Requirements and Courses (Thesis Option)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music) The M.A. in Music; Theory explores how specific pieces of music are put together and how this may be generalized to relate to the way other pieces of music are composed, including music theory, various analytical models and the critical issues that define the discipline. The thesis can be submitted in one of two formats: in-depth monograph-style thesis, or a research-paper-based thesis. Students who prefer to write an in-depth monograph-style thesis will take MUGS 684 Master's Thesis Research 2. as a complementary course. Students who prefer to write a research-paper-based thesis will take two more seminars. Depending on their background, students admitted to the M.A. Music; Theory may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the Masterʼs program. Master's Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. Master's Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. Master's Thesis Research 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. 9 credits from the following: Seminar in Music Theory 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 4. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 5. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 6. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. 3-6 credits will be from the following: History of Music Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in the history of music theory from Greek antiquity to 1700 through readings of primary and secondary literature. History of Music Theory 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Selected topics in the history of music theory from 1700 to the present through readings of primary and secondary literature. 0-6 credits from the following: Master's Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. 0-9 credits at the 600 level or higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.Music (M.A.): Theory (Thesis) (45 credits)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45Program Description
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
MUGS 683 Master's Thesis Research 1. 3 MUGS 685 Master's Thesis Research 3. 9 MUGS 686 Master's Thesis Research 4. 12 Complementary Courses (21 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
MUTH 652 Seminar in Music Theory 1. 3 MUTH 653 Seminar in Music Theory 2. 3 MUTH 654 Seminar in Music Theory 3. 3 MUTH 655 Seminar in Music Theory 4. 3 MUTH 656 Seminar in Music Theory 5. 3 MUTH 657 Seminar in Music Theory 6. 3
Course
Title
Credits
MUTH 658 History of Music Theory 1. 3 MUTH 659 History of Music Theory 2. 3
Course
Title
Credits
MUGS 684 Master's Thesis Research 2. 6
Requirements and Courses (Gender and Women's Studies Option)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music) The M.A. in Music; Theory - Gender and Women’s Studies focuses on issues centrally related to gender, sexuality, feminist theory, and/or women’s studies. This program is offered in collaboration with the McGill Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies that includes faculty and graduate students from across the University. Students admitted to the M.A. in Music; Theory – Gender and Women’s Studies who have undergraduate degrees other than the B.Mus.; Major in Theory from McGill University, may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the Master’s program. Feminist Theories and Methods. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Examination of feminist theories and research methods from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The candidate will undertake supervised research leading to a thesis that will be an in-depth investigation in some specialized field of Music Theory on a topic centrally related to issues of Gender and/or Women's Studies. Master's Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. Master's Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. Master's Thesis Research 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor. 9 credits from the following: Seminar in Music Theory 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 4. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 5. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. Seminar in Music Theory 6. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Seminar in music theory. Topic varies by year. 3 credits from the following: History of Music Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in the history of music theory from Greek antiquity to 1700 through readings of primary and secondary literature. History of Music Theory 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Selected topics in the history of music theory from 1700 to the present through readings of primary and secondary literature. 3 credits of: Feminist Research Symposium. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Discussion and development of participants' research in gender and women's studies. Or a 3 credit seminar at the 600 level or higher, on gender/women's issues, which may be selected from within or outside the Schulich School of Music. The selection must be approved by the Theory Area.Music Theory (Thesis) (M.A.): Gender and Women's Studies (45 credits)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45Program Description
Required Courses (30 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
WMST 601 Feminist Theories and Methods. 3 Thesis Courses
Course
Title
Credits
MUGS 684 Master's Thesis Research 2. 6 MUGS 685 Master's Thesis Research 3. 9 MUGS 686 Master's Thesis Research 4. 12 Complementary Courses (15 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
MUTH 652 Seminar in Music Theory 1. 3 MUTH 653 Seminar in Music Theory 2. 3 MUTH 654 Seminar in Music Theory 3. 3 MUTH 655 Seminar in Music Theory 4. 3 MUTH 656 Seminar in Music Theory 5. 3 MUTH 657 Seminar in Music Theory 6. 3
Course
Title
Credits
MUTH 658 History of Music Theory 1. 3 MUTH 659 History of Music Theory 2. 3
Course
Title
Credits
WMST 602 Feminist Research Symposium. 3
