Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Theory and Composition (Theory) program, leading to a Bachelor of Music (BMUS) degree, is designed for students who wish to explore the science behind how people perceive and understand music. This program provides opportunities for students to develop fluency with the theoretical foundations of musical analysis and to cultivate their curiosity about how music works.

Program Description

Students pursuing the BMUS in Theory and Composition choose a concentration in either theory or composition. The theory concentration focuses on the analysis of form, melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre across diverse styles of music. Through coursework, students learn techniques to analyze musical structures and develop research skills to generate new insights about musical experience.

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 Theory and Composition (Theory) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of music theory and its applications. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and curriculum archives for more information.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) 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.
  • First-year
  • Transfer
  • International
  • Readmission
• 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 an audition.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
  • Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.

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.
• Resident credit hours: 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 audition 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.
• Conduct scholarly research on topics in music theory resulting in scholarly papers and/or presentations.

Global Opportunities

Students may deepen their understanding of music theory through ASU's study abroad experiences. They gain an enhanced understanding of how music affects culture and how they can communicate globally through music.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find work in many fields, such as arts administration, media production, music technology, music business, publishing, and marketing. Graduates are prepared to work in various professional capacities, including:

• Arranging and composing
• Music research and data analysis
• Performing in ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions
• Teaching in a private studio or community program
• Teaching music theory

Example job titles and salaries:

• Art Professor: $80,190
• Music Producer: $63,670
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners: $45,320
• Musician/Singer: Not available