M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.M. in Music
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Music program at CUA typically requires between 30 and 36 credit hours, depending on the chosen specialization (e.g., Performance, Composition, Musicology, Music Education, Sacred Music). The program usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. It aims to deepen students' musical understanding and technical proficiency while also fostering critical thinking and scholarly inquiry. Each specialization has distinct requirements, often culminating in a thesis, major recital, comprehensive examination, or a combination thereof. The school prides itself on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where students can refine their artistry under the guidance of distinguished faculty.
Curriculum: The M.M. curriculum is tailored to each specific concentration. For performance majors, coursework focuses on advanced instrumental or vocal techniques, repertoire studies, and performance practice, alongside music history and theory. Composition students delve into advanced harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and diverse compositional techniques, culminating in a portfolio of original works. Musicology students engage in in-depth research methods, historical analysis, and critical theory, often leading to a substantial thesis. Music Education specializations cover advanced pedagogical techniques, research in music education, and curriculum development. Sacred Music programs integrate theological study with performance and composition for liturgical settings. All programs typically include core graduate-level music theory and history courses, ensuring a broad and deep musical foundation.
Research Focus: As an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, CUA encourages scholarly and creative research across all disciplines, including music. In the M.M. program, the research focus varies by specialization. Musicology and Music Education majors engage heavily in academic research, culminating in theses that contribute to the scholarly understanding of music history, theory, or pedagogy. Performance majors conduct research into repertoire, historical performance practices, and analytical interpretation for their recitals. Composition students' research is manifested through the creation of new works that explore contemporary musical ideas and techniques. Faculty members in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art are active scholars and performers, often engaging in research that explores diverse musical traditions, pedagogical approaches, and interdisciplinary connections.
Industry Engagement: The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art benefits significantly from its location in Washington, D.C., a vibrant cultural hub. This provides exceptional opportunities for industry engagement. Students have access to renowned performing arts venues, orchestras, opera companies, churches, and government agencies, fostering professional connections. Faculty members are often active performers, composers, and scholars with established ties to the professional music world, providing mentorship and networking opportunities. Guest artists, masterclasses, and workshops with prominent musicians and scholars are regularly hosted, offering direct engagement with industry leaders. Performance majors gain invaluable experience through numerous recital opportunities and potential collaborations within the D.C. music scene.
Global Perspective: The M.M. program at CUA inherently embraces a global perspective through its study of diverse musical traditions and its international student body. The curriculum often includes the study of music from various cultures and historical periods. Sacred Music programs, in particular, may explore global liturgical music traditions. The university's location in a global capital like Washington, D.C., further enriches this perspective, providing exposure to international cultural organizations and events. While formal study abroad programs may not be a standard component of the intensive M.M. curriculum, the vibrant cultural exchange within the school and the city prepares graduates to engage with music in a globalized context, whether as performers, educators, or scholars.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 52190
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
The Master of Music (M.M.) from The Catholic University of America prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers within the broad and evolving music industry. Whether their focus is performance, composition, scholarship, or education, CUA's comprehensive training, coupled with its Washington, D.C. location, offers unique pathways to professional success. Graduates emerge with advanced musical artistry, critical thinking skills, and practical experience, making them adaptable to various professional settings.
Professional Performer (Instrumental/Vocal): Performs as a soloist, orchestral musician, opera singer, chamber musician, or ensemble member in professional settings, including orchestras, opera companies, touring groups, or as a freelance artist.
Music Educator (K-12 or Higher Education): Teaches music in public or private schools (K-12, often requiring state certification), or as a college/university instructor or professor (often requiring doctoral studies for tenure-track positions).
Private Music Instructor/Studio Teacher: Provides specialized one-on-one or small-group instruction in an instrument, voice, or music theory to students of all ages, often operating their own teaching studio.
Composer/Arranger: Creates original musical works for various mediums such as concert halls, film, television, video games, theater, advertising, or church settings, or arranges existing pieces for different ensembles.
Church/Sacred Music Director: Leads and organizes musical programs for religious services, including directing choirs, planning liturgical music, playing instruments (organ, piano), and overseeing music ministry for a church or diocese.
Musicologist/Music Historian: Conducts in-depth research on music history, theory, and culture, publishing scholarly articles and books, often working in academic institutions, archives, or museums.
Arts Administrator/Manager: Oversees the operations, marketing, fundraising, and programming for orchestras, opera companies, music festivals, arts councils, or other cultural institutions.
Conductor (Choral/Orchestral/Ensemble): Leads and interprets musical works for various ensembles, including professional orchestras, choirs, community groups, or university ensembles.
Music Librarian/Archivist: Manages collections of musical scores, recordings, and scholarly materials in academic libraries, public libraries, or specialized music archives, assisting researchers and performers.
Music Journalist/Critic: Writes reviews of performances, albums, or musical events for publications, websites, or broadcast media, providing critical analysis and commentary on the music industry.
