MA Music Theory at West Virginia University

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: College of Creative Arts and Media | Duration: 33 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Morgantown, WV, United States

What you will study

Required coursework includes Music Research and Bibliography, Analytical Techniques, Compositional Techniques in Contemporary Music, Pedagogy of Theory, Teaching Practicum. Programme/major requirements total 33 credit hours.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are made through the WVU online graduate application with a $75 application fee (waivers for WVU and WVU Medicine employees, active military and veterans, AmeriCorps and Peace Corps members); minimum cumulative GPA 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission, and some programmes require higher. International graduate applicants also pay the non-refundable $75 fee.

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