The master of arts degree is offered with specializations in Music Education and Musicology. A student whose background exhibits deficiencies in academic areas of music may be required to complete additional prerequisite courses during the MA.

MA in Music Education. This program is for those with an undergraduate degree in Music Education who wish to pursue further academic study as a means to develop professionally. The culminating project is the completion of a thesis. Coursework combines the study of philosophical, research-based, and theoretical views of teaching and learning music with pragmatic approaches to improving music instruction. Efforts are made to plan a program of study based on individual students' needs and interests while maintaining standards of musical and scholarly excellence. Available for full-time or summers-only study.

MA in Musicology. This program prepares students to be teachers and scholars who will promote musical understanding and appreciation for the arts. Students are expected to add to the body of historical and analytical publication that has increased understanding of the history, practice, sociology, and aesthetics of the cultural heritage of Western (and to a lesser degree non-Western) music. This effort should also increase awareness of cultural and historical diversity represented in concert programs and recordings.

Requirements for Specialization—Music Education

• Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in music or equivalent.
• Credit hours (32): minimum 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Music 699R).
• Required courses: Music 501, 672, 673, 674, 675, 698A, 699R; and one appropriate research course outside of music (as approved by advisor).
  
  • Choral Emphasis:  Music 533R;
  • Instrumental Emphasis:  Music 595.
• Electives: 9 hours from graduate courses in one or more fields of music outside the major.
• Thesis.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) final oral exam and defense of thesis.

Requirements for Specialization—Musicology. 

• Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in music or equivalent.
• Credit hours (32): minimum 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Music 699R).
• Required courses: Music 500, 699R.
• Any four courses (12 hours) from 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606.
• Any three courses (9 hours) from Music 483, 503, 581, 583, 595, 596, 683.
• Electives: 3 hours in music or other departments.
• Thesis.
• Examinations: (A) department language proficiency examination, normally in French or German; (B) comprehensive written examination; (C) final oral exam and defense of thesis.