Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics) | 3 | |
| ENGH 101 | Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| Oral Communication 2 | 3 | |
| Core Requirements | ||
| Literature 3 | 3 | |
| Natural Science 3,4 | 7 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Social or Behavioral Sciences 3 | 3 | |
| Global Contexts 5 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
- 1
Nonnative speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) for ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core). Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) or ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core), as well as in ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core), to fulfill degree requirements.
- 2
All students excluding those in the Music Technology, Pedagogy, and Audio Engineering & Sound Design concentrations must take MUSI 251 Musical/Oral Communication
- 3
Also have significant elective choices as per Mason Core listing.
- 4
Two classes; one must contain a lab.
- 5
All students excluding those in the Music Technology, Pedagogy, and Audio Engineering & Sound Design concentrations must take MUSI 431 Music History in Society III (Mason Core)
Remaining Mason Core requirements are fulfilled with major coursework.
Additional Non-Major coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| One of the following: | 0-18 | |
Intermediate-level language proficiency 1 | ||
Minor 2 | ||
Double Major 2 | ||
Double Degree 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 0-18 | |
- 1
See CVPA Requirements and Policies for details regarding foreign language requirement.
- 2
In a discipline other than music.
Music Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Musicianship | ||
| MUSI 113 | Aural Skills I | 1 |
| One credit of | 1 | |
| Aural Skills II | ||
| MUSI 115 | Introduction to Music Theory | 3 |
| MUSI 171 | Keyboard Skills I 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 215 | Theory for Pop and Jazz Music (Required for students in the Music Technology and Audio Engineering & Sound Design concentrations) | 3 |
| or MUSI 216 | Theory for 20th- and 21st-Century Music | |
| or MUSI 217 | Theory for 18th-Century Music | |
| MUSI 172 | Keyboard Skills II 2 | 1 |
| Music History Courses | ||
| Music Technology concentration students: | 9 | |
| Music History in Society A | ||
| Music History in Society B (Mason Core) 3 | ||
| Music History in Society C | ||
| Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration Students: | 9 | |
| Music History in Society B (Mason Core) (Meets Writing Intensive requirement in the BA with a concentration in Audio Engineering & Sound Design) | ||
| Music History in Society C | ||
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| Popular Music in America (Mason Core) | ||
| Jazz and Blues in America (Mason Core) | ||
| Music History in Society A | ||
| Music History in Society III (Mason Core) | ||
| All other students: | 6 | |
| Select three credits from the following: | ||
| Music History in Society I | ||
| Topics in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Topics in Musicology | ||
| Music History in Society IV | ||
| MUSI 332 | Music History in Society II (Mason Core) 4 | 3 |
| Performance and Music Electives | ||
| Five semesters of | 0 | |
| Recital Attendance | ||
| All students except Music Technology Concentration Students and Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration Students: | ||
| MUSI 490 | RS: Musical Communication in Context (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Music Technology Concentration Students and Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration Students only: | ||
| MUSI 489 | Music Technology Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Music Technology Concentration Students and Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration Students only: | ||
| Any Mason Core IT course | 3 | |
| All other students: | ||
| MUSI 259 | Music in Computer Technology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Music Technology students only: | ||
| Non-MUSI elective | 2 | |
| All students excluding those in the Music Technology, Pedagogy, and Audio Engineering & Sound Design concentrations: | 12-13 | |
| Applied Music Options (list follows) 5 | 6-8 | |
| Music Ensemble (list follows) | 3 | |
- 1
Pianists may substitute MUSI 371 Techniques of Accompanying I for MUSI 171 Keyboard Skills I
- 2
Pianists may substitute MUSI 372 Techniques of Accompanying II for MUSI 172 Keyboard Skills II
- 3
Meets Writing Intensive requirement in the BA in Music with a concentration in Music Technology.
- 4
Meets Writing Intensive requirement in the BA in Music (all concentrations except Music Technology and Audio Engineering & Sound Design).
- 5
Students in the Music Technology and Audio Engineering & Sound Design concentrations should take 6 credits of Applied Music. All others should take 8 credits.
General Pedagogy Requirement
All students (except for Music Technology, Pedagogy, and Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration students) must register for a pedagogy and literature class appropriate to their major instrument or register for a teaching internship.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 0-3 | |
| Teaching Internship (2 credits) | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy 1 | ||
| Vocal Pedagogy and Lab 2 | ||
| Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 0-3 | |
- 1
Required for keyboard students.
- 2
Required for vocal students.
- 3
Topic varies; students must register for the topic corresponding with their major instrument. Required for strings and guitar students; recommended for wind, brass, or percussion students.
