Music
Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T) Music · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The OCC AA-T Music Degree will offer students a more specific route to transfer that guarantees their admission to a CSU campus. Completion of this degree option will also grant students priority admission as a music major to our local CSU campuses, Fullerton and Long. All major course requirements are aligned with the Transfer Model Curriculum for Music. They are also all transferable to the California State University as well as to most other universities. Courses are designed to prepare students for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in Music at universities both inside and outside the CSU, giving students further options as needed.
The mission and goals of the Music department fully support the overall mission and goals of the College. Our curriculum is student and community centered with a commitment to developing skills, challenging the intellect, and strengthening character as we prepare students for transfer and workplace development. The faculty and staff are dedicated to providing a quality education, to promoting creativity, innovation and academic excellence within a safe and supportive environment.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in the technical skills of music performance by presenting public performances of music compositions.
- Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique music techniques, style, and aesthetic strategies.
- Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements
The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
- Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPA. Consult with a counselor for more information.
- Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
- Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
- A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MUS A180 | Theory 1 | 3 |
| MUS A181 | Musicianship 1 | 1 |
| MUS A185 | Theory 2 | 3 |
| MUS A186 | Musicianship 2 | 1 |
| MUS A280 | Theory 3 | 3 |
| MUS A281 | Musicianship 3 | 1 |
| MUS A290 | Applied Music 1 | 2 |
| Large Ensemble Elective Courses | 4-6 | |
| Complete four semesters of one-unit courses of the following: | ||
| MUS A120 | College Choir | |
| MUS A122 | Chamber Singers | |
| MUS A127 | Jazz Lab Ensemble | |
| MUS A129 | Guitar Ensemble | |
| MUS A132 | Wind Ensemble | |
| MUS A133 | Orchestra | |
| MUS A150 | Intermediate Band/Orchestra | |
| MUS A230 | Jazz Improvisation | |
| MUS A233 | Symphonic Chamber Orchestra | |
| MUS A234 | Studio Jazz Ensemble | |
| List A: Select 3-4 Units | 3-4 | |
| MUS A285 | Theory 4 | |
| MUS A286 | Musicianship 4 | |
| Total Major Units | 21-24 | |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) 34 Units | 31 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy 60 unit requirement | 8.0 - 5.0 | |
| Total Degree Units | 60 | |
- MUS A290 Applied Music is 0.5 unit course, which must be taken each semester for a total of two (2) units.
- MUS A180 may be double-counted towards GE units. (34 - 3 = 31 remaining Cal-GETC units)
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MUS A180 | Theory 1 |
| MUS A181 | Musicianship 1 |
| MUS A290 | Applied Music |
| ADT Ensemble Course (See Requirements) | 1 |
| HIST A170or HIST A170Hor HIST A175or HIST A175H | History of the United States to 1877 1or History of the United States to 1877 Honorsor United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MUS A185 |
| MUS A186 |
| MUS A290 |
| ADT Ensemble Course (See Requirements) |
| POLS C1000 (POLS A180)or POLS C1000H (POLS A180H) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Summer |
|---|
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 3 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MUS A280 |
| MUS A281 |
| MUS A290 |
| ADT Ensemble Course (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C - CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A no lab - CHOOSE ONE 4 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MUS A290 |
| ADT LIST A COURSE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| ADT Ensemble Course (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B with lab - CHOOSE ONE 4 |
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 3 |
- American Institutions Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement; or choose one course from Cal-GETC Area 3B or 4
- American Institutions Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement; or choose one course from Cal-GETC Area 4
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS. Not all courses are UC transferable. Please check with your counselor to ensure you have enough transferable units for your transfer goal.
- Lab can be taken with 5A or 5B