Program Overview

The Associate of Arts Degree in Music for Transfer prepares students to demonstrate transfer-level proficiency in solo and ensemble performance skills as well as music theory and musicianship skills for a seamless transfer into a baccalaureate degree program as a music major. This degree is recommended for students pursuing careers in music and music-related fields. Completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the serious study of music in practice and in theory, and provide comprehensive preparation for upper-division work.

Students completing an AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a Skyline College counselor for further information about university admissions and transfer requirements. A grade of "C" or better, or "Pass" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, is required for each course applied to the major. Some major course requirements may also be applied to meet general education requirements.

To earn an AA-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:

    1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU transferable units;
    2. Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework;
    3. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. Students should consult with their counselor before enrolling in a major course on a Pass/No Pass basis, as some CSU and UC campuses may have limitations on which major courses can be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
    4. Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern.
    5. A minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence at Skyline College.

Note: Students do not need to complete the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements. For further information, please consult a Skyline College counselor.

Program Requirements

The Skyline College Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate music degree programs at a CSU. This degree provides students with the lower division coursework to transfer to a B.A. or B.M. in music.
Required Core Courses: (16 units) Units
MUS. 105 Music Theory I 3 units
MUS. 106 Music Theory II 3 units
MUS. 107 Music Theory III 3 units
MUS. 111 Musicianship I 1 unit
MUS. 112 Musicianship II 1 unit
MUS. 113 Musicianship III 1 unit
MUS. 501 Studio Lessons I (Applied Music I) 1 unit
MUS. 502 Studio Lessons II (Applied Music II) 1 unit
MUS. 503 Studio Lessons III (Applied Music III) 1 unit
MUS. 504 Studio Lessons IV (Applied Music IV) 1 unit
Select four units from the following: Units
MUS. 383.1 Guitar Ensemble I 1 unit
MUS. 383.2 Guitar Ensemble II 1 unit
MUS. 383.3 Guitar Ensemble III 1 unit
MUS. 383.4 Guitar Ensemble IV 1 unit
MUS. 410.1 Vocal Ensemble for the Musical Theater Production I 1 unit
MUS. 410.2 Vocal Ensemble for the Musical Theater Production II 1 unit
MUS. 410.3 Vocal Ensemble for the Musical Theater Production III 1 unit
MUS. 410.4 Vocal Ensemble for the Musical Theater Production IV 1 unit
MUS. 420.1 Orchestra for the Musical Theater Production I 1 unit
MUS. 420.2 Orchestra for the Musical Theater Production II 1 unit
MUS. 420.3 Orchestra for the Musical Theater Production III 1 unit
MUS. 420.4 Orchestra for the Musical Theater Production IV 1 unit
MUS. 430.1 Concert Band I 1 unit
MUS. 430.2 Concert Band II 1 unit
MUS. 430.3 Concert Band III 1 unit
MUS. 430.4 Concert Band IV 1 unit
MUS. 450.1 Jazz Band I 1 unit
MUS. 450.2 Jazz Band II 1 unit
MUS. 450.3 Jazz Band III 1 unit
MUS. 450.4 Jazz Band IV 1 unit
MUS. 456.1 Latin Music Ensemble I 1 unit
MUS. 456.2 Latin Music Ensemble II 1 unit
MUS. 456.3 Latin Music Ensemble III 1 unit
MUS. 456.4 Latin Music Ensemble IV 1 unit
MUS. 470.1 Concert Choir I 1 unit
MUS. 470.2 Concert Choir II 1 unit
MUS. 470.3 Concert Choir III 1 unit
MUS. 470.4 Concert Choir IV 1 unit
MUS. 485.1 Vocal Jazz Ensemble I 1 unit
MUS. 485.2 Vocal Jazz Ensemble II 1 unit
MUS. 485.3 Vocal Jazz Ensemble III 1 unit
MUS. 485.4 Vocal Jazz Ensemble IV 1 unit
List A - Select four units from the following: (4 units) Units
MUS. 108 Music Theory IV 3 units
MUS. 114 Musicianship IV 1 unit
Total Required Major Units: 24

*MUS. 100, or an equivalent, should be completed the summer prior to the start of the student's first semester of college.

Students who have the equivalent basic music reading skills that are taught in MUS. 100 may enroll directly into MUS. 105/111 by passing a brief Prerequisite Challenge Quiz. Please contact the Music Department before the beginning of the semester in which you would like to enroll, to schedule the prerequisites challenge.

NOTE: Most university Music departments require basic piano proficiency.


General Education - Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

Starting Fall 2025, the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) became the singular general education pathway for California Community College students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for transfer to both the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC).

No major units may be double-counted to apply to meet general education requirements. This degree does not require the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements.

Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum requirement of 60 CSU transferable units.

Please refer to Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.