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Music Theory and Composition

Music Theory and Composition

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#1 #1 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 14 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,032
#2 #2 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 365 degrees to those studying Computer Software and Media Applications, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Music, Other, Music Theory and Composition, Music Performance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 44% Annual Degrees Awarded 25 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $54,102
#3 #3 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Annually, Johns Hopkins University grants about 181 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, Neuroscience, Public Health, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 6% Annual Degrees Awarded 13 SAT Score 1,520–1,580 Median Starting Salary $50,204
#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, Woodwind Instruments, and Brass Instruments. In fact, The New England Conservatory of Music grants 29 degrees per year to graduating Stringed Instruments students....view more Acceptance Rate 43% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 830–830 Median Starting Salary $60,545
#5 #5 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. New York University New York, NY Each year, New York University awards around 794 degrees to students majoring in Management Science, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 9% Annual Degrees Awarded 42 SAT Score 1,490–1,560 Median Starting Salary $48,239
#6 #6 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, Keyboard Instruments, Dance, and General. In fact, The Juilliard School awards 39 degrees every year to Stringed Instruments majors....view more Acceptance Rate 9% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $56,138
#7 #7 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 Musical Theatre, Voice and Opera, and Stringed Instruments. In fact, Manhattan School of Music grants 23 degrees every year to graduating Musical Theatre students....view more Acceptance Rate 40% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $60,074
#8 #8 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 Jazz/Jazz Studies. In fact, San Francisco Conservatory of Music grants 17 degrees annually to Stringed Instruments majors....view more Acceptance Rate 52% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 910–1,230 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#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 233 degrees every year to graduating Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse students....view more Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,340–1,480 Median Starting Salary $48,915
#10 #10 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Every year, Michigan State University awards around 580 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Advertising, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,120–1,330 Median Starting Salary $53,291
#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,......view more Acceptance Rate 4% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,470–1,570 Median Starting Salary $44,796
#12 #12 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 Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, and Accounting. In fact, CUNY Brooklyn College grants 429 degrees annually to Business Administration and Management, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 58% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 1,030–1,190 Median Starting Salary $47,021
#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, Economics, General, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 16% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,370–1,530 Median Starting Salary $49,486
#14 #14 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 Elementary Education and Teaching, Psychology, General, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric. In fact, Houghton University grants 17 degrees every year to Elementary Education and Teaching majors....view more Acceptance Rate 89% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,180–1,380 Median Starting Salary $55,262
#15 #15 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 5 SAT Score 1,500–1,570 Median Starting Salary $51,902
#16 #16 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. The New School New York, NY Each year, The New School awards about 248 degrees to those studying Fashion/Apparel Design, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,170–1,370 Median Starting Salary $49,833
#17 #17 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, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 72% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,060–1,330 Median Starting Salary $48,420
#18 #18 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Rice University Houston, TX Each year, Rice University grants about 163 degrees to those studying Computer and Information Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 8% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,510–1,570 Median Starting Salary $48,131
#19 #19 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 380 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 7 SAT Score 1,120–1,290 Median Starting Salary $50,243
#20 #20 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 455 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 6 SAT Score 1,180–1,350 Median Starting Salary $50,839
#21 #21 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 Human Biology. In fact, the University of Southern California awards 1346 degrees annually to Management Science majors....view more Acceptance Rate 10% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,450–1,550 Median Starting Salary $45,934
#22 #22 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 Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,190–1,370 Median Starting Salary $59,385
#23 #23 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 10 SAT Score 1,010–1,240 Median Starting Salary $55,305
#24 #24 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Curtis Institute of Music Philadelphia, PA All students who are attending Curtis for a bachelor’s majors in Music Performance, General, and Music Theory and Composition, although other students may be pursuing diplomas, certificates, or masters. Students will take their musical courses as well as classes in liberal arts and career studies to obtain......view more Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#25 #25 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 713 degrees per year to graduating Business Administration and Management, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 11% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,430–1,530 Median Starting Salary $52,307
#26 #26 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, Finance, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,130–1,370 Median Starting Salary $54,028
#27 #27 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Oregon Eugene, OR Every year, the University of Oregon grants about 601 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, Social Sciences, General, and Advertising....view more Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,140–1,370 Median Starting Salary $50,369
#28 #28 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, Finance, General, and Information Science/Studies. In fact, Syracuse University awards 220 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 46% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,290–1,440 Median Starting Salary $53,877
