School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Graduate Studies

The graduate program in music is designed to furnish specialized professional training supported by competence in those fundamental areas needed by all musicians. Emphasis is placed on the personal growth and development of the student toward individual goals.

The program is large enough to provide ample variety yet small enough to allow personal attention to each student. While students are given considerable responsibility in all phases of the educational program, faculty guidance is constantly available.

The program is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The degree in music education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The University is fully accredited by the North Central Association.

Master of Music degree

The Master of Music degree is offered with specialization in the following areas:

Learn more about requirements and areas of study. Please read all of the information in the graduate admission section carefully.

International application deadline is January 8, domestic applications will be accepted throughout the summer. All fall admission applications are considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships, but applications auditioned and accepted before January 8 are given the highest consideration.

Bachelor of Arts & Master of Business Administration (4+1) Accelerated Degree

Beginning Spring 2024

The performing arts industry is one of the fastest growing in the United States. This accelerated degree allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just five years and is designed for students who seek career opportunities beyond performing and teaching careers, especially those in music marketing and arts management. Combining a liberal arts degree in music with the Master of Business Administration allows students to more quickly complete both degrees and would improve the breadth of job opportunities available to them immediately upon graduation.

Students that successfully complete this program will receive both a Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A. Music) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in an accelerated 5-year plan. Typically, students begin master's degree coursework in their senior year, and finish their master's degree one year later.

Bachelor of Arts in Music & Master of Business Administration Accelerated Degree

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a cognate in Music

The Ph.D. program in music education is one of the most comprehensive and practical anywhere. Focused on teaching music, it combines coursework within the Kansas State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance with programs from the College of Education.

For more information on the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Cognate in Music, contact Frederick Burrack at fburrack@ksu.edu.

To read more about the Ph.D. program, visit the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. The adjustments for the Music Cognate include:

  • The Theory course will be MUSIC 805 - Theories of Music Teaching
  • The Foundations of Education course will be MUSIC 807 - History and PHilosophy of Music Education
  • Nine credits of EDCI prefix courses will be replaced with MUSIC 805, MUSIC 807, and MUSIC 810

Student Learning Outcomes

Content Knowledge: Advanced knowledge underpinning all concentrations of music demonstrated through Comprehensive Examinations or Comprehensive Portfolio/Graduate Report.

Research Skills: Cognition of bibliographic resources, research methodology, and interpretive analysis demonstrated through advanced scholarship appropriate to specific concentrations in the field of music.

Interpretive Skills: Expressive musical interpretations communicated through performance.