At the Mary Pappert School of Music, you have a wide variety of horizon-expanding music programs to choose from at both undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, several of our programs can be accelerated and/or combined with other programs both in the music school and across campus.
Combine your Mary Pappert School of Music degree with a minor or even a secondary major. There are a variety of options available, both in the School of Music and around campus, depending on your chosen degree path. For more information, please%20email%20us.
Explore Your Musical Future
Whether you know your intended path or just want to explore your options within music, you're in the right place! Scroll to explore major pathways in music as well as ways to combine music with other areas of study.
Music Education
Our curriculum emphasizes musicianship across PreK–12 public and private schools, both in classroom and rehearsal settings, enabling you to teach anywhere in the United States. While mastering pedagogical technique, you will remain active in a wide range of ensembles, as well as through applied lessons with our GRAMMY Award-winning faculty. A dual degree option is available to Music Education majors who would also like a degree in Music Performance.
Music Performance
A degree in music performance provides you with the real-world experiences you need to succeed in a competitive and demanding professional environment. In addition to university concerts and events, many students perform regularly in the tri-state region with ensembles such as the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet and Opera Orchestras, Pittsburgh Camerata, Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choirs, Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and numerous other ensembles in the region.
Music Technology
At the intersection of artistry and innovation, our Music Technology programs empower you to create and shape the sound of the future. Whether you’re drawn to the world of recording and production, inspired to compose for film, video games, and multimedia, or seeking a flexible, interdisciplinary path that pairs music technology with fields like computer science or digital media, you’ll find a pathway designed to match your bigger goals.
Music Therapy
Earn your undergraduate and/or graduate degree in music therapy alongside our acclaimed music therapy scholars and clinicians. An equivalency program is also available for candidates with bachelor's degrees in music. Our board-certified music therapy faculty are nationally recognized educators and researchers committed to mentoring students in their development as both clinicians and professionals.
More Options In Music
Dual Degrees & Combined Pathways
Combine your music studies with a second degree, additional major, minor, or specialized certificate. Create a personalized academic pathway that reflects your interests and career goals. From theater arts and business to pre-med and beyond, there are countless ways to make music part of your educational journey.
Discover Music
Interested in music, but unsure of the best path forward? Compose your own musical journey and explore multiple areas of interest through the Discover Music program! Keep your options open without falling behind by working one-on-one with your Student Success Coach to map out your path to graduation while playing in ensembles, taking private lessons, and making friends through music.
Open Music for Every Major
Open Music connects all university students to musical experiences across campus. Whether you have a musical background or are looking to try something new, there are many ways to get involved. Music can help you build community, reduce stress, and express your creativity. Whatever your interests or experience level, there's a place for you here!
Develop Your Artistry
Duquesne's ensembles will provide you with the finest university-level performing experiences available, preparing you for your career as a professional musician. As a member, you will perform on campus, as well as at some of the best venues for music in the city. Our students have performed at Heinz Hall, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, the August Wilson Center, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, and many more.
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Dual Degrees & Combined Pathways
Your passion for music doesn’t have to be your only passion! At Duquesne, there are countless ways to combine music with other areas of study, whether you’re interested in pursuing a dual degree pathway, a secondary major, adding a minor, or earning a certificate in fields such as business, pre-medicine, or law. Our Bachelor of Arts in Music offers the greatest flexibility, making it an ideal choice for students interested in earning two degrees in four years or exploring accelerated pathways. In fact, the BA in Music can be completed in just three years, creating opportunities to begin graduate studies in music or other fields a full year earlier.
Let’s explore what’s possible together!
With so many possibilities, our Student Success Coaches can help you navigate your options and design an academic pathway that aligns with your interests and goals. Connect with our team and tell us what you’d like to accomplish during your college experience.
Popular Ways to Integrate Music
Our Student Success Coaches can help you navigate your options and design an academic pathway that aligns with your interests and goals.
With extensive elective credit space, students can easily add a secondary major in Theater Arts with just 30 additional credits or pursue a 15-credit minor. Whether your interests lie onstage or behind the scenes, this pathway offers exciting opportunities to continue exploring your creativity and developing your talents throughout college.
The certificate pairs particularly well with the Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Music in Performance. Whether your future leads to medical school, graduate research, or another health profession, Duquesne provides the flexibility and academic environment to pursue both your musical and scientific ambitions.
Whether you dream of opening your own recording studio, building a private teaching practice, launching a production company, or pursuing a career in artist management, advertising, or media, a foundation in business can give you a competitive edge. In an industry where creative talent and technology are more accessible than ever, understanding how to market your skills, manage resources, and build a sustainable enterprise can be what truly sets you apart.