This program, for students who possess both exceptional performance abilities and aspirations, demands an intense commitment to both music practice and academics.

The Jazz Studies Program is unique among college programs, offering an emphasis on small-group playing and a genuine commitment to the jazz tradition. One of the nation's five longest-running jazz degree programs, its faculty are all top New York professionals. Students currently come to the Jazz Program from 23 US states and six foreign countries.

The music education program is designed to provide future music educators with a solid basis for professional success as a teacher through courses in performance, theory, music history, music education, education, and liberal studies. 

Billboard Magazine, the top trade magazine for the music industry, has listed William Paterson University in New Jersey as having one of the top Music Business programs in the country.

The William Paterson University Sound Engineering Arts program offers students the essential combination of the technical, theoretical, practical and musical areas of the audio arts.

The Bachelor of Music in [Classical] Performance with Emphasis in Jazz Studies and the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with an Emphasis in [Classical] Performance provide a rare opportunity for students who are exceptionally talented as both classical and jazz performers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music learning about all areas of the music world: performance, business, education and technology while interacting with students and professionals in those respective areas. Students in this program are eligible to audition for and participate in Vocal Area ensembles.

The Bachelor of Arts with popular music emphasis examines contemporary popular music from a global perspective and through the study of social media and songwriting. Students who have completed this program will have an in-depth and working knowledge of the music and entertainment industry, the role of social media in this industry, a global perspective of popular music, and the basics of songwriting and arranging. Students in this program are eligible to audition for and participate in Vocal Area ensembles.