The Washington State University General Catalog

Music Composition

The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.

Music Composition (120 Credits)

To be admitted as a major pursuing any degree in music, students must meet the following criteria:

Completion of 24 credits; cumulative GPA of 2.0; completion of 10 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or better in those courses selected: MUS 151, 181, 182, 251, 252, 253, 254, and up to four credits of applied study; approval of the appropriate applied study area coordinator; [approval requires two semesters' study as specified by each area: Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, and Keyboard at 300 level with grade of B- or better, and Voice at 200 level with grade of B- or better]; completion of application available from department. Composition students must achieve a B or better in MUS 251 and 253.

In addition, for students advancing in any of the Bachelor of Music Education degrees, the College of Education requires 2.5 GPA and C or better in each course listed for the major, minor and professional core, plus a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

This major offers professional preparation in music with specialization in composition. The curriculum is designed to prepare students in contemporary classical composition and allied fields.

Requirements include: senior qualifying exam; piano proficiency exam; achieve a cumulative 2.5 GPA and a grade of C or better in all music classes; senior recital.

A grade of B or better is required for all core music theory courses (MUS 251-254, 351-354).

Students are expected to perform in a large ensemble on their major instrument during each semester of applied music lessons. Additional ensemble requirements are clarified below. Any exceptions must be arranged with the instructor of the applied lessons.

A total of 8 ensemble credits are required. 5 large ensemble credits on the student’s applied instrument are required from: MUS 429, 430, 431, 432, 434, 435 (guitar ensemble only), 436, 437, 438, or 441. 3 additional ensemble credits are required, and at least one of which must be taken from the following choral ensembles: MUS 429, 430, 431, 432.

Only 9 credits of MUS courses can be used to fulfill UCORE requirements.
First Year
First TermCredits
Applied MUS 12
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG]3
MUS 1641
MUS 18120 or 1
MUS 25133
MUS 25231
MUS Ensemble41
Foreign Language, if needed, or Non-MUS Electives 53-4
Second TermCredits
Applied MUS 12
HISTORY 105 [ROOT]3
MUS 18220 or 1
MUS 25363
MUS 25461
MUS Ensemble41
Quantitative Reasoning [QUAN]3
Foreign Language, if needed0-4
Second Year
First TermCredits
Applied MUS 12
Biological Sciences [BSCI] with lab74
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG]3
MUS 256 2
MUS 28120 or 1
MUS 35133
MUS 35231
MUS Ensemble41
Second TermCredits
Applied MUS 12
MUS 256 2
MUS 35363
MUS 35461
MUS 359 [HUM] [M] 63
MUS Ensemble41
Physical Sciences [PSCI] with lab74
Complete Writing Portfolio
Pass Piano Proficiency
Third Year
First TermCredits
Applied MUS 12
MUS 2562
MUS 360 [M]33
MUS Electives4
MUS Ensemble41
Social Sciences [SSCI]3
Second TermCredits
Equity and Justice [EQJS]3
MUS 202 or 3022
MUS 4516,82
MUS 4564
MUS 461 [CAPS]63
MUS 4831
MUS Ensemble41
Fourth Year
First TermCredits
Diversity [DIVR] (Non-MUS) 3
MUS 202 or 3022
MUS 45532
MUS 4564
MUS 48231
MUS Electives3
MUS Ensemble41
Senior Qualifying Exam
Second TermCredits
MUS 4526,82
MUS 4564
MUS Electives4
MUS Ensemble41
Non-MUS Electives53
Senior Full Recital

Footnotes
1Applied Music: 10 credits required in one musical instrument (MUS 302-318, 320, 402-418, 420); 8 credits must be at the 300-400 level.
2Class piano credits not required.
3Fall only.
4Music Ensembles (8 credits required): 5 large ensemble credits on the student’s applied instrument are required from: MUS 429, 430, 431, 432, 434, 435 (guitar ensemble only), 436, 437, 438, or 441. 3 additional ensemble credits are required, and at least one of which must be taken from the following choral ensembles: MUS 429, 430, 431, 432. 3 credits taken from ensemble courses designated as ARTS fulfill the [ARTS] UCORE requirement.
5Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits of electives outside of MUS and UCORE requirements. Please consult with advisor for elective selection.
6Spring only.
7To meet University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements, students must take a [BSCI] course with lab and [PSCI] course with lab.
8Course taught alternate years.

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