Graduate Curriculum

University Graduate Requirements

The following are general degree requirements for all graduate students in music:

It may be possible to transfer graduate credit from another accredited institution towards a master's degree program at UNI. Students wanting to transfer credits into their degree program should consult the Graduate Coordinator immediately. The following must be submitted when requesting transfer of credits into a degree program:

The decision to accept courses completed at another institution towards a UNI degree rests with the Graduate Coordinator, the Graduate College, the Office of the Registrar, and the appropriate faculty members.

Generally, a maximum of 8 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another institution toward a graduate degree in music at UNI. Please see the Graudate Coordinator and/or contact the Office of the Registrar with questions regarding graduate transfer credits. 

Credits earned at another institution will not satisfy the 6xxx-level course requirement.

After completing nine (9) hours, if cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, the student will be placed on probation. The student will be reviewed for suspension if a further eight (8) hours are completed under probation with a GPA of less than 3.0. Following the completion of eighteen (18) hours at a GPA less than 3.0, the student will be suspended. Students with eighteen (18) hours accumulated and GPA below 3.0 will receive automatic academic suspension, denying them further study toward their degree for a minimum of one calendar year.

The School of Music adheres to the policies and procedures concerning academic and non-academic suspensions as detailed in the Graduate Policies and Procedures and the University Catalog.The policies for grade point averages, probation, and suspension as designated by the Graduate College and published in the University Bulletin-Catalog are followed by the School of Music.

Grades are evaluated as follows:

A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33*
C = 2.00*
C- = 1.67*
D+ = 1.33**
D = 1.00**
D- = 0.67**
F = 0.00**
 

*The grade B- or above is required for all courses in the Graduate Music Core as well as all core courses in the specific degree plans. Exceptions to this policy may be reviewed by the student’s Advisor, the Graduate Coordinator in Music and the Director of the School of Music.

**Courses in which these grades are earned will not count toward minimum degree requirements.

  1. A minimum of between thirty (30) and thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate credit (5xxx or 6xxx level courses) for completion of degree program, depending upon major emphasis.
  2. Of those hours, a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours of 6xxx level credits (15 if on Thesis/Recital plan) must be earned. For a more detailed statement, see the University Catalog-Bulletin.
  3. At least twenty (20) semester hours must be earned at the University of Northern Iowa.
    • Syllabus from the class (to the Graduate Coordinator in Music)
    • Official transcripts sent directly to the Registrar from the the credit-granting institution
    • Application for transfer credit (form available from Office of the Registrar)
  4. A final written document is required of all graduate students.
    • Students on the Master of Arts or Master of Music in Music Education degree programs may elect either a non-thesis or thesis plan. Under the non-thesis plan, the student must submit two copies (with signed approval pages) of a Research Paper to the School of Music prior to graduation. Under the theses plan, students must submit all required documentation to the Graduate College.
    • Students in the Master of Music in Performance, Composition, or Conducting program must submit a Recital Abstract with all required documentation to the Graduate College. Conducting students must also submit a Conducting Document to the School of Music.
  5. All students must complete the 12 hour Graduate Music Core.
  6. All students must complete Departmental Comprehensive Exams in Music History and Analytical Techniques I and II. Students may also be required to complete written and/or oral comprehensive exams in specialization area (see Academic Catalog for degree-specific requirements).
  7. All graduate students who register for applied music lessons must take faculty juried examinations at the close of the semester. Those students in the Master of Music Performance program should be enrolled for 6xxx level credit (2-4 hours) and must earn a grade of B or better in each juried examination.
  8. All courses must be completed within 7 years of graduation. University Graduate College policy stipulates a seven-(7) year time limit on courses that count toward minimum degree requirements. Students who are pursuing degree requirements primarily during summer sessions are urged to take special note of this university policy.
  9. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be maintained at all times.
    1. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
    2. Students falling below the 3.0 minimum after earning 9-17 hours will be placed on probation.
    3. Students with eighteen (18) hours accumulated and GPA below 3.0 will receive automatic academic suspension, denying them further study toward their degree for a minimum of one calendar year.
    4. Additional regulations may be found in the latest issue of the University Catalog.
School of Music