Nov 24, 2024  
2022/2023 University Catalog 
    
2022/2023 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Music Theory, M.A.


(SIMS Code: 665341)

Admission to Master of Arts Degree in Music

In addition to the general admission requirements, special admission requirements for the M.A. in ethnomusicology, if student has an undergraduate music degree, include: (a) submit a research paper; (b) prepare an audition on an instrument or voice in western or non-western music; (c) complete an interview; and (d) complete the qualifying (placement) examination in music history. If a potential graduate student in ethnomusicology has an undergraduate degree in anthropology or related humanistic discipline, the student must complete the equivalent of MUSIC 205A  and MUSIC 205B , in addition to the requirements listed above.

Special admission requirements for the M.A. in musicology include: (a) the one-page statement of personal goals must describe how the student has been involved in music, why the student is interested in pursuing a graduate degree in musicology, and what research topics interest the student; (b) the two letters of reference should be from individuals who are in a position to comment on the student’s potential to succeed in graduate work; (c) a 10 to12-page paper on any topic of music history that reflects exceptional skills in critical thinking, to include references to appropriate literature, and demonstrates competence in spelling, grammar, organization, and citation format; and (d) interview.

Specific Requirements

Admission currently suspended for the Master of Arts Degree in Music.

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must complete a 30-unit graduate program with at least 18 units in 600- and 700-numbered courses and the following core: MUSIC 612  or MUSIC 613 ; MUSIC 652 , or MUSIC 654 , and MUSIC 690 .

Students may choose either Plan A or Plan B. Students in Plan A are required to enroll in MUSIC 799A , Thesis or Project, and to pass a final oral comprehensive examination on the thesis. Students in Plan B are required to enroll in MUSIC 766 , Graduate Lecture Recital. A written document is required of all students electing Plan B and students are required to pass a final oral comprehensive examination on the document. Musicology students are also required to complete a written comprehensive examination.

Master of Arts candidates in ethnomusicology and musicology must have a reading ability in an approved language other than English.

In addition to the requirements stated above, students must complete requirements in the selected specialization.

Advancement to Candidacy


All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , and must have removed any deficiencies identified in the qualifying (placement) examinations by the end of the first semester.

Music Theory


For Further Details


Refer to Graduate Music Student Handbook for further details.