by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Jazz Studies covers Jazz/jazz Studies. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Study And Master The Performance And Composition Of Jazz. Includes Instruction In The History Of Jazz And Related Musical Styles Such As The Blues, Jazz Composition And Theory, Improvisation, Jazz Instrument And Ensemble Performance, And Related Topics. Read on to learn the important information every jazz studies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering jazz studies programs.
Nationwide, jazz studies is a widely-pursued major, with 523 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Jazz Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 60 schools to determine the best overall colleges for jazz studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of jazz studies programs later in this article.
Coursework for Jazz Studies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations jazz studies graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a jazz studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a jazz studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several jazz studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 347 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 164 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 12 |
People currently working in careers related to jazz studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 49.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 30.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 14.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.5% |
| Some college courses | 0.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in jazz studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying jazz studies can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to jazz studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to jazz studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,074,154 | 9.1% |
| Musicians and Singers | 44,568 | 7.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of jazz studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $29,248 |
| 4 years | $35,586 |
| 5 years | $40,828 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for jazz studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers jazz studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $96,571 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,983 |
With 60 different jazz studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased jazz studies school rankings to help you.
Students interested in jazz studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Music, General | 10,690 |
| Music Performance, General | 7,193 |
| Music Technology | 1,938 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 1,336 |
| Music, Other | 1,141 |
| Voice and Opera | 668 |
| Stringed Instruments | 589 |
| Keyboard Instruments | 534 |
| Music Pedagogy | 385 |
| Conducting | 180 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
