Music Degrees and Specializations

For information about music degrees and specializations, visit https://arts.nvcc.edu/programs/music/

We have a new A.F.A Degree!

The A.A.A,  A.A.A with Jazz/Popular Music Specialization, and A.A degrees are being discontinued, students that are in progress have until summer of 2026 to finish.

There are no auditions for degree programs at NOVA but it is best to meet with a music faculty member to discuss which degree is right for you.

Course descriptions can be found here:

http://www.nvcc.edu/courses/summarydetail.aspx?prefix=MUS

Transfer Resources

Although NOVA has open enrollment, four-year universities and colleges do not. Admission to music schools at universities is contingent on a competitive audition process. Although your credits may transfer, admittance into junior level courses is often based on placement exams in theory, piano, your primary instrument, and/or history. There is no guarantee that you will be able to finish your bachelor’s degree in two years after transferring from NOVA. We recommend you speak to the faculty at NOVA for advising each semester and communicate with the music departments at the institutions to which you would like to transfer. Here are some resources to help you with your transfer process:

• NOVA Transfer Guide
  Guide to Virginia four-year colleges and NOVA agreements with them.
• GMU Transfer Guide for B.A. in Music
• GMU Transfer Guide for B.M. in Music
• James Madison University (JMU)
  • Transfer guide to B.M. Music
• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
  • https://transfer.vcu.edu/planning-your-transfer/vccs-transfer-planning-checklist/
  • VCU Transfer Equivalencies
• VCCS – JMU Course Equivalents
• CNU transfer credit evaluation
• VCCS -Radford University Transfer Guide
• Old Dominion University (ODU)
  • Transfer guide to B.A. Music
  • VCCS-ODU Transfer homepage
• Virginia Tech
  • https://www.vt.edu/admissions/transfer.html