You are here

Master of Music in Composition

Two Year Degree (45-27)

The following guide serves as a typical program of study (assuming no remedial work is necessary) upon which the Supervisory Committee develops each graduate student's particular program of study. It is the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee to assure an appropriate program of study for each student. It is within the Committee's purview to require additional courses that are not listed below, to substitute particular courses for others listed below, and to tailor the program to the needs of the student in anyway that it deems educationally mandated. The student needs to be certain that he/she is working directly with the Committee, and choosing courses that reflect the Committee's suggestions and requirements, at all times. For entrance requirements, please see our website: (http://music.washington.edu/advising). A minimum of 45 credits is required for the degree (at least 30 of these credits must be taken at the University of Washington). The distribution of credits is given below.

Major Area: 27  
Enroll in Graduate Composition each quarter until thesis:  
  • MUSIC 591 (3 credits ea.)
18
Prepare a Thesis Composition approved by the supervisory committee and pass a comprehensive review:  
  • MUSIC 700, Master’s Thesis, 9 credits required
9
 Other Studies: 18  
Complete coursework appropriate to the degree:  
  • Music Theory: At least 12 credits of 400- or 500-level theory* and computer music courses
12
  • Music Electives: 6 credits from Music History or Ethnomusicology courses at the 400- or 500-level
6
Complete MUSAP 235 (2 credits), or pass a piano proficiency exam at the equivalent level  

Total Credits: 45

  • Pass a graduate foreign language competency examination in German, French, or Italian
  • Master’s examination:
    • Thesis: Students must write a thesis composition approved by a supervisory committee and pass a comprehensive oral examination plus a thesis defense. The thesis must be formatted according to the Graduate School Style & Policy Manual.

Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Only grades of 2.7 and above may be counted toward fulfilling graduate requirements. Complete all requirements for the master's degree within six years of entering the program. All graduate students must be familiar with the content of The University of Washington General Catalog Graduate Degree Policies. A student must satisfy the requirements for the degree that are in force at the time the degree is to be awarded.

*MUSIC 400, 401, 402, 403, 410, 470, 471, 472, 487, 490, 526, 527, 528, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577

Rev. 1/1/03

Share