Master of Arts

This program is offered through the Graduate School - New Brunswick. Designed for students with the equivalent of an undergraduate major in music, with at least four semesters of music history and four semesters of music theory, the M.A. program offers two options: music history and composition. Requirements for the degree include a minimum of 30 credits of course work and a reading knowledge of one foreign language (German, French, Italian, or Latin), to be demonstrated by the second year. For students in music history, courses include a variety of seminars in historical research, theory, and analysis. Students in composition take four semesters of private composition study in addition to required and elective courses. Student composers also participate in the Composer Forum, a regular meeting of students, faculty, and performers, which provides a setting for readings and discussion of the students' work.

In the last semester of residency, candidates in music history prepare a master's essay that demonstrates the application of scholarly research skills; the corresponding requirement for composition students consists of an original work of substantial size for chamber ensemble. All students must pass a written comprehensive examination.