Master of Arts in Music 24 months Postgraduate Program By Washington State University |Top Universities
Program Duration

24 monthsProgram duration

Main Subject Area

Performing ArtsMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Study Level

Masters

The music program in the School of Music offers the degree of Master of Arts in music, which may be earned through study in areas of music education, composition, music history and literature, conducting, and performance studies. Four emphases are available: 1. Music education: Provides advanced studies for experienced or prospective teachers. 2. Performance: Selected by students wishing to teach at the college level or enter professions such as music performance and conducting. 3. Composition: Prepares students to enter professions in music such as composition and arranging. 4. Jazz emphasis: Focuses on one or more aspects of jazz, including performance, composition, arranging, pedagogy, or history, in preparation for careers in jazz. The degree may also be completed without an emphasis. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, designed according to the goals of the student. Composition-emphasis students must complete the thesis option. Requirements for the Master of Arts in Music degree include at least 30 credit hours of approved graduate work. Fourteen of these hours constitute a required core; in addition, 4 credits of MUS 700 or MUS 702 are required. The remaining 12 hours are electives. Core curriculum requirements for all graduate students include MUS 560 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Music; two graduate courses in music theory, fulfilled by taking MUS 550 Seminar in Analysis and MUS 553 Seminar in Music Theory, or by taking two semesters of MUS 550; two graduate music history courses, fulfilled by taking MUS 561 Seminar in Literature of 20th Century Music and MUS 566 Seminar in Music History, or by taking two semesters of MUS 566; and 4 credits of performance (lessons and/or ensembles). Performance emphasis (includes conducting) requires Graduate Recital MUS 522. The structure and design of the master's program normally require 2 years (4 semesters) of study. The thesis option requires completion of an approved thesis (MUS 700) for credit, while the non-thesis option requires completion of an approved project or special problem (MUS 702) for credit. Graduate students may complete portions of their degree programs during summer sessions. All degree options culminate in a final oral examination during which time candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to integrate and interpret material in the major field with emphasis on the work presented in the thesis, the project, or the special problem.

Program overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Study Level

Masters

The music program in the School of Music offers the degree of Master of Arts in music, which may be earned through study in areas of music education, composition, music history and literature, conducting, and performance studies. Four emphases are available: 1. Music education: Provides advanced studies for experienced or prospective teachers. 2. Performance: Selected by students wishing to teach at the college level or enter professions such as music performance and conducting. 3. Composition: Prepares students to enter professions in music such as composition and arranging. 4. Jazz emphasis: Focuses on one or more aspects of jazz, including performance, composition, arranging, pedagogy, or history, in preparation for careers in jazz. The degree may also be completed without an emphasis. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, designed according to the goals of the student. Composition-emphasis students must complete the thesis option. Requirements for the Master of Arts in Music degree include at least 30 credit hours of approved graduate work. Fourteen of these hours constitute a required core; in addition, 4 credits of MUS 700 or MUS 702 are required. The remaining 12 hours are electives. Core curriculum requirements for all graduate students include MUS 560 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Music; two graduate courses in music theory, fulfilled by taking MUS 550 Seminar in Analysis and MUS 553 Seminar in Music Theory, or by taking two semesters of MUS 550; two graduate music history courses, fulfilled by taking MUS 561 Seminar in Literature of 20th Century Music and MUS 566 Seminar in Music History, or by taking two semesters of MUS 566; and 4 credits of performance (lessons and/or ensembles). Performance emphasis (includes conducting) requires Graduate Recital MUS 522. The structure and design of the master's program normally require 2 years (4 semesters) of study. The thesis option requires completion of an approved thesis (MUS 700) for credit, while the non-thesis option requires completion of an approved project or special problem (MUS 702) for credit. Graduate students may complete portions of their degree programs during summer sessions. All degree options culminate in a final oral examination during which time candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to integrate and interpret material in the major field with emphasis on the work presented in the thesis, the project, or the special problem.

Admission requirements

7+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
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Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

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