Music History and Literature Emphasis (MA)

Overview

This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to The Graduate School  section of this catalogue for general regulations.

Departmental Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of transcripts of previous college courses, a research paper and letters of reference.

Regular (classified) standing is achieved when the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations have been completed satisfactorily. Remedial course work, if recommended, may be substituted for repetition of examinations.

Foreign Language

An academic reading knowledge of a language other than English is required of all Thornton master of arts students. This requirement can be met in any of the following ways:

• Completion of a prior degree, as verified on an official transcript, from an accredited institution of higher education at which the primary language of instruction is a language other than English.
• Completion of at least three semesters of college-level language instruction in a language other than English, as verified on an official transcript, at an accredited institution of higher education.
• Completion of one or more USC language course(s) (in a language other than English) as approved by the Thornton School.
• Earning a passing score on a written examination (in a language other than English) as approved by the Thornton School.

Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled before entering the third semester in the program. Students who have engaged in extensive study of one or more languages other than English that does not meet this requirement as described above may request an exception.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or the equivalent, and a substantial background in languages, arts and letters.