Music Theory

Programs of study are designed in consultation with the Music Theory department chair and may include requirements in addition to those stated below.

Degree Requirements: Catalog Year 24-25 and Prior

Studio

MTHY 500	Studio Music Theory	3-4
Total Credit Hours:		14

The first two semesters of studio are 3 credits each; the second two semesters are 4 credits each.

Music Theory

As of Fall 2025, the THYG prefix is no longer used. Students will take courses with prefix MTHY and a course number of 500 or above. All courses with code MTHY 5xx are 3-credit courses as of Fall 2025. Students should consult with their advisors to discuss appropriate plans for fulfillment of their degree requirements. 

Analysis

THYG 553	Schenkerian Analysis & Performance: Introduction	2
Total Credit Hours:		2

Compositional Techniques

	Or
THYG 513T/THYU 413T	Invention in the Style of Bach	2
	Or
THYG 514T/THYU 414T	Fugue in the Style of Bach	2
	Or
THYG 517T/THYU 417T	Microtonal Practice	2
	Or
THYG 519T/THYU 419T	The Music of Xenakis & Ligeti	2
	Or
THYG 575	Music Since 1945	2
	Or
CMP 518T	Composition for Non-Majors	2
Total Credit Hours:		2

Students must earn a minimum of 2 credits from any of the courses in this category.

Music Theory Electives

THYG xxx	Music Theory Electives	10
Total Credit Hours:		10

Elective courses in Music Theory must include at least 1 course on each:

• Counterpoint
• Tonal Practice & Style
• 20th and/or 21st century Practice & Style

Musicology

MHST 5xx	Any MHST course with a 500-level course number	2
	Or
MHST 6xx	Any MHST course with a 600-level course number	2
Total Credit Hours:		4

All courses with code MHST 5xx or MHST 6xx are 3-credit courses as of Fall 2025. Students should consult with their advisors to discuss appropriate plans for fulfillment of their degree requirements. 

Electives

Total Credit Hours:

8

Thesis and Portfolio

THYG 694	Analytical Thesis	0
	Or
THYG 695	Compositional Thesis	2
	Or
THYG 696	Analytical Thesis II	2
Total Credit Hours:		2

Total Credit Hours: 42

 Additional Requirements

1. Analytical Thesis (MTHY 694); a Compositional Thesis (MTHY 695) OR second Analytical Thesis (MTHY 696); and a portfolio of other work completed, presented in the last semester of study
2. Recital may be required, by advisement of department

Degree Requirements: Catalog Year 25-26

Studio

MTHY 500	Studio Music Theory	3-4
Total Credit Hours:		14

The first two semesters of studio are 3 credits each; the second two semesters are 4 credits each.

Music Theory

Total Credit Hours:

15

 

Analysis

MTHY 553	Schenkerian Analysis & Performance: Introduction	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Compositional Techniques

MTHY 513T	Invention in the Style of Bach	3
	Or
MTHY 514T	Fugue in the Style of Bach	3
	Or
MTHY 517T	Microtonal Practice	3
	Or
MTHY 519T	The Music of Xenakis & Ligeti	3
	Or
MTHY 575	Music Since 1945	3
	Or
CMP 518T	Composition for Non-Majors	2
Total Credit Hours:		2-3

Students must earn a minimum of 2 credits from any of the courses in this category.

Music Theory Electives

MTHY 5xx	Music Theory Electives	9-10
Total Credit Hours:		9-10

Electives in Music Theory (any courses with course number MTHY 5xx) must include at least 1 course on each:

• Counterpoint
• Tonal Practice & Style
• 20th and/or 21st century Practice & Style

Musicology

MHST 5xx	Any MHST course with a 500-level course number	3
	Or
MHST 6xx	Any MHST course with a 600-level course number	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

All courses with code MHST 5xx or MHST 6xx are 3-credit courses as of Fall 2025. Students should consult with their advisors to discuss appropriate plans for fulfillment of their degree requirements. 

Electives

Total Credit Hours:

5

Thesis and Portfolio

MTHY 694	Analytical Thesis	0
	Or
MTHY 695	Compositional Thesis
	Or
MTHY 696	Analytical Thesis II	2
Total Credit Hours:		2

Total Credit Hours: 42

 Additional Requirements

1. Analytical Thesis (MTHY 694); a Compositional Thesis (MTHY 695) OR second Analytical Thesis (MTHY 696); and a portfolio of other work completed, presented in the last semester of study
2. Recital may be required, by advisement of department