Overview

The Music Theory programme at Florida State University provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the analytical and historical aspects of musical structures. This bachelor level course is designed to cultivate advanced skills in harmonic analysis, formal criticism, and research methodologies. Students engage with a distinguished faculty within a supportive community that prioritises both intellectual growth and professional preparation.

Why Music Theory at Florida State University?

Florida State University hosts one of the largest and most prestigious music faculties in the United States, offering students unparalleled access to expert mentorship. The institution is home to the Allen Forte Treatise Collection, featuring rare historical volumes that serve as a vital resource for primary research. Students also benefit from the FSU Music Theory Society, a student-led organisation that hosts weekly meetings and the annual Music Theory Forum, a peer-reviewed conference. Furthermore, the university provides financial support for undergraduates to attend regional and national conferences, ensuring they are integrated into the wider professional community early in their careers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20063 per year
National fee: USD 20063 per year
Local fee: USD 5604 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide broad exposure to high-level concepts in music theory and analysis. Students progress through foundational studies toward specialised electives and a final scholarly project. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Aural Skills
Music Analysis
Musical Repertoire
Research Methods
Music Theory Pedagogy
Undergraduate Thesis

Careers with Music Theory

Graduates from the Music Theory programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional and academic pathways. Many alumni find significant success in pursuing advanced graduate studies at prestigious institutions worldwide. The analytical and communication skills developed during the programme also support careers in music publishing, arts administration, and library science. The university maintains an enviable placement record, with many former students securing roles in higher education and professional music organisations. Students are actively mentored in job application processes and interview techniques to ensure a smooth transition into the professional workforce.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic Theory

Sightsinging

18th-Century Counterpoint

Post-Tonal Aural Skills

Senior Thesis

Classic Form / Style

9th-Century Styles

20th-Century Styles

Music Since WWII

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tallahassee, United States

Disciplines

Music Liberal Arts View 1420 other Bachelors in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Apply online.

Submit your official ACT and/or SAT results for every test taken. Test scores must be received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline.

Submit the essay.

Submit the residency form.

Submit the FAFSA, available in October.

Contact the academic department directly if you plan to major in dance, film (animation or production), music, or theatre.

Log on to the Online Status Check regularly to monitor the status of your application materials.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20063 USD / year

≈ 20063 USD / year
Out-of-State

20063 USD / year

≈ 20063 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5604 USD / year

≈ 5604 USD / year

Living costs

Tallahassee

United States

955 - 1345 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Tallahassee

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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