Music program now offers accredited Bachelor of Arts

A major change has hit the University's music program for the better. 

As of spring 2012, the music program is accredited by the National Association of Music Schools.

The music program's accreditation process began in 2008, as part of a re-accreditation process, headed by the efforts of Charles Hicks, former department chair of Fine Arts. 

The accrediting process included an extensive checklist of items -- to be met  and to be approved as an accredited major. 

After several attempts, processes had been held up by concerns that needed to be addressed and solved by the University. 

Concerns ranged from a change in the curriculum to inconveniences in the buildings and labs. 

 "The concerns were nothing more than normal accreditation process procedure, " Charles Ford, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said.

"We [Department of Arts and Sciences] send a report, and they send back findings, and they ask us to modify the findings, and that's just the way the accreditation cycle works."

Having an accredited program presents many advantages to current and future students.

"Students want to join programs with high standards," Ford said.

"The department will gain resources, raise faculty credentials, and grant students the opportunity to get better jobs as a nationally recognized program."

Michael Magruder, interim chair of the Fine Arts Department, director of band and professor of music, says that the accreditation is important. 

"Students can be assured that they are in an accredited program and that the University has continued to display a commitment of support to the music curriculum and music program," Magruder said.

Being an accredited major allows the University to compete with the curriculae at many schools in the state and in the country.

The music program is now offering a Bachelor of Arts in music to complement the Bachelor of Science already set. 

The modified change allows students to choose whether to have a wide-ranging degree with music still being its main focus. 

Terrance Johnson, senior music business major from Raleigh came into WSSU  to earn a Bachelor of Science and is now switching to a B.A. 

"With a B.A. I can now graduate this spring 2012, instead of waiting another semester to get out of here" says Johnson, a fifth year senior. 

A B.S. requires students to take 18 more credit hours than a person on the B.A. track. 

"When I came in, a Bachelor of Science was my only option. With a new curriculum, I can really focus with the classes that will help me in the future and in my choice of career and finally I can get my diploma," Johnson said.

Ford also added, the vision of our provost [Brenda Allen] was very instrumental in influencing the department to get a B.A. in music.

`This new degree [Bachelor of Arts] should catch the attention of incoming students and transfers.  

"I like that they've added a B.A. to the curriculum. For future students, it allows you to get out in four years, unless you choose to do otherwise,"

Johnson said.