Graduate Certificate in Music Theory

Certificate Overview

The primary clientele for the music theory certificate consists of graduate music majors pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in performance, conducting, or composition and wishing to secure a secondary credential in music theory. Collegiate job postings in music often list music theory as a secondary area of expertise. A student who can demonstrate this expertise officially through a graduate certificate is likely to have a competitive advantage.

To add the Master’s degree in Music Theory to an existing graduate degree generally adds two to three semesters to students’ programs of study—a rich and deep experience to be sure, but more of a commitment than some students want to make. The graduate certificate in music theory provides a less intensive opportunity to doctoral students in performance, composition, and conducting, which they could complete within the same timeframe as their original degree. It is a less intensive version of the same experience as the Master’s degree in Music Theory. Consisting of just 15 credits, approximately half of what is required for the Master’s in Music Theory, it permits the acquisition of subject expertise in music theory, albeit at less depth.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the graduate certificate in music theory addresses the same competencies as the Master’s degree in music theory, but in less depth: (1) research courses, (2) pedagogy courses, (3) analysis courses, and (4) musicianship skills courses.

View the complete requirements for the certificate here.

Funding

In general, graduate assistantships and fellowship monies are reserved for those students pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Theory, and are not available to students in the graduate certificate program. Learn more.