Jazz Studies
About the Program
Advance Your Jazz Performance
Through CSU’s Schwob School of Music, you can deepen your jazz performance and teaching skills by pursuing either the 12-credit-hour Jazz Studies Certificate or the 18-credit-hour Jazz Studies Minor. These programs are designed for music majors who want to expand their abilities in jazz improvisation, theory, history, and ensemble performance—whether or not you had prior jazz experience.
Customize Your Degree
Jazz Studies (Certificate)
- Open to students already accepted into a CSU music degree program.
- No prior jazz experience required.
- No audition or interview required for admission into the certificate program.
Jazz Studies (Minor)
- Open to students already accepted into a CSU music degree program.
- Requires an audition and a successful interview with the Director of Jazz Studies.
- Students must be in good academic standing within the Schwob School of Music.
Just the Facts
Total Credit Hours:
18 (Minor), 12 (Certificate)
Delivery Format:
On Campus
Completion Time:
3-4 semesters
Program Highlights
Your Academic Experience
Jazz Studies Certificate
- Open to All Music Majors – No previous jazz performance experience required.
- Performance-Based Learning – Focus on ensemble playing, jazz styles, and improvisation.
- Introduction to Jazz Pedagogy – Learn instructional strategies for jazz education.
- Flexible Curriculum – Can be completed alongside any music degree.
Jazz Studies Minor
- Audition + Interview Required – Available to accepted music majors after faculty review.
- Jazz Theory and Improvisation I–IV – Sequential skill development across four levels.
- Jazz History and Context – Study historical evolution of jazz through MUSC 3230.
- Multiple Ensemble Experiences – Participate in Jazz Band (3 semesters) and Jazz Workshop (4 semesters).
- Designed for Serious Jazz Musicians – Offers a deeper, long-term commitment to jazz studies.
What Can You Do With This Degree?
Explore job trends, average salaries, and growing opportunities so you can see how your degree connects to meaningful career pathways and the future of your field.
Admission Requirements
Your Pathway to CSU
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
This program has specific admission requirements. These requirements are available in our catalog.
Institutional Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet our institutional admissions requirements to be accepted into Columbus State University.
