Master's Programs: General Structure
The minimum requirement for a master's degree is 30 credits (some degrees may require more), excluding required credit hours in prerequisite or review courses and major ensemble. All master's degrees include studies in a major field, a music history and literature curriculum common to all majors, and a secondary concentration called an outside area or 6 credits of general electives.
General list of requirements common to most master's degrees
Review Courses and Proficiency Requirements
- Graduate Entrance Exam (Music History & Literature and Music Theory proficiencies)
- Keyboard proficiency
- Performance proficiency (only non-performance majors)
- Language proficiency (only students in voice, historical performance voice, choral conducting, collaborative piano, and musicology)
Major field, music history & literature requirement, outside area
- Major Field 18-21 credits. Varies with major and/or degree. Some majors have a tool subject requirement.
- Music History & Literature Requirement 6 credit hours in music history and literature (from a specific list).
- Other Required Credits 6 credits of either general electives (called ORC general electives) or in a concentrated field (called an Outside Area).
Ensemble, recital(s), comprehensive exam
- Ensemble Requirements vary depending on department.
- Recital Requirements Requirements vary depending on department.
- Comprehensive Exam Requirements vary depending on department.
Sample Schedule
NOTE: The schedule below is only a sample. Master's students come to degree programs with varied backgrounds and experience, and it is impossible to construct a "one-size-fits-all" curriculum. For general comments on the Master's curricula and the principles on which this sample is based, see the Requirements section above.
The schedule below is for an violin major with an outside area in music theory who has passed all entrance proficiency exams except sight singing (MUS-T 509) and music history (MUS-M 501).
YEAR 1, FALL SEMESTER
| Course | Cr. | Course Title or Exam | Requirement |
| S910 | 4 | Violin Graduate Major | major field |
| E503 | 2 | Violin/Viola Pedagogy I | major field |
| M501 | 3 | Proseminar in Music History | proficiency |
| I711 | 0 | Master's Recital | major field |
| X040 | 2 | Instrumental Ensembles | ensemble |
| ---- | - | keyboard proficiency exam | proficiency |
YEAR 1, SPRING SEMESTER
| Course | Cr. | Course Title or Exam | Requirement |
| S910 | 3 | Violin Graduate Major | major field |
| M656 | 3 | Modern Music | music history |
| T591 | 3 | Teaching of Music Theory | outside area (ORC) |
| X040 | 2 | Instrumental Ensembles | ensemble |
YEAR 2, FALL SEMESTER
| Course | Cr. | Course Title or Exam | Requirement |
| S910 | 3 | Violin Graduate Major | major field |
| M528 | 3 | Chamber Music Literature | music history |
| E503 | 2 | Violin/Viola Pedagogy I | major field |
| F550 | 1 | Chamber Music Coaching | major field |
| X040 | 2 | Instrumental Ensembles | ensemble |
YEAR 2, SPRING SEMESTER
| Course | Cr. | Course Title or Exam | Requirement |
| S910 | 4 | Violin Graduate Major | major field |
| T551 | 3 | Analytical Techniques for Tonal Music | outside area (ORC) |
| T509 | 1 | Sight Singing Review | proficiency |
| F550 | 1 | Chamber Music Coaching | major field |
| X040 | 2 | University Instrumental Ensembles | ensemble |
| ---- | - | complete application for graduation within first two weeks of the semester | graduation |
| ---- | - | schedule comprehensive exam with department | major field |