Music History, Literature, and Theory
A program that focuses on the study of the historical evolution of music as a social and intellectual phenomenon, the development of musical instruments and techniques, and the analysis and criticism of musical literature. Includes instruction in music history research methods, aesthetic analysis of musical compositions, history of musical writing and notation, the development of musical instruments, the development of music theory, and the study of specific periods, cultural traditions, styles, and themes.
- Schools offering
- 53
- Annual completions
- 94
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that focuses on the study of the historical evolution of music as a social and intellectual phenomenon, the development of musical instruments and techniques, and the analysis and criticism of musical literature. Includes instruction in music history research methods, aesthetic analysis of musical compositions, history of musical writing and notation, the development of musical instruments, the development of music theory, and the study of specific periods, cultural traditions, styles, and themes.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$44k
Top colleges for Music History, Literature, and Theory
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| The New School | New York, NY | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs, NY | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Bridgewater College | Bridgewater, VA | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | Potsdam, NY | 0 | 2 | 2 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Music History, Literature, and Theory field. Read our verdict before you commit.
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