Best institutions to study Music Theory and Composition
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music.
145 U.S. institutions graduated 1,282 Music Theory and Composition students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0904, a specialization of Music (CIP 50.09), and leads most directly to the Music Directors and Composers occupation (BLS SOC 27-2041).
About Music Theory and Composition programs
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Music Theory and Composition program focuses on the principles of sound manipulation and the techniques required for creating and arranging music. It is designed for students passionate about music who wish to deepen their understanding of musical structures and develop their creative abilities. This program is part of the broader Music field within the Visual and Performing Arts.
Students in this program will gain core skills in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, harmony, and orchestration. Coursework emphasizes active listening, critical thinking, and the application of music theory to create original compositions and arrangements.
Credentials awarded
What Music Theory and Composition graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree719 graduates / yr · 116 institutions56%
- Master's degree332 graduates / yr · 55 institutions26%
- Associate's degree112 graduates / yr · 8 institutions8.7%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship63 graduates / yr · 23 institutions4.9%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year27 graduates / yr · 4 institutions2.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate11 graduates / yr · 7 institutions0.9%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.7%
- Post-master's certificate5 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.4%
- Doctor's degree - other2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Music Theory and Composition completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 933 |
| 2013 | 1,007 |
| 2014 | 1,235 |
| 2015 | 1,486 |
| 2016 | 1,359 |
| 2017 | 1,239 |
| 2018 | 1,012 |
| 2019 | 1,047 |
| 2020 | 1,061 |
| 2021 | 1,122 |
| 2022 | 1,142 |
| 2023 | 1,161 |
| 2024 | 1,266 |
| 2025 | 1,282 |
Top 50 institutions for Music Theory and Composition, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berklee College of Music Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsPost-degree cert. | 227 | 67% | $46,197 | $18,177 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Film School Hollywood, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 175 | 41% | $32,792 | $21,399 |
| 3 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 67 | 88% | $29,023 | $24,398 |
| 4 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 36 | 84% | $26,589 | $15,492 |
| 5 | California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 32 | 67% | $42,045 | $18,896 |
| 6 | SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NYPublicBachelor's | 24 | 63% | — | $17,887 |
| 7 | The New England Conservatory of Music Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 23 | 73% | $38,781 | — |
| 8 | Academy of Art University San Francisco, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 22 | 34% | $40,294 | — |
| 9 | Manhattan School of Music New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 22 | 78% | $53,742 | — |
| 10 | Los Angeles College of Music Pasadena, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 41% | $41,257 | $24,059 |
| 11 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 20 | 94% | $11,888 | $16,479 |
| 12 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralDoctoral (prof.) | 20 | 75% | — | $12,875 |
| 13 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralMaster's | 19 | 93% | — | $22,272 |
| 14 | CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NYPublicMaster's | 18 | 54% | — | — |
| 15 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 17 | 81% | — | $38,656 |
| 16 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 23% | — | — |
| 17 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 15 | 86% | — | $19,429 |
| 18 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 14 | 72% | — | — |
| 19 | University of Redlands Redlands, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 13 | 67% | $22,706 | — |
| 20 | The New School New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 13 | 69% | $54,185 | $12,109 |
| 21 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 12 | 92% | $26,873 | $12,947 |
| 22 | Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CTPublicBachelor's | 12 | 52% | — | $21,659 |
| 23 | University of Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 12 | 85% | $25,874 | $14,310 |
| 24 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 11 | 89% | $21,956 | $23,934 |
| 25 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 11 | 64% | — | $20,632 |
| 26 | University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 10 | 55% | — | $22,315 |
| 27 | The Juilliard School New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 10 | 93% | $29,763 | — |
| 28 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 10 | 32% | — | — |
| 29 | University of Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralBachelor'sMaster's | 9 | 54% | $28,311 | $24,511 |
| 30 | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 52% | $28,087 | $19,943 |
| 31 | Butler University Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 9 | 80% | $35,696 | — |
| 32 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 8 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 33 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor's | 8 | 90% | — | $15,289 |
| 34 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 8 | 51% | — | — |
| 35 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NCPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 8 | 56% | — | $15,670 |
| 36 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAssociate's | 8 | 41% | — | — |
| 37 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 68% | — | $15,721 |
| 38 | San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 74% | $39,487 | $26,916 |
| 39 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 95% | $14,799 | $34,823 |
| 40 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 84% | $28,851 | $18,574 |
| 41 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 75% | — | $19,507 |
| 42 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PAPublicBachelor's | 7 | 71% | — | — |
| 43 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 7 | 61% | — | $31,450 |
| 44 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 7 | 85% | — | — |
| 45 | Vermont College of Fine Arts Montpelier, VTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | — | — | — |
| 46 | University of California - Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CAPublicBachelor's | 6 | 83% | — | — |
| 47 | Chapman University Orange, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 82% | $42,965 | $14,538 |
| 48 | Longy School of Music of Bard College Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 6 | 78% | $43,291 | — |
| 49 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 76% | $28,970 | $23,119 |
| 50 | SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, NYPublicBachelor's | 6 | 50% | — | $21,524 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Music field (CIP 50.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 35 states & territories
Where Music Theory and Composition graduates come from. Each state links to all Music programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-2041, Music Directors and Composers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Music Theory and Composition program often pursue careers as Music Directors and Composers, with additional opportunities in education as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers. The job outlook shows little or no change, with approximately 4,300 annual openings and a median wage of $63,670 for those with a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0904
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music Directors and Composersprimary SOC 27-2041 | $73,710 | -0.3% Little or no change | ~4,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Music Theory and Composition programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
Tools and technology used
Other Music specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Music (CIP 50.09).
- MusicCIP 50.090110,232 graduates / yr976 institutions
- Music PerformanceCIP 50.09036,946 graduates / yr375 institutions
- Music TechnologyCIP 50.09132,092 graduates / yr122 institutions
- MusicCIP 50.09991,199 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Voice and OperaCIP 50.0908641 graduates / yr81 institutions
- Jazz/CIP 50.0910
Jazz Studies 592 graduates / yr59 institutions - Stringed InstrumentsCIP 50.0911583 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Keyboard InstrumentsCIP 50.0907528 graduates / yr59 institutions
- Music PedagogyCIP 50.0912397 graduates / yr51 institutions
- Musicology and EthnomusicologyCIP 50.0905165 graduates / yr36 institutions
- ConductingCIP 50.0906159 graduates / yr53 institutions
- Woodwind InstrumentsCIP 50.0915148 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Music History, Literature, and TheoryCIP 50.0902131 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Brass InstrumentsCIP 50.0914103 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Percussion InstrumentsCIP 50.091640 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Sound ArtsCIP 50.0917partial data38 graduates / yr7 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, Associate's, or Doctor's degree in Music Theory and Composition.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and musical writing, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Music Director, Composer, or a Postsecondary Music Teacher.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 4,300 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Music Theory and Composition?+
Music Theory and Composition is CIP 50.0904 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Music (CIP 50.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.
How many institutions offer Music Theory and Composition programs?+
145 U.S. institutions reported Music Theory and Composition graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 35 states & territories, awarding 1,282 credentials in the year. That is 5.1% of all Music graduates.
How much do Music Theory and Composition graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Music Directors and Composers occupation, which Music Theory and Composition most directly leads to, pays a median of $73,710 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Music field report median earnings of $22,125 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card