#29 #29 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 74 degrees annually to Biology/Biological Sciences, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 41% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,400–1,520 Median Starting Salary $51,753
#30 #30 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, Music Teacher Education, and Elementary Education and Teaching. In fact, SUNY at Fredonia grants 50 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,080–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,693
#31 #31 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 760 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 24% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,300–1,420 Median Starting Salary $48,173
#32 #32 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Annually, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus grants around 515 degrees to those studying Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Informatics, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 39% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,310–1,510 Median Starting Salary $46,430
#33 #33 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Roosevelt University Chicago, IL Annually, Roosevelt University awards about 53 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Musical Theatre, and Management Science....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 860–1,130 Median Starting Salary $49,217
#34 #34 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, Psychology, General, and Information Science/Studies. In fact, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus awards 533 degrees annually to Finance, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,250–1,430 Median Starting Salary $50,669
#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, Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, and Other....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. The Catholic University of America Washington, DC Every year, The Catholic University of America awards around 126 degrees to students majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, and Architecture....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,050–1,260 Median Starting Salary $61,854
#37 #37 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY Each year, the University at Buffalo awards around 642 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Computer Science, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 74% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,220–1,390 Median Starting Salary $48,368
#38 #38 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Hartford West Hartford, CT Annually, the University of Hartford awards around 57 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,130–1,320 Median Starting Salary $54,385
#39 #39 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, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,110–1,350 Median Starting Salary $51,603
#40 #40 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 269 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
#41 #41 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK Every year, Oklahoma City University grants about 95 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 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,070–1,280 Median Starting Salary $53,676
#42 #42 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA At the University of Northern Iowa, the most popular majors students study are Elementary Education and Teaching, Business Administration and Management, General, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, and Other....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,010–1,220 Median Starting Salary $55,335
#43 #43 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 1251 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
#44 #44 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, and Management Science....view more Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,310–1,440 Median Starting Salary $48,720
#45 #45 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI Every year, Western Michigan University grants about 243 degrees to those majoring in Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Finance, General, Accounting, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and Other....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 980–1,230 Median Starting Salary $51,761
#46 #46 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI At Central Michigan University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Psychology, General, and Community Organization and Advocacy....view more Acceptance Rate 90% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 980–1,210 Median Starting Salary $53,224
#47 #47 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 162 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
#48 #48 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Wichita State University Wichita, KS Every year, Wichita State University grants about 222 degrees to those studying Elementary Education and Teaching, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 72% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 970–1,220 Median Starting Salary $50,183
#49 #49 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Youngstown State University Youngstown, OH Each year, Youngstown State University grants about 135 degrees to students majoring in General Studies, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Social Work, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 940–1,190 Median Starting Salary $50,816
#50 #50 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, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#51 #51 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. West Virginia University Morgantown, WV Each year, West Virginia University awards about 179 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,020–1,230 Median Starting Salary $52,019
#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 10 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 5 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 research scholarship. Currently, 1,239 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

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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

296

Female Students

107 (36%)

Male Students

189 (63%)

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Music Theory and Composition

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

26%

14

--

$55,032

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

44%

25

--

$54,102

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

6%

13

1,520–1,580

$50,204

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

43%

9

830–830

$60,545

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

9%

42

1,490–1,560

$48,239

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

9%

8

--

$56,138

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

40%

8

--

$60,074

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

52%

4

910–1,230

$51,847

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

19%

10

1,340–1,480

$48,915

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

85%

12

1,120–1,330

$53,291

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

4%

5

1,470–1,570

$44,796

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

58%

16

1,030–1,190

$47,021

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

16%

7

1,370–1,530

$49,486

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

89%

1

1,180–1,380

$55,262

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

12%

5

1,500–1,570

$51,902

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

83%

12

1,170–1,370