Degree Offered
- Master of Arts
Nature of the Program
The Master of Arts in Music Theory is intended for performers and music educators who desire advanced training in the analysis of Western art music and preparation for teaching music theory in either a high school or college setting. This degree can also prepare students for doctoral work in either academic or applied areas, depending upon the electives chosen.
Admissions for 2025-2026
Applicants for the MA in Music Theory must submit a sample of writing, such as a term paper; a music theory paper is strongly recommended. The paper may be uploaded as part of the WVU Graduate Application or may be sent directly to the School of Music. Admission to the program requires demonstrated proficiency on piano (the student should be able to perform a Bach chorale), and demonstrated knowledge of 16th and 18th Century Counterpoint (MUSC 461 and MUSC 462 will be required as deficiency courses in the MA program if not taken at the undergraduate level.)
Applicants to the program must present the necessary credentials to evaluate previous training and experience to the School of Music. These include transcripts from all institutions previously attended showing a grade point average of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate studies submitted through the WVU Office of Admissions.
Major Code: 3733
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. | ||
| MUSC 771 | Music Research and Bibliography | 3 |
| MUSC 763 | Analytical Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 764 | Compositional Techniques in Contemporary Music | 3 |
| MUSC 762 | Pedagogy of Theory | 3 |
| MUSC 690 | Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Theory Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Music History | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Topics in Popular Music | ||
| Topics in the Study of Western Art Music | ||
| Topics in the History of Jazz | ||
| Topics in Music of Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| Topics in Musics of the Americas | ||
| Topics in Musics of East Asia | ||
| Electives - With advisor approval, select from all courses in musicology, composition, or performance that are 400-level or higher. | 7 | |
| MUSC 697 | Research | 4 |
| Ensemble (one semester) | 1 | |
| Comprehensive Oral Examination | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Perspectives of Musicology and Ethnomusicology | ||
| Keyboard Literature | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Major Learning Outcomes
Music Theory
Students who earn the Master of Arts in Music Theory will be able to:
- Analyze works from all periods of music using advanced techniques and communicate clearly about them in both written and oral formats.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in one or more fields of music outside the major such as history and literature, composition, musicology and ethnomusicology, and performance
- Design and implement an undergraduate music theory class and demonstrate instructional delivery and management skills.