Master of Arts Degree Program

Master of Arts Degree Program

Major in Music 

Students wishing to take a course for graduate credit in the School of Music, or wishing to pursue a degree program in this department, must consult with the Associate Director of the School of Music for Graduate Studies prior to registration for any course. Detailed information concerning requirements and procedures will be provided, and specified evidence of previous accomplishments will be reviewed.

The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.

The M.A. Major in Music involves a course of study comprising a minimum of specialization in an applied area and a maximum of curricular flexibility. (Master of Music majors are listed immediately following the M.A. in Music.)

An applicant for a graduate degree program in the School of Music should possess the baccalaureate degree in music or a demonstrated equivalent. The student should have attained a high degree of proficiency in one or more of the following areas: performance, theory-composition, music education, or music history. Applicants must audition in person in their applied specialization (an audio recording would be accepted if the in-person audition would pose undue hardship).

A prospective major must take a written diagnostic examination in the areas of theory, music history, and expository writing skills. This examination normally is taken immediately prior to initial registration as a graduate student. If necessary, a student will take courses to make up any deficiency; such courses will not count toward degree requirements.

Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Arts (M.A.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master’s program and the specific major requirements.

Students interested in this program must submit a completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study and should refer to their MyUNIverse Student Center To-Do list or contact the School of Music for other application requirements.  Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at www.grad.uni.edu/admission.

Program Requirements

Only graduate courses (course numbers 5000 or above) will apply to a graduate degree, even if the undergraduate course number (4999 or less) is listed. No exceptions will be made.

This major is available on the thesis and non-thesis options, and requires a minimum of 30 semester hours. Students selecting the non-thesis option will write a research paper. A minimum of 15 hours of 200/6000-level course work is required for the thesis option, including 6 hours of ____ 6299 (5xx:299) Research. A minimum of 12 hours of 200/6000-level course work is required for the non-thesis option, including 3 hours of  ____:6299 (299) Research [course prefix for 6299 Research: MUSIC, MUS ED, MUS HIST, MUS LIT, MUS TECH, MUS THEO].

Successful completion of a final comprehensive written examination is required for both thesis and non-thesis options. This examination normally will take place after the candidate has completed the course work required for the degree. The grade B- or above is required for all courses in the Graduate Music Core. Under extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this policy must be approved by the instructor of record, the Associate Director for Graduate Studies and the Director of the School of Music. For discussion of credit for applied music under the M.A. degree, see course descriptions Music, Applied. For more information visit www.uni.edu/music.