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Music Theory - M.A.

Deepen your understanding of music theory, music analysis and the historical and cultural context of music with the M.A. degree in Music Theory. You'll develop analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills, preparing you for a range of career opportunities.

Applications to the M.A. in Music Theory are not being accepted at this time.

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School of Music
www.kent.edu/music

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Master of Arts in Music Theory - M.A.

The Master of Arts in Music Theory provides targeted education in music theory. Students develop their ability to compose and use technology in a variety of musical styles. This program offers career benefits for students looking to specialize in education, composition and more.

Program Information for Music Theory - M.A.

Admissions for Music Theory - M.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the M.A. in Music Theory are not being accepted at this time.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Academic paper written in English
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods, and communicate results in written and oral formats.
  2. Demonstrate and apply functional aural, written and keyboard skills.
  3. Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
  4. Communicate knowledge of music theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
MUS 58251PEDAGOGY OF MUSIC THEORY 2
MUS 62411MUSIC BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH METHODS 2
Advisor-Approved Music (MUS) Elective 3
Advisor-Approved Music Ensemble2
Music Theory Electives, choose from the following: 19
MUS 51141
16TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT
MUS 51151
18TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT
MUS 61121
HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY
MUS 61131
SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS
MUS 61173
WORLD MUSIC ANALYSIS
MUS 61174
ANALYSIS OF WESTERN ART MUSIC
MUS 61181
POST-TONAL THEORY
MUS 61191
SEMINAR IN MUSIC SINCE 1900
Music History Electives, choose from the following:6
MUS 52131
MUSIC OF THE UNITED STATES
MUS 52161
HISTORY OF JAZZ
MUS 52181
POPULAR WORLD MUSIC
MUS 62171
MUSIC FROM WORLD CULTURES
MUS 62281
SEMINAR IN MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Culminating Requirement
MUS 68199THESIS I 26
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Selection of music theory course is based on students' result from the theory placement exam. In the case of the exam results placing a student into MUS 51011 and/or MUS 51012, these courses will not count towards the M.A. degree and must be taken in addition to the music theory requirements.

2

All students writing a thesis must pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and the student’s major area of study. The final oral examination may be attempted two times.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Applications to the M.A. in Music Theory are not being accepted at this time.

Accreditation for Music Theory - M.A.

National Association of Schools of Music

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Music Theory - M.A.

Those who complete the Master of Arts in Music Theory at Kent State University can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the music industry.

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Music directors and composers

1.7%

slower than the average

58,000

number of jobs

$52,250

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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