Master of Arts in Music

The Master of Arts in Music in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance is specifically tailored to prepare graduate students for doctoral programs in music disciplines such as composition, music history and music theory, as well as teaching careers in higher education. The Music MA is also ideal for students who perform professionally and who wish to pursue secondary careers teaching in colleges or universities. This 30-credit graduate program comprises a blend of coursework in music history, music theory and research, and electives in areas including applied music, dance, music education or musical theater, depending on your areas of interest.

Music MA students broaden their experience in music studies and develop problem-solving expertise in a field of practice. You will take coursework with other Boyer College of Music and Dance graduate students, giving you a richer, more interdisciplinary graduate experience and opportunities to exchange ideas with students in other degree programs.

In their final academic year, students are required to

  • complete a final music history or theory paper or final composition (all of which are suitable for doctoral degree program applications);
  • pass a foreign language proficiency examination;
  • perform a piano proficiency examination; and
  • take a comprehensive exit examination based on their individual curriculum.
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Choosing between the MA and MS

The Master of Arts in Music is designed for students who plan to enter a doctoral program in music disciplines (composition, history and theory), those who wish to pursue teaching in higher education, or professional performers interested in teaching as a secondary area of interest. Students can earn the Music MA degree on a full- or part-time basis over two to four years.

Master of Science in Music students broaden their knowledge of applied music through a blend of research and practice at the graduate level. This full-time degree program connects research to creative work and problem-solving in a field of practice through core courses that investigate music analysis and performance.

Classes & Curriculum

Music MA students will complete 15 credits of core required courses in music history, theory and research, as well as 15 credits of electives in music, dance, music studies, music education or musical theater.

Required and elective courses include

  • Analytical Techniques,
  • Current Topics in Musicology,
  • Final Project,
  • Music in History,
  • Music Technology and
  • Seminar in Jazz History.

Students also complete an additional 15 credits in graduate music elective courses. Learn more about the program’s required courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

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Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,239.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,652.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Our Advisors

BC-MUSC-MA

Additional Program Information

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