Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition is a comprehensive program designed to foster students' creative potential in music composition. Students can choose a concentration in either theory or composition, with the composition concentration focusing on developing techniques for writing music in various genres and media.

Program Description

The program provides extensive faculty interaction and professional development, allowing students to broaden their skills in compositional techniques from a wide range of styles and traditions. Students have multiple performance opportunities each year, including readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles, year-long residencies with the ASU Wind Bands and the Philharmonia Orchestra, commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival, and collaborations with student performers and student animators, filmmakers, and dancers.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics or any math course that meets the MATH designation
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition can be viewed in the 2025-2026 curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Additional requirements: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on a composition interview.
• Application deadlines:
  • Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 1.
  • Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is December 1.

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants: Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum and to departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards.
• Transfer admission requirements: Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone's situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

An ASU student who would like to change majors to this program should reference the interview requirements listed in the Admission Requirements section above.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program's learning outcomes include the following:

• Analyze key creative and artistic processes from at least two musical styles and historical periods.
• Critique specific musical products within the context of a specific historic or cultural tradition.
• Apply theoretical understanding of musical techniques to composing music in varied styles.

Global Opportunities

Music transcends language and cultural boundaries, and students deepen their understanding of composition through study abroad experiences. Students gain an enhanced understanding of how music affects culture and how they can communicate globally through their compositions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:

• Arranging
• Composing
• Performing in community and professional ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions
• Serving as an artist-in-residence in school programs
• Teaching in a private studio and community program
• Teaching theory and composition
• Working in music-related fields such as media production, music business, publishing, and marketing

Program Details

• Program name: Theory and Composition (Composition), BMUS
• Program code: FAMUSTCBM
• Keywords: Brass, Composer, Fine Arts, Horn, Keyboard, Musician, Orchestration, Percussion, Performance, Strings, Woodwind, composing, conducting, music, voice