Biology - Major in Biology Program

Core Music Requirements:
MSC 115 Music Theory I

A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 101 and MSC 121 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 116 Music Theory II

A study of diatonic tonal harmony, including all triads and seventh chords, nonharmonic material and elementary modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 117 Aural Skills I

The singing and aural recognition of music fundamentals, with emphasis on tonal pitch patterns and rhythmic patterns, and including intervals, scales, and triads. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 101 and MSC 121 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 118 Aural Skills II

A continuation of MSC 117, with emphasis on singing and aural recognition of more complex pitch and rhythmic relationships, common diatonic harmonic patterns and clef reading. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 and MSC 117 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 150 Class Piano Instruction I

First course in the sequence designed for music majors with minimal piano skills in preparing for piano proficiency. 1 credit.

MSC 151 Class Piano Instruction II

Second course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 150 with a minimum of C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit.

MSC 206 Milestones in Music Recording

An in depth analysis of the seminal recordings of the music industry. Milestone records representing the art of recorded music will be studied from conception to marketing. Examples of such recordings include Sgt. Pepper, Dark Side of the Moon, OK Computer, Band on the Run, and more. The goal is to discover why and how the records studied have become the high art of the music industry. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. 3 credits.

Two from the Following:
MSC 201 The Roots of American Music

One of the central concerns of this course is the ability of music to represent American identity. Of particular interest are the historic contributions of minority peoples, particularly African Americans, to the rich diversity of musical styles in the United States. This course considers the importance of geographic and ethnic origins of a particular musical style as well as the consequences of a market-driven music industry, which historically has privileged some groups over others. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.

MSC 202 World Musics

A general introduction to musical styles, compositional practices, and aesthetics of specific people groups within the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It discusses traditional, popular, and art music styles, and presents music intimately tied to value systems and social practice. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.

MSC 219 Jazz History - From Origins to Modern Expression

This comprehensive course explores the evolution of jazz music from its origins to its diverse contemporary forms. Through a blend of lectures, discussions, listening sessions, and analysis of key musicians and compositions, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the historical, cultural, and artistic developments that have shaped jazz over the years. Prerequisites: MSC 115, MSC 116 and MSC 215. 3 credits.

MSC 241 Introduction to Music History

This course reviews a variety of musical traditions from non-Western, popular, and Western art music repertoires. Students will apply basic methods of music history to a diverse repertory of musical styles. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. Prerequisite: MSC 101, 115, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MSC 242 History of Western Art Music, 1730-1950

A survey course in the history of Western music with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: MSC 101, MSC 115, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MSC 343 20th Century Art Music

An advanced course in music history. Beginning with late-19th-century musical developments, the course continues chronologically through the 20th century. Designed for music majors and interested non-majors who read music well. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

8 semesters of:
Individual Instruction (MUI)
Music Ensemble (MUE)
MSC 099 Recital Attendance

Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated. 0 credits.

Core Audio Requirements:
MPR 111 Audio Engineering I

The only way to learn engineering and studio production is to dive in and see how it works. You will engineer tracking and mixing projects as you learn the fundamentals of recording systems - concepts and techniques of console operation, signal flow, session procedures, and signal processors. 3 credits.

MPR 112 Audio Engineering II

This semester we dig deeper and work on more complex console operations and studio production techniques. You will learn more about microphone design and technique, signal processing, and audio theory. Got ears? You will continue developing critical listening skills that are crucial for audio engineers. Prerequisite: MPR 111. 3 credits.

MPR 211 Mixing & Mastering

Continuing to build on the skills from Audio Engineering I & II, this course provides in-depth examination and practice of concepts and techniques employed for mixing and mastering final products. Prerequisite: MPR 111 and 112. 3 credits.

MPR 212 Podcasting

Podcasting has come into its own as a professional medium. From corporate branding to radio-style dramas, the creative opportunities are limitless- but you need to understand show design, narrative storytelling, and technical skills in order to produce a quality show. Prerequisite: MPR 211 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MPR 214 Introduction to Music and Entertainment Industry

This course examines how the music business operates, delving into a wide range of issues and areas, such as publishing, record labels, retail, distribution, market research, agents and managers, and current issues in the industry. 3 credits.

MPR 312 Sound Design for Games & Media

Engineering audio for video games and other media involves a different approach than making a record. Artistic and technical sound design and workflow processes are highly complex and detailed -- but a lot of fun! 3 credits.

MPR 315 Vale

Vale offers students the opportunity to run a record label, promote artists, produce podcasts, organize industry events, and manage live events on campus. The course runs every semester and students are encouraged to participate at least one entire year in order to maintain continuity of operations and benefit from a wide variety of experiences. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 2 credits.

