GRADUATE DEGREES

Master of Arts in Musicology

Program Goals
The master of arts in Musicology emphasizes the development of a broad knowledge of music of all periods and at the same time cultivates one or more areas of specialization.  Students in the program are expected to continue development of theoretical skills as essential tools of musicological research.  The program culminates in the writing of a thesis in an area of specialization.
 
Program Description
This program requires a minimum of 32 credits of course work including a six-credit thesis. At least 18 credits must be at the 500 or 600 level, and a minimum of 20 credits must be taken at University Park. A reading examination in German or another language appropriate to the student's thesis research, as determined by the student's thesis adviser, must be passed before thesis credit may be scheduled. Knowledge of the history and theory of Western art music must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of competency examinations or completion of specified remedial courses in addition to the curricular requirements listed here.  An oral examination focusing on the student's thesis research area and course work must be passed near the completion of the program. 

The 32-credit requirement is as follows:  
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials		 2 credits
Musicology seminar  3
Integrative Seminar in 
Music Theory and History		 3
Thesis  6
*Music history   6-9
**Music theory   3-6
***Cognate area   6

*Selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750), Music 463W (1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-present).

**Selected from: Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Special Topics in 20th-Century Theory), Music 531 (Analytical Techniques), Music 532 (Schenkerian Analysis).

***The Musicology M.A. requires that students take 6 credits in an area outside of music (known as a “cognate area”).  These courses are selected in consultation with the student’s academic adviser, and should preferably be related to the student’s particular musicological interest and thesis topic.


Unsatisfactory performance on the competency examinations in music history and theory taken at the beginning of the program may result in the necessity of additional course work.

Admission Requirements
A candidate applying for admission to the masters program in Musicology should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music with at least a 2.8 junior-senior grade-point average. A typical bachelor’s degree in music includes the following: 

a. 12-16 credits in music theory and analysis
b. 6-9 credits in music history
c. 12-16 credits of a foreign language, preferably German

A candidate who is deficient in any area may be considered for admission, but must be prepared to make up the deficiency, without credit toward the degree, during the first year of graduate study and before thesis credit may be scheduled.

Admission Procedures
The admission process begins with completion of the on-line graduate admission application (the new web address is http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/) and payment of the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. Information about the graduate application fee can be found at http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html.

Applications without fees cannot be processed. All other application materials including official transcripts, GRE General Test score (for admission to Master of Arts degrees in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History), and TOEFL score (international applicants only) must be sent to the School of Music.

The following items should be sent to the School of Music:
 
1. Two letters of recommendation;
2. Evidence of scholarship and writing skills (research paper or thesis on a musical topic);
3. A written statement outlining your long-range professional goals and how you believe graduate study in the School of Music will help you attain these goals;
4. GRE scores (General Test)

Arrangements may be made for a visit to the University Park campus and for interviews with appropriate faculty members. This is especially important when applying for an assistantship. These arrangements should be made with a faculty member representing the major area. They should be scheduled as early as possible in the semester preceding the semester for which admission is desired.


In summary, the following items MUST be received before an application can be reviewed:

□ Completed online Graduate School Application and paid application fee
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/

□ Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended*
(Transcript Request Form is available at web address below)
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/

□ Two letters of recommendation (we do not have a recommendation form; the recommenders should use school or personal stationery.)

□ Research paper on musical topic

□ Statement of goals

□ GRE scores: General Test

□ TOEFL score - official form (international applicants only)

□ Application for VISA Document and Financial Certification forms with financial guarantee information (international applicants only) (forms available online at
http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/pdf/VisaApp.pdf)

*An official transcript is an official listing from a university of all courses taken, including grades earned for each course.  The transcript must also list the title of the degree and the date the degree was conferred, if the student has already graduated.  If the transcripts do not list this information, then the original diploma must be included with the transcripts.  International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English.  Notarized copies of the official transcripts are not sufficient.

Direct all inquiries and send materials to:

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
233 MUSIC BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-865-1052
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu