Master of Arts (M.A.) – Music History
The student's bachelor's degree program must include at least 18 semester hours in music theory and 6 semester hours in music history. Any deficiencies must be made up in the first year.
An original research paper on any musical topic is required as part of the application. The paper should demonstrate facility with scholarly sources, the ability to formulate an original argument, and solid writing skills.
All entering graduate students in the Master of Arts degree program must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination. These placement exams are administered by faculty in the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition and are always offered in-person on the Saturday before a given term starts.
| Program of Study |
Semester Hours |
| Two Musicology Period Courses |
6 |
| Research Methodology MUS 731 |
3 |
| Analytical Techniques I, II MUS 711, MUS 712 |
6 |
| Two Seminars MUS 720 (at three credits each) |
6 |
| Music Elective |
3 |
| Research Guidance (for thesis) MUS 696 |
6* |
| Musicology Colloquium MUS 599 |
0 |
| Comprehensive Examination (MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) (see below) |
0 |
| Thesis (see below) |
|
| Foreign language requirement (see below) |
|
| Total: |
30 |
*Upon deposit of the written thesis, 6 semester credit hours will be posted to the student's academic record and will be counted toward the total number of semester credit hours required for the master's degree program.
Graduation Requirements
A thesis on some subject in the field of music history is required for completion of the degree. The candidate must pass one modern foreign language examination, typically German or French, or pass a reading course in that language. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination (MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) in the major field is an additional requirement. The student may schedule the comprehensive examination following the advisor's written approval. For more specific information about language requirements, thesis and comprehensive examinations, the candidate is referred to the section Master's and Licentiate Degrees found in the general section of these Graduate Announcements.