MA in Music History

Composition by Mozart.

Understanding the past while shaping your future

The MA in Music History at the University at Buffalo combines rigorous academic training with flexibility, making it ideal for students pursuing doctoral studies, teaching, public scholarship, or archival work. This program provides mentorship and a comprehensive curriculum to prepare you for success in academia or professional settings.

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Program highlights

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Deepen your understanding of music history and theory with a balanced mix of core courses and electives.
  • Capstone Projects: Prepare for academic or professional advancement with a comprehensive exam and a portfolio of revised seminar papers.
  • Exclusive Access: Engage with renowned guest scholars, composers, and performers through the prestigious Baird Lecture Series.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Participate in a semester-long Interdisciplinary Colloquium, fostering collaborative insights across fields.

Why choose the MA in Music History at UB?

  • Tailored Learning: Customize your education to align with your career aspirations.
  • Dual Degree Opportunities: Pair your MA with an MS in Information and Library Science for a career in music librarianship.
  • Supportive Faculty: Learn from dedicated professors who are leaders in their fields.
  • World-Class Resources: Access the Lippes Concert Hall, music archives, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

Dual degree in Music Librarianship

Combine an MA in Music History with an MS in Information and Library Science through UB’s cooperative program.

Key features:

  • Elite Career Preparation: Train for top roles in music librarianship worldwide.
  • Accreditation: Coursework aligns with Music Library Association standards.
  • Streamlined Timeline: Complete both degrees in just five semesters and one summer session, with shared credits reducing the workload.

Degree requirements

  • Curriculum Overview: The MA in Music History requires 38 credit hours, including:
    • Core Music History Seminars
    • Music Theory Seminars
    • Performance Electives
    • The MUS 500 Masters Colloquium
  • Students must achieve grades of “A,” “B,” or “S” in all coursework.
  • Capstone: Completion of a comprehensive exam and a portfolio of two revised seminar papers.
For detailed requirements, refer to the UB Degree and Course Catalog

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Ready to explore the past and prepare for the future? Here’s how to get started:

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