WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC MASTERS PROGRAMS
Creativity and originality are both encouraged and nurtured.
Ranked in the top 25 accredited university programs in the nation, the Music Department at Cal State Northridge is known for superior teaching provided by over 75 distinguished faculty and professional musicians. Currently, there are almost 500 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in music.
CSUN's music programs have been recognized internationally for the excellent preparation of students in a variety of careers in classical and commercial music. Located with 20-30 minutes from the center of the film, television, and recording industry, the Music Department at Cal State Northridge offers outstanding studying and performing opportunities in connection with the leading educational institutions and cultural venues of the Los Angeles area.
OVERVIEW / DEGREES OFFERED
The Graduate Music Program at CSUN is accentuated by its amazing professors who give individual attention to each student; everyone is encouraged and challenged to find his or her musical voice.
The Department of Music offers two graduate degrees:
- MASTER OF ARTS in Music Education
- MASTER OF MUSIC in Composition, Conducting (choral or instrumental), or Performance (guitar, organ, percussion, piano, strings, winds, voice).
For those students anticipating study beyond the master's level, the Master of Arts normally leads to the Ph. D. or Ed. D. degrees, and the Master of Music normally leads to the D.M.A. degree. Graduate study may include intensive work in the performance area, continuing development of knowledge in music history and music analysis, philosophical and pedagogical training, and opportunities for electives and independent study in various areas of interest.
REQUIREMENTS
Our Masters programs are a minimum of 30 graduate units, with a minimum of 15 graduate units of core study for all graduate music students, and a minimum of 15 graduate units in the area of study.
Music Core (15 units)
- Music 601 -- Techniques of Research and Bibliography in Music (3 units)
- Music 603 -- Seminar in Musicology (3 + 3 Units - each student must complete two of these 3-unit courses)
A: Seminar in Renaissance Music
B: Seminar in Baroque Music
C: Seminar in Classic Music
D: Seminar in Romantic Music
E: Seminar in 20th Century - Music Music 604 -- Seminar in Musical Analysis (3 units)
- Music 698 -- Thesis, Artistic Performance, or Graduate Project (3 units)
Content and structure for Music 698 is determined by the degree option of the candidate, the area coordinator, and the graduate committee.
Area of Specialization (15 units)
- Chosen in consultation with the area advisor. Each Area of Specialization has specific entrance and completion requirements. Please refer to the AREAS pages for more detailed information and contacts.