MA Music
Degree Requirements
The program is designed with two plans. Plan A culminates in a thesis on a topic in music theory and/or music history and literature; music electives are chosen to support the thesis topic. Plan B culminates in either a recital, a composition, or a project paper. The recital and composition options also require a written document.
- Minimum of 30 credits for Plan A, 32 for Plan B.
- Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or who have taken courses before admission to the graduate program should refer to the Residence and Transfer of Credit section for further information.
- 3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree. A grade of C+ or less is not acceptable for any course on the student's "course plan" submitted for completion of the program.
- Written comprehensive examination.
- Thesis (Plan A) or Recital, Composition, or Project (Plan B).
- Oral examination.
A minimum of 2 credits of Performance Study or Composition at the 600 level is required in order to present a recital. One month prior to the recital, a hearing for the graduate committee will be held to make a recommendation concerning the proposed recital.
Detailed information on these requirements and department policies and procedures may be obtained from the Music Graduate Program Coordinator. Further information on degree requirements may be found in General Degree Requirements.
M.A. Degree in Music—Plan A (30 credits)
(Culminates in a Thesis)
Requirements (16 Credits)
In addition to the courses listed below, students must earn four credits in Performance Study or Composition at the 500 or 600 level. Students must earn at least four credits in MUS 699.
MUS 630 Research in Music (2)
MUS 640 Directed Study in Music History (2)
MUS 645 Seminar in Music of the 20th Century (2)
MUS 674 Directed Study in Music Theory (2)
MUS 699 Thesis in Music (1-4)
The program requires a minimum of 13 credits at the 600 or 700 level (exclusive of MUS 699). The program also requires a minimum of 15 credits completed at MSUM in offerings by MSUM faculty.
Restricted Electives (10 Credits)
Students must earn two credits in performance ensembles and eight credits in Music electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.
Electives (4 Credits)
Students must earn four credits in electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.
M.A. Degree in Music—Plan B, Option 1 (32 credits)
(Culminates in Composition or Project and a related written document)
Requirements (14 Credits)
In addition to the courses listed below, students must earn four credits in Performance Study or Composition at the 500 or 600 level. Students must earn at least two credits in MUS 697.
MUS 630 Research in Music (2)
MUS 640 Directed Study in Music History (2)
MUS 645 Seminar in Music of the 20th Century (2)
MUS 674 Directed Study in Music Theory (2)
MUS 697 Individual Study (1-2)
The program requires a minimum of 15 credits at the 600 or 700 level (exclusive of MUS 697). The program also requires a minimum of 16 credits completed at MSUM in offerings by MSUM faculty.
Restricted Electives (12 Credits)
Students must choose one of the following courses:
MUS 641 Seminar in Music of the Renaissance (2)
MUS 642 Seminar in Music of the Baroque (2)
MUS 643 Seminar in Music of the Classical Era (2)
MUS 644 Seminar in Music of the Romantic Era (2)
Students must also earn two credits in performance ensembles and eight credits in Music electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.
Electives (6 Credits)
Students must earn six credits in electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.
M.A. Degree in Music—Plan B, Option 2 (32 credits)
(Culminates in a Recital and related written document)
Requirements (16 Credits)
In addition to the courses listed below, students must earn six credits in Performance Study or Composition at the 500 or 600 level, with a minimum of two credits at the 600 level. Students must earn at least one credit in MUS 697.
MUS 630 Research in Music (2)
MUS 640 Directed Study in Music History (2)
MUS 645 Seminar in Music of the 20th Century (2)
MUS 650 Graduate Recital (1)
MUS 674 Directed Study in Music Theory (2)
MUS 697 Individual Study (1-2)
The program requires a minimum of 15 credits at the 600 or 700 level (exclusive of MUS 697). The program also requires a minimum of 16 credits completed at MSUM in offerings by MSUM faculty.
Restricted Electives (10 Credits)
Students must also earn two credits in performance ensembles and eight credits in Music electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.
Electives (6 Credits)
Students must earn six credits in electives chosen in close consultation with a faculty advisor.