The new Bachelor of Science degree in Music and Church Ministries is a great fit for students wanting to develop and implement a solid foundation of essential musicianship skills in a variety of ministry-related contexts,” said Dr. Fred Coleman, head of BJU’s Department of Church Music. The flexible program allows students to integrate their music training with Bible, pastoral ministry, worship, women’s ministries, youth ministry, Christian counseling, or cross-cultural studies.
More information about these programs will be provided in two identical 30-minute sessions Thursday, March 29, at 11:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Stratton Hall on the BJU campus. The meetings are open to the public.
