Graduate Studies

General Degree Requirements

  1. All students pursuing graduate degree programs must take and satisfy the Graduate Music Diagnostic Exam, administered by the SHSU music faculty, prior to the first semester of residence. The Exam includes questions concerning music history, music theory, aural skills, and if required, foreign language and diction (Vocal Performance, Choral Conducting, and Collaborative Piano/Chamber Music only). The purpose of the Graduate Music Diagnostic Exam is to evaluate each student's general musical knowledge and identify deficiencies. Students deficient in any area may be required to take the appropriate undergraduate courses to correct the deficiencies and then retake the Diagnostic Exam. Please see the website for specific date information.
  2. Successful completion of a comprehensive oral examination is required for graduation. This exam, which is administered by a committee of three music faculty, is given during the final semester. Oral examination committees are appointed by the Graduate Advisor in consultation with the Graduate Committee and student. Students must be enrolled the semester in which they take comprehensive examinations.
  3. All graduate music students must complete the following core hours and the specific track hours to meet the required minimum of 30 hours beyond the undergraduate degree:

    Master of Music Core (9 hours):

    • MUS 530 Analytical Techniques (3 hours)
    • MUS 698 Research Techniques (3 hours)
    • MUS 5XX Music History (3 hours) (Choose one of the following):
      • MUS 531 Seminar in Baroque Music
      • MUS 532 Seminar in Classic Music
      • MUS 537 Seminar in Nineteenth-Century Music
      • MUS 538 Seminar in Twentieth-Century Music

All degrees require a final graduate recital, project or thesis.