Degree Options
The Master of Music degree program encompasses ten fields with specializations in some fields as follows:
Collaborative Piano
Composition
Conducting
- Choral Conducting
- Orchestral Conducting
Ethnomusicology
Jazz Studies
- Music Education
- Comprehensive Music Education
- Choral Music Education
- Instrumental Music Education
- Music Education Teaching Artistry (100% online)
Music History
Performance
- Instrumental Performance
- Instrumental Specialist Piano
- Piano
- Voice
Piano Pedagogy
Vocal Pedagogy
Each degree program is constructed to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the major field, a broad exposure to other aspects of the art, and research/creative experience in the area of specialization.
Each program requires between 30 and 38 semester hours, depending on the field and area of specialization. Students entering without deficiencies can complete the program in two years; any deficiencies may prolong the program. Most of these hours are specified as core requirements appropriate to the student’s emphasis and will vary depending on the major field. Most specializations require at least 11 additional hours (35%) devoted to studies in music outside of the major. This requirement may be fulfilled by a combination of academic courses, applied study, and ensemble participation. The remaining hours (21%) constitute a two or three-course sequence in research/creative activity. Research Techniques (MuCT 6020), required in some programs, provides the student with a knowledge of music bibliography and research strategies. Directed Research (MuCT/MuEd 6900) is concerned with research tools appropriate to the major and with the development of a research proposal. Contemporary Music Literature and Styles (MuCT 6700) is a survey of music written since 1945, for students in the Master of Music in Composition degree. Directed Research (MusP 6900) focuses on a knowledge of music bibliography, research strategies, and professional development for the performer. The final project (thesis, final composition, or recital/portfolio – MuCT/ MuEd /MusP 6990; MuCT/MusP 6980) represents the culmination of the degree, in which the student demonstrates the ability to plan and carry out independent scholarly and/or creative activity.
For specific information regarding qualifying/comprehensive examinations and culminating project requirements, please see the CMA Master's Final Project Handbook. [provide link when in HTML format]
Dual Specializations, Duel Degree's, Second Master's
Options and Limitations for Completing Two Master’s Degree Programs
Graduate students who wish to pursue two fields of study have three options at the master’s degree level: dual specialization, dual master’s degrees, and second master’s degree. Depending on the two areas chosen, there are limitations to which options students can pursue:
The dual specialization option requires that both specializations fall under the same program, i.e., the same “program code.” In the College of Musical Arts, specializations are grouped in the following way:
- Conducting: Orchestral Conducting, Choral Conducting
- Music Education: Choral, Instrumental, Comprehensive
- Music Performance: Instrumental Performance, Instrumental Specialist, Jazz Studies, Piano Performance, Voice Performance
- Pedagogy: Piano Pedagogy, Vocal Pedagogy
Therefore, a student could pursue a dual specialization in Piano Performance and Jazz Studies, for example, but not in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy because these specializations fall under two different programs.
(Note that the following programs are not eligible for dual specialization: Collaborative Piano, Ethnomusicology, Music Composition, and Music History.)
On the other hand, dual and second master’s degrees must not fall under the same program (i.e., it is not possible to complete dual degrees in Piano Performance and Jazz Studies) and only 9 credit hours can be shared between them.
Students interested in any of these options should contact the CMA Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies as soon as possible to make a degree plan. All applications for the dual specialization, dual degrees, and second master’s must be reviewed and approved by the BGSU Graduate College. Students should note that it often takes more than four semesters to complete the dual and second master’s options.
Select the following links for the Graduate College policy.
Updated: 10/01/2025 02:11PM