Master of Music in Music Theory or Composition Degree Programs

The Master of Music (M.M.) degrees in theory or composition require a minimum of 30 credits and are designed to further the student’s knowledge and in-depth exploration of music theory or composition at the post-baccalaureate level.

Graduate Admission to the School of Music

Application procedures and program requirements can change. Please visit the School of Music Admissions webpage for current information.

Graduate programs in the School of Music are open to students with acceptable baccalaureate degrees, as specified by the admitting areas, whose academic records indicate that they can do successful work at the graduate level. Regular admission requires a bachelor's degree and a grade-point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), from KU or from another regionally accredited institution or foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor's degree requirements.

Programs of study leading to the Master of Music (M.M.), Master of Music Education (M.M.E.), Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are offered through the School of Music. Specific admission procedures and degree requirements for the M.M. and M.M.E. programs are described under division headings. Specific admission procedures and degree requirements for the D.M.A., Ph.D. (musicology/music theory), and Ph.D. (music education/music therapy) are listed in the appropriate sections.

Program Areas

Graduate study in the School of Music is organized into program areas within 2 departments:

• Music includes programs in composition, conducting, musicology, music theory, and areas of performance.
• Music Education and Music Therapy (MEMT) includes programs in music education or music therapy.

At least a 3.0 grade-point average, overall and in the major area, is required for all coursework counted toward any graduate degree in the School of Music. If the overall grade-point average falls below 3.0, the student is placed on probation for one semester; if the cumulative average is not 3.0 or higher after the next semester, the student is dismissed from the program. Students must also achieve at least a grade of B or better in thesis, lecture-recital, document or dissertation, and on each recital for satisfactory completion of degree requirements.

M.M. in Music Theory or Composition Degree Requirements

Final Oral Exam

Master's degree students must schedule and pass a final oral exam. The student's 3-member Graduate Advisory Committee consists of the student's major professor, one member from the student's major division and one musicology or music theory professor. This committee administers the final oral exam.

Programs of study are as follows:

Music Theory (minimum of 30 credits)

Composition (minimum of 30 credits)

Composition/Jazz Emphasis (minimum of 30 credits)

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The master’s thesis in composition shall consist of either a 20-minute work for large ensemble or a 30-minute chamber work, either of which may include electronic media. All thesis proposals must be approved by the MTHC faculty before the student begins work on the thesis.