The School of Music offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) with specialty areas or emphases in theory.
Admission Requirements
The applicant for the master’s degree is expected to have earned an appropriate undergraduate degree.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of The Graduate School as well as those of the School of Music. For those applying for Music Theory entrance exams and an interview are required as part of the application process. Students should contact the Division Coordinator or Director of Graduate Studies to schedule exams and an interview. Admission for all degrees is conditional upon passing the entrance exams or passing any required review classes with a grade of A or B before accumulating 12 credit hours.
Degree Requirements
Students who have not passed the entrance exams in music history and/or music theory will be required to take review classes in those areas during the first 12 hours of study.
- Theory (including a minimum of one course from MUS 670 , MUS 671 , MUS 672 or MUS 676 ) (9-12)
- Music History and Literature (6-9)
- Research Methods (MUS 618 ) (3)
- Directed Electives (0-6)
- Thesis (6)
Total (30)
Additional Requirements for Master of Arts Degree
Foreign Language Requirement: The Master of Arts degree requires a reading knowledge of one foreign language, preferably French or German. Language classes must be passed with a letter grade of B or above.
Thesis Requirement: The Master of Arts degree requires a thesis (Plan A: see general requirements). A final comprehensive examination is required for each program.
At least fifty percent of all course credits must be at the 600 level or above.