Concentration in Music Technology (MTEC)
Students pursuing this concentration may not also pursue the Music and Technology minor. Students who wish to complete a concentration in music technology must also complete the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 252 | Popular Music Arranging | 3 |
| MUSI 254 | Music and Technology | 3 |
| MUSI 354 | Electronic Composition | 3 |
| MUSI 355 | Recording Techniques | 3 |
| MUSI 359 | Topics in Music Technology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Concentration in Pedagogy (PDGY)
Students pursuing this concentration may not also pursue the Music and Technology minor. Students who wish to complete a concentration in pedagogy must also complete the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 351 | Keyboard Pedagogy | 3 |
| or MUSI 352 | Vocal Pedagogy and Lab | |
| or MUSI 353 | Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature | |
| MUSI 456 | Pedagogy II 1 | 2 |
| MUSI 457 | Pedagogy III 1 | 2 |
| MUSI 458 | Pedagogy IV | 2 |
| MUSI 494 | Pedagogy Internship | 2 |
| Choose four credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Applied Music I | ||
| Applied Music in Keyboard | ||
| Applied Music in Voice | ||
| Applied Music in Woodwind | ||
| Applied Music in Brass | ||
| Applied Music in String | ||
| Applied Music in Percussion | ||
| Applied Music II | ||
| Applied Music in Keyboard | ||
| Applied Music in Voice | ||
| Applied Music in Woodwind | ||
| Applied Music in Brass | ||
| Applied Music in String | ||
| Applied Music in Percussion | ||
| Wind Symphony (Mason Core) | ||
| University Chorale (Mason Core) | ||
| Piano Ensemble (Mason Core) | ||
| Symphonic Band (Mason Core) | ||
| Chamber Singers (Mason Core) | ||
| Symphony Orchestra (Mason Core) | ||
| Jazz Ensemble (Mason Core) | ||
| Applied Music III | ||
| Private Music Instruction III | ||
| Applied Music in Keyboard | ||
| Applied Music in Voice | ||
| Applied Music in Woodwind | ||
| Applied Music in Brass | ||
| Applied Music in String | ||
| Applied Music in Percussion | ||
| Chamber Ensembles (Mason Core) | ||
| Choose three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| The Arts and Community Engagement | ||
| Relational Communication Theory | ||
| Perspectives on Achievement Motivation (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Growth and Development | ||
| Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a New Enterprise | ||
| Lifespan Development (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Keyboard concentrators substitute MUSI 451 Keyboard Pedagogy II and 1 credit of MUSI elective for MUSI 456 Pedagogy II and MUSI 457 Pedagogy III.
Concentration in Audio Engineering & Sound Design (AESD)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 254 | Music and Technology | 3 |
| MUSI 355 | Recording Techniques | 3 |
| THR 315 | Sound Engineering | 3 |
| FAVS 333 | Sound Editing and Recording | 3 |
| THR 337 | Sound Design | 3 |
| AVT 374 | Sound Art I | 3 |
| Choose nine credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Event Technical Production | ||
| Electronic Composition | ||
| Event Logistics | ||
| Topics in Music Technology | ||
| Writing and Editing Music and Sound | ||
| Advanced Sound Engineering | ||
| Advanced Sound | ||
| Advanced Sound Design | ||
| Sound Art II | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
General Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select the amount of elective credit corresponding with degree path: 1 | ||
| Music Technology Concentration students | 20-38 | |
| Pedagogy Concentration students | 20-38 | |
| Audio Engineering & Sound Design Concentration students | 8-28 | |
| All other students | 21-41 | |
- 1
Electives for all students excluding Pedagogy Concentration students may not include additional music courses. Pedagogy Concentration students may apply no more than 54 credits of MUSI courses to their degree.
