Master of Arts in Theory

Click for M.A. Degree Course Checklist for the Theory Area.

The MA in music theory requires a minimum of 32 post-baccalaureate semester hours, of which at least 24 must be earned at The University of Iowa.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following items to the Office of Admissions:

• Application for Graduate Admissions—Items A-C
• Application for Graduate Admissions—Items G-J (signed and dated)
• $60 nonrefundable application processing fee (must accompany your application)
• Official academic records documenting a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (4.0).
• Official TOEFL score report, if applicable

For more information, visit the Graduate College Web site.

Applicants must submit the following items to the School of Music Academic Office:

• Application for Graduate Admissions—Items A-C
• Application for Graduate Admission—Items D-F (including your Statement of Purpose—Item E on a separate sheet)
• Official academic records
• Three letters of recommendation
• If applicable, Application for Graduate Awards
• Two papers demonstrating theoretical training, analytical skills, and focused critical interpretation

Students applying for fall semester admission should submit a complete application by January 15. Late applications will be considered only if openings remain. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact members of the theory faculty with questions about the program, to discuss the applicant’s interests and prior training, or to arrange meetings and observe classes during a campus visit.

Financial aid for graduate students in theory typically takes the form of a 25% teaching assistantship that involves working ten hours per week in freshman or sophomore theory classes, which meet daily. The duties include grading papers, attending theory lectures, and teaching aural skills and sight-singing to a section of ten to fifteen students twice a week. TAs are automatically eligible for in-state tuition. Non-native speakers of English must be certified for teaching assistantship duties by passing an on-campus English speaking and comprehension test.

A. Language Requirements

The student must demonstrate the ability to read pertinent scholarly literature in French or German. (Based on research needs, the student may petition the theory faculty to substitute another language.) This requirement must be fulfilled before the student takes the MA final examination, preferably during the first year of residency. This requirement can be met in one of the following ways:

1. Completion with a passing grade on the final examination of two semesters of a graduate-level reading course approved by the theory faculty.
2. Two years of course work in French or German while enrolled as a graduate student.
3. Written examination administered by the theory faculty. The exam will consist of a short article in the designated language, about which the student will answer a series of questions and of which she or he will translate a short excerpt.

B. Musicianship Examination

The student must demonstrate basic keyboard sight-reading and sight-singing competence. Musicianship examinations are offered once a semester. The student may take the examination as many times as necessary to pass.

Alternatively, the student may fulfill the keyboard requirement by (1) passing 025:153 Keyboard Harmony with a grade of B or better, or (2) passing the final examination for 025:153 by arrangement with the organ faculty.

C. MA Final Examination

In the fourth semester of study, the student must pass a written final examination evaluating mastery of the following subjects:

• Analysis of tonal and post-tonal music
• Theoretical concepts and methodology
• Music history and literature

The examination will be evaluated by a committee of two members of the theory faculty and one member from another area in the School.

The student must pass the musicianship examination and satisfy the language requirements before taking the MA Final Examination.

D. MA Thesis

The student must submit a thesis that demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the concepts and methodology of music theory and presents original thinking in some recognized field of the discipline.

After passing the final examination, the student shall choose a thesis topic in consultation with a tenured or tenure-track member of the music theory faculty who will serve as supervisor for the thesis. The student must submit a formal proposal including a summary of the proposed research, a review of pertinent literature, an outline, and a bibliography. The student and supervisor shall choose a committee of three faculty members, ordinarily including two from theory and one from another area in the School. The student and the student’s advisor shall complete and submit the Application for Approval of M.A. Thesis Committee & Topic: Academic Areas, together with the thesis proposal to the Area Head for Composition and Music Theory. Once approved by the student’s committee and endorsed by the Area Head, the thesis proposal and application shall be forwarded to the Associate Director for Graduate Studies.

When the student and advisor agree that the thesis is satisfactorily complete, the student shall make a public oral defense of the document before the committee. The defense must be held at least thirty days before the date for the first deposit of the thesis at the Graduate College in the term during which the student wishes to graduate.

Last updated 18-sep-07