Music Theory and Composition

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#1

#1 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Manhattan School of Music
New York, NY

At Manhattan School of Music, the most popular majors students pursue are Voice and Opera, Musical Theatre, and Stringed Instruments. In fact, Manhattan School of Music grants 23 degrees every year to graduating Voice and Opera students....view more

Acceptance Rate

40%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$60,074

#2

#2 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA

At California Institute of the Arts, the most popular majors students pursue are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Acting, Fine/Studio Arts, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

26%

Annual Degrees Awarded

21

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$55,032

#3

#3 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA

Every year, Berklee College of Music awards around 391 degrees to those studying Computer Software and Media Applications, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

44%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$54,102

#4

#4 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

The New England Conservatory of Music
Boston, MA

At The New England Conservatory of Music, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Stringed Instruments, Keyboard Instruments, and Jazz/Jazz Studies. In fact, The New England Conservatory of Music grants 29 degrees per year to graduating Stringed Instruments students....view more

Acceptance Rate

38%

Annual Degrees Awarded

11

SAT Score

830–830

Median Starting Salary

$60,545

#5

#5 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

The Juilliard School
New York, NY

At The Juilliard School, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Stringed Instruments, Dance, General, and Keyboard Instruments. In fact, The Juilliard School awards 36 degrees every year to Stringed Instruments majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

9%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$56,138

#6

#6 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

New York University
New York, NY

Each year, New York University awards around 524 degrees to students majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

9%

Annual Degrees Awarded

43

SAT Score

1,490–1,560

Median Starting Salary

$48,239

#7

#7 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Annually, Johns Hopkins University grants about 175 degrees to those majoring in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Computer and Information Sciences, General, Public Health, General, and Neuroscience....view more

Acceptance Rate

6%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

1,520–1,580

Median Starting Salary

$50,204

#8

#8 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

At CUNY Brooklyn College, the three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Computer and Information Sciences, and General. In fact, CUNY Brooklyn College grants 428 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

58%

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

1,030–1,190

Median Starting Salary

$47,021

#9

#9 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

At the University of Miami, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Finance, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, the University of Miami grants 213 degrees every year to graduating Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse students....view more

Acceptance Rate

19%

Annual Degrees Awarded

12

SAT Score

1,340–1,480

Median Starting Salary

$48,915

#10

#10 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

The New School
New York, NY

Each year, The New School awards about 230 degrees to those studying Fashion/Apparel Design, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Fine and Studio Arts Management, and Illustration....view more

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

14

SAT Score

1,170–1,370

Median Starting Salary

$49,833

#11

#11 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale offers students seventy possible majors, which must be declared by sophomore or junior years, but students are always welcome to change. Some of the top majors currently are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Political Science and Government, General, History, General,......view more

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

1,470–1,570

Median Starting Salary

$44,796

#12

#12 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Houghton University
Houghton, NY

At Houghton University, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching....view more

Acceptance Rate

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,180–1,380

Median Starting Salary

$55,262

#13

#13 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

At the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer and Information Sciences, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Economics, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

16%

Annual Degrees Awarded

8

SAT Score

1,370–1,530

Median Starting Salary

$49,486

#14

#14 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA

At Academy of Art University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

100%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$51,847

#15

#15 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

SUNY at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY

At SUNY at Fredonia, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching. In fact, SUNY at Fredonia grants 67 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

79%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

1,080–1,310

Median Starting Salary

$54,693

#16

#16 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Rochester
Rochester, NY

At the University of Rochester, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, and Other....view more

Acceptance Rate

40%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,420–1,530

Median Starting Salary

$49,177

#17

#17 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

At Carnegie Mellon University, the three most popular college majors students study are Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

12%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,500–1,570

Median Starting Salary

$51,902

#18

#18 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

At Northwestern University, the most popular majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, and Computer Science. In fact, Northwestern University grants 281 degrees annually to Econometrics and Quantitative Economics majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

7%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,480–1,560

Median Starting Salary

$47,767

#19

#19 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Rice University
Houston, TX

Each year, Rice University grants about 158 degrees to those studying Computer and Information Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

8%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,510–1,570

Median Starting Salary

$48,131

#20

#20 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco, CA

At San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the most popular majors students pursue are Stringed Instruments, Music Technology, and Keyboard Instruments. In fact, San Francisco Conservatory of Music grants 16 degrees annually to Stringed Instruments majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

52%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

910–1,230

Median Starting Salary

$51,847

#21

#21 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Boston University
Boston, MA

At Boston University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Computer Science, Psychology, and General. In fact, Boston University grants 672 degrees per year to graduating Business Administration and Management, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

11%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,430–1,530

Median Starting Salary

$52,307

#22

#22 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Every year, Michigan State University awards around 497 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Advertising, Computer and Information Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

85%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

1,120–1,330

Median Starting Salary

$53,291

#23

#23 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

At the University of Southern California, the most popular majors students study are Management Science, Computer Science, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric. In fact, the University of Southern California awards 1221 degrees annually to Management Science majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

10%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,440–1,550

Median Starting Salary

$45,934

#24

#24 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

At Florida State University, the three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Finance, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General. In fact, Florida State University grants 767 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

24%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,300–1,420

Median Starting Salary

$48,173

#25

#25 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

At Brandeis University, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Health Policy Analysis. In fact, Brandeis University grants 104 degrees annually to Biology/Biological Sciences, General majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

41%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,400–1,530

Median Starting Salary

$51,753

#26

#26 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Oregon
Eugene, OR

Every year, the University of Oregon grants about 567 degrees to those majoring in Business/Commerce, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Advertising, Social Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,140–1,370

