NCCU offers study leading to the bachelor of music and master of music in Jazz Studies. Our stellar faculty includes Dr. Ira Wiggins (Director, saxophone), Branford Marsalis (Artist-in-Residence, saxophone), Joey Calderazzo (Artist-in-Residence, piano), Brian Horton (saxophone), Arnold George (saxophone/vocal), Lenora Helm (vocal), Albert Strong (trumpet), Robert Trowers (trombone), Ed Paolantonio (piano), Baron Tymas (guitar), Damon Brown (bass) and Thomas Taylor (percussion).  In addition to our faculty, some of the worlds greatest talents perform here with our students and their own groups.  Just within the last year, artists such as Steve Wilson, Bobby Broom, Christian McBride, Nnenna Freelon and Jimmy Heath have graced our campus with performances and workshops.  It is no surprise,  then, that scores of  recent alumni have been honored with IAJE all-star band spots, Kennedy Center Jazz Ahead Fellowship awards and touring spots with major artists.  It is also no surprise that the NCCU Jazz Ensemble was the only student ensemble to play at the 2009 Newport Jazz Festival.  

Complete a minimum of 128 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 or higher for ALL music courses. The last 30 hours must be completed at NCCU.