Department of Music Mission and Goals
The mission of the South Dakota State University Music Department is shaped by the university's Land Grand status and the spirit of the Morrill Act.  Within that context, it is the mission of the Music Department to musically serve the university, state, and region through teaching/advising, research/creative activity and outreach/general service.

The Department's Goals are:
• to serve the university, state, and region by delivering an approved and well-defined undergraduate music curricula
• to engage in scholarly and creative musical endeavors which illuminate the underlying principles of the mission,
• to provide musically enriching public service outreach activities, both on and off campus
• to provide a musical learning environment where students develop personal interests and leadership skills necessary for the full appreciation of life, empowering them to contribute deeply to the human experience through a wide range of endeavor
• to be proactive regarding equity, ethnicity, and cultural diversity
• to use the results of assessment and planning to determine priorities and strengthen performance

Degree Options
The Music Department offers three degree options:  Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science -- Music Merchandising, and Bachelor of Music Education.

Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree
This program takes advantage of the types of courses central to a liberal arts education. Although the degree is not tied to any specific career aspiration, the flexibility of the curriculum is sometimes used by students to pursue a more performance-based course of study.

Bachelor of Science - Music Merchandising Degree
This program is recommended for students with a strong background in music desiring a career in one or more of the many aspects of the music business.  The B.S.-M.M. program enables students to continue developing their musical skills along with in-depth study in Business, Accounting, Communications, Advertising and Computer Science.  The course work for this degree culminates in an on-site internship in a music business setting.

Bachelor of Music Education Degree
This program is recommended for students desiring to become certified to teach elementary or secondary school music.  An emphasis in choral or instrumental teaching may be elected, or, by adding appropriate hours, students may prepare in both areas.