Median Starting Salary

$50,369

#27

#27 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, the most popular majors students pursue are Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs, Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

81%

Annual Degrees Awarded

8

SAT Score

1,040–1,240

Median Starting Salary

$55,305

#28

#28 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

At Butler University, the most popular majors students study are Finance, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, and General. In fact, Butler University awards 78 degrees annually to graduating Finance, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

85%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,190–1,370

Median Starting Salary

$59,385

#29

#29 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT

Annually, the University of Hartford awards around 61 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, and Mechanical Engineering....view more

Acceptance Rate

96%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,130–1,320

Median Starting Salary

$54,385

#30

#30 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC

Every year, The Catholic University of America awards around 164 degrees to students majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

1,100–1,310

Median Starting Salary

$61,854

#31

#31 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

At Southern Methodist University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Finance, General, Economics, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, Southern Methodist University awards 325 degrees annually to graduating Finance, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

63%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,360–1,500

Median Starting Salary

$50,397

#32

#32 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

At Syracuse University, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, and Information Science/Studies. In fact, Syracuse University awards 233 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

46%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,290–1,440

Median Starting Salary

$53,877

#33

#33 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA

At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, the most popular majors students study are Finance, General, Information Science/Studies, Psychology, and General. In fact, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus awards 577 degrees annually to Finance, General majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

61%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,250–1,430

Median Starting Salary

$50,669

#34

#34 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX

At Texas Christian University, the three most popular college majors students study are Finance, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Public Relations, Advertising, and and Applied Communication....view more

Acceptance Rate

44%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,190–1,380

Median Starting Salary

$53,217

#35

#35 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Baylor University
Waco, TX

At Baylor University, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

51%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,180–1,380

Median Starting Salary

$53,901

#36

#36 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Redlands
Redlands, CA

At the University of Redlands, the most popular majors students pursue are Business/Commerce, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and Other....view more

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

1,110–1,350

Median Starting Salary

$51,603

#37

#37 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

Every year, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus awards about 483 degrees to those majoring in Marketing/Marketing Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, Finance, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

85%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,180–1,350

Median Starting Salary

$50,839

#38

#38 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Ohio University-Main Campus
Athens, OH

Each year, Ohio University-Main Campus grants around 1396 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

85%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,110–1,310

Median Starting Salary

$52,405

#39

#39 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Each year, Temple University grants around 355 degrees to students majoring in Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

80%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,130–1,370

Median Starting Salary

$54,028

#40

#40 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the three most popular college majors students study are Business/Commerce, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

72%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,060–1,330

Median Starting Salary

$48,420

#41

#41 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

At DePaul University, the three most popular college majors students study are Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Finance, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, DePaul University grants 239 degrees every year to graduating Cinematography and Film/Video Production students....view more

Acceptance Rate

76%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,110–1,330

Median Starting Salary

$52,076

#42

#42 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ

Annually, Arizona State University Campus Immersion grants around 1172 degrees to students studying Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

90%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,090–1,320

Median Starting Salary

$46,880

#43

#43 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Brigham Young University
Provo, UT

At Brigham Young University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Exercise Physiology, Finance, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

69%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,310–1,440

Median Starting Salary

$48,720

#44

#44 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

At the University of Kentucky, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General. In fact, the University of Kentucky grants 387 degrees per year to Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

93%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,080–1,310

Median Starting Salary

$51,969

#45

#45 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK

Every year, Oklahoma City University grants about 102 degrees to those majoring in Adult Health Nurse/Nursing, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Music Performance, General, Dance, General, and Acting....view more

Acceptance Rate

70%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,140–1,240

Median Starting Salary

$53,676

#46

#46 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

At Shenandoah University, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, and Exercise Physiology....view more

Acceptance Rate

77%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

990–1,270

Median Starting Salary

$56,714

#47

#47 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH

At Kent State University at Kent, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

86%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

990–1,220

Median Starting Salary

$52,095

#48

#48 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

Annually, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro grants about 341 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,120–1,290

Median Starting Salary

$50,243

#49

#49 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Annually, Lynn University awards about 61 degrees to students majoring in International Business/Trade/Commerce, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, and Sport and Fitness Administration/Management....view more

Acceptance Rate

73%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,050–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$50,719

#50

#50 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

University of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

At the University of Akron Main Campus, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, and General. In fact, the University of Akron Main Campus grants 169 degrees annually to Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

930–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$50,173

#51

#51 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL

Annually, Roosevelt University awards about 58 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Musical Theatre, Management Science, and Criminal Justice/Safety Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

900–1,130

Median Starting Salary

$49,217

#52

#52 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Vermont College of Fine Arts
Montpelier, VT

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$51,847

#53

#53 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S.

Longy School of Music of Bard College
Cambridge, MA

Acceptance Rate

84%

Annual Degrees Awarded

11

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$51,847

*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About 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. 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.

Students who are passionate about Music Theory and Composition can study up to a Doctors degree professional practice. Currently, 1,147 students are granted some level of degree in Music Theory and Composition around the US each year. More students earn a degree in Music Theory and Composition in the state of New York compared to any other state. The average starting salary for an undergraduate degree in Music Theory and Composition is $38,300.

Popularity of Music Theory and Composition Degrees in the U.S.
This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Music Theory and Composition degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.
Less Popular
More Popular

Careers

The highest paying job for Music Theory and Composition majors is Art, Drama Music Teachers, Postsecondary. However, something else to think about is how many job openings there currently is. A career that is in high need that a degree in Music Theory and Composition can prepare you for is Art, Drama Music Teachers, Postsecondary.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Music Theory and Composition majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Music Theory and Composition majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students
342
Female Students
141 (41%)
Male Students
201 (58%)

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