Overview

The Music - Music Theory M.M. programme at the University of South Carolina offers students a creative and intellectually stimulating environment to pursue advanced musical research. This degree focuses on developing a deep understanding of musical structures while honing the technical skills necessary for professional scholarship. Candidates work closely with expert faculty mentors to explore diverse interests ranging from historical analysis to modern digital music production.

Why Music - Music Theory at the University of South Carolina?

The School of Music has maintained prestigious accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music since 1969, ensuring a high standard of education. Students benefit from the Spark: Music Leadership initiative, which fosters personal exploration and professional skill development within a supportive community. The programme also features frequent visits from guest theorists, composers, and musicologists, providing unique networking and learning opportunities. Additionally, the curriculum integrates digital technology, allowing students to create and produce music using modern tools.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to attain master's-level knowledge of music history and compositional styles from antiquity to the modern era. A central component of the programme is the completion of a thesis based on original research. Modules may include:

Counterpoint
Form and Analysis
Post-tonal Theory
Analysis and Performance
Music History
Compositional Styles
Research Methods

Careers with Music - Music Theory

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the music industry and academia. The programme develops essential skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and professional writing, which are highly valued in research and educational settings. Potential career outcomes for those completing this degree include:

Musicologist
Composer
Researcher
Music Educator

These roles are typically found within higher education institutions, research organisations, and creative arts agencies where advanced theoretical knowledge and cultural awareness are required.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Bibliography and Research
Music Theory
Thesis
Advanced Music Research

Music History
Instruments

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-05-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Liberal Arts View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Audition
Official Transcripts
Official Test Score (GRE or MAT)
TOEFL/IELTS Score (international students)
3 Letters of Recommendation
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Writing Sample(s)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music - Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners