Applying to Music as a Second-Choice (Future Dual Degree)
Applying to Music as a Second-Choice Major
Pursuing Music at Illinois, Even if It Is Not Your First-Choice Major
If you are considering a double major that includes Music, we recommend listing Music as your first-choice major on your application. Doing so allows the School of Music to consider you for your preferred degree track (such as the BMus or BME), scholarship opportunities, and studio placement from the start.
That said, we understand that some academic and STEM programs, particularly those in Business, Computer Science, or Engineering, can be more difficult to transfer into after enrolling at the University. If you are applying to one of these programs as your first-choice major but want to keep Music as a significant part of your college experience, there are still ways to explore a dual degree or second major in Music once you arrive on campus. The information below explains how to keep that option open through pre-approval and follow-up with the School of Music.
On the University Application or Common Application, the only music degree available as a second-choice major is the Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA).
- If you are not admitted to your first-choice major, your application will automatically be reviewed for the BA in Music.
- If you are admitted to your first-choice major, your application is not automatically sent to the School of Music for review.
Requesting Pre-Approval for a Dual Degree or Double Major in Music
At UIUC, a dual degree involves earning two separate degrees, possibly from different colleges (e.g., College of FIne and Applied Arts and Engineering). A double major means completing two majors within the same college. Students cannot officially declare a dual degree or double major in Music until they complete 30 credit hours on campus (typically at the beginning of their sophomore year).
If you are planning to pursue another major but want to study Music as a second degree, we encourage you to request pre-approval from the School of Music after you submit your University Application.
Pre-approval allows you to explore the possibility of adding a Music degree before you commit to attending Illinois. This is especially important if you are interested in a degree other than the BA in Music, such as the Bachelor of Music (BMus) or the Bachelor of Music Education (BME).
How to Request Pre-Approval
Email: MusicAdmissions@illinois.edu
Subject Line: Request for Pre-Approval with Music
Please include the following information:
- Your full name and University Identification Number (UIN)
- Your first-choice major
- Your intended dual degree option in music, if admitted to your first-choice (BA, BMus, BME, etc.)
- Any relevant musical background, experience
Students are welcome to submit their second-choice talent here.
As stated, students may officially declare a dual degree or double major in Music after completing 30 credit hours on campus. Pre-approval is based on projected studio space availability and your ability to meet the minimum internal transfer GPA requirements once you are a student at Illinois. However, seeking pre-approval before you matriculate to the University allows you to plan ahead and increases your ability to access applied lessons, ensembles, and music advising starting your first-year on campus!
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most School of Music scholarships are reserved for students who list Music as their first-choice major on their application. If Music is a central part of your academic or career goals, we strongly recommend listing Music as your primary choice when applying.
Music Opportunities for All Students
Even if you do not major in Music or pursue a second degree, Illinois offers many ways to stay involved in music. These include:
- Performing in School of Music ensembles
- Taking private lessons with our graduate students
- Enrolling in music coursework that is open to non-music majors
- Pursuing a Music Minor or Hip Hop Minor
Questions?
We are here to help. Contact us at MusicAdmissions@illinois.edu with any questions about second-choice majors, pre-approval, or dual degree options.