Applied Music Options
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| See Music advisor for registration permission and options. | ||
| MUSI 220 | Applied Music in Music Technology | 1 |
| MUSI 221 | Applied Music I | 1 |
| MUSI 222 | Applied Music in Keyboard | 1 |
| MUSI 223 | Applied Music in Voice | 1 |
| MUSI 224 | Applied Music in Woodwind | 1 |
| MUSI 225 | Applied Music in Brass | 1 |
| MUSI 226 | Applied Music in String | 1 |
| MUSI 227 | Applied Music in Percussion | 1 |
| MUSI 228 | Applied Music in Composition | 1 |
| MUSI 240 | Applied Music in Music Technology | 2 |
| MUSI 242 | Applied Music in Keyboard | 2 |
| MUSI 243 | Applied Music in Voice | 2 |
| MUSI 244 | Applied Music in Woodwind | 2 |
| MUSI 245 | Applied Music in Brass | 2 |
| MUSI 246 | Applied Music in String | 2 |
| MUSI 247 | Applied Music in Percussion | 2 |
| MUSI 248 | Applied Music in Composition | 2 |
| MUSI 440 | Applied Music in Music Technology | 3 |
| MUSI 442 | Applied Music in Keyboard | 2-3 |
| MUSI 443 | Applied Music in Voice | 2-3 |
| MUSI 444 | Applied Music in Woodwind | 2-3 |
| MUSI 445 | Applied Music in Brass | 2-3 |
| MUSI 446 | Applied Music in String | 2-3 |
| MUSI 447 | Applied Music in Percussion | 2-3 |
| MUSI 448 | Applied Music in Composition | 2-3 |
Music Ensemble Options
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 380 | Wind Symphony (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 381 | University Chorale (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 382 | Piano Ensemble (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 383 | Symphonic Band (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 385 | Chamber Singers (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 387 | Symphony Orchestra (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 389 | Jazz Ensemble (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 485 | Chamber Ensembles (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 280 | Athletic and Ceremonial Ensemble (Mason Core) For Music Technology Students only | 1 |
Bachelor of Arts in Music Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ENGH 101 | 3 | Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 106 | 3 | Natural Science Non-Lab (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 113 | 1 | MUSI 114 | 1 |
| MUSI 115 | 3 | MUSI 172 | 1 |
| MUSI 171 | 1 | MUSI 217, 216, or 215 | 3 |
| MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 | MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 |
| MUSI 259 | 3 | MUSI 251 | 3 |
| MUSI 300 | 0 | MUSI 300 | 0 |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 32 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://cvpa.gmu.edu/academics/undergraduate-student-resources.
Concentration in Audio Engineering/Sound Design
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ENGH 101 | 3 | Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 106 | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 113 | 1 | MUSI 114 | 1 |
| MUSI 115 | 3 | MUSI 172 | 1 |
| MUSI 171 | 1 | MUSI 215 | 3 |
| MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 | MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 |
| MUSI 254 | 3 | MUSI 300 | 0 |
| MUSI 300 | 0 | MUSI 355 | 3 |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 32 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://cvpa.gmu.edu/academics/undergraduate-student-resources.
Concentration in Music Technology
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ENGH 101 | 3 | Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 106 | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 113 | 1 | MUSI 114 | 1 |
| MUSI 115 | 3 | MUSI 172 | 1 |
| MUSI 171 | 1 | MUSI 215 | 3 |
| MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 | MUSI 22X Applied Music Lessons | 1 |
| MUSI 254 | 3 | MUSI 300 | 0 |
| MUSI 300 | 0 | MUSI 355 | 3 |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 32 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://cvpa.gmu.edu/academics/undergraduate-student-resources.
Music, BA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA
Overview
Academically strong undergraduates in Music may apply to the accelerated Master’s Degree in Arts Management. If accepted, students will be able to earn a Music, BA and an Arts Management, MA after satisfactory completion of 150 credits.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits. After successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits, students must use at least 3 and no more than 12 credits of advanced standing courses (see below) to both complete the bachelor’s degree and begin the masters. An additional six credits may be held in reserve for the master’s degree, but cannot be used to complete the bachelors.
Important information on how to apply for this accelerated master's program can be found in the University’s Accelerated Master’s Application Guide.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students admitted to the accelerated master’s program pathway will be fully admitted into the MA program if they meet the following requirements, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meet Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and complete the application for graduation
- Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
- Submission of BAM Transition Form to the School of Music advisor at the beginning of student’s final undergraduate semester . Full details can be found at AP.6.7.3
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students in the Accelerated Pathway must choose from the following Advanced Standing courses, which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit courses. Reserve Graduate credit course options cannot be taken as Advanced Standing. A minimum grade of B is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each) | ||
| AMGT 602 | Seminar in Arts Management | 3 |
| AMGT 601 | Fund Raising/Development I | 3 |
| AMGT 604 | Public Relations and Marketing Strategies for the Arts I | 3 |
| AMGT 605 | Finance and Budgeting for Arts I | 3 |
| Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| AMGT 603 | The Arts in Society 1 | 3 |
| AMGT 606 | Governance and Financial Management 2 | 3 |
- 1
Prerequisite: AMGT 602 Seminar in Arts Management
- 2
Prerequisite: AMGT 605 Finance and Budgeting for Arts I
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.