Certificate in Music Theory at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

Temple University offers the Certificate of Music Theory as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for music theory and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

About Certificate in Music Theory

Acquire compositional facility and the ability to analyze both tonal and atonal music with the 15-credit Music Theory Traditional Undergraduate Certificate in Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. The certificate program provides you with a strong foundation for further academic and performanced-based work.

Housed within the Department of Music Studies, the Music Theory Traditional Certificate allows students to explore a number of areas including composition, performance and research. You'll take a sequence of courses in music theory, progressing from a basic introduction to melody and modal counterpoint through more complex studies in diatonic modulation, advanced chromatic harmony and atonality. In the final theory course you'll write exercises modeled on works by composers such as Wagner, Debussy, Schoenberg and Stravinsky.

If you are interested in the Music Theory Traditional Certificate, you must be in good standing and have completed at least 15 credits at Temple by the initial requested semester of certificate coursework.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Music Theory at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Music Theory at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Certificate in Music Theory at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Certificate in Music Theory at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia