Music (M.A.): Theory (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
**This program is currently not offered.**
The M.A. in Music; Non-Thesis - Theory is a course-based program that focuses on disciplinary knowledge and critical issues. Guidance provided by leading scholars whose internationally acclaimed research covers a broad spectrum of topics central to the theory discipline.
Students admitted to the M.A. in Music; Non-Thesis - Theory who have undergraduate degrees other than the B.Mus.; Major in Theory from McGill University, may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the Master’s program.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 614 | Reading Course 1. | 3 |
Reading Course 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent study of an approved topic or topics under the guidance of a supervisor. Topics will be chosen to suit individual needs and interests. The extent of reading, synthesis, and reporting will be agreed upon by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the course. | ||
| MUGS 615 | Reading Course 2. | 3 |
Reading Course 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent study of an approved topic or topics under the guidance of a supervisor. Topics will be chosen to suit individual needs and interests. The extent of reading, synthesis, and reporting will be agreed upon by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the course. | ||
Research Project
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 635 | Research Paper 1. | 9 |
Research Paper 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The writing of the first research paper. | ||
| MUGS 636 | Research Paper 2. | 9 |
Research Paper 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The writing of the second research paper. | ||
Complementary Courses (21 credits)
12 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUTH 652 | Seminar in Music Theory 1. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUTH 653 | Seminar in Music Theory 2. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUTH 654 | Seminar in Music Theory 3. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUTH 655 | Seminar in Music Theory 4. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUTH 656 | Seminar in Music Theory 5. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 5. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUTH 657 | Seminar in Music Theory 6. | 3 |
Seminar in Music Theory 6. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. | ||
3-6 credits will be from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUTH 658 | History of Music Theory 1. | 3 |
History of Music Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in the history of music theory from Greek antiquity to 1700 through readings of primary and secondary literature. | ||
| MUTH 659 | History of Music Theory 2. | 3 |
History of Music Theory 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in the history of music theory from 1700 to the present through readings of primary and secondary literature. | ||
3-6 credits of seminars, at the 600 level and higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.