Need a student loan? Easily find and compare lenders.

NEW! See Our 2024 Hidden Gem Rankings!

Search for a different college major

Home
>
Browse All Majors
>
Visual And Performing Arts
>
Music
>
Music Theory and Composition

Music Theory and Composition

Select Type of Degree:

Select State:


#1 #1 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Berklee College of Music Boston, MA Acceptance Rate 54% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $46,873 Median Starting Salary $54,102
#2 #2 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA Acceptance Rate 25% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $55,225 Median Starting Salary $55,032
#3 #3 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. The Juilliard School New York, NY Acceptance Rate 11% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $43,151 Median Starting Salary $56,138
#4 #4 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco, CA San Francisco Conservatory of Music is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 42% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 910–1,230 Est. Net Price * $45,726 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#5 #5 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. New York University New York, NY Generally, New York University is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 43 SAT Score 1,470–1,570 Est. Net Price * $29,499 Median Starting Salary $48,239
#6 #6 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. The New England Conservatory of Music Boston, MA The New England Conservatory of Music is a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 38% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 830–830 Est. Net Price * $53,162 Median Starting Salary $60,545
#7 #7 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Manhattan School of Music New York, NY Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $51,278 Median Starting Salary $60,074
#8 #8 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Northwestern University Evanston, IL Northwestern University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,480–1,560 Est. Net Price * $22,095 Median Starting Salary $47,767
#9 #9 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Miami Coral Gables, FL In general, the University of Miami is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,340–1,480 Est. Net Price * $36,467 Median Starting Salary $48,915
#10 #10 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA In general, Carnegie Mellon University is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 11% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,500–1,570 Est. Net Price * $33,499 Median Starting Salary $51,902
#11 #11 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Rice University Houston, TX Rice University is a extremely selective school. The institution receives about 31,000 applications annually. Acceptance Rate 9% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,500–1,580 Est. Net Price * $19,902 Median Starting Salary $48,131
#12 #12 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 15 SAT Score 1,520–1,570 Est. Net Price * $24,034 Median Starting Salary $50,204
#13 #13 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Generally, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 18% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,370–1,530 Est. Net Price * $19,318 Median Starting Salary $49,486
#14 #14 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA In general, the University of Southern California is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,450–1,550 Est. Net Price * $36,808 Median Starting Salary $45,934
#15 #15 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Boston University Boston, MA Boston University is a extremely selective school. Approximately 80,800 applications are received by Boston... Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,370–1,500 Est. Net Price * $27,829 Median Starting Salary $52,307
#16 #16 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Rochester Rochester, NY the University of Rochester is a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 39% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,400–1,530 Est. Net Price * $39,775 Median Starting Salary $49,177
#17 #17 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH Generally, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,180–1,350 Est. Net Price * $20,149 Median Starting Salary $50,839
#18 #18 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX Overall, Southern Methodist University is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 52% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,390–1,510 Est. Net Price * $45,094 Median Starting Salary $50,397
#19 #19 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Florida State University is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 25% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,220–1,380 Est. Net Price * $14,003 Median Starting Salary $48,173
#20 #20 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX Texas Christian University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 56% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,200–1,390 Est. Net Price * $44,190 Median Starting Salary $53,217
#21 #21 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Michigan State University is a non selective school. They receive about 53,300 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,180–1,370 Est. Net Price * $22,803 Median Starting Salary $53,291
#22 #22 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Butler University Indianapolis, IN Butler University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 82% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,140–1,340 Est. Net Price * $37,399 Median Starting Salary $59,385
#23 #23 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Redlands Redlands, CA Generally, the University of Redlands is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 82% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,140–1,300 Est. Net Price * $28,157 Median Starting Salary $51,603
#24 #24 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Temple University Philadelphia, PA Temple University is a somewhat selective school. The school receives about 38,700 applications every... Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,030–1,250 Est. Net Price * $23,935 Median Starting Salary $54,028
#25 #25 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Belmont University Nashville, TN Belmont University is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,170–1,360 Est. Net Price * $36,225 Median Starting Salary $56,974
#26 #26 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Oregon Eugene, OR the University of Oregon is a non selective school. The institution receives roughly 37,200 applications... Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,160–1,370 Est. Net Price * $22,077 Median Starting Salary $50,369
#27 #27 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. The Catholic University of America Washington, DC Overall, The Catholic University of America is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,050–1,260 Est. Net Price * $36,031 Median Starting Salary $61,854
#28 #28 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Brigham Young University Provo, UT Generally, Brigham Young University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,280–1,440 Est. Net Price * $13,521 Median Starting Salary $48,720
#29 #29 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ Generally, Rider University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,100–1,310 Est. Net Price * $26,388 Median Starting Salary $54,970
#30 #30 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 70% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,080–1,210 Est. Net Price * $25,235 Median Starting Salary $53,676
#31 #31 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. The New School New York, NY The New School is a fairly selective school. They receive roughly 9,520 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 57% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,170–1,370 Est. Net Price * $55,480 Median Starting Salary $49,833
