Music (M.A.): Theory (Thesis) (45 credits)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.A. in Music; Theory explores how specific pieces of music are put together and how this may be generalized to relate to the way other pieces of music are composed, including music theory, various analytical models and the critical issues that define the discipline. The thesis can be submitted in one of two formats: in-depth monograph-style thesis, or a research-paper-based thesis. Students who prefer to write an in-depth monograph-style thesis will take MUGS 684 Master's Thesis Research 2. as a complementary course. Students who prefer to write a research-paper-based thesis will take two more seminars.
Depending on their background, students admitted to the M.A. Music; Theory may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the Masterʼs 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.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 683 | Master's Thesis Research 1. | 3 |
Master's Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. | ||
| MUGS 685 | Master's Thesis Research 3. | 9 |
Master's Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. | ||
| MUGS 686 | Master's Thesis Research 4. | 12 |
Master's Thesis Research 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. | ||
Complementary Courses (21 credits)
9 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. | ||
0-6 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 684 | Master's Thesis Research 2. | 6 |
Master's Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. | ||
0-9 credits at the 600 level or higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.