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College of Creative Arts and Media: School of Music

Music and Health, BS

Do you have a passion for music but also want a career in medicine? You can study both in our unique Music and Health bachelor's degree program.

As a Music and Health student, you’ll pursue concentrated studies in music while also fulfilling many requirements you’ll need to apply for medical school after completing your bachelor’s degree.

It’s the perfect pathway if you want to focus on music as an undergraduate and then transition into a career in medicine — or if you want to continue pursuing music professionally while also practicing medicine.

Acceptance to Music and Health requires admission to WVU and a successful audition. Your audition also may qualify you for a School of Music scholarship.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Person playing a piano in the Health Sciences Center lobby.

The BS in Music and Health is a unique opportunity to pursue concentrated studies in music while fulfilling many requirements for a career in health or medicine.

Our Music and Health curriculum blends musical studies and essential health-related coursework. You’ll have the same opportunities as all School of Music students, including private lessons, performing in ensembles and studying music theory and music history. Additionally, you'll take the undergraduate science courses typically required for admission into health-related professional programs.

You’ll have six distinct tracks to choose from in the health sciences:

  • Medicine (MD)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD)
  • Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Occupational Therapy (OTD)
  • Dentistry (DDS)
  • Physician Assistant (PA)

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Medicine (MD)

  • Pharmacy (PharmD)

  • Physical Therapy (DPT)

  • Occupational Therapy (OTD)

  • Dentistry (DDS)

  • Physician Assistant (PA)

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • We’re pioneers in the field of music and health; our undergraduate Music and Health Program is one of the first of its kind.
  • Since 1867, the School of Music has been an integral part of WVU’s cultural and academic fabric.
  • The Creative Consultants program, which pairs you with accomplished alumni mentors for invaluable insights, advice and support.
  • WVU Medicine is a national leader in patient safety and quality, and provides the most advanced healthcare possible to the people of West Virginia and beyond.
  • The unique Music and Health bachelor’s degree program is a pathway to advanced healthcare degrees.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

The Office of Undergraduate Research provides several research opportunities to undergraduates across the university. Music and Health students can gain laboratory research experience by applying to the Research Apprenticeship Program.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $166,300

Possible job titles include: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.

Explore Career

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Median Salary: $62,590

Possible job titles include: Choir Director, Composer, Conductor, Music Director, Music Minister, Orchestra Director, Music Composer, Music Producer, Producer, Songwriter.

Explore Career

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Median Salary: NA

Possible job titles include: Singer, Vocalist, Musician, Choir Member.

Explore Career

Pharmacists

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $136,030

Possible job titles include: Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Pharmacist in Charge (PIC), Staff Pharmacist.

Explore Career

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $130,020

Possible job titles include: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Clinical Physician Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, General Surgery Physician Assistant, Midlevel Provider, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant Certified (PAC), Physician Extender, Physician's Assistant, Surgical Physician Assistant.

Explore Career

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $96,370

Possible job titles include: Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist, Staff Therapist.

Explore Career

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $99,710

Possible job titles include: Director of Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services Director, Physical Therapist (PT).

Explore Career

Family Medicine Physicians

Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $224,640

Possible job titles include: Board Certified Family Physician, Family Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD), Family Practice Physician, Family Practitioner, Medical Doctor (MD), Medical Staff Physician, Physician, Primary Care Physician.

Explore Career

Further your education

You may choose to continue your studies in the specific track you completed within the program. Consider exploring our graduate programs in:

Or you can continue your musical journey at the graduate level in programs like music performance, composition, education or therapy. Explore our School of Music master's and doctoral programs in our School of Music.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Explore the Canady Creative Arts Center
  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Music and Health major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Music and Health at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

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