(2 semesters)

Choose 1 of the following Concentrations:

Audio Engineering:
IXD 153 Electronics for Designers

This course teaches the basics of electronics - such as understanding voltage, resistance, amperage, serial, and parallel circuits - as well as introducing students to basic components, sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. This class provides a practical understanding of what electronics looks and acts like in real life and allows students to design and build basic electronic circuits and troubleshoot simple circuits and electronic devices. 3 credits.

MPR 213 Acoustics

This course will help you understand and apply principles of acoustics and construction for designing effective recording spaces. Acoustical properties, issues, products, and solutions will be examined and applied. Prerequisite: MPR 112. 3 credits.

MPR 311 Spatial Audio

We live in a world of immersive audio experiences, including movies, gaming, music, live events, and even theme park attractions. This course will examine and apply the theories, technology, and techniques for producing audio in spatial formats. Prerequisite: MPR 112. 3 credits.

MPR 313 Systems Design and Integration

Somebody has to design, install, and maintain the complex audio systems used in the industry. You will learn about system design for sound reinforcement, cabling and interfacing for recording studios, basic troubleshooting and electronics, tests and measurements, and other behind-the-gear issues. Prerequisite: MPR 112 and 212. 3 credits.

MPR 314 Advanced Systems Integration

The fields of audio, video, computer networking, and show control are all used together for shows, events, theatres, parks, and other applications. This course continues to build a deep foundation and skillset for designing and building complex systems. Prerequisite: MPR 311 or permission of the Program Director. 3 credits.

MPR 400 Internship

All MPR majors complete an internship with a company focused in the audio/recording industry. Internships can be taken after completing all junior level class requirements. Internships are offered the senior spring semester or the summer before the senior year. If all coursework is completed, a 12-credit, full-time internship can be pursued, allowing students to relocate for the term. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of internship may be counted toward the degree). Prerequisites: All junior level AMP degree classes, and approval of the internship director and advisor; restricted to AMP majors only. 3-12 credits.

(3 credits)
MPR 411 Audio Capstone Project

Taking everything you've learned in the program, explore an area of interest and produce a final product. Collaborative projects with other departments are encouraged, such as video or immersive media experiences. Prerequisite: MPR 314 3 credits.

Audio Entrepreneurship:
ACT 131 Fundamentals of Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis

This course will provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of the accounting system, basic financial statements, and SEC filings. You will learn how transactions get recorded in a business' financial records and become familiar with the concept of footnote disclosures. You will evaluate and analyze how financial statements are used by stakeholders and how information contained therein in collected. Students are not permitted to take ACT 131 if they have previously completed ACT 151 with a C- or better. 3 credits.

DCOM 311 Information Law and Ethics

Students will begin with a foundation in media law and ethical reasoning and examine both legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of digital media. They will then move on to examine the ways that the Web and digital media platforms have transformed traditional understandings of concepts like intellectual property rights, privacy, and free speech. Students will work with case studies, national and international legal documents, academic research, and company guidelines in order to understand whether legal strictures or ethical reasoning should guide personal, governmental, and corporate behavior. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or FYE 112, and junior or senior standing. 3 credits.

DCOM 387 Social Media: History, Theory, and Practice

Social media connects organizations, companies, and individuals throughout the world, fostering interaction, collaboration, discussion, and community. And it is not surprising that social media networking is the number one online activity of people in the United States. Students in this course will study the history and theory of social media. They will also put into practice specific marketing, community building, and institutional support activities that take place through social media channels. This course is for students who wish to obtain analytic and practice-based skills for careers in media, Web-based companies, and publicity in any form. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or FYE 112. 3 credits.

DCOM 485
MPR 315 Vale

(2 semesters)
MPR 325 Music Entrepreneurship

Many musicians and engineers will run their own businesses, whether as independent contractors, private instructors, and so on. This requires an understanding of taxes, cash flow, marketing, 1099s, LLCs, and other aspects. We'll examine industry trends, business models, marketing strategies, and intellectual property while learning how to build a personal brand, navigate digital platforms, and explore opportunites. 3 credits.

MPR 400 Internship

(3 credits)

Immersive Media for Audio:
DCOM 335 Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is an emergent technology disrupting markets and patterns of behavior. Students will learn the fundamentals of AR and how to design and build augmented and mixed reality experiences using a variety of tools. Students will research applying traditional design principles and AR best practices to solve novel problems. 3 credits.

DCOM 337 Emerging Media Interfaces

In this hands-on course, students will move beyond traditional 2D graphical user interfaces to explore the functional design of interfaces such as voice-operated systems, computer vision, gesture-based interactions, touchless and touch-based kiosks, and 3D/VR environments. Students will learn to identify the capabilities and limitations of emerging media, design effectively for emergent technologies and adapt to the evolving landscape of human-computer interaction. 3 credits.

IXD 153 Electronics for Designers

MPR 311 Spatial Audio

MPR 313 Systems Design and Integration

MPR 314 Advanced Systems Integration

MPR 400 Internship

(3 credits)
MPR 411 Audio Capstone Project