GRADUATE DEGREES

Master of Arts in Music Theory and History

Program Goals
The master of arts in Music Theory and History is designed to integrate historical, theoretical, and analytical approaches to musical styles and works. The program features:

· Integrative seminars: special topics courses taught by a musicologist or theorist, interdisciplinary in design.
· Thesis: a thesis, jointly directed by a musicologist and theorist; style-based courses in music history.
· Pedagogy: a pedagogy course in undergraduate theory and history sequences.

The program offers students with the potential for scholarly work an efficient and comprehensive introduction to current modes of research and analysis from both music theoretical and music historical perspectives. As a post-baccalaureate degree, it has the advantage of breadth in helping to prepare the student to teach the two-year courses in the undergraduate theory/history/literature curriculum at small liberal arts colleges and community colleges. For the scholar who plans to continue for doctoral studies, this program has the advantage of depth (integrated seminars and thesis) as well as a broad base of courses required by most doctoral programs. 
 
Program Description
The master of arts in Music Theory and History degree program is a 34-credit degree requiring 28 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis. At least 18 credits must be at the 500 or 600 level, and at least 24 credits must be taken at University Park. A reading examination in German or another appropriate language as determined by the student's thesis advisors 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.  A comprehensive examination covering a list of repertoire and readings in music theory and history is required.

The 32-credit requirement is as follows:  
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials		 2 credits
*Integrative Seminar in Music Theory
and History   		 6
**Theory 6
***History    6
Pedagogy of Undergraduate Theory
And History         		 2
Thesis 6
Electives  6


*Special topics, changing from year to year, one offered each year.

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

***Two courses selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750), Music 463W (1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-Present), Music 572 (Musicology Seminar).

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 should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music or music education 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
d. 4 credits (2 semesters) of keyboard

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.  Applications without fees cannot be processed.  All other application materials including official transcripts, GRE scores, 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