Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Music in Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition is a 124-credit academic degree offered by the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. This program cultivates creativity, refines personal expression, and studies music's viability in the 20th century societal context.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Composition develops musical thought in all media, including electroacoustic music and visual music. The program fosters innovation, collaboration, and trains students to advance their craft and expressive effect. Students immerse themselves in contemporary practices, theories, and techniques through the study of postromantic music literature.

Faculty and Mentoring

The Department of Music Studies provides essential learning experiences for music students. The small student body enables close mentoring relationships to form with the composition faculty, who are internationally performed composers.

Curriculum and Requirements

The Bachelor of Music in Composition degree curriculum includes courses in:

• Secondary Piano Students must complete Temple's General Studies curriculum and take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. In culmination, students create a portfolio of musical compositions demonstrating notational fluency and talent in composing convincing and intelligible music.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related graduate degrees offered by the university include:

• Choral Conducting MM
• Jazz Studies MM
• Music MA
• Music MS
• Music PhD
• Music Composition MM
• Music Education MM
• Music Education PhD
• Music History MM
• Music Technology MS
• Performance MM

Related Graduate Certificates

The university also offers a Professional Studies Certificate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition costs are:

• Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
• Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

Academic Advising

The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with five staff members. Advisors help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. Student organizations include:

• ConTemplum
• Music Technology & Business Society of Temple University
• Temple University Theory and Musicology Society (THEMUS)

Study Away Programs

Temple's study away programs offer all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester, or summer abroad in host countries including Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain.

Accreditation

The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the:

• American Music Therapy Association
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of Schools of Dance
• Pennsylvania Department of Education

Additional Program Information

The Boyer College of Music and Dance provides a comprehensive education in music composition, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and artistic expression.