#32 #32 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH In general, Ohio University-Main Campus is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,110–1,280 Est. Net Price * $20,207 Median Starting Salary $52,405
#33 #33 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO In general, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,090–1,380 Est. Net Price * $14,739 Median Starting Salary $48,420
#34 #34 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Arizona State University Campus Immersion is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 90% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,090–1,320 Est. Net Price * $14,808 Median Starting Salary $46,880
#35 #35 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Hartford West Hartford, CT the University of Hartford is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,090–1,300 Est. Net Price * $31,687 Median Starting Salary $54,385
#36 #36 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI In general, Central Michigan University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,000–1,230 Est. Net Price * $15,605 Median Starting Salary $53,224
#37 #37 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI Western Michigan University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,000–1,230 Est. Net Price * $20,030 Median Starting Salary $51,761
#38 #38 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NY CUNY Brooklyn College is a fairly selective school. The institution receives roughly 28,900 applications... Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 27 SAT Score 1,030–1,190 Est. Net Price * $5,972 Median Starting Salary $47,021
#39 #39 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, TX Hardin-Simmons University is a non selective school. They receive approximately 2,310 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,000–1,200 Est. Net Price * $22,636 Median Starting Salary $53,400
#40 #40 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Wichita State University Wichita, KS Generally, Wichita State University is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,010–1,250 Est. Net Price * $13,553 Median Starting Salary $50,183
#41 #41 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA In general, Central Washington University is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 930–1,160 Est. Net Price * $15,864 Median Starting Salary $51,420
#42 #42 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Yale University New Haven, CT When applying for Yale, it is extremely important to keep in mind that they are one of the most selective... Acceptance Rate 5% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,490–1,570 Est. Net Price * $18,647 Median Starting Salary $44,796
#43 #43 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Houghton University Houghton, NY Houghton University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,110–1,320 Est. Net Price * $21,550 Median Starting Salary $55,262
#44 #44 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Vermont College of Fine Arts Montpelier, VT Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 15 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $0 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#45 #45 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Brandeis University Waltham, MA Brandeis University is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 39% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,380–1,530 Est. Net Price * $45,565 Median Starting Salary $51,753
#46 #46 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, OH Bowling Green State University-Main Campus is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,030–1,210 Est. Net Price * $20,485 Median Starting Salary $55,305
#47 #47 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. DePaul University Chicago, IL In general, DePaul University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 70% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,110–1,330 Est. Net Price * $32,151 Median Starting Salary $52,076
#48 #48 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY Generally, the University at Buffalo is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,200–1,390 Est. Net Price * $18,524 Median Starting Salary $48,368
#49 #49 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 48% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,230–1,460 Est. Net Price * $10,603 Median Starting Salary $46,430
#50 #50 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH In general, Kent State University at Kent is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 980–1,220 Est. Net Price * $19,046 Median Starting Salary $52,095
#51 #51 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Shenandoah University Winchester, VA Shenandoah University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,010–1,240 Est. Net Price * $26,143 Median Starting Salary $56,714
#52 #52 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $35,616 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#53 #53 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC In general, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,110–1,280 Est. Net Price * $10,979 Median Starting Salary $50,243
#54 #54 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Roosevelt University Chicago, IL Roosevelt University is a non selective school. The school receives approximately 3,000 applications... Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 850–1,110 Est. Net Price * $22,117 Median Starting Salary $49,217
#55 #55 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Southern Maine Portland, ME In general, the University of Southern Maine is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,000–1,230 Est. Net Price * $12,343 Median Starting Salary $49,569
#56 #56 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK the University of Central Oklahoma is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 70% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 970–1,180 Est. Net Price * $18,055 Median Starting Salary $50,095
#57 #57 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Longy School of Music of Bard College Cambridge, MA Acceptance Rate 89% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $30,524 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#58 #58 Best College for Music Theory and Composition in the U.S. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,220–1,400 Est. Net Price * $26,747 Median Starting Salary $50,669
*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, 1,132 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

278

Female Students

83 (29%)

Male Students

195 (70%)

Resources for:

Music Theory and Composition

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

54%

2

--

$46,873

$54,102

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

25%

9

--

$55,225

$55,032

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

11%

7

--

$43,151

$56,138

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

42%

5

910–1,230

$45,726

$51,847

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

12%

43

1,470–1,570

$29,499

$48,239

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

38%

9

830–830

$53,162

$60,545

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

55%

8

--

$51,278

$60,074

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

7%

1

1,480–1,560

$22,095

$47,767

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

19%

3

1,340–1,480

$36,467

$48,915

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

11%

2

1,500–1,570

$33,499

$51,902

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

9%

3

1,500–1,580

$19,902

$48,131

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

7%

15

1,520–1,570

$24,034

$50,204

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

18%

8

1,370–1,530

$19,318

$49,486

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